Portugal & The Azores

Tour highlights

Experience an unforgettable journey to Portugal and the Azores with this 12-day tour package!

• See the famous Devil’s Mouth cave and the beautiful Quinta da Regaleira
• Explore the Belém district in Lisbon and visit the remarkable Belém Tower
• Relax and indulge in some delicious, local wine in the Porto Wine Cellars
• Discover the amazing Sao Miguel, the biggest island in Azores archipelago

Tour itinerary

Day 1 Lisbon (Portugal)
Once you land in Lisbon, our local concierge will meet you by the customs area to assist with your transfer to the hotel. Then, you can begin your journey through Portugal’s much-loved capital city at your own pace. Feel free to spend the rest of the day touring and discovering all that Lisbon has to offer.

Day 2 Lisbon – Sintra – Cascais – Estoril – Lisbon
Begin your day with a delicious meal at the hotel. Afterwards, set off on an adventure which will take you to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe, and the majestic city of Sintra. This medieval royal residence became popular among aristocrats in the 18th century; while there marvel at Quinta da Regaleira palace, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO that is renowned for its unique combination of Gothic, Renaissance and Manueline styles. Afterwards enjoy some free time for lunch in Sintra before continuing to Devil’s Mouth cave and Guincho Beach. Then wander through the cozy fishing town of Cascais until reaching Estoril, a spa town where many noble families relocated when fleeing Nazi persecution during WW2. In conclusion spend your evening exploring Lisbon after this full day of sightseeing (breakfast).

Day 3 Lisbon – Alcobaça – Batalha – Nazaré – Óbidos – Lisbon
In and around Batalha
At the start of your day, journey to Alcobaça, home to the oldest monastery in the area. Here, you will find the tombs of Portugal’s most famous lovers and be able to witness an exquisite example of Late Flamboyant Gothic architecture at Monastery of Batalha. After this exploration, make your way over noon to Nazaré – a vibrant fishing tradition with its distinct half-moon shaped beach and some of the world’s largest beach-breaking waves. Following lunch (not included) you’ll then head to Óbidos – a romantic medieval town close by Lisbon. Enjoy a pleasant stroll amongst its well-preserved castle walls and white houses whilst perusing the local handicraft shops within it before returning for an evening free in Lisbon (breakfast included).

Day 4 Lisbon – Porto
Just after a hearty breakfast, you will embark on a half-day guided city tour of Lisbon. Locals favor streetcars to get around the labyrinth of sloping alleys and serpentine staircases that characterize the old town. Your first stop is the historic Alfama district, followed by Belém where you’ll find Jerónimos Monastery as well as its famous Tower of Belém and Monument of Discoveries (commemorating Portuguese navigators). Then it’s off to Porto for lunch with the remainder of the day left at your leisure to explore this majestic northern capital built hillside along the mouth of River Douro. (Breakfast)

Day 5 Porto
Bright and early in the morning following breakfast, at 9 o’clock sharp, you will be introduced to your tour guide. There is something captivating about this city that many feel cannot be put into words; it varies with location, time of day and the lighting.

Beginning your exploration in the heart of the city, your guide will take you to visit the Cathedral and its stunning vista of Porto. As well as getting a bird’s eye view of the River Douro, its bridges and colourful houses cascading down from the hills. Afterwards, you head to the Ribeira district for a dose of tradition and culture before visiting some local wine cellars. From here, it’s on past both The Stock Exchange building and Rua das Flores to reach São Bento train station, with its iconic azulejos-clad atrium depicting Portugal’s historic moments. To culminate your tour is a trip to The Four Lions fountain – flanked by ancient churches adorned in azulejos – and Livraria Lello; one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores built in 1881. Enjoy lunch at leisure before continuing your journey.(Breakfast)

Day 6 Porto – Douro Valley – Porto
Beginning in Porto, a city of great beauty and three centuries worth of industrial heritage, you will be able to explore the Douro Vinhateiro’s unique climate. There, olives, almonds and grapes thrive easily due to perfect conditions. After that, you can take a traditional rabelo river boat tour along an unforgettable stretch of the Douro River. Lastly, you’ll visit Quinta de Avessada where a wine tasting as well as lunch await. All in all, it’s guaranteed to be an incredible day!
(Breakfast-Lunch)

Day 7 Porto – Fatima – Tomar – Lisbon
After filling up on breakfast, you will make your way south and arrive in Fatima. This town is seen as a holy place for many believers ever since 1917 when the Mother of God appeared to three shepherdesses. Nowadays, people from all across the globe come to pay their respects and due to this it is known as the “Altar of Peace”. You will then head towards Tomar and discover why Umberto Eco penned it the “most emblematic of castles”. Here, you can explore the Templar Castle (built in 12th century) or be amazed by Manuelino style found in the Capitol Hall’s window inside Monastery of Order of Christ. For 8 hours you can immerse yourself into these UNESCO protected cities – Tomar & Fatima – that are sure to leave an impression!
Free time for lunch and rest of the day at leisure to continue your exploration of Lisbon at your own pace. (Breakfast)

Day 8 Lisbon – Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel, Azores)
Following a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will be met in the lobby by our local representatives and transferred to the airport for your flight towards Ponta Delgada. Upon arrival in this unique Portuguese city, you will enjoy a transfer from the airport to your hotel. With the rest of the day free for exploration, why not start discovering São Miguel – also known as ‘The Green Island’ due to its spectacular scenery? This is the largest island of an archipelago formed from volcanic activity. Spend a comfortable night at your hotel in Ponta Delgada before continuing on with your travels!

Day 9 Ponta Delgada – Sete Cidades
At the start of your day, you will visit a pineapple plantation and have the opportunity to sample their liquor. After that, it’s off to Pico do Carvão; from its vantage point, you’ll be able take in both the north and south coasts of São Miguel Island. Next, it’s a stop at Lagoa das Sete Cidades by Sete Cidades parish; enjoy the serene ambience of Lagoa de Santiago on your way up to Vista do Rei viewpoint – here you can take in sweeping views of the volcanic crater of Sete Cidades from an entirely new perspective. At last, return to your hotel in Ponta Delgada for an overnight stay with breakfast included.

Day 10 Ponta Delgada
Start the day off with a delicious meal at the hotel. Afterwards, take some time to explore all that Ponta Delgada has to offer – only this city in Sao Miguel offers such captivating cobblestone streets and aged architecture. Take a pleasant walk along Avenida Infante Dom Henrique which fronts onto the harbour before making your way over to the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Esperança for your daily dose of sightseeing. Right next door, you can marvel at another charming relic – the church of Igreja de Sao José! Don’t forget to visit Portas da Cidade, Largo da Matriz, Carlos Machado Museum and Sao Sebastiao parish church while you’re at it. End your day back at your accommodation in Ponta Delgada for restful night’s sleep. (Breakfast)

Day 11 Ponta Delgada
Stay another night in Ponta Delgada and spend the day exploring. You can take a guided tour to learn about the Gruta do Carvao, a volcanic site of great geological significance. Or you may wish to choose one of the optional tours available from your hotel reception desk. Don’t forget to start your day with a delicious and nutritious Continental buffet at your accommodation. (Breakfast)

Day 12 Ponta Delgada
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before taking some time to explore Ponta Delgada. When you’re ready, you’ll be whisked away to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)

-End of services-

What’s included

Accommodation
-4 nights in Lisbon at the Marques de Pombal 4* hotel (or similar) in a standard room
-3 nights in Porto at the Black Tulip 4* hotel (or similar) in a standard room
-4 nights in Ponta Delgada at the Sao Miguel Park 4* hotel (or similar) in a standard room
Price is based on dual occupancy. Please be aware that ‘ Single supplement’ charge applies to solo travelers

Flights
Domestic flight between Lisbon / Ponta Delgada

Guide
Multilingual English-speaking guide during the tours and visits between day 2 and 7 of the itinerary
Multilingual English-speaking guide during the tour on day 10

Meals
All breakfasts are included + 1 lunch

Additional Services
One-hour boat tour on the Douro
Half-day tour at Sete Cidades on day 10
All taxes, and fees

Transport
Welcome and transfers between the airports and the hotels in Lisbon and Ponta Delgada
Transportation in a deluxe motorcoach between day 2 and 7 of the itinerary

What’s not included

Insurance
Travel insurance is not included

Optional

Additional Services
International flights
Baggage fees
Tips: Guides, bus drivers and hotel staff
Meals and beverages unless otherwise mentioned
Entrance fees to the sites (total of 60 euros per person, to be paid at destination)
Personal expenses and optional activities
Hotel tax in Lisbon & Porto (approx. 2 euros per person and per night, to be paid at destination