Sample world-class wines as you discover the Douro Valley.
Admire the decadence of Porto's colorful streets and city squares.
Uncover layers of history as your private guide escorts you around the neighborhoods of Lisbon.
Spot dolphins on a cruise off the coast of the Algarve.
Featuring expertly selected premium hotels.
This sample itinerary was created by expert travel partners at Kensington Tours and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
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.
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.
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.
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; Quinta da Pacheca and Quinta de Marrocos, 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.
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En Route
Meet your private driver for a train station transfer.
Enjoy a train ride from Porto to Lisbon. The regular trains take around 3 hrs, while the highspeed trains takes a little less than 3 hours.
Meet your private driver for a train station transfer.
With a private guide and driver, embark on a half-day tour of Lisbon, the city of seven hills, has layers of history dating to occupation by 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, while catching 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 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.
Accompanied by your private guide, depart on a scenic coastal drive, spotting several sandy beaches hidden within the cliffs, protected by the 17th century fortresses along the coast. Arrive to the beautiful resort town of Estoril, famous as the home of the Casino Estoril and Hotel Palácio, known rendezvous points for WWII spies and their handlers, while Portugal remained politically neutral. Take a stroll on the Tamariz Beach promenade, admiring the 17th century Forte da Cruz castle, set behind a backdrop of palm trees. Continue to Cascais, once a small fishing village, the town has managed to maintain its seafaring traditions combined with the aristocratic and royal presences of the late 19th and early 20th century, as it shifted into a luxurious resort town on the Portugal Riviera. Passing through its animated town center you’ll find a cosmopolitan life side by side with stunning Atlantic beaches. After, head to Sintra, where hundreds of years of history and culture await, surrounded by lush vegetation. After a short walk in the old city center, find yourself surrounded by the old houses that are now converted into small quaint handicraft shops and traditional pastry shops. Ascend the mountain by shuttle for a visit of the 19th century Pena Palace, Sintra's undisputed highlight, a most incredible combination of architectural styles, colors, and shapes, you'll feel like you've entered a fairytale. Conclude your day with a return to Lisbon.
The Journey Continues…
Meet your private driver for a train station transfer.
Enjoy a train ride from Lisbon to Albufeira. The journey will take between 2.5 - 3 hours.
Meet your private driver and vehicle for a train station transfer.
Meet your private driver and vehicle for a port transfer.
Make your way to the Albufeira marina to embark on a shared cruise along the Algarve coast to Carvoeiro Beach. In addition to serene and scenic views along the way, you'll have the option to discover some fantastic caves and rock formations, and even take a revitalizing dip in the ocean. On the return, the boat shifts away from the coast as you search for dolphins before returning to the marina.
Meet your private driver and vehicle for a port transfer.
In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own to relax.
Meet your driver for a private transfer to Faro Airport.
Credits:
Created with images by franky1st - "tram train travel" • Walkerssk - "lisbon tram the lisbon tram" • jorgeldantas - "church faith sky" • riquebeze - "egg sausage portugal" • 2109DSGN - "portugal lisbon europe" • anciaes - "azenhas do mar portugal beach" • Jonny_Joka - "portugal albufeira portuguese" • Jonny_Joka - "portugal albufeira algarve" • blende12 - "aircraft sunset silhouette"