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

Overview

Welcome to Portugal. This curated 10-day private journey takes you across the country's most enchanting destinations, seamlessly blending historic cities, dramatic coastlines, and wine valleys into an unforgettable adventure. With your dedicated private driver/guide, enjoy a relaxed pace filled with rich culture, exquisite gastronomy, and breathtaking scenery.

Highlights

• Warm welcome and seamless private airport transfer to your hotel
• Scenic introductory drive past Lisbon grand boulevards and squares
• Orientation to the city vibrant neighborhoods and charming atmosphere
• Relaxing evening at leisure with free time for dinner on your own
• Admire the Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower from the waterfront
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Savor warm, authentic pasteis de nata at the legendary Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Wander the timeless cobbled alleys of Alfama and explore the historic Jewish Quarter
• Take in sweeping city vistas from the grand terrace of Eduardo VII Park
• Explore the vibrant colors and eclectic architecture of romantic Pena Palace

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Welcome to Lisbon
   Arrive at Lisbon Airport where your private driver welcomes you for a smooth transfer into the city. Enjoy a scenic introductory drive through Lisbon before settling into your hotel, with the evening free to unwind and enjoy dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Belem & Historic Lisbon Quarters
   Begin the morning exploring Lisbon historic riverside quarter of Belem before heading into the vibrant heart of the capital. Discover Lisbon oldest quarter, Alfama, and finish the afternoon taking in panoramic vistas across the terracotta rooftops. 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 — Fairytale Sintra & Cascais Coast
   Journey into the mystical Serra de Sintra to explore the fairy-tale heights of Pena Palace and its romantic surrounding parklands. Continue past windswept cliffs at Cabo da Roca before winding down along the cosmopolitan coastline of Cascais and Estoril.
4. Day 4 — Evora UNESCO Heritage & Relaxed Alentejo Winery Day
   Travel inland across the rolling cork oak plains of the Alentejo region to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora.
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 — Historic Heart of Porto
   Spend the day exploring the architectural splendor and riverside charisma of Porto. Discover grand monuments, iconic azulejo tiles, and the historic Ribeira quarter overlooking the Douro River, followed by time to explore at your own pace.
7. Day 7 — Douro Valley Terraced a vineyard & River Cruise
   Travel eastward into the magnificent UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, where terraced hillsides cascade down to the river. Spend your day immersing yourself in the world oldest demarcated wine region before checking in for a tranquil countryside stay. 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 — Cradle of the Nation: Braga & Guimaraes
   Journey through the historic Minho region to discover the spiritual sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga. Continue to Guimaraes, universally celebrated as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation, before returning to Porto for the evening.
9. Day 9 — Relaxed Private Transfer to Lisbon with a Stop in Aveiro
   Continue through central Portugal with a stop in Aveiro, known for its canals, colourful moliceiro boats and Art Nouveau facades, followed by the striped wooden houses of Costa Nova by the Atlantic.
10. Day 10 — Departure from Lisbon
    Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before your private driver meets you in the lobby. Transfer comfortably to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport for your journey home, carrying lifelong memories of Portugal.

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