Grand Tour of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto & Douro Valley

Overview

Welcome to Portugal! This private 10-day journey has been thoughtfully crafted to showcase the finest cultural landmarks, dramatic coastlines, and wine traditions across Lisbon, the Silver Coast, Porto, and the Douro Valley. Accompanied by your dedicated English-speaking driver/guide in a premium Mercedes-Benz vehicle, you will experience the genuine hospitality, breathtaking landscapes, and rich heritage that make Portugal unforgettable.

Highlights

• Personalized meet and greet service by your driver upon arrival at Lisbon Airport
• Scenic introductory drive through the grand boulevards of Avenida da Liberdade
• First look at the historic heart of Lisbon and its vibrant riverside atmosphere
• Evening at leisure to unpack, relax, and enjoy dinner on your own
• Admire the intricate Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery from the manicured gardens
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Enjoy a riverside stop by Belem Tower and photograph the Monument to the Discoveries
• Savor authentic, warm custard tarts at the legendary Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Wander through the historic Alfama district and take in sweeping city vistas from Eduardo VII Park
• Discover the whimsical colors and sweeping mountain views of Pena Palace and its romantic parklands

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & First Impressions
   Your private driver/guide welcomes you upon arrival at Lisbon Airport and escorts you into the vibrant capital. Enjoy a gentle panoramic drive along iconic avenues before settling into your hotel, with free time for dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Belem Heritage & Historic Lisbon Quarters
   Spend the day uncovering Lisbon's most storied monuments and timeless neighbourhoods. In the morning, explore the riverside district of Belem before heading into the historic heart and the winding alleys of the Alfama quarter. Part of the day is spent on a private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town, weaving through the narrow lanes of Alfama and Mouraria for about an hour.
3. Day 3 — Fairy-Tale Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Cascais Coast
   Journey to the romantic hills of Sintra to experience its fairy-tale landscape and vibrant royal retreat. Afterward, travel to the dramatic cliffs of Cabo da Roca before following the scenic coastline through Cascais and Estoril back to Lisbon.
4. Day 4 — Scenic Transfer to Porto via Obidos and Nazare
   Travel between Lisbon and Porto with two rewarding stops along the way. Explore the medieval walls and cobbled lanes of Obidos, with time to taste its traditional ginjinha liqueur, then continue to Nazare for clifftop Atlantic views, its lighthouse, colourful fishing boats, and authentic coastal character before arriving in Porto and settling into the hotel.
5. Day 5 — Historic Porto & Ribeira Riverside
   Explore the captivating architectural landmarks and vibrant riverfront of northern Portugal's capital. Marvel at ornate blue-and-white tilework, grand plazas, and the picturesque lanes of the riverside Ribeira quarter.
6. Day 6 — Douro Valley River Cruise & Quinta Wine Tasting
   Journey east into the UNESCO World Heritage Douro Valley, driving along dramatic winding roads lined with steep terraced a vineyard. In the morning, embark on a private 1-hour boat trip on the river, followed by an afternoon wine tasting at a traditional quinta. Today belongs to the Douro Valley, where terraced vineyards drop down to the river. In the morning you step aboard a private 1-hour boat trip on the Douro, seeing the valley from the water. Back on land, the drive follows the panoramic roads above Pinhao and Peso da Regua, stopping at the best viewpoints.
7. Day 7 — The Upper Douro and Sao Joao da Pesqueira
   A second day in the Douro Valley, away from the river and deeper into the villages and estates of the region. The morning follows the high panoramic roads towards Sao Joao da Pesqueira and Casal de Loivos, with time in Lamego or one of the small granite villages. In the afternoon a different family quinta welcomes you for a tasting of their own wines and Ports alongside local bread, cheese and olive oil.
8. Day 8 — Aveiro Canals, Costa Nova & Journey to Coimbra
   Known as Portugal's Venice, Aveiro offers charming canals and adjacent Costa Nova with its cheerful candy-striped beach houses.
9. Day 9 — Coimbra University Heritage & Return to Lisbon
   Discover the intellectual heart of Portugal at the historic University of Coimbra, home to the breathtaking Baroque Joanina Library. Later, journey south to Lisbon for your final evening in the capital, with free time for farewell dinner on your own on your own.
10. Day 10 — Departure from Lisbon
    Conclude your memorable journey through Portugal. Your private driver transfers you comfortably from your Lisbon hotel to Lisbon International Airport in time for your return flight home.

What is included

• Private English-speaking driver-guide
• Black Mercedes-Benz vehicle (E-Class, V-Class, or Sprinter based on group size)
• All ground transport between cities and on tour days
• Door-to-door pickups and drop-offs at hotels and airports
• Bottled water and Wi-Fi in the vehicle
• Personalized planning by Portugal Magik travel designers

Not included

• Hotel accommodation (we recommend properties on request)
• Flights to and from Portugal
• Meals and drinks (suggestions provided by your driver)
• Museum and monument entrance fees
• Travel insurance

Who this trip suits

Travellers who prefer a private, fully planned Portugal journey with a driver-guide handling every transfer.

Frequently asked questions