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15 Day Highlights Tour of Azores and Mainland Portugal


Tour Overview

Lisbon and Surroundings plus Azores Islands

 

5 Days / 4 Nights - Lisbon and Central Portugal

Experience an unforgettable five-day exploration of Portugal, where history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage blend seamlessly. Wander through Lisbon’s vibrant streets, admire the fairy-tale palaces of Sintra, visit the sacred site of Fátima, and step back in time in the medieval city of Évora. This journey offers a perfect mix of stunning landscapes, rich traditions, and delicious cuisine.

10 Days / 9 Nights - Azores (Terceira, Faial, Pico and São Miguel islands)

Extend your adventure with a breathtaking 10-day exploration of the Azores, a collection of stunning volcanic islands in the Atlantic. Discover São Miguel’s dramatic crater lakes, stroll through the historic streets of Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira, visit the charming port town of Horta on Faial, and marvel at the towering Pico Mountain. Immerse yourself in the islands’ diverse landscapes, unique culture, and tranquil way of life while our expert team takes care of every detail for a seamless and unforgettable experience.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival  in Lisbon

3 Day best of Portugal tour Map

Click map to enlarge

Upon arriving at Lisbon Airport, a comfortable transfer will take you to your hotel in the heart of Portugal’s charismatic capital. In the afternoon, set out on an engaging tour to uncover the city’s storied past, stroll through its charming neighborhoods, and admire iconic landmarks that celebrate Lisbon’s golden age of exploration.

Day 2: Lisbon | Sintra | Cabo da Roca | Cascais | Estoril | Lisbon

Step into the magical setting of Sintra, a UNESCO-listed town famous for its romantic palaces and lush landscapes. Explore the vibrant Pena Palace, a masterpiece of Romanticist architecture perched atop the Sintra Mountains.

After some free time to wander Sintra’s charming streets and sample its signature pastries, continue to the Colares wine region for a taste of local vintages. Next, visit Cabo da Roca, the dramatic westernmost point of continental Europe, where the cliffs meet the Atlantic in spectacular fashion.

Pass by the rugged beaches of Guincho and the powerful waves of Boca do Inferno before arriving in Cascais, a picturesque coastal town where fishing traditions blend with modern sophistication. Conclude the day with a scenic drive along the Estoril Coast, taking in views of the famous casino and its elegant 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 destinations. Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Fátima and experience the peaceful ambiance of the Chapel of the Apparitions.

After some free time for lunch, head to Batalha to admire its stunning Gothic monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a masterpiece of Manueline architecture.

Continue to Nazaré, a coastal village famous for its golden beaches and record-breaking waves. If conditions allow, ascend to Sítio for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean.

The final stop is Óbidos, a medieval gem encircled by ancient walls. Wander its cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses, admire the historic Pousada do Castelo, and sample the town’s famous cherry liqueur, Ginjinha, served in a chocolate cup.

Return to Lisbon in the evening, enriched by the diverse landscapes and cultural heritage encountered throughout the day.

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

Venture into the Alentejo region, where rolling vineyards, cork forests, and historic towns define the landscape. Arrive in Évora, a UNESCO-listed city with a fascinating blend of Roman, Moorish, and medieval influences.

Walk through its atmospheric streets, visit the well-preserved Roman Temple of Évora, and admire the Sé Cathedral, a striking combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Step inside the haunting yet captivating Chapel of Bones, where human skulls and bones line the walls in a powerful reflection on mortality.

At the local market, discover the flavors of Alentejo’s renowned cuisine, from cured meats to fine wines. Before returning to Lisbon, enjoy a wine tasting in Azeitão, sampling some of Portugal’s best Moscatel de Setúbal.

Highlights:

  • Discover the ancient history of Évora
  • Experience the eerie beauty of the Chapel of Bones
  • Visit the prestigious 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

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a private transfer to the airport. With cherished memories of Portugal’s rich history and stunning landscapes, prepare to explore the breathtaking Azores.

Azores Four Island Tour

 

Itinerary - Azores

Map of four island tour of the Azores

Map of four island tour of the Azores

Day 1 – Arrival in Terceira

Arrive at Lajes Airport and transfer to your hotel in Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO-listed city that once played a key role in Atlantic trade routes. Stroll through its beautifully preserved streets and admire the sweeping views from Monte Brasil, a volcanic formation that once protected the harbor.

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

Join your guide for a full-day tour, traveling along the scenic coastline through traditional villages. Visit the 15th-century parish church in São Sebastião, admire colorful Holy Spirit chapels, and explore Praia da Vitória.

In the afternoon, journey through rolling green pastures to Serra do Cume for breathtaking panoramic views. Stop at Algar do Carvão, a volcanic cave adorned with dramatic stalactites, before ending the tour in Biscoitos, known for its natural lava swimming pools.

Day 3 – Leisure Day in Terceira

Spend the day at your own pace, exploring Angra do Heroísmo or hiking scenic trails around Monte Brasil.

Day 4 – Terceira to Faial

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Faial. Upon arrival, check into your hotel in Horta, a historic port town famous for its marina, a resting point for transatlantic sailors.

Day 5 – Half-Day Tour of Faial

Tour the island’s highlights, from the lush Flamengos Valley to the volcanic crater of Caldeira. Visit Capelinhos, the site of the 1957 eruption that reshaped the coastline, and explore its fascinating interpretation center.

Day 6 – Full-Day Exploring Pico

Take a ferry to Pico Island, home to Portugal’s highest peak. Tour the island’s striking volcanic landscape, visit a whaling museum, and explore UNESCO-listed vineyards where vines grow in sheltered stone enclosures.

Day 7 – Faial to São Miguel

Fly to São Miguel, the largest Azorean island. Spend the afternoon exploring Ponta Delgada, a charming city with a mix of historic and modern influences.

Day 8 – Full-Day Tour of Furnas

Discover the geothermal wonders of Furnas, from bubbling hot springs to the famous Cozido stew cooked underground by volcanic steam.

Day 9 – Full-Day Tour of Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake)

Marvel at the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades and the dramatic beauty of Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake), stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way.

Day 10 – Departure Back to Lisbon or International Flight Out 

Enjoy a final morning in Ponta Delgada before transferring to the airport for your return journey.

What's Included

Included:

Azores Islands

  • Terceira – 3 Nights
  • Faial – 3 Nights; Includes a full-day trip to Pico island
  • São Miguel – 3 Nights
  • Airfare Lisbon/Terceira/Faial/Sao Miguel/Lisbon
  • Transfers airport/hotel/airport
  • Full-day tour of Terceira
  • Half-day tour of Faial
  • Full-day tour of Pico
  • Full-day tour to Furnas, Sao Miguel
  • Full-day tour to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo with picnic, Sao Miguel
  • Roundtrip ferry tickets from Faial to Pico
  • Transfers hotel/harbor/hotel
  • Daily buffet breakfast
  • Hotel tax and hotel service charge
  • One complimentary small food crate with local products (São Miguel Island only)
  • Sightseeing by private car with English speaking driver/guide

Mainland Portugal

  • 4 nights accommodation on buffet breakfast basis Hotel 4 star or similar in Lisbon
  • Arrival and departure transfers Lisbon Airport/Hotel/Lisbon Airport
  • Half day Lisbon on the first or last day depending on flight times
  • Transport by air conditioned bus or minivan as per detailed itinerary
  • Official Guide during entire tour
  • 3 Lunches
  • Entrances fees: Palacio da Pena (Sintra), Mosteiro da Batalha Cloisters (Batalha), Evora Cathedral , S. Francisco Church And Bone’s Chapel (Evora)

Does not Include

  • International flights to and from Lisbon or Azores. Please contact us for additional price
  • Airport Transfers (Let us know if you would like a quote)
  • City Taxes  to be paid directly by the client to the hotel
  • Entrance fees to museums, lakes and parks, unless for those stated above
  • Other expenses such as porterage fees at the hotel, dinners or personal expenses

Dates & Rates

Choose a Package Type

For some packages you may be given a choice of different Hotel Categories: Comfort and Superior.

Superior/Premier

  • Includes first class 4-star lodging, with the exception of Flores Island if your package includes this island.
  • Each package has a hotel summary description. For more detailed information, please Google the hotel online.
  • In  case you have a Hotel preference, please let us know if you have preference for sea view rooms when you send us your booking request. Seaview rooms have an additional charge.
  • Please note that Pousada Forte da Horta will be closed until March 31. You will be booked at Hotel Azoris Faial Garden with no price difference.

Comfort/Standard

  • Includes 4-star tourist class lodging and standard rooms. May include first class 3-star lodging in the smaller islands.
  • Sea view rooms upgrade available in some hotels with supplement.
  • Each package has a hotel summary description. For more detailed information, please Google the hotel online.

Room Type

  • Solo = Person traveling alone
  • Single = Person staying in a single room while traveling with others, sharing land services such as transfers and tours.
  • Double = 2 Persons per room
  • Triple = 3 Persons per room

General

Booking your vacation

  • While prices are shown in USA dollars, we can also charge in Euros at the prevailing currency conversion daily rate.
  • Early booking is advised. Availability of accommodations and inter-island flight is limited especially in summer months.
  • If hotels named in itinerary are not available at time of booking, alternate similar same rating properties will be confirmed, and subject to new quote.
  • Order of islands visited may need to be altered due to flight schedule changes.
  • Unless otherwise indicated, sightseeing tours are by private car with English speaking driver. Other languages are available upon request.
  • Quotations with different hotels have a non refundable deposit of $50. Deposit will be credited towards final booking price.

Booking your Vacation with Air

  • International airfare for this package is additional to price shown on Rates table. Departure cities are limited to those serviced by SATA International (Azores Airlines).
  • If you want a quote for airfare to be included make sure to check yes when prompted during the booking/reservation request process.

Booking Conditions

  • A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $350 per person is required to book and hold both land and air for you.
  • Final payment is due 50 days before departure.
  • Option to pay full price up front is available.

Cancellation Policy - Land Portion

  • Full-payment minus the $350 deposit per person is refunded if canceled up to 50 days prior departure.
  • 75% of full-payment paid per person if refunded if cancelled 49-39 days prior departure.
  • 50% of full-payment paid per person is refunded if canceled 38-31 days prior departure.
  • No refunds if canceled less than 30 days prior departure.

Cancellation Policy - Airfare

  • Airfare cancellation terms and conditions are those of the Airlines company and will be provided to you before ticket is booked.

Refund Fees

  • On any payments made via a bank credit card, a 3.9% bank credit card assessed fee will be subtracted from any refunded payment, including deposits refunded due to services requested not available for date of booking.

I want to book. What do I do next?

  • Click on the "Book Now" or "Request Quote" button to send your reservation request.
  • No payment will be collected at this time.
  • Our travel Associate will contact you via email to answer any questions and book your Package.
  • If you don't plan to book at this time please click here to contact us with any questions or concerns about your trip or your holiday.

Booking Changes

  • A fee of $35 per person, per transaction, will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. 
  • If the change increases the value of the booking, the $35 per person fee will be waived.

Travel Insurance

  • We strongly recommend you purchase travel/cancellation insurance.

Hotels

Note: Hotels shown are for reference only. We reserve the right to change hotels based on availability, group size or other factors. Should alternate hotel be required, it will be of same or better rating .

Comfort Hotels

Superior Hotels

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