ESSENTIAL PORTUGAL

Day 1 Arrive Porto

Arrive in Porto today where you will be met at the airport and transferred privately to your charming hotel, set in a former iron warehouse on the southern end of Rua das Flores. After time to relax after your journey, you may wish to explore your surroundings. A short walk will take you to the picturesque riverside area, or you can simply sit in the square and perhaps play a hand of whist, as was the trend in the 16th Century.

Option: upgrade your stay to the Yeatman Hotel with its acres of walled gardens and expansive outdoor pool set amongst the port wine warehouses of Vila Nova da Gaia, just over the river.

Overnight: Hotel Maison Albar Le Monumental Palace

Day 2 Exploring Porto

After breakfast, meet your local guide and explore Porto on foot. Be sure to stop at a pastelaria for some pasteis de nata, and visit the bustling markets. Stop at São Bento rail station to marvel at its beautiful tiled walls, and ascend the Torre dos Clérigos for the best views over the city. Spend all afternoon at leisure exploring Porto under your own steam. The Rua de Miguel Bombarda is lined with pop-up art galleries, and the Lello Bookshop, supposedly the inspiration for the Hogwarts Library in Harry Potter, is a must-see even if you are not a bibliophile. Alternatively visit the Serralves Museum of modern art to admire the Warhols.

Option: Learn the ancient traditional art of tile making as you try your hand at creating your own azulejo, Portugal's typical blue and white decorative tiling. Alternatively you may wish to spend the afternoon sampling port on a private wine cellar tour in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Overnight: Hotel Maison Albar Le Monumental Palace

Day 3 Porto - Douro Valley

After breakfast this morning, hop behind the wheel of your hire car and take the short drive inland to the Douro River Valley. Your base here will be the Vintage House Hotel, an 18th-century wine lodge owned by the Taylor family and set in the serene riverside town of Pinhão This afternoon is free for you to explore Pinhão by bike, enjoy a wine tasting at the Wine Academy or just spend a relaxing afternoon by the pool.

Overnight: The Vintage House Hotel

Day 4 Discovering the Douro Valley

Spend time on the river this morning on a private cruise in a traditional Rabelo boat, as you navigate your way through the vine terraces on the calm Douro River. The afternoon is yours to relax in these UNESCO World Heritage surroundings or further explore the region. Don't miss the pretty rail station façade in central Pinhão which depicts the grape harvest in azulejo tiles, or head to the nearby town of Lamego and climb, pilgrim-style, the hundreds of zig-zag steps up to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios.

Option: Extend your time on the river and stop at a nearby Quinta wine estate for a port tasting.

Overnight: The Vintage House Hotel

Day 5 Douro Valley - Alentejo

Leave the river valley behind this morning as you drive south to explore Portugal's Alentejo region. The Alentejo is a wild and untouched area of central Portugal, dotted with cork orchards, white-washed villages and wildflower meadows. Stay at the Torre de Palma wine hotel, a 14th-century mansion with stylish rooms set in the former stables and workers' cottages. Relax in the spa, perhaps ride to the nearby ruined Roman villa astride a Lusitano horse or simply unwind in these tranquil surroundings and enjoy some more wine.

Overnight: Torre de Palma

Day 6 Alentejo - Lisbon

This morning make your way to Lisbon, a leisurely drive with some wonderful stops along the way. We would first recommend you call in at Estremoz, Portugal's marble capital, with a picturesque medieval centre. Stop for lunch at Evora, the capital of the Alentejo, and be sure to visit the town's Roman temple. For the final leg of your journey drop off the car on the outskirts of Lisbon and take a taxi through the crazy traffic to your hotel - the Bairro Alto - your home for the next two nights. The Bairro Alto is a sublimely-restored historic hotel, where wonderful views from the roof terrace and the delicious creations of chef Nuno Mendes in the kitchen make this a wonderful choice for a few nights in Lisbon.

Option: Navigate the winding streets of Lisbon's historic neighbourhoods by tuk-tuk this evening, as your guide whizzes you across the seven hills to visit the Lapa, Santos and the Graça with its superb views over the city.

Overnight: Bairro Alto Hotel

Day 7 Culture and History in Lisbon

This morning is free for you to explore Lisbon's varied districts at your leisure. Perhaps start with the Bairro Alto, long time haunt of artists and writers, giving the area a somewhat bohemian flair. You could continue on to the nearby Chiado neighbourhood filled with elegant shops before heading to the riverside to visit Baixa, the liveliest of the districts. Or take in the Alfama, home to Portugal's traditional Fado folkloric music, and the São Jorge Castle. The afternoon could be spent exploring the Belém district or perhaps taking a ride on the rickety old no. 28 tram as it crosses Lisbon's most historic streets.

Overnight: Bairro Alto Hotel

Day 8 Depart

Transfer to Lisbon airport for your flight home.

Option: perhaps extend your stay in Lisbon by heading out to visit the amazing town of Sintra, summer retreat of the royals, and home to two extraordinary castles and many fine mansions which are well worth a visit, if you have the time.