Cities, Countryside & Coast

Welcome to Porto, Portugal’s “second city,” dazzling visitors with its many charms, famous port wine, delicious traditional cuisine, and historic streets that open to a gorgeous riverfront. Our driver will meet you upon your arrival at the airport for a private transfer to your accommodation in the city. Take time to settle in and then enjoy the rest of the day to yourself, perhaps unwinding along the waterfront promenade, Cais da Ribeira. Lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars, there are plenty of tops to enjoy people watching while sipping a glass of wine. Stick around to watch a sunset, with the view stunning from here.

Explore Porto on a private guided tour from the famous Harry Potter Bookshop to the Ribeira Quarter. Lello Bookstore, one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful, was said to have inspired J.K. Rowling to write her Harry Potter books. Gaze up at the soaring bell tower at Clérigos Church, explore the Old Jewish Quarter, and learn more about the city’s history and the Portuguese Age of Exploration at the Railway Station of Saint Bento. Finish by strolling the narrow streets and alleyways around the cathedral, and enjoying views of colorful UNESCO-listed homes, the iron bridge, and Douro River in the Ribeira Quarter.

This exciting full-day excursion is filled with striking beauty, fascinating history, and tasty wine. You’ll explore the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, with grape harvesting and wine production in the Douro Valley at least 2,000 years old. Visit the gorgeous terrace fields lying on both sides of the Douro River and then head to the oldest winery in the valley to enjoy a tasting of the area’s famous Port wine. Afterward, you’ll enjoy an olive oil tasting and lunch at a local eatery. Finish by hopping on a boat for a semi-private tour on the river, enjoying beautiful views from the water.

Leaving Porto, you’ll take a private transfer to Lisbon, traveling through Batalha, located at the site of the 14th-century Battle of Aljubarrota in which the Portuguese were victorious over Castile. After checking into your Lisbon hotel, you’ll join a local guide for a private e-bike tour of the Seven Hills of Lisbon. The electric bikes make it much easier to scale the hills, with your reward breathtaking views and an exploration of many city highlights. Visit the districts of Alfama (Lisbon’s oldest), Chiado, and Bairro Alto, riding by multiple landmarks on the way to some of the city’s highest spots like the National Pantheon.

Today’s tour is led by a food expert. You’ll start by exploring one of the oldest areas of the city, the steep streets of Alfama that lead to the 11th-century Sao Jorge Castle. Filled with many cafes and shops selling traditional crafts, you’ll stop to visit the stores, taste petiscos (small plates) and pastries at popular local spots and toast with a glass of the local sour cherry liqueur, ginjinha. The experience includes several stops to sample various foods with eighteen different tastings as well as several Portuguese wines or other beverages of your choice. 

A day trip brings you into a magical fantasy world at Pena Park, home to colorful Pena Palace. Your expert guide will reveal the history behind the remarkable romanticist-style structure, and you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch in the picturesque village too. Afterward, embark on a scenic drive through the Sintra Mountains, heading toward the “end of the world,” the nickname for Cabo da Roca’s magnificent cliffs, located at the westernmost point of continental Europe. Travel further south along the coast, discovering one of the most stunning beaches in the region, concluding in the pretty fishing town of Cascais with a stroll around the bay.

A full-day private tour of the rural Alentejo region brings you to what’s often called a “land of good food and good wine.” It stretches beyond the Tagus River into the Algarve hills, with landscapes that include grapevines and olive groves. Stop in Evora with its magnificently preserved Old Town that has an over 2,000-year-old history, with cobbled streets and more than 4,000 historic structures that include Roman temples and centuries-old walls. Note the Arab influence in the white homes and admire handcrafted copper, ceramic, and cork goods. Afterward, visit a prestigious winery in one of Portugal’s most important wine-producing regions.

Leaving Lisbon today, our driver will meet you at your hotel for a private transfer to the Algarve Coast in the sunny south. After checking in and getting settled into your home for the next three nights, you’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure. You might lounge around the pool or head to the beach, after all, a beach holiday is what this region is all about. It’s the perfect opportunity to dip your toes into the ocean or simply sip a cocktail while enjoying the sights and sounds of the waves.

One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the Algarve Coast is on the water, which is why we’ve included a private sailing experience. A four-hour trip, you’ll enjoy soaking up the Mediterranean sun while gazing out at the spectacular scenery along the way, including caves and incredible rock formations. Snorkeling gear is on board and there will be a stop made so that you can take advantage of it and explore the underwater world. If you’d rather, simply enjoy a refreshing dip or relax on the vessel. Drinks and snacks are included to keep you fueled for this memorable journey.

On your final full day, you can do whatever interests you most, whether it’s nothing but gazing out at the scenery with a drink in hand, taking advantage of your hotel facilities, or doing some sightseeing. There are many towns and cities in the Algarve region with impressive historic landmarks. The port city of Portimão is known for its old quarter and it’s also home to Museu de Portimão which is housed inside a restored 19th-century cannery and showcases local history. The medieval Fort of Santa Catarina de Ribamar and the gothic-style church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição are worth a visit too.

With the arrival of the eleventh day, it’s time for this magical trip through Portugal to come to an end. With the many historic sites, beautiful wine regions, gorgeous beaches, and mountains explored, you’ll have plenty of memories and photos to take home with you. You’ll take a private transfer from your Algarve hotel to Faro Airport to catch your return flight or head out on further travels. If we can help you in any way, we’re here to help, otherwise, we wish you a safe journey and hope to see you on another memorable adventure.