Essential Portugal by Van

Discover the soul of Portugal on an intimate journey carefully designed to cover the best of the country in just one week, from the bohemian streets of Lisbon to the viewpoints of the Douro Valley and the centuries-old wine cellars of Porto. An experience that combines history, spirituality, art, and flavors in an unhurried itinerary, with everything organized so you only have to enjoy it.

You will travel in a high-end private van, accompanied by a Spanish-speaking guide-driver, staying in boutique hotels chosen for their character and location. This tour is an invitation to discover an authentic Portugal, where each stage of the journey reveals a different part of its identity: romantic palaces, university cities, fortified towns, rugged coastlines, pilgrimage centers, and centuries-old vineyards.

The best of the trip

• Starting in Lisbon and ending in Porto

• Spiritual visit to Fátima included

• Palaces of Sintra, medieval villages, and Douro vineyards

• Boutique hotels with breakfast included

• Private transport with a Spanish-speaking guide-driver

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon

• Pick-up at Lisbon airport and transfer to the hotel.

• Walk through the historic center: Baixa, Chiado, and Alfama.

• Welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant with a fado show (optional).

• Overnight in a charming central hotel.

Day 2: Lisbon – Sintra – Cascais – Lisbon

• Full-day excursion:

  • Morning in Sintra with a visit to Pena Palace.

  • Stop at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe.

  • Afternoon in Cascais, an elegant seaside town.

• Return to Lisbon at sunset.

• Free evening in the city.

Day 3: Lisbon – Óbidos – Fátima – Coimbra

• Departure towards the north.

  • Stop in Óbidos, a charming walled medieval village.

  • Visit to the Sanctuary of Fátima, with free time to explore its esplanade and basilica.

• Arrival in Coimbra, a university city.

• Overnight in a historic hotel. Dinner on your own.

Day 4: Coimbra – Aveiro – Peso da Régua (Douro Valley)

• Morning visit to the University of Coimbra and its Joanina Library.

• Stop in Aveiro, known as the “Portuguese Venice”, with a stroll along the canals.

• Continue towards the Douro Valley.

• Arrival in Peso da Régua and overnight in a rural hotel among vineyards.

Day 5: Day in the Douro Valley

• A day to enjoy the wine-growing landscape of the Douro:

  • Walk through vineyards and viewpoints.

  • Traditional lunch with a wine tasting at a cellar.

  • Free afternoon to relax by the river or at the hotel spa.

• Second night in the valley.

Day 6: Peso da Régua – Guimarães – Porto

• Departure to Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal.

  • Visit to the medieval old town and the castle.

• Arrival in Porto in the afternoon.

  • First glimpse of the city: Ribeira, Dom Luís I Bridge, views of the Douro.

• Overnight in a boutique hotel.

Day 7: Porto and return

• Guided visit through the historic center of Porto: Cathedral, Clérigos Tower, São Bento Station.

• Port wine tasting at a cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia.

• Transfer to Porto airport for your return flight.

• End of our services.

Included Services

• Private van transport with a Spanish-speaking guide-driver

• 6 nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Welcome dinner and lunch with wine tasting in the Douro

• Entry tickets to Pena Palace, University of Coimbra, and wine cellars in Porto

• Guided tours in Lisbon, Coimbra, and Porto

• Transfers from Lisbon and to Porto airport

Who is this trip for?

Ideal for travelers who want to experience the best of Portugal in a week, combining culture, scenery, and good food, without worrying about logistics. An elegant, comfortable, and enriching journey.