Highlights
- Discover historic Portuguese cities like Lisbon, Coimbra, Tomar, and Porto
- Tour Lisbon and Porto and enjoy an optional visit to a traditional sardine cannery
- Visit the Douro Valley with a wine tasting and a boat tour along the river
- Explore the charming town of Sintra and its famous Pena National Palace and Park
- Learn about the historical production of port wine with a tasting and cellar tour
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon, Explore | Lisbon |
| Day 2 | Guided Walking Tour of Lisbon & Faro Music Performance | Lisbon |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Sintra & Roca Cape | Lisbon |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Coimbra, Visit World Heritage Sites | Coimbra |
| Day 5 | Drive to Porto, Explore & Enjoy a Traditional Dinner | Porto |
| Day 6 | Guided Tours of Porto & Tasting at a Port Cellar | Porto |
| Day 7 | Douro Valley: Touring & Tasting at Wine Estate | Porto |
| Day 8 | Depar Porto |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon, Explore
Welcome to beautiful Portugal! After arriving at Lisbon Airport, your private driver will transfer you to your accommodation. Take some time to settle in before meeting your trip host, who will welcome you with information about the tour and answer any preliminary questions.
Although you'll enjoy a guided walking tour tomorrow morning, stave off any jet lag by exploring this energetic capital city. Lisbon is Europe's second-oldest capital after Athens. It was once home to some of the world's greatest explorers, like Vasco da Gama, Magellan, and Prince Henry the Navigator. The city is full of authenticity, where old customs and ancient history intermix with cultural entertainment and high-tech innovation.
Walk by some of the city's famous monuments and squares, visit the National Tile Museum, or watch the sunset at Belém Tower. Then grab dinner at the upstairs food stalls of Mercado da Ribeira, where you can taste traditional food, sweets, and wine.
Day 2: Guided Walking Tour of Lisbon & Faro Music Performance
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation, fueling up for a private, half-day walking tour of beautiful Lisbon. Your guide will take you through the city's historic downtown district, stopping at numerous monuments and sites along the way.
Start in the neighborhood of Baixa with its hilly cobblestone streets. Here you'll taste the country's famous pastel de nata, a traditional custard pastry sprinkled with cinnamon. If you haven't had one before, you may become addicted to these little treats. After fulfilling your sweet tooth, explore the area's three famous squares: Rossio, Figueira, and Comércio. You'll find many of the city's monuments in these squares and throughout the Chiado neighborhood, known for its iconic cafés and shops.
Your guide will leave you here to continue your exploration of the city at your own pace. You can venture outside of the downtown area and explore the Alfama neighborhood. Alfama is known for its hilly streets and hip and cozy cafés. It's the perfect place to grab lunch before hopping on one of Lisbon's famous trolleys to St. George Castle, where an 11th-century Moorish castle and incredible views await you.
On your way down, there are plenty of lookout points in Alfama, where you can find some of the most beautiful views in the city. After your day of touring, head back to your hotel to relax before meeting your host for dinner. Tonight you'll enjoy a live performance of Portugal's Fado music at one of the most refined and typical restaurants.
Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra & Roca Cape
Today you will enjoy a day trip to one of the country's most beautiful destinations: Sintra. A private driver will collect you from your accommodation for a full-day tour. You'll start in the charming town of Sintra itself, with its colorful buildings and winding, cobblestone streets. Wander through its curves and enjoy the intriguing shops and cafés.
After exploring the town of Sintra, you will continue your tour with stops at two other monuments of your choice. Perhaps you'll want to see the world-famous, Disney-like Pena National Palace and Park, a fairy tale setting with bright colors and incredible views. Pair that with the Monserrate Palace, the Moorish Castle, the National Palace of Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, or others. The choice is yours!
After exploring the monuments, you'll return to Lisbon, taking a route along the beautiful Tagus River. Your driver will stop at the westernmost point of mainland Europe, at the impressive Cabo da Roca (Roca Cape). On one side, you'll see dramatic, rocky cliffs; on the other, the area of Cascais, known as the "Portuguese Riviera."
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Transfer to Coimbra, Visit World Heritage Sites
After breakfast, you'll say farewell to the buzzy streets of Lisbon and prepare for your next destination: Coimbra. The drive is about 130 miles (205 km) and will take just over two hours. Before your departure, you'll discuss with your host what to see along your scenic drive. You have a few options, as follows:
- Óbidos. Spend some time exploring the fortified medieval town of Óbidos, with its narrow streets and local shops.
- Mira de Aire Caves. If you prefer to see one of Portugal's natural wonders, you can enjoy the beauty of these underground caves, featuring emerald waters and impressive stalactites.
- Monastery of Batalha. This 14th-century Dominican convent is a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Tomar and the Templar's Knight Convent of Christ. This is a very interesting and complex site, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was initially built by the Grand Master of the Temple Order in Portugal in 1160 and includes a fortress and a temple. Some believe there are also secret meeting spots where rituals were performed.
After your drive, you'll arrive in Coimbra, where you can settle into your accommodation and explore the city. The old town area near the university features gorgeous buildings from the 12th to 18th centuries. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants lining the city's winding streets.
Day 5: Transfer to Porto, Explore & Enjoy a Traditional Dinner
The morning is yours to continue exploring Coimbra. If you didn't already visit the UNESCO-protected university, be sure to stroll around the buildings of one of the oldest universities in all of Europe. You can also enjoy the Baroque library and the cathedral and grab a coffee at one of the neighboring cafés.
After lunch in Coimbra, you'll start your journey to Porto. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy your first glimpses of this beautiful city as you make your way to your hosted dinner at a local Portuguese restaurant.
Day 6: Guided Tours of Porto & Tasting at a Port Cellar
It's time to explore bustling Porto! You'll enjoy a guided tour of your choice, either focusing on the city or the sea. You can choose from the following options:
- Option 1: The City
Join a private guide for a personalized walking tour of Porto's historic center. You'll learn all about the city's history and main attractions, starting at the Cathedral and working your way down to the unique Douro Riverbanks. Porto is an inviting city of contrasts, with countless museums and ancient churches, winning the title of Best European Destination more than once. Along the tour, your guide will take you to three small, local restaurants to try some of the city's beloved delicacies.
- Option 2: The Sea
Portugal's history and legacy are deeply connected with the sea, particularly with the fishing industry. The day will begin by visiting a nearby beach, waiting for the traditional fishing boats to arrive with the catch of the day. Watch the frenzy of sellers and buyers on the shore and at a quaint fish market.
Next, you'll visit a top-quality sardine canning factory, a typical Portuguese delicacy that is known all over the world. This factory has nearly 100 years of history, still utilizing a manual labor process that is a living legacy of tradition. At the end of the visit, you can taste some of the sardines. The morning will end at the market, where you can choose your fresh fish directly from a traditional fish seller, which will then be prepared at a restaurant close to the market.
After some rest and relaxation, you'll set off for another tour. You'll enjoy one of the most iconic experiences in Porto: a guided tour and tasting at an exquisite port wine cellar, where you'll learn all about the history, culture, and charm of Porto's famous port production.
Day 7: Douro Valley: Touring & Tasting at Wine Estate
You can't visit Portugal without enjoying a wine tasting. Today you'll do just that with a full-day tour of the scenic Douro Valley wine region. This charming and unique area is located in northern Portugal, known for its demarcated wine (the first in the world) and its stunning landscape.
The tour starts in Galafura, where you'll visit the São Leonardo de Galafura viewpoint. Here you'll find amazing views of the Douro River Valley and the Marão Mountains. After lunch, you'll enjoy a one-hour cruise along the Douro River, where you can see the valley and its large, rolling hills from a different vantage point. You'll finish the day with a wine tasting at a wine estate in the area, then return to Porto in time to enjoy the city for one final night.
Day 8: Depart Porto
It's time to say goodbye to beautiful Portugal! Your private driver will transfer you to the Porto Airport in time to catch your flight home or to your next destination.
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