Timeless Portugal: Lisbon, Sintra, Coastal Gems & the Douro Valley

Overview

Welcome to Portugal for a memorable journey designed to showcase the finest highlights of our country, tailored to celebrate the festive season and welcome the New Year in captivating style. From the romantic palaces of Sintra and the coastal charm of Obidos and Nazare to the historic grandeur of Porto and the dramatic terraced a vineyard of the Douro Valley, this itinerary offers an exquisite balance of culture, scenic vistas, and refined discovery.

Highlights

• Warm welcome and meet and greet by your private driver at Lisbon Airport
• Scenic panoramic drive along Lisbon's tree-lined Avenida da Liberdade
• Check-in at your hotel with time to unwind after your travels
• Evening at leisure with free time for dinner on your own
• Admire the intricate Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery from the grand riverside plaza
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Enjoy a riverside stop by Belem Tower and learn about its storied maritime defense history
• Taste the authentic warm custard tarts at the renowned Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Wander the labyrinthine alleys and traditional squares of the atmospheric Alfama district
• Explore the vibrant courtyards and whimsical romanticist architecture of Pena Palace

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Welcome to Lisbon - Arrival & First Impressions
   Arrive at Lisbon Airport where your dedicated private driver/guide warmly greets you for a smooth transfer into the capital. Enjoy a gentle panoramic drive introducing Lisbon's grand boulevards before settling into your hotel with free time for dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Historic Lisbon - Maritime Heritage & Old Quarters
   Begin your morning along the Tagus waterfront taking in the monuments of Portugal's Golden Age of Discovery. Later, wander the charming cobblestone streets and scenic miradouros of Lisbon's oldest quarters before enjoying an evening at leisure. 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 & Cascais - Romantic Palaces & Coastal Splendor
   Journey into the romantic Serra de Sintra to discover whimsical architecture nestled amid lush forested hillsides. Continue past the dramatic ocean cliffs of mainland Europe's westernmost cape before sweeping along the elegant Atlantic shoreline back toward Lisbon.
4. Day 4 — 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.
5. Day 5 — Porto Highlights - Architectural Wonders of the North
   Ring in the New Year discovering the timeless architectural splendors and UNESCO-listed heritage of Porto. Explore magnificent azulejo tilework and historic plazas with ample free time to soak in the festive riverside atmosphere.
6. Day 6 — Douro Valley - Terraced a vineyard & River Cruise
   Embark on a captivating day journey into the breathtaking landscapes of the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Glide along the serene Douro waters before experiencing the warmth of northern Portuguese winemaking traditions at a historic estate. 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 — Minho Heritage - Guimaraes & Braga Discovery
   Travel into the lush Minho region to uncover the foundational roots and deepest spiritual traditions of Portugal. Visit the cradle of the nation before ascending to one of northern Portugal's most spectacular neoclassical sanctuaries.
8. Day 8 — 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.
9. Day 9 — Departure from Lisbon - Safe Travels Home
   Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before your private driver meets you for your comfortable ride to Lisbon Airport. Reflect on an unforgettable winter journey across Portugal as you prepare 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