Highlights of Portugal

(12 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Lisbon, Sintra, Evora, Obidos, Porto, Douro Valley, Madeira

This tour is perfect for anyone seeking a private tour of Portugal’s most popular destinations. Begin in Lisbon and experience the capital city like an insider with your private guide and driver. During flexible, comprehensive touring, visit our favorite cultural attractions and neighborhoods, seeing Moorish and Manueline-style architectural gems, castles, monasteries and other monuments, and decorative arts attractions. Explore the steep, narrow, twisting streets of the Alfama district and other interesting neighborhoods and learn about their history and unique characters. One day, enjoy an excursion to the lovely aristocratic town of Sintra, known for its beautiful tile-covered palaces and luxuriant vegetation. Tour the country’s most venerable tile factory that still produces exquisite hand-crafted ceramic tiles. Opt to spend more time touring Lisbon, or take an excursion to Evora, an architectural gem of a town with a charming old Jewish quarter and a magnificent ancient Roman temple.

Reservations will be made, if desired, at the city’s leading restaurants and evening cultural performances. During excursions, we’ll also arrange for meals at renowned seaside restaurants considered destinations in and of themselves.

Continue to Porto, the capital of port wine and a fascinating mix of Baroque and modern art and architecture. En route, visit the enchanting, medieval whitewashed village of Obidos, as well as a neighboring village renowned for its traditional ceramics. In Porto, stroll through the narrow streets of the UNESCO-listed historical sector with your expert private guide, enjoying the labyrinthine, flower-bedecked streets, and the many superb examples of Portuguese azulejos (tiles) gracing myriad churches and secular buildings. On a private excursion to the Douro Valley, take a river cruise and visit port wineries and romantic ancient towns along the Douro river.

Next, fly to Madeira, a subtropical island off the coast of Africa blessed with year-round balmy temperatures. Spend three nights at the legendary Reid’s Palace, positioned atop a seaside cliff amidst colorful terraced gardens. During flexible private touring, explore small villages, Madeira wineries and the gardens and monuments of Funchal, the island’s capital. Return to Lisbon for an overnight stay before concluding your tour.