Lovely Portugal Tour: Lisbon, Porto, Azores

Upon your arrival at Lisbon’s Portela Airport, you will be met and transferred to Porto. En route, you can visit Obidos and Nazare. Obidos’ whitewashed buildings with their red roofs and the town’s imposing medieval castle provide a special introduction to Portugal. You will then continue to Nazare, a popular surfing destination. Here, you can dip your toes in the Atlantic Ocean and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazare before arriving in Porto. Once you arrive, you can enjoy the remainder of the day to spend at your leisure.

Today, you will venture out with your guide to explore the city of Porto. While not as internationally famous as Lisbon, Porto will swiftly reveal itself as a fantastic destination in its own right. You can visit the Sao Bento Train Station and the Cathedral before making your way to the colorful neighborhood of Ribeira, Porto’s Old Town. You will then make your way to the Lello Bookstore. Its intricate shelves, wood paneling, and other interior details mix Art Nouveau, Neo-Gothic and Art Deco elements. In the afternoon, you will have a 1-hour boat cruise on the Douro River, followed by a visit to a Port Wine cellar.

In recent years, the Douro Valley has emerged as a world-renowned region for wine production. You can discover this UNESCO World Heritage region as you visit a local vineyard that produces wine and Port. As you taste the incredible local wine on offer, you will also have the chance to savor the natural beauty of the region. Terraced vines overlook the river, and rolling hills frame the clouds and sky. After a traditional lunch, you will return to Porto for the remainder of the evening.

Today will be yours to enjoy Porto as you see fit. Porto’s position near the sea makes it a perfect location for seafood. Signature dishes include codfish (known locally as bacalhau) and sardines. Porto’s city center has been recognized by UNESCO, and you may wish to leisurely explore at your own pace or visit the riverfront and watch the boats. Regardless of how you choose to spend your day, it will be spent in an idyllic corner of the world.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the train station for the trip to Lisbon. After checking in at your accommodation, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure. Lisbon is very pedestrian-friendly (except for the hills) and a wonderful place to explore. If you are craving a sweet treat, the local pastel de nata, an egg custard tart with a flakey crust, is a true delight.

This morning, you will meet your guide for a walking tour of Lisbon. As you walk through the maze of alleys and side streets, you will see remnants of the Portuguese empire. Here, black and white cobblestones are arranged in blocks, waves, and intricate patterns. Lisbon is a city that has endured much through the centuries, and various influences from ancient Rome to Moorish occupation can be seen throughout the city. The downtown neighborhood of Baixa was reconstructed after the earthquake in 1755 and stands as a testament to city planning and ideals that date back to the Enlightenment.

This morning, you can venture out for an excursion to Sintra. From the colorful Pena Palace to the imposing Castelo de Moros, a visit to Sintra is like stepping back in time. The small town itself features narrow streets and tiny restaurants and cafes. En route back to Lisbon, you will visit the Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point. You can continue to Cascais and Estoril, which are beautifully situated on the beach. Afterward, you will return to Lisbon for an evening at your leisure.

Today, you will leave mainland Portugal and fly to the wild islands of the Azores. Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Ponta Delgada, the island of Sao Miguel’s largest city. While you will immediately recognize features of the city from Porto and Lisbon because of the islands’ geographical isolation and challenging topography, residents have developed a distinctive cultural identity from the rest of Portugal. You will settle in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

After breakfast, you can venture out for an adrenaline-pumping Jeep tour to Sete Cidades and the Lagoa do Fogo. The Azores are a group of nine volcanic islands, and you will have the chance to enjoy the breathtaking scenery that has developed as a result of volcanic activity in the area. You can bask in the view from the edge of the caldera and visit the St. Nicolau church. After lunch, you will continue to Lagoa do Fogo or Lake of Fire to learn more about the seismic history of the islands. Once your tour concludes, you will return to Ponta Delgada in the afternoon.

This morning, you will head up north to Furnas and visit a tea plantation en route. Fully immersed in the wilds of the island, you will notice how distinct and ruggedly beautiful the Azores are. Enjoy a dip in the natural thermal springs before enjoying a lunch of cozidos, which is a stew cooked in the calderas. Afterward, you will return to Ponta Delgada via the southern coast, stopping in Nossa Senhora da Paz to witness its expansive views.

This morning, you will venture to the northeast of Sao Miguel after breakfast for another opportunity to visit part of this spectacular island. With its dynamic landscape, there are ample opportunities to check out different viewing spots, such as Ponta de Sossego, Tronqueira, and others. You can also visit the church of Sao Jorge and enjoy a traditional lunch before returning to Ponta Delgada full of memories and excellent photos.

This morning, you will have one final chance to pick up a last-minute souvenir or to seek out your last pastel de nata before your departure. After a brief leisurely period, you will transfer to the airport for your international departure.