Grand Tour of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley

Overview

Welcome to Portugal! This bespoke 10-day private journey has been meticulously crafted to showcase the finest culture, breathtaking scenery, and rich heritage of Portugal from Lisbon to the northern treasures of Porto and the Douro Valley. Accompanied throughout by your dedicated private driver/guide, you will discover historic capitals, royal retreats, coastal gems, and wine terraces at an elegant, relaxing pace.

Highlights

• Warm personal airport meet and greet in the arrival hall
• Seamless private transfer to your Lisbon hotel in comfort
• Gentle initial orientation along the grand Avenida da Liberdade
• Relaxing evening with free time for dinner on your own
• Admire the Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery and take in Belem Tower along the Tagus River
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Tasting of warm, traditional custard tarts at the historic Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Panoramic vistas across the terracotta rooftops from the Eduardo VII Park viewpoint
• Wander through the winding cobblestone lanes and charming squares of the historic Alfama quarter
• Visit the colourful and eclectic Pena Palace set high atop the Sintra mountains

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon - Welcome to Portugal
   Welcome to Lisbon! Your private driver greets you at the airport and escorts you directly to your hotel. Settle in comfortably and take an afternoon stroll along the elegant Avenida da Liberdade, with free time for dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Lisbon Highlights: Maritime Splendour & Historic Quarters
   Dedicate the day to discovering the historic core and maritime legacy of Lisbon. Spend the morning in historic Belem before exploring the sweeping viewpoints and labyrinthine alleys of the city's oldest quarters, ending with free time for dinner on your own. 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 — Romantic Sintra & the Cascais Coast
   Journey into the romantic Serra de Sintra to discover its majestic hills crowned by whimsical royal architecture. Continue across the dramatic cliffs of the Atlantic coastline through charming seaside resort towns before returning to Lisbon.
4. Day 4 — The Heritage of Evora & Alentejo Plains
   Depart Lisbon for the golden plains of the Alentejo region to immerse yourselves in centuries of history. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora, discovering ancient monuments and whitewashed medieval charm before returning to Lisbon for the evening.
5. Day 5 — 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.
6. Day 6 — Best of Porto: Historic Grandeur & Riverside Charm
   Spend a captivating day exploring the vibrant cultural heart of Porto. Discover grand historic monuments, exquisite tilework, and scenic riverfront vistas along the Douro, followed by an evening with free time for dinner on your own.
7. Day 7 — Douro Valley: River Cruise & Vineyard Terraces
   Depart Porto for an unforgettable journey into the Douro Valley, the world's oldest demarcated wine region. Cruise along the calm waters in the morning and savour the afternoon on the terraced hillsides before checking in to your riverside valley hotel. 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. In the afternoon a family run quinta welcomes you for a Douro wine tasting, with time to walk the vines before the day closes.
8. Day 8 — 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.
9. Day 9 — Relaxed Private Transfer to Lisbon
   Pause along the picturesque canals and coast of the central region before arriving in the capital with free time for farewell dinner on your own on your own.
10. Day 10 — Departure from Lisbon - Safe Travels
    Enjoy a relaxed morning in Lisbon depending on your flight schedule. Your private driver meets you at your hotel lobby to provide a smooth, comfortable transfer directly to Lisbon International Airport for your journey 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