Tour highlights
Discover Portugal on an unforgettable adventure. Start in the capital of Lisbon, where you can witness the grandeur and take in some traditional Fado music. Then journey to the beautiful Twin Lakes of Sete Cidades and make your way through the lush green landscapes of its natural parks. Explore Botanical Gardens, as well as Furnas Valley’s geothermal wonders. Spend multiple nights on Azorean island of St Michael or sunny Madeira and discover why it is known as the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic.’ Take a walk along a glass sidewalk for an unreal thrill and end your trip with a visit to Sintra, a truly magical town that will stay with you forever.
Tour itinerary
Day 1 Overnight Flight
Come and explore the captivating country of Portugal with its vibrant capital Lisbon, the beauteous Azorean island of St. Michael, and the paradisiacal island of Madeira.
Day 2 Lisbon, Portugal – Tour Begins
Lisbon’s vibrant atmosphere is the perfect place to start this journey of exploration. Here you’ll discover how traditional Portuguese culture combines with a contemporary lifestyle. As you stroll through the city streets, surrounded by ornate facades and cobbled pathways, sample local dishes, savor regional wines and enjoy folkloric entertainment.
Day 3 Lisbon – Belem – Sintra – Lisbon
Embark on a journey to Lisbon and explore some of its most recognized attractions. Begin by visiting Belem, home to the Monument to the Discoveries and Tower of Belem (UNESCO). Then, take a trip to Sintra (UNESCO), which was once used as the summer residence of Portuguese royalty. Check out the National Palace while you’re there. After lunch, explore this picturesque town at your own leisure. Later in the evening, savor some delicious Portuguese cuisine with a glass of wine and appreciate live Fado performances (UNESCO).
Day 4 Lisbon – Free Day
For you to take advantage of your day, why not explore the stunning city of Lisbon? Discover its traditional neighborhoods such as Alfama, indulge in its rich culinary scene and marvel at several breathtaking miradouros (viewpoints). Alternatively, join your Tour Manager later on and discover Portugal’s Riviera with an optional tour. You’ll be taken to coastal towns including Cascais and Estoril.
Day 5 Lisbon – St. Michael, Azores – Ponta Delgada
The romantic Azores archipelago lies waiting for you! Take a quick flight over and arrive at St. Michael, the largest of the 9 volcanic islands. Then make your way into Ponta Delgada’s captivating town center, where you can wander around its stunning Portas da Cidade (the City Gates) and all its other unique architectural delights. As evening sets in, why not settle down for a sumptuous meal that incorporates traditional Azorean cuisine?
Day 6 Terra Nostra Botanical Park – Ponta Delgada
Begin the day with a stop at a picturesque ceramic factory which has been in the same family for more than a century. Learn about the traditional Portuguese pottery-making process, and then decide how to proceed – either by taking an invigorating walk through Terra Nostra Botanical Park, or lounging in its thermal water pool*. In Furnas Valley, enjoy a delightful lunch of ‘cozido das Furnas’, cooked underground using steam from natural volcanic heat. Afterwards, explore Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Natural Park’s verdant landscapes, admiring the classic watermills that are so characteristic of this area. Finally, take in the beauty of one of Europe’s two tea plantations before returning to Ponta Delgada. Have an evening as you please!
Day 7 Ponta Delgada
Spend a day of rest and relaxation in the Azores. Start off with an excursion of whale watching accompanied by an experienced naturalist, before dining at a nearby eatery. In the later afternoon, take a tour of one of the local pineapple plantations for some insight into how this crop was first introduced to the island by Portuguese seafarers. To top off your adventure, finish up with signature cocktails and dinner at Ponta Delgada’s finest family-run restaurant.
Day 8 Ponta Delgada – Sete Cidades – Ribeira Grande – Ponta Delgada
Explore the awe-inspiring landscape of Sete Cidades and its twin lakes, one a deep blue and the other a brilliant green. Discover the stories behind this volcanic crater before visiting a boutique, family-run winery that benefits from the unique soil it sits on. Later, venture to Ribeira Grande for lunch before taking in the majestic sights of Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Nature Reserve with its many watermills and lush scenery. Throughout your journey you can marvel at this stunning area while learning about its legends and stories.
Day 9 Ponta Delgada – Funchal, Madeira
Travelling to Madeira, known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic”, our flight will bring us to the charming capital city of Funchal. Our guided walk through its cobblestone streets will give insight into its unique culture and architecture. As we make our way towards the Madeira Botanical Gardens, more than 2,000 exotic plants can be admired along a terraced landscape that offers stunning views.
Day 10 Funchal
The Lavradores market is a lively locale filled with vibrant fruits, flowers, and a bustling fish market. Get a taste of local culture by visiting a Madeira wine lodge and learning about the island’s famous drink. Then venture down Santa Maria Street to take in the bright murals and painted doors that give the avenue life. Stop for lunch at one of the many cafés or opt to relax back at your hotel’s garden, pool, or spa. Gather tonight for an espetada dinner amongst folk dances and music, savoring local cuisine cooked over an open fire – all part of experiencing the culture of Madeira!
Day 11 Funchal – Câmara de Lobos – Porto Moniz – Funchal
Start your adventure in Funchal and take a journey to Câmara de Lobos – a delightful village that once welcomed Sir Winston Churchill. He was enchanted by the area’s natural splendour, inspiring him to create many paintings of this picturesque bay. As you meander along mountain roads, passing banana plantations and vineyards, you will be taken to Cabo Girão where you can admire the second-highest cliff in the world from the highest glass skywalk in Europe. Then visit a sugar mill which had an important function during Madeira’s history back in 15th century. Sample some local delicacies made at the mill before heading to vibrant Porto Moniz for a free swim (weather permitting) inside natural volcanic rock pools before going back to Funchal.
Day 12 Funchal – Free Day
Take control of your day and explore this island on your own. Alternatively, there is a full-day optional tour you can take. Begin with a leisurely walk down one of its levadas** to learn about its incredible water system. Afterwards, treat yourself to lunch at a Quinta, which overlooks breathtaking views of lush Atlantic landscapes. Lastly, make sure to check out Santana’s rustic A-frame houses – an ode to Madeira’s colorful agrarian history.
Day 13 Funchal – Lisbon
Reach for the stars and head to bustling Lisbon. Make the most of your day by indulging in whatever activities bring you joy. In the evening, say goodbye to this captivating country with a traditional feast at an authentic local eatery.
Day 14 Lisbon – Tour Ends
Today marks the conclusion of your journey through Portugal.
What’s included
Accommodation
Day 1 to 3: Lumen Hotel
Day 4 to 7: Azoris Royal Garden Hotel, Ponta Delgada
Day 8 to 11: Pestana Casino Park Hotel
Day 12: Lumen Hotel
Guide
The services of a guide are included
Meals
12 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 6 dinners
Additional Services
Cascais ad Estoril visit
Sete Cidades lakes visit
Lisbon tour
Transport
Transport included
What’s not included
Flights
International flights are not included
Insurance
Travel insurance is not included
Optional
Whale Watching Adventure and lunch $120 pp
Paradise Valley Levada Walk $38 pp
Additional Services
Other activities and services are not included
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