Portugal Grand Discovery: Lisbon, Sintra, Douro Valley & Porto

Overview

Welcome to Portugal! We have crafted a comprehensive 10-day private journey that immerses you in the authentic charm, vibrant history, and breathtaking landscapes of this extraordinary country. Traveling in effortless comfort with your dedicated English-speaking private driver/guide, you will discover the sun-drenched capital of Lisbon, romantic Sintra, the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, and the historic majesty of Porto at an elegant, unhurried pace.

Highlights

• Warm welcome and airport meet-and-greet by your private driver/guide
• Scenic introductory drive along Lisbon's elegant grand avenues and Tagus riverfront
• Check-in and time to settle into your hotel at your leisure
• Evening free time for dinner on your own in the vibrant capital
• Admire the intricate Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery and Monument to the Discoveries
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Enjoy a riverside stop by Belem Tower and taste original custard tarts at Pasteis de Belem
• Wander through the evocative cobblestone alleys of Alfama, Lisbon's oldest neighborhood
• Take in panoramic city views across the terracotta rooftops from Eduardo VII Park
• Explore the colorful terraces and whimsical architecture of Pena Palace and its surrounding park

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & Warm Welcome
   Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, your personal private driver/guide will warmly welcome you in the arrivals hall before escorting you to your vehicle. Enjoy a scenic introductory orientation drive along Lisbon's grand avenues and riverside before arriving at your hotel, leaving the rest of the afternoon free to unwind at your own pace.
2. Day 2 — Lisbon Historic Highlights & Belem
   Begin your morning in historic Belem, pausing by the majestic Jeronimos Monastery and riverside Belem Tower before sampling warm custard tarts at the renowned Pasteis de Belem. In the afternoon, discover the historic quarters of Lisbon, wandering through the labyrinthine alleys of Alfama and taking in sweeping panoramas from the city's finest viewpoints. 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 — Sintra's Fairytale Hills & Cascais Coast
   Journey into the forested Sintra hills to explore the vibrant romanticism of Pena Palace, perched dramatically above lush royal gardens. Following time in Sintra's historic village center, travel out to the windswept cliffs of Cabo da Roca before returning along the scenic oceanfront through the historic fishing town of Cascais and the elegant seaside resort of Estoril.
4. Day 4 — Evora UNESCO Heritage & Relaxed Alentejo Winery Day
   Embark on a captivating day excursion across the rolling plains of the Alentejo region to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora.
5. Day 5 — Medieval Obidos, Coastal Nazare & Coimbra
   Depart Lisbon northward toward the historic university city of Coimbra, stopping first at the medieval walled town of Obidos to stroll along its fortified ramparts. Continue to the Atlantic fishing town of Nazare to admire panoramic ocean vistas from the clifftop promontory before arriving in Coimbra for the evening.
6. Day 6 — Coimbra's Historic University & Journey to the Douro
   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.
7. Day 7 — Hidden Viewpoints and Quintas of the Douro Valley
   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 — From the Douro Valley to Vibrant Porto via Amarante
   Bid farewell to the serene river valley and journey westward toward Porto, pausing in the picturesque town of Amarante with its historic arched bridge spanning the Tamega River. Upon arriving in Porto, enjoy an introductory walk along the riverbanks of the colorful Ribeira district and the landmark Dom Luis I Bridge.
9. Day 9 — Historic Porto & Atlantic Riverside Wonders
   Dedicate the day to discovering the architectural splendor and vibrant spirit of Porto. Admire the magnificent narrative tile panels of Sao Bento Station, look up at the towering Clerigos Tower, explore the historic Baixa quarter, and take a scenic coastal drive out to Foz where the Douro River flows directly into the Atlantic Ocean.
10. Day 10 — Farewell Portugal & Departure Transfer
    Enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel before your private driver meets you for your scheduled departure transfer to Porto Airport (or south to Lisbon Airport depending on your flight itinerary). Relax in comfort on your final drive as you reflect on an unforgettable journey across 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