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

Overview

Welcome to Portugal. This curated 10-day private journey introduces you to the finest cultural, scenic, and culinary treasures of the country, traveling smoothly from vibrant Lisbon and romantic Sintra to the rolling a vineyard of the Douro Valley and the historic riverbanks of Porto. Accompanied by your dedicated English-speaking private driver/guide, you will enjoy a seamless, beautifully paced exploration designed for complete comfort and discovery.

Highlights

• Seamless airport meet and greet with direct transfer to your hotel
• Panoramic introductory orientation drive through Lisbon's central avenues
• Relaxed evening settling in after your journey
• Free time for dinner on your own at a recommended local restaurant
• Enjoy a riverside stop by Belem Tower and learn about its storied maritime history
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Admire the intricate Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery
• Tasting of warm, traditional custard tarts at the historic Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Take in sweeping panoramic vistas over the city from the Eduardo VII Park viewpoint
• Visit the colorful fairy-tale Pena Palace set high among the forested Sintra hills

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & Welcome Orientation
   Welcome to Lisbon. Upon arrival at the airport, your private driver will greet you at arrivals and transfer you smoothly to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy a gentle first look at the city with an orientation drive and free time for dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Lisbon Highlights & Historic Belem
   Begin your discovery of Lisbon with a scenic morning exploration of historic Belem along the Tagus River. Continue in the afternoon through the charming old quarters, taking in iconic squares and sweeping viewpoints across the capital. 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 & the Cascais Coast
   Spend a memorable day exploring the romantic hills of Sintra and the picturesque Atlantic coast. Discover the whimsical Pena Palace, explore the cobbled streets of Sintra village, and journey along the dramatic coastline back through Cascais and Estoril.
4. Day 4 — Evora UNESCO Heritage & Relaxed Alentejo Winery Day
   Journey southeast into the rolling plains of the Alentejo region to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora.
5. Day 5 — Scenic Journey to the Douro Valley via Obidos & Nazare
   Depart Lisbon on a scenic northbound journey towards the Douro Valley, pausing at two of central Portugal's most picturesque coastal and medieval towns. Discover the fortified village of Obidos and the dramatic ocean vistas of Nazare before arriving at your Douro hotel in the late afternoon.
6. Day 6 — Douro River Cruise & Traditional Quinta Wine Tasting
   Immerse yourself fully in the natural splendour and winemaking heritage of the Douro Valley. Your driver can share recommendations to enjoy in the morning, take to the water on a private 1-hour boat trip, followed by lunch and an afternoon wine tasting at a traditional family-run 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 — From the Douro Valley to Historic Porto via Lamego
   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 — Porto Historic Centre & Coastal Highlights
   Dedicate the day to discovering the architectural marvels, rich history, and vibrant atmosphere of Porto. Explore landmark monuments, ornate tilework, and scenic oceanfront viewpoints that define Portugal's northern capital.
9. Day 9 — Cradle of the Nation: Braga & Guimaraes Excursion
   Embark on an enriching excursion into the lush Minho province, often celebrated as the historic birthplace of the Portuguese nation. Discover the medieval charm of Guimaraes and the majestic hilltop sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga.
10. Day 10 — Porto Departure Transfer
    Conclude your memorable Portuguese journey. Following breakfast and check-out, your private driver will provide a comfortable, direct transfer to Porto Airport in time for your 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