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Stroll the vibrant streets of Lisbon and Porto, uncover centuries of history on private guided tours, and explore hidden gems like Sintra’s fairytale palaces or the vineyard-covered slopes of the Douro Valley. This tailor-made Portugal trip blends culture, comfort and local charm for an unforgettable journey.
Highlights of this trip
- Private guided tour of Lisbon’s historic centre
- Fado, food and rooftop views in Alfama and Bairro Alto
- Scenic walk across Dom Luís I Bridge in Porto
- Port wine tasting in Gaia’s famous cellars
- Day trip to the Douro Valley wine region
Your tailor-made trip from Lisbon to Porto
Experience the best of Portugal in just 10 days, from the historic streets of Lisbon to the riverside charm of Porto. This private journey blends culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty, with scenic stops in Sintra, Fátima, and the Douro Valley. Perfect for couples and curious travellers alike.
🗓️ Day 1 – Arrival in Lisbon Welcome to Portugal!
After check-in, explore Lisbon’s atmospheric streets, tiled façades and river views. As one of Europe’s oldest cities, Lisbon blends ancient history with a vibrant present. From Alfama alleys to grand plazas and iconic sights like Castelo de São Jorge, the city’s layers are waiting to be uncovered.
🗓️ Day 2 – Explore Authentic Lisbon
Discover Lisbon beyond the postcards. Join a guided tour that feels like being shown around by a local friend. Ride vintage trams, explore Baixa and Bairro Alto, taste local specialties and dive into Belem's historic past. You’ll leave with a true sense of what makes this city unforgettable.
🗓️ Day 3 – Day tour Sintra, Cascair and abo Da Roca
Get ready for a scenic escape from the city. First stop: fairy-tale Sintra, home to colourful palaces and lush gardens. Then it’s off to stylish Cascais, a charming coastal town perfect for a seaside stroll. Finally, stand at Europe’s westernmost point – Cabo da Roca – where dramatic cliffs meet the Atlantic. A perfect blend of royal history, coastal beauty and breathtaking views.
🗓️ Day 4 – Fátima, Tomar & Almourol
A spiritual and historical day awaits. Visit Fátima’s world-famous sanctuary, then continue to Tomar, the former seat of the Knights Templar. Explore its medieval charm and aqueduct before ending at the fairytale Almourol Castle, perched on an island in the Tagus River.
🗓️ Day 5 – Dolphin & Whale Watching
Head to the Setúbal coast for a magical encounter with nature. Cruise the Atlantic in search of dolphins and, depending on the season, even whales. Enjoy sea breezes, scenic cliffs, and marine wildlife in one of Portugal’s best coastal regions.
🗓️ Day 6 – Scenic Transfer to Porto
Travel from Lisbon to Porto with stops in charming places. Admire Nazaré’s dramatic cliffs, wander the cobbled streets of Óbidos, and explore academic Coimbra. It’s a relaxed road trip through central Portugal with rich culture and beautiful views.
🗓️ Day 7 – Discover Porto
Uncover Porto’s charm on a guided tour. Wander along the Douro River, explore historic Ribeira, and taste Port wine. From tiled façades to vibrant streets, this northern city captures hearts with its authenticity, especially in areas like Baixa and Minho.
🗓️ Day 8 – Aveiro & Coimbra
Cruise the canals of Aveiro, the “Venice of Portugal”, and try local ovos moles sweets. Then, travel to Coimbra to walk the historic university grounds and immerse yourself in Portugal’s intellectual past. A day full of colour, tradition and charm.
🗓️ Day 9 – Douro Valley
Wine Experience Journey through the Douro Valley, with stops in picturesque wine towns like Pinhão. Visit terraced vineyards, taste award-winning wines, and enjoy regional cuisine. This UNESCO-listed region offers a feast for the senses – with riverside views and warm hospitality.
🗓️ Day 10 – Departure
All good things come to an end. A private transfer takes you to the airport. You leave Portugal with unforgettable memories, unique flavours, and maybe plans to explore Alentejo, the Algarve, or hidden gems like Monsanto, Sesimbra or Guimarães next time.
Rossio Square in Lisbon ©Shutterstock
Practical trip info
Here’s everything you need to know before setting off. From how you’ll travel to who this trip is perfect for, this section gives you a quick overview of the essentials.
- Starting point: Lisbon
- Ending point: Porto
- Transport: Private drivers + scenic transfers
- Trip length: 10 days
- Best suited for: Couples, first-time visitors, culture lovers, food & wine enthusiasts
What’s Included
- Accommodation (10 nights)
- All private transfers & transport
- Activities
- Mentioned meals
Trip FAQ
Can I customize this itinerary?−
Yes! Every Rough Guides trip is 100% tailor made. You can adjust routes, swap hotels, add extra nights or include specific experiences. Just tell us what you’re after and our local expert will personalize everything to suit your needs.
