Experience Portugal
Lisbon
Sintra
Cabo de Roca
Cascais
Coimbra
Porto
Douro Valley
We have designed a trip to Portugal of 1 week focused on the 2 most important cities Porto and Lisbon with day tours to the sourrounding Unesco World Heritage areas of Sintra and Douro Valley.
All services are with private English speaking guide and private transportation (Mercedes E and Mercedes V or similar).
During our Douro Valley tour we offer you some special private Experiences as the Rabelo boat ride with Tapas & Drinks onboard and a wine tasting and lunch at Quinta Nova Nossa Senhora do Carmo.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrival to Lisbon and transfer to Hotel
Day 2 Tour of Lisbon
(Optional upgrade: Private Tram Ride with Live Fado Performance)
Day 3 Tour of Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais
(Optional upgrade: Hiking at Sintra National Park)
Day 4 Transfer to Porto with tour in Coimbra
Day 5 Tour of Porto
Day 6 Tour of the Douro Valley
(Optional upgrade: Winemaker experience at Quinta Nova Nossa Senhora do Carmo)
Day 7 Transfer from Porto to Lisbon
Day 8 Departure
Day 1
Upon your arrival at Lisbon Airport (please provide flight details), you’ll be met by your private driver and enjoy a private transfer to your Hotel. The remainder of your day is at your leisure.
Day 2
In the morning, your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel to take you on a full-day tour of Lisbon.
Belém district is your starting point, and you will begin your tour with a visit to the Belém Tower, which originally stood in the middle of the Tagus River, but isnow just off its shore. For centuries, Portuguese explorers set off from this 16th-century fortress in search of the riches of the new world.
You´ll also visit Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, an incomparable monastery that epitomizes the Manueline style, a highly decorative form of architecture that emerged during the reign of Manuel I (1495-1521). This ambitious building reflects the confidence Portugal enjoyed when its explorers roamed the seas, and it is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of the greatest navigators, Vasco de Gama, is buried in the monastery’s church. We recommend stopping for pastéis de Belém, the incredibly tasty cream- filled pastries are named after the district.
After lunch (free), you will visit Lisbon’s historic city center, made by some of the most charming neighborhoods in Europe, each one different and ready to reveal its secrets to those with a keen sense of curiosity. Discover the old quarters of Alfama, the unmistakable soul of the capital city, adorned with steepwinding alleys, hidden landmark churches, stunning views of the Tagus River and of Fado music as its soundtrack. You can also visit St George’s Castle,located in one of the highest points in the city.
Contemplate one of the best views over Lisbon, as you trace back the history of this ancient city and its nautical culture, all while taking in the picture-perfectviews of the serpentine tree-lined streets, mustard roof-tops, and the meandering river course.
Before your tour ends, your guide will take down to the River Tagus, making a stop at the Sé Catedral, the religious center of Portugal since 1147. The fact that it is still standing today is a testament to the strength of the people of this region who recaptured the territory from the Moors and had the church built as a monument to their liberation. Continue your way through the streets of the historic center until reaching the monumental Praça do Comércio, one of the biggest open squares in Europe. You’ll have the river at your feet and the majestic Rua Augusta Arch on your back.
When your tour concludes, your driver will take you back to your to your hotel.
Day 3
Today you’ll meet your private guide and driver for a full day Tour of Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais.
In Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will visit Quinta da Regaleira. Built between 1904 and 1910, in the last days of the Portuguese monarchy, thisromantic property formerly belonging to the Viscondessa da Regaleira was acquired and enlarged by António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro (1848-1920) as his favourite country estate. His vast fortune earned him the nickname of Monteiro dos Milhões, (Moneybags Monteiro). He commissioned this unique project ofhouse and landscape from the Italian set- designer and architect Luigi Manini (1848-1936) whose genius, along with the mastery of sculptors, stonemasons,craftsmen who had formerly built Palace Hotel do Buçaco, created this magical place. Quinta de Regaleira features Art Nouveau and Rococo styles, plus an“initiation room” inspired by the Freemasons.
On your way back to Lisbon, you will travel along the coastal road where you will enjoy wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean and Tagus River. You might wishto stop at Cabo da Roca, where you will find the most western point of the European continent, with impressive cliffs and ocean views.
You will stop briefly in Cascais, a seaside resort that serves as a popular summer retreat for Lisboetas. When your tourconcludes, your driver will drive you to your Hotel.
Day 4
This morning meet your private driver who will drive you to Porto.
En route, you’ll stop in Coimbra (approx. 2 hours from Lisbon) and meet your private guide. You may start your tour by visiting the Coimbra University, the sixtholdest in Europe. It was founded in 1288 in Lisbon and then transferred to Coimbra in 1308. You will stroll through the old part of the University where you will seethe impressive 18th-century clock, which dominates the skyline. But the crowning jewel is the amazing Joanina library, built as a parallelepiped in height, toovercome the elevation difference.
Afterwards, continue to Porto where you will check in at your hotel (approx.1h20m from Coimbra).
Day 5
This morning you will meet your private guide and driver for a full day tour of Porto.
You may start by exploring the city’s old quarter, “a masterpiece of mankind’s creative genius” according to UNESCO, who recognized the area as a World Heritage Site.”
On the banks of the Douro river, you can visit the city’s churches and monuments. You will visit the Stock Exchange Palace or Palácio da Bolsa. The large, ornate neoclassical building built in the 19th century reflects the city’s status as a major commercial center. Don’t miss the Hall of the Nations and the Arab room among many others.
Another must-see is the landmarked neo-gothic Lello & Irmao Bookstore. Make sure you admire the 19th-century bookstore’s fascinating entrance: themagnificent façade is formed by a broad arch with its two painted figures representing Art and Science.
For a panoramic view of Porto, you can climb the steep steps of the Torre de Clérigos. This 250-foot structure serves as the bell tower of the Baroque churchIgreja dos Clérigos.
You will also visit Fundação de Serralves, located on the outskirts of the city. This foundation’s museum exhibits works by contemporary artists, such as ichard Serra, Ed Ruscha, and Gerhard Richter. Pritzker-winning Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira designed the museum. A highlight for art lovers.
When the tour ends your private driver will escort you back to the hotel.
Day 6
After breakfast you’ll head towards Douro Valley (01h45m) with your private guide and driver.
With an exceptionally beautiful landscape of terraced hillside vineyards, patches of woodland and charming little villages, this is the home of the worldwide famous Port. Besides this nectar, this is one of Portugal´s most unique wine region with a lot of secrets yet to discover. The Douro river crosses the oldest winery demarcation region in the World, the Douro Region, dated from 1756, established by Marquis of Pombal. The secular traditions of the Wine, Olive and Almond culture and the work done by the man in the construction of thousands of miles of schist walls, along the slopes of the rivercreated a landscape of exceptional beauty.
Because of this authenticity and integrity of the cultural landscape, in 2011 UNESCO raised the Alto Douro Wine Region for World Heritage status.
Upon arrival to Pinhão village, you’ll embark on a traditional Rabelo boat. This typical wooden vessel was used for years to transport Port wine barrels fromDouro to Vila Nova de Gaia. In this private cruise, you’ll discover the Valley from the river, while tasting some Port wine.
You’ll dock in Ferrão and you’ll be escorted by jeep to the winery Quinta Nova Nossa Senhora do Carmo. With a story longer than 250 years, this beautiful wineproducing estate is owned by a family with a long connection with the export houses of Vila Nova de Gaia in the cork business. You will be taken on a private tourof the estate where you will get to visit their winery, dated from 1764, the Wine Atelier, the barrels room and the underground cellar where the best lots selectedby the Amorim family are aged.
Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a tasting where you’ll be able to try the distinctive Douro and Port wines. An unforgettable experience for any wine lover!
Then it’s time for lunch. The Chef favors “local food” and every day he surprises his guests with a different menu, so prepare to be amazed because your mealwill be created to be tasted in perfect harmony with the state’s wines.
After the meal, you’ll be able to relax or take a leisurely walk along the wine trail in the estate. When you’re ready, your driver will drive you back to Porto.
Day 7
Today, after you’ve checked out from your hotel, you’ll be met by your private guide driver who will drive you to Lisbon (approx. 3h00m driving distance). Check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Day 8
Today your private driver will pick you up at your hotel and escort you to Lisbon Airport for your departure flight (please provide your flight information).
Price based on 4 partecipants: from 3’100.00 Euro per person
Hotels: included nice bed* & breakfast, with all taxes except Tourist tax.
Optional: hotel upgrades and optional experiences
Price based on 4 partecipants including the upgrades (Superior hotels and optional Experiences): from 4’290.00 Euro per person
Private Tours (with English speaking guide) included
Day 2 – Full day tour of Lisbon
Day 3 – Full day tour of Sintra, Cascais, Cabo da Roca Day
Day 4 – Half-day walking tour of Coimbra
Day 5 – Full day tour of Porto
Day 6 – Full day tour of Douro Valley
Private Ground Transportation (Mercedes E and Mercedes V or similar) included
Day 1 – Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Lisbon HotelDay 1 – Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Lisbon Hotel
Day 2 – Full Day Car & Driver for tour of Lisbon
Day 3 – Full Day Car & Driver for tour of Sintra, Cascais, Cabo da Roca
Day 4 – Transfer from Lisbon to Porto, with stop in Coimbra en route
Day 5 – Full Day Car &Driver for tour of Porto
Day 6 – Full Day Car & Driver for tour of Douro Valley Day 7 – Transfer from Porto to Lisbon
Day 8 – Transfer from Lisbon Hotel to Lisbon Airport
Private Experiences & Meals included
Day 6 – Douro Valley: Rabelo boat ride with Tapas & Drinks onboard
Day 6 – Douro Valley: Visit, tastings and lunch at Quinta Nova Nossa Senhora do Carmo
Optional Upgrade Experiences not included
Day 2 – Lisbon: Electric tram ride with live Fado performance
Day 3 – Sintra: Hiking tour followed by picnic lunch
Day 6 – Douro Valley: Winemaker for one day
Other services
All admissions while with expert guide. Value AddedTax and all service charges.
Assistance from our in-country office as needed.