Tour Overview
Azores Islands plus Lisbon and Surroundings
Please Note: This is a Fully Private program
This package includes private tours in the Azores islands and Lisbon and surroundings. For a semi-private program that includes private tour in Azores and bus tours in Lisbon, making it more cost effective please click here
9 Nights - Azores (Terceira, Faial, Pico and São Miguel islands)
Add a visit to the Azores islands on a breathtaking 10-day, 9-night journey through four of the most captivating and scenic islands of the Azores. Witness the awe-inspiring crater lakes nestled within São Miguel’s ancient volcanoes. Stroll through the charming streets of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Terceira. Visit the picturesque port town of Horta on Faial, and marvel at the majestic Pico Mountain on the island of Pico. Immerse yourself in the Azores’ striking volcanic landscapes, lush biodiversity, and tranquil way of life. Discover the islands’ rich culture, history, and geography, all while enjoying a seamless travel experience—our expert agents will handle all the details, ensuring your trip is stress-free and unforgettable.
4 Nights - Lisbon and Central Portugal
Embark on a captivating five-day journey through Portugal, where rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural treasures await. From the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the fairytale palaces of Sintra, the sacred pilgrimage site of Fátima, and the medieval allure of Évora, this adventure promises an exquisite blend of heritage, natural beauty, and culinary delights.
Azores Island Itinerary (Private tours)
10 days, 9 nights. Visit the four islands with the most to offer and stay in 4 star hotels along the way. São Miguel, offering the largest geographic diversity and some of the most striking scenery, is perhaps the most attractive island in the archipelago. Terceira the third island to be discovered and also the third largest one. Walk the streets of Angra do Heroismo and feel transported back in time. Faial, formerly a crucial staging port for ships on transatlantic routes between Europe and the Americas, is now a popular stop for modern yachtsmen and sailors. Pico, with its grand volcanic cone (the tallest mountain in Portugal), is the perfect destination for a day of exploration offering unique landscapes and quaint villages.
Itinerary - Azores
Day 1 – Arrival in Terceira
Upon arrival at Lajes Airport, enjoy a comfortable transfer to Angra do Heroísmo, located 24 kilometers away. Settle into your 4-star hotel for a three-night stay. Terceira, meaning "third," was the third island discovered in the Azores and remains the third largest in the archipelago. A stroll through Angra do Heroísmo feels like stepping back in time—this impeccably preserved city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once a strategic hub for European ships laden with treasures from the New World between the 16th and 18th centuries. Climb the hill behind the lush public gardens for a spectacular panoramic view of the city and Monte Brasil, a volcanic cone that historically protected Angra’s harbor.
Day 2 – Full-Day Tour of Terceira
Meet your driver/guide in the hotel lobby for an immersive full-day island tour. Journey along the scenic south coast, passing through Porto Judeu, a quaint fishing village. Stop at São Sebastião to visit its 15th-century parish church and admire a vibrant "Império", a small chapel central to the Azorean Holy Spirit festivals—an enduring medieval tradition now rarely seen on mainland Europe. Continue to Praia da Vitória, a charming town with a lively main square and pedestrian-friendly streets. After free time for lunch (not included), travel along a scenic mountain road to Serra do Cume, offering breathtaking views of rolling green pastures outlined by stone walls and hydrangeas. Next, visit Algar do Carvão, a fascinating lava tube adorned with striking stalactites and stalagmites (open June 1 – September 30). Conclude the tour at Biscoitos, a coastal village famous for its natural lava swimming pools, before returning to your hotel via the picturesque villages of Altares, Doze Ribeiras, and São Mateus.
Day 3 – Leisure Day in Terceira
Enjoy a relaxing day exploring Angra do Heroísmo at your own pace. For stunning city views, take a taxi to Monte Brasil, where scenic trails lead past historic fortresses and a well-preserved castle.
Day 4 – Terceira to Faial
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Faial. Upon arrival, transfer to your 4-star hotel in Horta for a three-night stay, including a daily buffet breakfast. Since their discovery in the 14th century, the Azores Islands have played a pivotal role as a transatlantic crossroads, making them highly sought after by European powers. Horta, now a peaceful seaside town, is renowned for its yacht harbor, a sanctuary for transatlantic sailors. Visitors will find the harbor walls adorned with colorful paintings left by passing crews—a longstanding maritime tradition.
Day 5 – Half-Day Tour of Faial
Meet your guide for a half-day island tour, starting with a scenic drive overlooking the Flamengos Valley before reaching Caldeira, Faial’s highest point. Continue to Capelinhos, the site of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores (1957–58), which added 2 square kilometers to the island. This catastrophic event reshaped the landscape, forcing many residents to emigrate to North America. Visit the nearby volcanic interpretation center to learn more about this remarkable geological phenomenon.
Day 6 – Full-Day Excursion to Pico
Take a 30-minute ferry from Faial to Pico Island, home to the Azores’ highest peak, Pico Mountain. Meet your guide in Madalena for a full-day island tour. Discover Pico’s distinctive black volcanic stone houses and walls, built to withstand the island’s elements. Visit a whaling museum, where you’ll gain insight into the island’s whaling heritage and how modern ecotourism has replaced this practice with whale-watching excursions. One of Pico’s most remarkable features is its UNESCO-listed vineyards, where vines are sheltered from the Atlantic winds by small, black volcanic rock walls. Return to Madalena in the afternoon for your ferry back to Horta and transfer to your hotel.
Day 7 – Faial to São Miguel
Transfer to the airport for a short flight to São Miguel, the largest and most geographically diverse island in the Azores. Upon arrival in Ponta Delgada, transfer to your 4-star hotel for a three-night stay with daily breakfast included. As the capital of the Azores, Ponta Delgada blends historic charm with modern conveniences. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the city’s quaint streets, markets, and seaside promenade at your leisure.
Day 8 – Full-Day Tour of Furnas
Meet your guide for a full-day excursion to Furnas, a region famed for its geothermal activity. Travel along the scenic south coast, stopping at Caloura and the historic town of Vila Franca, the former capital of the Azores. At Furnas Lake, witness boiling hot springs and the unique cooking method of Cozido nas Caldeiras, a traditional stew slow-cooked underground by volcanic steam. After a lunch break (not included), explore the 18th-century botanical gardens (entry fee not included), where you can swim in a naturally heated thermal pool. Return via the north coast, stopping at Europe’s only tea plantation, before arriving back at your hotel.
Day 9 – Full-Day Tour of Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo
Embark on a full-day tour, starting with the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. From Vista do Rei (King’s Viewpoint), enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the blue and green lakes nestled within the crater. Descend into the valley to visit the charming village of Sete Cidades. Next, tour a pineapple plantation, where these tropical fruits are cultivated in greenhouses due to the island’s cooler climate. Continue to Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake), the highest crater lake on São Miguel. Along the way, stop at Caldeira Velha, Ribeira Grande, and several scenic viewpoints before returning to your hotel.
Day 10 – Sao Miguel/ Lisbon
Enjoy a leisurely morning before checking out. The hotel will store your luggage, allowing you time for last-minute shopping and sightseeing in Ponta Delgada. Later, transfer to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your unforgettable Azorean adventure and begin of a new one in Lisbon.
Click map to enlarge
Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, enjoy a seamless transfer to your hotel in the heart of Portugal’s charismatic capital. In the afternoon, set out on a fascinating sightseeing tour that unveils the essence of Lisbon. Stroll through its historic quarters, admire grand monuments, and immerse yourself in the city’s golden age of exploration.
Day 11: Lisbon | Sintra | Cabo da Roca | Cascais | Estoril | Lisbon
Step into a storybook realm as you travel to Sintra, a UNESCO-listed cultural gem known for its fairytale palaces and lush mountainscapes. Explore the Pena Palace, a breathtaking fusion of Romanticist architecture perched atop the misty peaks of the Sintra mountains. Enjoy free time to wander through Sintra’s charming village, where boutique shops and cozy cafés beckon. Indulge in the town’s famed pastries—queijadas and travesseiros—before venturing to the Colares wine region, renowned for its exceptional vintages. Continue your journey to Cabo da Roca, the dramatic westernmost point of continental Europe, where rugged cliffs plunge into the vast Atlantic. Passing by the wild beaches of Guincho and the thunderous waves of Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth), you’ll arrive in Cascais, a chic coastal town where traditional fishing heritage meets modern elegance. As the day winds down, drive along the Estoril Coast, enjoying a panoramic view of the Estoril Casino and its manicured gardens, before returning to Lisbon. Highlights:
- Marvel at the colorful Pena Palace in Sintra
- Savor exquisite wines in Colares
- Stand at the edge of Europe at Cabo da Roca
- Stroll through the elegant coastal town of Cascais
Day 12: Lisbon | Fátima | Batalha | Nazaré | Óbidos | Lisbon
Begin the day in Fátima, one of the world’s most revered pilgrimage sites. Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Fátima, where the tombs of Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta rest, and experience the spiritual serenity of the Chapel of the Apparitions. After free time for lunch, travel to Batalha, home to the magnificent Batalha Monastery, an awe-inspiring Gothic and Manueline architectural wonder, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, arrive in Nazaré, Portugal’s most picturesque fishing village, where golden sands meet record-breaking waves. If conditions permit, ascend to Sítio, an iconic cliffside viewpoint offering a breathtaking panorama of the Atlantic coast. Conclude your day in Óbidos, a medieval jewel encircled by ancient walls. Wander through cobbled lanes lined with whitewashed cottages and flower-draped balconies, visit the historic Pousada do Castelo, and savor the town’s signature cherry liqueur, Ginjinha, served in a chocolate cup. Return to Lisbon as the day draws to a close, carrying the essence of Portugal’s diverse landscapes and historic grandeur. Highlights:
- Explore the enchanting whitewashed village of Óbidos
- Visit the majestic Alcobaça Monastery
- Experience the seaside beauty of Nazaré
- Admire the intricate architecture of Batalha Monastery
- Discover the spiritual aura of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima
Day 13: Lisbon | Évora | Lisbon
Set off on a journey into the heart of the Alentejo region, where rolling plains, sun-kissed vineyards, and ancient cork oak forests shape the idyllic scenery. Arrive in Évora, a UNESCO-listed city brimming with history, culture, and architectural splendor. Stroll through its atmospheric lanes, where echoes of Roman, Moorish, and medieval influences intertwine. Visit the Roman Temple of Évora, an extraordinary relic of the city’s imperial past, and admire the Sé Cathedral, a striking fusion of Romanesque and Gothic artistry. Step inside the Chapel of Bones, an eerie yet thought-provoking site where thousands of human bones line the walls, serving as a poignant reminder of life’s impermanence. At the bustling local market, witness the richness of regional produce, the foundation of Alentejo’s celebrated gastronomy. Explore the artistry of handcrafted cork, ceramic, and copper wares before indulging in a wine-tasting experience, sampling some of Portugal’s finest vintages. As the sun begins to set, journey back to Lisbon, savoring the timeless elegance of Évora’s storied past. Highlights:
- Walk among history at the Roman Temple of Évora
- Discover the hauntingly beautiful Chapel of Bones
- Visit the renowned University of Évora
- Enjoy a Moscatel de Setúbal wine tasting in Azeitão
End your journey back in Lisbon, enriched by the beauty, history, and flavors of Portugal’s central region.
Day 14: Departure
After breakfast, bid farewell to Lisbon as you enjoy a private transfer to the Airport. Depart with cherished memories of an unforgettable journey through the country’s most captivating landscapes, historic wonders, and cultural gems.
