Ultimate Portugal
Highlights & Hidden Delights
The itinerary below is an example of what we can and have put together. We can use this as a base for your own customized journey.
Signature
Classic Itinerary with 3/4-star accommodation- Everything outlined in the boutique package with signature accommodation.
Boutique
Classic Itinerary with 4-star accommodation- Expert custom itinerary creation
- Airport transfer (arrival/departure)
- Deluxe boutique accommodation
- All breakfasts
- Lunches, dinners, and other meals as indicated
- Personalized, private guided tours of Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Évora, Porto, and the Douro Valley
- Entry to select museums, palaces, and monuments (such as Jerónimos Monastery, Pena Palace, São Jorge Castle, and Livraria Lello)
- City-to-city transfer (first-class rail or private car)
- In-city transfers where appropriate by taxi or private car
- Fado performances, wine tastings in Porto and the Douro, olive oil tastings, traditional cooking classes, market tours, and scenic hikes along the coast or in the Alentejo countryside
- Dedicated journey support
- Flights and insurance not included
Boutique Plus
Classic Itinerary with 4/5-star accommodation- Everything outlined in the boutique package with boutique plus accommodation
- Private driver throughout your journey
Pricing shown is an estimate. Prices will vary according to season, exchange rate, and other factors. Our tours are all private. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
Check Out the Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon
Bem-vindo! Welcome to Portugal’s vibrant capital. Spend your first day getting a feel for Lisbon’s unique mix of old and new. Stroll through the cobbled streets of Alfama, the city’s oldest district, and enjoy panoramic views from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. If time allows, hop on the famous Tram 28 and explore Lisbon’s charming neighborhoods, from Graça to Bairro Alto.
End the day at a traditional Fado restaurant, enjoying Portugal’s soulful music alongside a hearty meal of bacalhau à brás (salted cod) or grilled sardines.
Day 2: Explore Lisbon
Breakfast, Private guided visit
Start your day with a visit to Belém, home to Portugal’s great maritime history. Explore the Jerónimos Monastery, see the famous Belém Tower, and taste the original Pastel de Nata at Pastéis de Belém.
In the afternoon, visit the MAAT Museum or stroll along the waterfront to the trendy LX Factory, a creative hub filled with cafes, bookshops, and street art. Wrap up with dinner in Time Out Market, where you can try different Portuguese specialties in one place.
Day 3 – Évora Guided Visit
Breakfast, Transport (1.5 hrs), Private guided visit
Drive to the historic town of Évora, a UNESCO-listed city filled with well-preserved medieval and Roman history. Visit the eerie Chapel of Bones, the Temple of Diana, and the beautiful Cathedral of Évora.
Enjoy a wine-tasting experience at a local vineyard, as this region is known for its excellent Alentejo wines. In the evening, relax with a traditional Alentejan meal, known for rich flavors like black pork and migas (bread-based dish).
Day 4: Évora to Algarve (Lagos)
Breakfast, Transport (2 hrs), Private guided visit
Head south to the Algarve, Portugal’s stunning coastal region. Stop in Silves, an ancient Moorish town with a red-sandstone castle and a laid-back vibe. Continue to Lagos, known for its golden cliffs and turquoise waters.
Spend the afternoon exploring Ponta da Piedade, a breathtaking coastal area with sea caves and rock formations. In the evening, wander through the historic old town, filled with charming streets and seafood restaurants.
Day 5: Explore Algarve (Lagos & Sagres)
Breakfast, Private guided visit
In the morning, take a boat tour through the Benagil Caves, one of Portugal’s most famous natural wonders. After lunch, drive to Sagres, a wild and remote town at the southwestern tip of Europe. Visit the Fortaleza de Sagres, a fortress with stunning ocean views, and watch the sunset at Cabo de São Vicente, the “End of the World.”
For an adventurous option, try surfing in Sagres, known for its great waves and laid-back surf culture.
Day 6: Algarve to Porto (Optional Stop in Lisbon)
Breakfast, Flight or Train (4 hrs)
Take a flight or high-speed train to Porto, Portugal’s second city. If traveling by train, you can stop in Lisbon for a quick lunch before heading north.
Upon arrival, stroll along Ribeira, Porto’s picturesque riverfront district, and enjoy an evening wine tasting at a Port wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia. Pair it with some local cheeses and pastéis de Chaves (savory pastry).
Day 7: Explore Porto
Breakfast, Private guided visit
Today, dive into Porto’s rich history and vibrant culture. Explore the Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, and the Clérigos Tower, which offers stunning views of the city.
Take a private boat tour along the Douro River, passing under Porto’s famous bridges. End your day with a meal at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, a Michelin-starred restaurant with breathtaking coastal views.
Day 8: Douro Valley Wine Experience
Breakfast, Transport (1.5 hrs), Private guided tour, Wine tastings
Take a scenic drive into the Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest wine regions. Visit two or three quinta (wine estates) to learn about the production of Port and Douro wines, and enjoy tastings with stunning vineyard views.
For a special experience, take a river cruise along the Douro, gliding through terraced hills and charming villages.
Return to Porto in the evening for a relaxed dinner in Rua das Flores, a street known for its lively atmosphere.
Day 9: Porto to Coimbra
Breakfast, Transport (1.5 hrs), Private guided visit
Head to Coimbra, Portugal’s medieval university city. Visit the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe, and explore its Joanina Library, a stunning baroque library with ancient books.
Stroll through the old city, visit the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, and experience a traditional Fado de Coimbra performance, a different style from Lisbon’s Fado.
Day 10: Coimbra to Lisbon (via Sintra)
Breakfast, Transport (1.5 hrs), Private guided visit
On your way back to Lisbon, stop in Sintra, a fairytale town with castles and palaces. Visit the colorful Pena Palace, the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, and the medieval Moorish Castle.
Arrive in Lisbon in the evening and enjoy a farewell dinner with a seafood feast at a waterfront restaurant in Cais do Sodré.
Day 11: Departure from Lisbon
Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading to the airport. If time allows, grab one last pastel de nata and soak in the views from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte before bidding farewell to Portugal.
Optional Extensions:
- Madeira (3-5 nights): A lush island paradise with hiking, volcanic landscapes, and stunning beaches.
- Azores (4-7 nights): A remote archipelago with hot springs, whale watching, and dramatic scenery.
- Extra Algarve Days: Relax on more beaches, explore hidden coves, or visit Tavira for a charming, less touristy experience.
