Porto, Lisbon, the Algarve & Sevilla - 21 Days

Day 1: Bemvindo! Arrival in Porto

Welcome to Portugal! Arrive at Porto Airport and meet your driver, who will transfer your to your centrally-located accomodation in Porto. Spend the rest of the day settling in, or head out for a relaxing stroll and a first look at the city. 

Day 2: Porto, Private Guided Tour of the City

In the morning head out for a guided tour of the historic downtown. See the old palaces and churches of the city, as well as famous neighborhoods and Lisbon's iconic iron Luis I Bridge. As you walk, learn about the city's quirky personality, including the history of the characteristic Rabelo boats that line up along the riverfront in front of the old port wine cellars. 

After the tour, stop by at a favorite bar or restaurant for a delicious lunch, then spend the afternoon exploring the city. 

Day 3: Day Trip to the Douro Valley, River Cruise & Winery Visit

Head out of the city for a remarkable trip in the Duoro Valley, renowned for its vineyards and terraced agricultural fields. Spend the morning cruising along the river, then transfer to shore to visit some of the area's most well-known wineries. 

After the winery visit, enjoy a typical local lunch in an idyllic country setting before returning to Porto for the evening. 

Day 4: Explore Porto

Today is free to explore Porto. Visit historic neighborhoods, enjoy local food at the many tapas bars, and visit the city's museums. 

Day 5: Travel from Porto to Lisbon, with Tour of Fátima en route

Meet your driver in the morning and travel the two hours to Fátima, Portugal's largest pilgrimage site. Tour the sanctuary with a private guide and explore the site's fascinating historic and cultural influences. The site is famous as the location where, in 1917, three young shepherd children reported seeing an apparition of the Virgin Mary. 

After the tour, enjoy lunch nearby then meet your driver and continue your journey to Lisbon. 

Day 6: Lisbon, Private Guided Tour of the City

In the morning head out onto Lisbon's narrow winding streets on a private guided tour. You'll see central Lisbon's major sites and hear the stories and legends of the port city, as well as get unique insights into Lisbon's lifestyle, history and culture. 

Day 7: Explore Lisbon

Today is free to explore Lisbon on your own. With a wide variety of museums, historic sites, and walking promenades, there's no shortage of things to do. 

Day 8: Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais

Head out of the city to visit the villages Sintra and Cascais on a small group or private tour. Your visit starts at the Pena Palace, an elaborate castle with Moorish, Gothic, and Manueline influences. Its construction was inspired by Europe's Schinkel castles, and it's a must-see for travelers passing through the area. 

Afterward, enjoy some free time for lunch and explore Sintra's historical village. In the afternoon visit the Sintra Nature Reserve, then head back to Lisbon, stopping at Cascais on the Estoril Coast on the way. 

Day 9: Pick Up Rental Car & Drive to Evora

Start the morning with a rental car pick up in Lisbon, then leave the city behind as you head across impressive bridges and through the rolling hills of the Alentejo towards Evora. The trip is beautiful, and the 1.5-hour drive passes by quickly. 

Arrive in Evora by mid-morning and check into your hotel, then head out to explore the town and surrounding area. 

Day 10: Evora, Private Guided Tour of the City

Meet with your expert private guide for a fascinating walking tour of the city's historic center. You'll visit the 18th-century Cathedral, as well as the aptly-named Chapel of Bones, and hear the stories of the religious relics that date back to Roman and Moorish times. 

At the end of the tour, check with your guide for a recommendation for a great local bar or restaurant to try some delicious local food. 

Day 11: Drive from Evora to the Algarve

Hit the road south for the 2.5-hour trip to the beautiful beaches and fishing villages of the Algarve. Choose between the more direct route and the Atlantic Coast detour. If you're not in a rush, choose the latter option, as the road will take you past beautiful coves, bays, and inlets. Stop for lunch at one of the coast's little towns and spend the afternoon soaking in the sunshine on the beach. 

Days 12-15: Explore the Algarve

Spend three days exploring the sleepy towns and quiet beaches of the Algarve. Soak up some sun or head out to explore the local culture and enjoy great local food. 

Day 16: Drive to Faro, Drop Off Rental Car & Transfer to Sevilla

Drive the short distance to Faro, then drop off the rental car. Meet up with your driver, then transfer the two hours to Sevilla. Arrive in Sevilla, then check into your centrally-located hotel and take some time to settle in before heading out to explore the city. 

Day 17: Sevilla, Privately Guided Bike Tour, Flamenco & Tapas Evening

Start the morning with a guided bike tour of the city's top sights. Start from the hotel, then bike to see the Plaza de España, the Guadalquivir Riverfront, the Setas Marketplace, and Plaza de San Francisco. Break up the city biking with the shaded avenues and peaceful lawns of the city's beautiful parks and gardens. 

Seville is very bike-friendly, and cycling is one of the best ways to get a feeling for the city. You'll have the rest of the day on your own to explore. Tour the museums and historic sites, or just go for a leisurely paseo (stroll) to take in the surroundings. 

In the evening meet up with your guide, then head out for a colorful Flamenco show. Afterwards, head to a lesser-known spot for fantastic post-show tapas and a conversation about culture and life in Andalucia. 

Day 18: Sevilla, Private Guided Tour of the City

Today starts with a tour of Seville's most incredible landmarks. See the world's largest Gothic Cathedral, Christopher Columbus' tomb, and the incredible Alcázar with its Mudéjar (Neo-Moorish) palaces & its oasis-like gardens. 

After the tour, find a neighborhood restaurant for a relaxed lunch, then spend the afternoon exploring on your own. 

Day 19: Travel by Train from Sevilla to Madrid, via Cordoba with a Guided Tour

In the morning meet your driver at the hotel and travel to Cordoba where you'll meet with a private guide for an in-depth tour of Cordoba's Old Town. Leave your luggage in the car with the driver and explore the city without worrying about your bags. 

One of the tour's highlights in the breathtaking Mezquita, originally a pagan temple that was later converted into the great mosque of the Ummayad Caliphate and finally transformed into a Catholic church within the original structure. Other tour highlights include the Alcázar of the Catholic Kings where Christopher Columbus negotiated his voyage west in search of the Indies, as well as the winding side streets of the old Jewish Quarter. 

Your guide will drop you off at a restaurant where you'll enjoy a typical Cordoban lunch. Afterward, spend some time wandering around the city center before meeting up with your driver for a transfer to the Cordoba Train Station to catch the AVE high-speed train to Madrid. With a travel time of under two hours, comfortable seating, onboard dining car, and incredible views, it's the preferred way to travel longer distances in Spain.

Arrive in Madrid, then meet your driver and transfer to the hotel. 

Day 20: Madrid, Private Guided Tour with El Prado Museum

After a filling breakfast to prepare you for a day of exploring, meet your private guide and head out for a 4-hour walking tour of the city highlights. Whether you want a leisurely laid-back stroll or a quick-paced adventure to see as much as possible, your guide will match your style and pace. 

See the magnificent El Prado museum to see one of Europe's finest art collections including Velasquez's Las Meninas, El Greco's Fable and Goya's The Countess of Chinchón. 

At the end of the tour, the guide will direct you to the neighborhood restaurant for a relaxed lunch and give you recommendations for the rest of the day. 

Day 21: Farewell Madrid!

Transfer to the Madrid Barajas Airport to connect to your connecting flight home. Safe travels!