11 Days | Best of Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve
- Unveil Porto’s rich history with a private guide, exploring hidden gems chosen just for you.
- Explore the Douro Valley, savoring its famous wines and terraced vineyards along the river.
- Discover Sintra and Belém’s sites, revealing Portugal’s Age of Exploration and rich history.
- Hike the scenic Seven Hanging Valleys, then explore Algarve’s caves on a boat tour.
- Retreat each night to premium accommodations, carefully chosen by a Kensington Tours Destination Expert.
A Travel Experience Like No Other
This sample itinerary was created by experts 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 depart whenever you choose.
Day 1: Porto
The Adventure Begins
Meet your driver for a private airport transfer. For your added comfort, we will have an English speaking assistant waiting for you outside the customs with a sign with your name on it. Your representative will help you to co-ordinate meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.
A Welcome Package will be provided and will include any relevant documents or tickets required for your trip.
Where you’ll be staying: NH Collection Porto Batalha
Day 2: Porto
Get a Lay of the Land
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 12th 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 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. Stop for an included coffee and pastry at one of Porto's iconic turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau cafes, once a favored haunt of famous literary icons. 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.
Where you’ll be staying: NH Collection Porto Batalha
Day 3: Porto
Cultural Immersion
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 and 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.
Where you’ll be staying: NH Collection Porto Batalha
Day 4: Porto to Lisbon
A Change of Scenery
Meet your private driver for a train station transfer.
Board a train for a transfer from Porto to Lisbon. The regular trains take around 3 hours, while the highspeed trains takes slightly less.
Meet your private driver for a train station transfer.
Accompanied by your knowledgeable private driver-guide, 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.
Where you’ll be staying: Hotel Britania
Day 5: Lisbon
See the Signature Sights in Style
Depart Lisbon towards 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. Next, head to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, and gaze out over the Atlantic from the end of the world. 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. End the tour with 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 Palacio, 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. Conclude your day with a return to Lisbon.
Where you’ll be staying: Hotel Britania
Day 6: Lisbon
A Walk Through the Past
Embark on a full day tour with a private tourism driver, gaining insight into the cities and wines of the Alentejo. Head out into this renowned region and make your way to a local winery where you'll join a small group visit of their unique facility, including a guided tasting of a pair of wines produced on site. Just as the wines are standing between old wisdom and modern winemaking, the winery is promoting a dialogue between a medieval palace and contemporary architecture. Its style is relaxed and cosmopolitan, with beautiful Evora in its background. Tie a bow on your visit as you're treated to a filling snack-style lunch, paired with more wine - an excellent opportunity to hone in your favorite. In the afternoon, continue to Evora and uncover the capital of the Alentejo. Boasting a UNESCO-listed Old Town, Evora is a city overflowing with religious architecture, former palaces and stunning marble fountains. Admire the stonework of the 18th-century Evora Cathedral and take in the columned remains of the 2,000-year-old Roman Temple. Spot buildings of Portugal's second-oldest university, established in 1559 and visit the aptly-named Chapel of Bones, a 16th century Franciscan monk construct, where an incredible amount of human skulls and bones decorate the walls. Conclude your day with a return transfer to Lisbon.
Where you’ll be staying: Hotel Britania
Day 7: Lisbon to Albufeira
En Route
Meet your private driver for a train station transfer.
Board a train for a transfer from Lisbon to Albufeira. The journey will take between 2.5 - 3 hours.
Meet your private driver for a train station transfer.
The Algarve region on the South Coast of Portugal has become popular amongst travelers for its dramatic coastline, typical fishing villages and beautiful beaches. Take some time at leisure to enjoy a well-deserved beach day at one of the area's many fine beaches. Whatever your preference, be it the bustling and energetic atmosphere of a popular beach club, or the serenity of secluded sandy coves, Albufeira are the Algarve region has you covered. Within your final trip documents, you’ll receive a supplemental composition which showcases our top beach suggestions in the area, as selected by Kensington Tours Destination Experts.
Where you’ll be staying: Pine Cliffs Hotel
Day 8: Albufeira
Tastes and Traditions
Embark on an delicious expedition into the heart of the breathtaking Algarve countryside with a private tourism driver. As you traverse the bucolic terrain, indulge in the majestic sight of sprawling cork trees, quaint villages and lively orange groves that adorn the picturesque landscape. After a scenic drive, you'll reach a quaint olive oil farm, where a warm welcome from the farmer awaits. Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of olive oil production with a guided tour of the olive grove, followed by an exploration of the oil mill. Discover the ancient process of olive oil extraction using a press that dates back to the Roman era, where only the finest hand-picked olives are used. Delight in the savory taste of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the result of the superior quality of olives harvested from mid-September to early November. As the tour comes to a close, return to your hotel with memories which will linger on your tastebuds.
Where you’ll be staying: Pine Cliffs Hotel
Day 9: Albufeira
Explore with an Expert
Embark on a truly transformative adventure as you set out on a captivating hike along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, accompanied by your dedicated driver-guide and expert hiking companion. This remarkable trail will lead you on a spellbinding expedition through the awe-inspiring natural marvels of the Algarve, an essential destination for those who relish the outdoors and seek thrilling experiences. Afterward, hop on a boat for a two-hour shared cruise to explore the renowned Algarve caves from a unique water perspective. As the day draws to a close, return to your hotel to complete this unforgettable journey.
Where you’ll be staying: Pine Cliffs Hotel
Day 10: Albufeira
Relax and Recharge
The Algarve region on the South Coast of Portugal has become popular amongst travelers for its dramatic coastline, typical fishing villages and beautiful beaches. Take some time at leisure to enjoy a well-deserved beach day at one of the area's many fine beaches. Whatever your preference, be it the bustling and energetic atmosphere of a popular beach club or the serenity of secluded sandy coves, Albufeira are the Algarve region has you covered. Within your final trip documents, you’ll receive a supplemental composition which showcases our top beach suggestions in the area, as selected by Kensington Tours Destination Experts.
Where you’ll be staying: Pine Cliffs Hotel
Day 11: Albufeira to Faro
Until Next Time...
Meet your driver for a private transfer to Faro Airport.
Contact your FROSCH Travel Advisor for more info and to request a custom quote today.
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