Pastéis to Palaces, Perfectly! Our private luxury Portugal tour begins in Lisbon, where azulejo-clad avenues, Roman traces, and quiet convent courtyards frame a city of design, gastronomy, and understated glamour. Continue north to the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of sculpted vineyard terraces—birthplace of Port and a sanctuary for private cellar tastings, riverside estates, and slow, scenic drives. Close in Porto, all granite grandeur and Baroque towers, with tightly stacked riverfront houses and chef-led kitchens pouring local character into every plate.
NEW! Now featuring the AIV "Book Your Own Hotels" option - Join our journey and enjoy very much of the same, but manage your own hotel bookings (using points maybe?)
• Arrive in Lisbon and transfer with your private driver to your charming city-center property, followed by a light welcome lunch.
• Explore Lisbon on a private 3-hour guided walking tour through its historic landmarks, where maritime heritage meets modern vibrance, music, and nightlife.
• Conclude the day with a festive welcome dinner featuring authentic Portuguese flavors and superb regional wines.
• Travel to Sintra to explore the stunning Pena National Palace and the mystical Palace of Regaleira, showcasing the region’s rich Moorish influence.
• Enjoy lunch (own account) in charming Sintra before visiting the hilltop Castelo dos Mouros, an 8th-century fortress overlooking the valley.
• End the day in the seaside town of Cascais, where you’ll have time at leisure to dine at one of our favorite local restaurants, or let us take you back to Lisbon for dinner in town
• Journey to the Alentejo region, beginning with a private guided food and culture tour through the charming town of Évora, followed by lunch at a renowned restaurant, paired with beautiful regional wines.
• Continue to Estremoz for an afternoon cellar visit and wine tasting at one of the region’s standout estates.
• Return to Lisbon for a relaxed evening, with dinner at leisure and our curated local dining recommendations.
• Depart Lisbon and travel north toward the Douro Wine Region, stopping in Coimbra for lunch (own account) and a self-guided exploration of Portugal’s former capital.
• Discover Coimbra’s rich heritage — from the Joanine Library to the Santa Cruz Convent and the tombs of the nation’s first kings.
• Arrive in the Douro Valley by late afternoon, just in time to unwind with wine and enjoy dinner with us, uncovering some of the region's specialities.
• Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading to a local farm for a hands-on cooking class and lunch celebrating regional flavors.
• Stop at a nearby winery for a delightful port tasting on the way back to your property.
• End the day with a private boat cruise on the Douro River, taking in the UNESCO-listed landscapes before an evening at leisure with our dining recommendations.
• Set out through the scenic, winding roads of the Douro Valley, stopping at your first winery for a tasting amid breathtaking views.
• Savor lunch at Cozinha da Clara at Quinta de La Rosa, followed by a visit to a second winery to sample their signature local ports.
• Conclude the day at yet another one of our "best-kept secrets" eatery in the heart of the wine valley, with an exclusive wine tasting and chef-crafted dinner, finishing the evening with a glass of their finest port.
• Depart the Douro Valley and travel toward the coast, stopping in Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Explore the city’s beautifully preserved architecture — from iron balconies and granite arches to elegant mansions and cobbled streets steeped in history.
• Arrive in Porto by afternoon, with the rest of the day and evening at leisure to relax or explore at your own pace.
• Discover Porto’s charm as colorful medieval houses line the Douro River, where traditional boats drift and lively cafés brim with locals sipping port wine.
• Enjoy a private guided tour this morning, exploring the city’s most iconic sites and vibrant riverfront atmosphere.
• In the evening, indulge in a petiscos tasting (farewell) dinner — a feast of small Portuguese dishes paired with regional wines, celebrating the country’s bold culinary spirit.
Extend your stay in or beyond Portugal (how about Morocco?), or head home. Either way, we have you covered with a private airport transfer. Let our travel experts know about possible extensions beyond Portugal, and they will be delighted to craft your very own experience.
“We just got back from a weeklong journey that we had AIV plan for us in Portugal. We had such a fantastic trip and everything was so flawless from the tour guides, the driver’s and the lovely accommodations. I would highly recommend using this company. We have used them numerous times over the years!”
We just returned from our trip to Dubai and South Africa that we have patiently been waiting for since 2020! We had an amazing time and AIV was top notch on all Tours, Meals, Lodging and Transfers. Our driver in SA was wonderful and Katie the Wine Fairy knows her wines, which we really valued. We can’t wait for our next adventure with AIV! Thank you so much.
Our day-to-day itinerary may, from time to time and prior to departure, need to be altered or slightly modified to address possible unforeseen logistical and weather challenges. In such rare instances, Art In Voyage guarantees delivery of the content of the itinerary yet, in a different order.
All listed retreats (hotels, villas, and barges) are, at times, subject to changes. In such rare instances, similar or higher standards will be upheld.
Travel insurance, once purchased, goes into effect upon payment of the premium. You have 15 days from that date to cancel it (providing no claims have been filed or initiated during that period). Beyond 15 days, it becomes non-refundable/non-changeable/non-transferrable.
In case of a cancelation at more than 90 days prior to departure, your deposit will be returned minus a $750 per person administrative fee.
In case of a cancelation within the penalty period: Find a replacement at least 30 days prior to departure and your journey will be fully refunded, minus a $750 per person administrative fee.
