Tour Overview
Azores Islands Islands plus Lisbon and Surroundings
Please note: This is a Semi-Private program
This package includes private tours in the Azores islands and bus shared tours in Lisbon and surroundings. For a full private tour of Lisbon and the islands please click here
6 Nights - Azores ( Faial, Pico and Sao Miguel)
Add a visit to the Azores islands on a breathtaking 7-day, 6-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. 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
Set out 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)
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.
Day 1 - Horta, Faial
Arrival transfer service from the airport to hotel. Spend 3 nights in Faial with breakfast included. Horta was once the strategic relay point for early trans-Atlantic cable communications between the U.S. and Europe. Modern technology now bypasses the old cable network. Since their discovery in the 14th century, the Azores Islands have played an important role as a staging and victualing point for ships crossing the Atlantic, an enviable location for nations with New World colonies. Today, Horta is famous for its yacht harbor, a haven for trans-Atlantic yachts and sailboats. Visiting crews paint the harbor walls with names and pictures of their vessels.
Day 2 - Faial
Your driver/guide will meet you in the lobby for your half-day island tour. Depart the hotel on the mountain road overlooking the Valley of Flamengos, toward Caldeira, the highest point on the island. Continue north to Capelinhos, site of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores. This 1957-58 event added 2 square km to the island. Earthquakes and ash destroyed much of the west side of the island prompting many islanders to immigrate to North America. The elements are slowly eroding the ash. There is a nearby museum detailing the eruption.
Day 3 - Pico
Transfer from the Hotel to the harbor for a 30 minute trip to Pico. Pronounced "Peak" by Azoreans, the translation is exactly that. Meet your driver at the ferry dock in Madalena on Pico for a full day tour of the second largest island in the Azores. The island is dominated by the great bulk of Pico Mountain. Islanders make good use of the black volcanic rocks to build houses and walls in a distinctive fashion. Pico was an important whaling station and there is a museum showing how islanders took to the seas in open boats in pursuit of the leviathans. Fortunately, tourists are now the only ones who go to sea to see the many species of whales around the island. An unusual feature of Pico is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of acres of vineyards encircled by small, black volcanic rock walls to protect them from the salt winds and to collect extra heat. No lunch included. Return to Madalena in the afternoon for the ferry trip back to Horta and transfer back to the Hotel.
Day 4 - Faial/São Miguel
Transfer service from your Horta hotel to the airport for the short flight to São Miguel, the largest and most geographically diverse of the islands. Upon arrival in Ponta Delgada, you will be transferred to your hotel, for the next 3 nights with daily buffet breakfast. Ponta Delgada is the largest city as well as the capital of the Azores. Urban sprawl is beginning to set in but the historic central part of the city is still charming. The hotel is well located for walks through the historic section. Balance of the day at leisure.
Day 5 - São Miguel
Full-day tour of Furnas. Your driver/guide will pick you up at your hotel for your full day trip to Furnas. Just outside of Ponta Delgada, the rural life of São Miguel dominates. Depart along the south road passing the village of Lagoa for a viewpoint at Caloura. Continue to Vila Franca for a coffee break (not included). Upon arrival in the Furnas area, visit the lake and hot springs, and see the holes in the ground where meals are cooked by underground steam. Pots full of various meats, sausages, potatoes, and vegetables are steamed for 7 hours to produce "Cozidos nas Caldeiras" (Caldeira Stew). Continue to the charming town of Furnas for a lunch stop (lunch not included). Visit the beautiful botanical gardens established in the 18th century (entry fee not included) with the opportunity to swim in the hot springs swimming pool. Cross the island to the north coast, stopping for a fine view of both the south and north coasts from an interior highland. On the way, you will visit a tea plantation, the only one in Europe. Return to your hotel about 5:30pm.
Day 6 -São Miguel
Full-day tour of Sete Cidades ( Twin Lakes) and Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake) with picnic lunch. After meeting your driver/guide in the hotel lobby, head west to one of the most awesome natural sights in the world, the twin caldeira lakes of Sete Cidades. The view from "Vista do Rei" (King's View) high on the crater's rim is stunning. Far below, next to the lakes is the pretty village of Sete Cidades (Seven Cities, named for a mythical kingdom). Descend into the caldeira to visit the town. Before returning to Ponta Delgada, stop at a pineapple plantation. The Azores are not warm enough to grow pineapples in the open but they thrive in the greenhouses with careful cultivation methods. The pineapples are small but very sweet. Continue to the Fire Lake, the highest crater lake located in the center of the island, stop at Caldeira Velha, Ribeira Grande and return to Ponta Delgada.
Day 7 - São Miguel/ Lisbon
Check out late in the morning. The hotel will store your baggage for you. Day free for last minute shopping and sightseeing in Ponta Delgada before your transfer to the airport. Transfer to airport and Flight to Lisbon.
Lisbon Itinerary (shared tours)
Click map to enlarge
Day 8: 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 9: 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 mountains capes. 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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.
