North to South Portugal: A 13-Day Curated Journey

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Porto & Riverside Charm
   Welcome to Portugal! Upon arrival at Porto Airport (OPO), your private driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, enjoy a leisurely walk along the picturesque Douro River waterfront, taking in the views of the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge and the traditional Rabelo boats. The evening is yours to enjoy free time for dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Porto's Historic Treasures
   Embark on a guided exploration of Porto's rich history. Your driver will navigate you through the city's most significant landmarks. Later, glide along the Douro on a private one-hour river cruise for a different perspective of the six bridges. You'll have the option to visit a traditional Port wine cellar for a tasting, immersing yourself in the region's most famous export before a relaxing evening.
3. Day 3 — Douro Valley's Wine & Views
   Journey into the heart of the Douro Valley, the world's oldest demarcated wine region. You'll travel along scenic roads winding through terraced a vineyard that cascade down to the river. Enjoy a curated lunch at a local wine estate, pairing regional cuisine with their finest vintages. Your driver will stop at several stunning viewpoints ('miradouros') for breathtaking photos before you check into your hotel for an overnight stay amidst the vines.
4. Day 4 — Journey to Historic Coimbra
   After a relaxed morning, your journey continues south to Coimbra, the medieval capital of Portugal. Upon arrival, your driver will take you to the city's crowning glory: the historic University of Coimbra. Explore its ancient courtyards and admire the stunning Joanine Library from the outside. In the evening, enjoy a riverside dinner, soaking up the city's youthful, academic atmosphere.
5. Day 5 — Coastal Wonders of Nazare & Journey to Lisbon
   From Coimbra, you'll drive towards the coast to the famed fishing town of Nazare. Your driver will take you to the Sitio headland to visit the iconic lighthouse, which overlooks the legendary North Canyon, home to the world's biggest waves. After a fresh seafood lunch, the journey continues south, delivering you to your hotel in the vibrant capital city, Lisbon.
6. Day 6 — Lisbon’s Age of Discoveries
   Today is dedicated to Portugal's golden Age of Discoveries in the Belem district. With your private driver, you’ll admire the imposing Jeronimos Monastery and the iconic Belem Tower, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. You'll also see the Monument to the Discoveries and enjoy a tasting of the original Pasteis de Nata. End the day with a serene sunset view along the banks of the Tagus River.
7. Day 7 — Sintra's Enchanting Palaces & Coastline
   Enjoy a captivating day trip to the fairytale town of Sintra. Your driver will navigate the winding roads to the whimsical Pena Palace, where you'll have time to explore the colorful exterior and surrounding park. The day can also include a stop at the mysterious Pena Palace (admission not included) or a drive to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, before returning to Lisbon.
8. Day 8 — Lisbon's Alfama Hills & Timeless Charm
   Discover the heart and soul of Lisbon as you explore its historic neighborhoods. Your driver will guide you through the steep, narrow streets of the Alfama district, crowned by. You will take in sweeping views from stunning 'miradouros' and pass by the Lisbon Cathedral. This evening, you have the option to experience an authentic Fado performance in a traditional restaurant.
9. Day 9 — Evora UNESCO Heritage & Relaxed Alentejo Winery Day
   Travel from Lisbon into the rolling plains of the Alentejo region, arriving in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora. You may opt to visit a local winery for a taste of the region's robust wines before settling into your hotel for the night.
10. Day 10 — South to the Sun-Kissed Algarve
    Leaving the serene plains of the Alentejo behind, your private driver will take you south to the beautiful Algarve coast. Your destination is the vibrant town of Lagos, known for its stunning rock formations, golden beaches, and lively center. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to begin your exploration of this sun-drenched region.
11. Day 11 — Lagos & the Grottos of Ponta da Piedade
    Today is dedicated to the breathtaking coastline of Lagos. Marvel at the incredible limestone stacks and grottos of Ponta da Piedade from stunning cliff-top viewpoints. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at one of the picturesque beach cafes or exploring the local shops.
12. Day 12 — Relaxed Days on the Algarve Coast
    Enjoy a full day at your leisure in the Algarve. With your private driver at your disposal, you can choose to revisit a favorite beach, explore neighboring coastal towns, indulge in some local shopping, or simply relax at your resort. As the day ends, enjoy another beautiful sunset dinner overlooking the Atlantic.
13. Day 13 — Departure from the Algarve
    After a final Portuguese breakfast, your private driver will provide a comfortable and timely transfer to Faro Airport (FAO) for your flight home, concluding your memorable 13-day journey through Portugal.