Lisbon & Porto Explorer

You’ve Arrived
Meet your driver for a private airport transfer. For your added comfort, an English speaking assistant will greet you outside the customs with personalized signage. Your representative will help co-ordinate meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.

A welcome package with a bottle of wine, city map, train tickets (if relevant), and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

With private transfers arranged both to and from the venue, experience live Fado this evening at an excellent local Fado restaurant, Casa de Linhares. Fado refers to the national song style of Portugal which developed in Lisbon in the early 19th century. Its importance to the culture of the city is so significant that Fado now falls under UNESCO protection. Enjoy the great ambiance of dinner and song as you dine on a 4-course meal with wine and coffee, backed by the sounds of Lisbon’s rich heritage.

Hit the Streets
Accompanied by your knowledgeable private guide and driver, embark on a half-day tour of Lisbon, the city of seven hills. Portugal’s stunning capital city is home to layers of rich history, dating back to the occupation of the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Visigoths and the Moors. Visit the heart of the city, Rossio Square, then spend some time in Alfama, the Old Quarter. See the Lisbon Cathedral, with history dating back to the 12th century, and admire views of St. George’s Castle, a Moorish fortification. Catch a stunning panorama over the city from the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte lookout. In Belem, the city’s monumental district, walk alongside a pair of UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the stunning 16th-century Jeronimos Monastery, and the Belem Tower, nestled on the bank of the Tagus River. Enjoy a short stop at the Monument to the Discoveries, celebrating the influential 15th-16th century Portuguese Age of Discovery before a transfer back to your hotel.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Winding the Wind-Swept Shorelines
Depart Lisbon for a scenic coastal drive, spotting several sandy beaches hidden within the cliffs, protected by 17th-century fortresses along the coast. Visit the beautiful resort town of Estoril, known as the home of Casino Estoril and Hotel Palácio, former rendezvous points for WWII spies and their handlers at a time when Portugal remained politically neutral. Stroll the Tamariz Beach promenade, admiring the 17th-century Forte da Cruz castle, set behind a backdrop of palm trees. Continue to Cascais, a small fishing village transformed into a luxurious resort town on the Portugal Riviera. Pass through its animated town center and witness cosmopolitan life amid stunning Atlantic beaches. Next, head to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, and gaze out over the Atlantic from the end of the world. Sintra, home to hundreds of years of history and culture, awaits your discovery. After a short walk in the old city center, find yourself surrounded by old houses now converted into small quaint handicraft boutiques and traditional pastry shops. Ascend the mountain by shuttle for a visit to the 19th-century Pena Palace, Sintra’s undisputed highlight. Boasting an incredible combination of architectural styles, colors, and shapes, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a fairytale.

Ride the Rails
Meet your private driver for a train station transfer.

Enjoy a train ride from Lisbon to Porto. The regular trains take around 3 hrs, while the highspeed trains takes a little less than 3 hrs.

Meet your private driver for a train station transfer.

A Walk Through the Past
A private guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel to escort you on a half day tour of Porto and its historic city center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the exterior of the 18th century Porto Cathedral, one of Porto’s oldest monuments, followed by a panoramic viewpoint over the Douro River where you can take in views across to the city Gaia. Head to Batalha Square where you can spot the 18th century Batalha Palace, then walk Santa Catarina Street, the city’s main shopping street, buzzing with action. Head to Liberdade Square where the monument to King Peter IV is centralized within a number of beautiful neoclassical facades, and continue to see the Clerigos Church and Tower, dominating the city at 250 feet tall. Enjoy a skip-the-line visit of Livraria Lello, likely the world’s most stunningly beautiful bookshop, and the point of inspiration behind the Hogwarts library in the revered Harry Potter series. Venture to Ribeira Square, with its river view and three-storey high monumental fountain, and if desired, speak with your guide about making an optional visit to Porto Wine Cellars for a wine tasting (payable on the spot). Conclude with a return transfer to your hotel.

Taste and Tipple on a Vineyard Visit
Set out with a private tourism driver on a full day discovery of the scenic Douro Valley. Head to Amarante, an important pilgrimage town, where you’ll visit the historic city center, spotting houses overhanging the Tamega River. Visit the 16th century Church of Sao Goncalo Monastery, its chapel home to the tomb of revered Dominican friar, Saint Goncalo. Enjoy the views as you continue through the picturesque Douro Valley, a rich agricultural area known for its wine production and distinct terroir. In Regua, take a walk along the Douro River and catch views of the terraced vineyards that line the riverside, then head to Pinhao for a visit of its famous railway station renowned for its iconic blue-painted tiles. Over the course of your day you’ll make visits to a pair of local wineries, where you’ll be treated to wine tastings of different local wines, as well as a locally-inspired lunch. Conclude your day on arrival back to Porto. Note: alternate wineries may be used if required for availability purposes.

Until Next Time…
Meet your private driver for an airport transfer. Please note drivers may or may not speak English as their sole responsibility is to transfer clients from one location to another. If you would like to have the presence of an English speaking Assistant or Guide for your transfer this can be pre-arranged upon request and would be subject to an additional supplement.