Tour Overview
Lisbon and central Portugal plus Azores Islands
5 Days / 4 Nights - Lisbon and Central Portugal
Set out on a on an enchanting five-day exploration of Portugal, where fascinating history, stunning landscapes, and cultural gems await. Discover the lively streets of Lisbon, the enchanting palaces of Sintra, the revered pilgrimage destination of Fátima, and the medieval charm of Évora. This journey offers a perfect fusion of heritage, natural wonders, and exquisite cuisine.
7 Days / 6 Nights - Azores (Faial, Pico and São Miguel islands)
Enjoy a 7-day, 6-night adventure across four of the Azores' most stunning and scenic islands. Explore the awe-inspiring crater lakes set within the ancient volcanoes of São Miguel. Discover the charming port town of Horta on Faial, and take in the breathtaking views of the towering Pico Mountain on the island of Pico. Immerse yourself in the Azores' dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush ecosystems, and peaceful way of life. Uncover the rich history, culture, and geography of the islands, all while experiencing a hassle-free journey—our dedicated experts will take care of every detail, ensuring a smooth and unforgettable vacation.
Itinerary:
Click map to enlarge
Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon
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 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: Departure from Lisbon to Azores
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.
Azores 3 Island Tour
7 days, 6 nights. Visit the three 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. 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.
Azores Island Itinerary
Map of three island tour of the Azores
Day 1 - Horta, Faial
Upon landing at the airport, a transfer will be arranged to take you to your hotel, where you will spend three nights with breakfast included. Horta, once a key hub for early transatlantic cable communications linking the U.S. and Europe, has since transitioned away from its historic role due to advancements in modern technology. Since their discovery in the 14th century, the Azores have played a crucial role as a provisioning stop for ships navigating the Atlantic, making them a valuable asset to colonial powers. Today, Horta is best known for its vibrant yacht harbor, a favorite resting point for transatlantic sailors. A long-standing tradition among visiting crews involves painting the harbor walls with artistic representations of their vessels, leaving a colorful mark of their journey.
Day 2 - Faial
Meet your driver/guide in the hotel lobby for a half-day exploration of Faial. Begin by traveling along the mountain road overlooking the lush Flamengos Valley before reaching Caldeira, the island’s highest point. From there, continue north to Capelinhos, the site of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores, which occurred in 1957-58. This event expanded the island by two square kilometers but also resulted in widespread destruction, forcing many residents to seek new lives in North America. Although erosion is gradually reclaiming the land, the landscape remains a striking reminder of the power of nature. A nearby interpretive center provides insights into the eruption’s impact and geological significance.
Day 3 - Pico
After breakfast, transfer to the harbor for a 30-minute ferry ride to Pico Island. Locally pronounced as "Peak," the island is named after its dominant feature, Pico Mountain. Upon arrival in Madalena, meet your driver for a full-day tour of the Azores’ second-largest island. The island’s inhabitants have long utilized the black volcanic rock to construct homes and walls in a unique architectural style. Pico was once a major whaling center, and a visit to the local whaling museum offers a glimpse into this once-thriving industry, now replaced by eco-friendly whale-watching excursions. A highlight of the tour is a visit to the UNESCO-listed vineyards, where vines grow within small, black lava rock enclosures that protect them from salty ocean winds while capturing heat. After a day of exploration, return to Madalena for the ferry back to Faial and transfer to your hotel.
Day 4 - Faial/São Miguel
Depart from your hotel in Horta for a short flight to São Miguel, the largest and most ecologically diverse island in the Azores. Upon arrival in Ponta Delgada, transfer to your hotel, where you will stay for three nights with breakfast included. As the capital and largest city of the archipelago, Ponta Delgada is a blend of historic charm and modern development. While urban expansion is evident, the heart of the city retains its traditional character. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.
Day 5 - São Miguel
Embark on a full-day tour of Furnas with your guide. Leaving Ponta Delgada, journey along the scenic southern coastline, passing through the village of Lagoa before stopping at Caloura for a breathtaking viewpoint. Continue to Vila Franca for a short coffee break (not included). Upon reaching the Furnas region, explore the geothermal hot springs and witness how local dishes are prepared underground using volcanic heat. The traditional "Cozido nas Caldeiras," a slow-cooked stew featuring meats, sausages, potatoes, and vegetables, is a regional specialty. Next, visit the picturesque town of Furnas, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch (not included). A stop at the stunning 18th-century botanical gardens offers a chance to swim in a naturally heated thermal pool (entry fee not included). Conclude the tour with a drive along the north coast, pausing at a scenic highland viewpoint and a visit to Europe’s only tea plantation before returning to your hotel.
Day 6 -São Miguel
Begin another full-day adventure with a visit to the iconic Sete Cidades, one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world. Stop at "Vista do Rei" (King’s Viewpoint) for a panoramic vista of the twin crater lakes, one appearing blue and the other green. Descend into the valley to explore the charming lakeside village of Sete Cidades. Before returning to Ponta Delgada, visit a pineapple plantation, where the fruit is cultivated in greenhouses due to the island’s cooler climate. Continue to Lagoa do Fogo, the highest crater lake on São Miguel, making stops at Caldeira Velha, Ribeira Grande, and other scenic viewpoints before concluding the tour.
Day 7 - São Miguel
Spend your final morning at leisure, with time for last-minute shopping or a relaxing stroll through Ponta Delgada. The hotel will store your luggage until it is time for your airport transfer. Depart with lasting memories of the Azores’ stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural experiences.
