15-Day Luxury Portugal Tour

Your private, full-day tour will take you northwest to the quaint town of Sintra, where the Moorish-style Pena Palace will offer you a grand and colorful welcome. Standing out against the backdrop of dense forests and rolling hills, this romantic, somewhat flamboyant architecture offers an enchanting, almost fairy-tale ambiance. Feel the cool mountain air contrast with the warmth of Lisbon as you spend time inside admiring opulent furniture, bold gold chandeliers, and ornately detailed stucco on walls and tall ceilings. Down in the Old Town of Sintra, you can visit the historical Fonte Mourisca. Surrounded by a stone portico, the fountain features intricate Moorish designs, including colorful azulejo tiles and horseshoe arches, and reminds us of the town’s connection to water.

Leaving Lisbon after breakfast, your private transfer will take you to Portugal’s south-central region of Alentejo and the city of Évora. Embark on a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a focus on its cork-producing industry. Entering Évora, notice the dominance of cork oak forests on the Alentejo landscape, the distinctive reddish-brown trunks a striking contrast against the surrounding green foliage. Feel how the cork is lightweight yet sturdy, and sense the pre-processed aroma of earthy tones, possibly wild herbs and flowers. Your guide will then take you to the Chapel of Bones, an intriguing work of haunting interior design, with the interior walls decorated in human skulls and bone.

A feast for the senses awaits you today as you embark on three diverse experiences among Évora’s picturesque landscapes. Rolling hills and cork oak forests meet undulating vineyards, where you will have the opportunity to visit a century-old estate with state-of-the-art tasting rooms. Learn about traditional wine-making methods and enjoy a glass of a Cartuxa Évora Colheita Tinto. This complex red wine offers aromas of cherries and red fruits, with hints of vanilla and mocha on the palate. Switching scenery, board your private boat for your sunset cruise, the setting sun reflecting off the Alqueva Lake. Adjusting your eyes, watch as a blanket of dark blue transforms into a brilliant night sky as you savor a dinner sparkling with local flavors.

Enjoying a scenic drive along the rugged shoreline of the Vicentine Coast, you will be met with a landscape of dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and vast sandy beaches. Notice how the blend of dark schist and graywacke sandstone transitions to lighter limestone as you approach the Algarve. Visit historic Sagres, the monumental, maritime, wind-protected fortress perched on the edge of striking cliffs overlooking the azure Atlantic Ocean, the echoes of ancient mariners resonating around you. This evening serves up a culinary treat. Take a seat for a Michelin-star dinner and dive into a five-star plate of porco à alentejana, a traditional dish of pork, clams, and potatoes. Notice the contrast of spicy paprika and red pepper marinade to the briny flavor of the clams.

The Algarve has a reputation for beautiful beaches, boasting some of Portugal’s most picturesque stretches of golden sand. Dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters make spots such as Praia da Marinha and Praia da Dona Ana popular locations for relaxation and water sports. You can enjoy snorkeling or diving excursions from here, a chance to get up close to a rainbow of marine life. Explore the unique rock formations of the Algarve, remarkable geological formations such as the Ponta da Piedade, which is known for its striking cliffs, sea arches, and hidden grottos that can be explored by boat or kayak.

With the picturesque Algarve in the rearview mirror, travel north to the medieval town of Óbidos. The stone turrets of Óbidos Castle peer out above terracotta rooftops. Feel the smooth and slight undulation of the cobblestone streets that wind through rows of whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flower boxes. Enjoy a quick shot of Ginjinha cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups before departing for the beaches and cliffs of Nazaré. Gaze out over the massive aquamarine waves of Praia do Norte, admiring the swirling patterns on the sidewalk below as you take a stroll beside the sprawling beach. Your day will end with a guided tour in the town of Tomar, where you will visit the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness the intricate stone carvings and grand halls as you uncover the fascinating history behind this remarkable monument.

Heading to central Portugal, discover the picturesque network of schist villages nestled on mountain slopes and lush forests. Each comprises rustic and charming restored stone houses dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Explore narrow, winding streets, running your hand along the cobbled walls and exchanging greetings with locals. Observe and potentially participate in workshops showcasing traditional crafts such as linen weaving or woodworking. Continue your journey to Coimbra, where your guide will take you on a private walking tour which includes a visit to the Biblioteca Joanina, an impressive example of Baroque architecture. Rich scents of aged leather and parchment fill the air while golden light filters through ornate wooden shelves.

Travel to the charming town of Aveiro. As you approach its traditional salt pans, take in the briny scent of sea air while watching as sunlight glistens off the crystalline salt pyramids. Trace the rough texture of the crystals as you learn about centuries-old production methods. Take a stroll through the fishermen's quarter and catch a glimpse into the city’s maritime heritage. This is characterized by charming cobbled streets and traditional palheiros, or painted wooden houses. Your blissful day continues with a moliceiro boat ride, on which a gondolier will take you along the gentle sway of the canal waters as you glide past pastel-hued Art Nouveau facades. You will be guided to your overnight haven of Ílhavo by its over 200-foot-tall lighthouse.

Travel to the picturesque Douro Valley, a diverse destination boasting beautiful vineyards, historic towns, and river adventures. Start your exploration of the region with a private luxury boat cruise along the Douro River, watching scenes of rolling hills and glistening vines pass by as the rippling waters flow underneath. Back on dry land, lunch will be served on a shady patio at a local vineyard, where a charcuterie of smooth goats’ cheese, rustic bread, and home-produced olive oil compliment a vivid regional rosé. Fresh notes of strawberry and cherry give way to refreshing acidity and a crisp finish as you learn wine-producing techniques from Douro Valley winemakers.

Ascend winding, rugged trails on your adventurous Jeep excursion, traversing steep hillsides past panoramic views of terraced vineyards. The scenery unfolds like a colorful painting of green and blue, the sunlight glistening off the waters of the Douro River. Enjoy the thrill of this bumpy and aesthetically pleasing drive, accessing hidden paths and secondary roads away from typical tourist routes. Enjoy a more immersive experience of the Douro Valley’s undulating terrain and remote vineyards before coming to a rest and being greeted with a glass of classic, robust Port wine.

Discover the attractive charm and culture of Porto, a haven in the Douro Valley. Your private guided tour will lead you through the city’s maze-like streets, where striking geometric-patterned azulejo tiles adorn buildings, creating a mesmerizing mosaic of colors. Watch as the sun glints off the metallic surface of the double-deck iron arch of the iconic Luís I Bridge, spanning the Douro River. Spend time in the Porto railway station with its picturesque decor. Follow the sequence of occurrences in the Battle of Valdevez, depicted in blue and white mosaic tiles running along the top of the walls.

Your guided visit to Porto can start by stepping into the iconic Lello Bookstore, a historic gem renowned for its stunning architecture and literary ambiance. Switch out visuals of colorful stained glass windows for delicately crafted chocolate with a visit to the Chocolate Story Museum. Enjoy an interactive visit where you will learn about the history of chocolate and indulge in a chocolate- and wine-pairing workshop. This evening, you will have a chance to delve into flavor with your sequenced menu at a Michelin-star restaurant in Porto. Enjoy a perfectly placed, crispy scallop, followed by a succulent slice of beef and bite-size petit-four for that splash of sweet, all carefully paired with a sommelier’s recommendation.

Heading North, your final full day in Portugal includes visits to the cities of Braga, known for its religious sites, and Guimarães, often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal. The iconic Braga Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece, with a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Baroque styles. Set your eyes upon the bold, golden twin Baroque organs, held up by formidable satyrs and mermen, and notice the intricately carved Manueline altarpiece. Azulejo tiles adorn several chapels, adding a hint of color. Continue on to Guimarães, where the silhouette of Castelo de Guimarães, the birthplace of the first king of Portugal, looms against the sky. Enjoy panoramic views from the battlements, the stone beneath your hands warm from the sun.

Take a stroll through streets of mismatched houses and amid the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, perhaps popping in to grab a pastel de nata. As you bite into this popular Portuguese custard treat, gaze out over the Douro River and the picturesque Dom Luís I Bridge, one last chance to capture photos before you are transferred to the airport for your onward journey.