Wonders of Portugal & the Azores - 11 day tour

Once you arrive at Lisbon Airport, a transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax or take a short stroll nearby to get a first glimpse of the city.

In the evening, you will be welcomed at one of Lisbon’s most traditional fado houses, where you can enjoy an authentic Portuguese dinner accompanied by a live fado performance, the perfect introduction to the city’s soulful culture.
Overnight: Lisbon  |  Dinner

Today, you will set out to explore the Portuguese capital with your local guide, who will meet you at your hotel. The tour begins along Avenida da Liberdade, one of Lisbon’s grandest avenues, once a promenade for the nobility and royal family. You will then continue to Parque Eduardo VII, the city’s largest central park, named in honor of King Edward VII of England following his visit to Lisbon in 1903 to reaffirm the alliance between the two nations.

Next, you will explore some of Lisbon’s most traditional and picturesque neighborhoods, including Alfama and Bairro Alto. These historic districts have preserved their strong sense of community and cultural heritage, reflecting the city’s blend of influences over the centuries. The tour concludes at Praca do Comercio, one of Europe’s largest squares, where you can admire sweeping views of the Tagus River and the lively rhythm of the city.

In the afternoon, your adventure continues with a hands-on cooking class, where you will learn how to make the famous Portuguese custard tarts, the beloved pasteis de nata, a perfect way to end your day in Lisbon.
Overnight: Lisbon  |  Breakfast

Lisbon - Sintra - Cascals - Estoril - Lisbon. This morning, you will journey beyond Lisbon to discover the beauty of Sintra and Cascais. Just 30 kilometers from the capital, Sintra feels as though it has stepped out of a fairy tale, with its mild climate, lush greenery and romantic atmosphere.

You will have the chance to explore one of the town’s remarkable landmarks, whether the National Palace of Sintra, the colorful Pena Palace, the elegant Palace of Monserrate or the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira. Each offers a different glimpse into the town’s rich history and charm.

Your journey continues to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, where you can admire sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean from the dramatic cliffs described by poets as the place “where the land ends and the sea begins.”

In the afternoon, you will visit Cascais, a former fishing village that has grown into an elegant coastal retreat while preserving its historic charm. The return to Lisbon follows the scenic coastal road through Estoril, where you can admire the beaches and graceful seaside architecture before heading back to your hotel.
Overnight: Lisbon  |  Breakfast

Lisbon - Fatima/Coimbra/Obidos – Porto. After breakfast, you will begin your journey north towards Porto, making stops at two of three remarkable destinations of your choice: Obidos, Fatima or Coimbra. Each offers a distinct glimpse into Portugal’s history, culture and spirit.

Fatima is one of the world’s most important Catholic pilgrimage sites, renowned for the apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary witnessed by three shepherd children. The final apparition was marked by a miracle known as “the day the sun danced,” seen by thousands of people.

Coimbra, a city rich in heritage, is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may visit the beautiful Joanina Library or Quinta das Lagrimas, known for the tragic love story of Prince Pedro and Ines de Castro.

Alternatively, you can explore Obidos, a medieval town enclosed by ancient walls where whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled streets and an impressive castle evoke Portugal’s royal past. At the end of the day, you will arrive in Porto and check in at your hotel.
Overnight: Porto  |  Breakfast

Today, you will meet your guide at the hotel lobby for a half-day sightseeing tour of Porto. In the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will enjoy a leisurely walk through its atmospheric streets while learning about the city’s rich history and culture.

Along the way, you will pass by some of Porto’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Lello Library, said to have inspired the Harry Potter books, the Church of St Francis, known for its ornate golden interiors, and the Palácio da Bolsa, admired for its detailed granite work and Neo-Arabic influences (entrances not included).

The tour then continues to the picturesque Douro riverfront, where you can admire the D. Luis Bridge and the famous Port Wine cellars that have made the city world-renowned. As you stroll through the streets, you will stop at local establishments to sample some of Porto’s traditional delicacies.

The experience concludes with a visit to one of the Port Wine Cellars for a guided tasting. Afterwards, a transfer will take you back to your hotel, and the remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure.
Overnight: Porto  |  Breakfast

Porto - Pinhao - Douro Valley - Porto. This morning, after checking out of your hotel, a transfer will take you to Pinhao along National Road 222, one of the most scenic routes in Portugal. As you travel, you can admire the stunning views of the Douro River winding through its terraced vineyards.

On arrival, your guide will show you around Pinhao and take you to some of the best viewpoints in the Douro Valley. You will then enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the region’s renowned wineries, where you can savour authentic local cuisine.

In the afternoon, you will visit the vineyards for a guided tour and wine tasting, learning more about the valley’s celebrated winemaking traditions. The day concludes with a one hour cruise along the Douro River, where you can relax and take in the breathtaking scenery before returning to your hotel in Porto.
Overnight: Porto  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Porto - Ponta Delgada. You will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Ponta Delgada. Upon arrival, a transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel, where you will stay for three nights.

After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. You may wish to take a leisurely stroll through the city center and end the evening with dinner at a traditional restaurant, where you can try some of the Azores’ delicious local dishes.
Overnight: Ponta Delgada  |  Breakfast

Ponta Delgada - Vila Franca do Campo - Furnas - Ribeira Grande - Ponta Delgada. This morning, you will set out to explore the beautiful Furnas region. The first stop is Vila Franca do Campo, the island’s original capital, where you can taste the traditional Queijada da Vila, a sweet pastry made from a historic local recipe.

Continuing to the Furnas Valley and its stunning lagoon, you will witness geothermal activity with steaming fumaroles and see how the famous Cozido das Furnas is slow cooked underground using the earth’s natural heat. Before lunch, you may choose to visit Terra Nostra Garden and take a relaxing dip in its warm thermal waters.

As you climb towards the mountains, a stop will be made at Pico de Ferro, a viewpoint offering breathtaking views across the Furnas Valley. Travelling onwards to the north coast, you will visit the Gorreana tea plantation and factory in Ribeira Grande, where you can taste both green and black teas grown in the island’s fertile soil.

The final stop of the day is Santa Iria viewpoint, where you can admire panoramic views of the island’s rugged northern coastline before returning to your hotel.
Overnight: Ponta Delgada  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Ponta Delgada - Sete Cidades - Ribeira Grande - Ponta Delgada. After breakfast, you will set out to explore two of Sao Miguel’s most beautiful natural sites, Lagoa do Fogo and Sete Cidades. You will start with a visit to a traditional pineapple plantation, where the fruit is grown in greenhouses, and you can taste the island’s famous pineapple liqueur.

You will then travel along the west coast to Pico de Carvao for wonderful views over the island, before reaching Vista do Rei, the viewpoint overlooking the twin lakes of Sete Cidades, one blue and one green. Inside the crater, you will stop at Lagoa de Santiago and the village of Sete Cidades for lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, the tour continues to Capelas, a former whaling village, and the Pedras Negras viewpoint on the north coast. You will also visit Ribeira Grande and Caldeira Velha, where you can take a relaxing swim in the warm waterfall. The day ends at Lagoa do Fogo, a stunning crater lake surrounded by unspoiled scenery, before returning to Ponta Delgada.
Overnight: Ponta Delgada  |  Breakfast

This morning, you will head out on one of the island’s most popular experiences, a whale watching excursion. A transfer will take you to the meeting point, where you will board a boat for a three hour trip in the waters surrounding the Azores.

During the journey, you may spot some of the twenty eight species of cetaceans that inhabit the area, including several kinds of whales and dolphins, as well as turtles, seabirds and other marine life.

After the excursion, a transfer will return you to your hotel, and the afternoon will be free for you to relax or explore at your own pace.
Overnight: Ponta Delgada  |  Breakfast