Tour Overview & Itinerary
Combine three of the Azores Islands with Lisbon and some of mainland Portugal’s best-known historic destinations on a fully private touring program. The Azores portion features private touring on Faial, Pico and São Miguel, followed by private sightseeing from Lisbon to destinations including Sintra, Fátima and Évora.
Begin in Horta on Faial, where a private island tour introduces the central Caldeira and the volcanic landscape of Capelinhos. Cross by ferry to Pico for a private full-day excursion featuring Mount Pico, volcanic vineyards and the island’s maritime heritage. Continue to São Miguel for private touring to Furnas, Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo before flying to Lisbon.
From Lisbon, continue with private sightseeing by sedan or minivan to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais and Estoril; Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré and Óbidos; and Évora and the Alentejo. This is a fully private program: both your Azores sightseeing and your Lisbon and mainland Portugal excursions are private. Prefer a more cost-effective option with shared open-group touring on the mainland? View our similar semi-private Azores and mainland Portugal tour.
Azores Itinerary
Azores 3 island, Lisbon and surrounding towns package tour
Day 1 - Faial: Arrival in Horta
Arrive on Faial and transfer from the airport to your hotel in Horta. Spend three nights on Faial with breakfast included. Horta has a long Atlantic maritime tradition and later became an important relay point for transatlantic cable communications. Today, its marina remains closely associated with sailors crossing the Atlantic. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the waterfront and historic center at your own pace.
Day 2 - Faial: Private Tour of Caldeira and Capelinhos
Meet your driver/guide for a private half-day island tour. Travel through the Valley of Flamengos toward Faial’s central Caldeira before continuing to Capelinhos on the western end of the island. The dramatic landscape here was shaped by the 1957–58 eruption, which transformed this part of Faial. A nearby interpretation center presents the history and geology of the eruption.
Day 3 - Pico: Private Full-Day Island Excursion
Transfer from your hotel to Horta harbor and take the ferry to Madalena on Pico. Meet your driver for a private full-day island tour beneath the unmistakable profile of Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest mountain.
Discover Pico’s volcanic landscapes, traditional settlements and maritime heritage. The island’s vineyard landscape, divided by extensive walls of black volcanic stone, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch is not included. Return to Madalena for the ferry back to Horta and transfer to your hotel.
Day 4 - Faial to São Miguel: Ponta Delgada
Transfer from your Horta hotel to the airport and fly to São Miguel. Upon arrival in Ponta Delgada, transfer to your hotel for three nights with daily buffet breakfast. The balance of the day is free to explore the historic center, waterfront, restaurants and shops.
Day 5 - São Miguel: Private Furnas Tour
Meet your driver/guide for a private full-day tour to Furnas. Travel along the south coast through Lagoa and Caloura toward Vila Franca do Campo before reaching the Furnas area. Visit the lake and geothermal zone, where the traditional dish cozido is prepared using natural volcanic heat.
Continue into Furnas for a lunch stop; lunch is not included. You will also have an opportunity to visit the botanical gardens and thermal attractions, with garden admission not included. Later, cross toward the north coast, stopping at scenic viewpoints and a tea plantation before returning to Ponta Delgada.
Day 6 - São Miguel: Private Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo Tour
Enjoy a private full-day tour of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo with a picnic lunch. Begin with the panoramic Vista do Rei viewpoint above the Sete Cidades caldera and continue into the village beside the lakes.
Later, stop at a pineapple plantation before continuing toward Lagoa do Fogo, Caldeira Velha and Ribeira Grande. Return to Ponta Delgada at the end of the day.
Day 7 - São Miguel to Lisbon
Enjoy free time in Ponta Delgada before your transfer to the airport. Fly to Lisbon and continue with the mainland portion of your journey.
Lisbon & Mainland Portugal Itinerary
Day 8 - Lisbon: Private City Sightseeing
Discover Lisbon on a private sightseeing tour introducing the capital’s historic neighborhoods, monuments and connections with Portugal’s maritime history and Age of Discovery.
Day 9 - Private Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais & Estoril Tour
Travel privately to Sintra, known for its wooded hills, historic estates and Romantic-era architecture. Visit Pena Palace and enjoy time in the village before continuing through the Colares area toward Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe.
Continue along the Atlantic coast past Guincho and Boca do Inferno to Cascais, then follow the Estoril coast back toward Lisbon.
Day 10 - Private Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré & Óbidos Tour
Begin in Fátima, one of Portugal’s most important pilgrimage destinations, with time at the sanctuary complex. Continue to Batalha and its UNESCO-listed monastery before traveling to the Atlantic coast at Nazaré.
Finish the day in Óbidos, a walled medieval town known for narrow streets, whitewashed houses and its castle. Return privately to Lisbon at the end of the excursion.
Day 11 - Private Évora & Alentejo Tour
Travel privately into the Alentejo for a day centered on Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city with Roman, medieval and later architectural layers. Explore the historic center and key landmarks such as the Roman Temple, the cathedral and the Chapel of Bones.
The excursion also introduces regional products and wine traditions before returning to Lisbon.
Day 12 - Departure from Lisbon
After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Lisbon Airport for your departure.
Important Notes
- This is a fully private program: sightseeing tours in both the Azores and mainland Portugal are private.
- The Azores portion includes three islands: Faial, Pico and São Miguel.
- Three nights on Faial and three nights on São Miguel are stated in the source itinerary, with breakfast included.
- The mainland program is described as private touring by air-conditioned sedan or minivan.
- Lunch on the Pico excursion is not included.
- Lunch in Furnas and botanical garden admission are not included.
- A picnic lunch is included on the Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo excursion.
- Airport and hotel transfers specifically described in the source itinerary are private.
