Essence of Portugal & the Azores - 9 Days

Once you have arrived in Lisbon, a transfer will take you to your hotel for check-in. You may have some time to explore the city, grab a meal, or relax.

This evening, we will experience the soul of Portugal at a traditional Fado performance, where heartfelt melodies capture the spirit of Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods.

During the show, we will enjoy a welcome dinner featuring some of the most beloved dishes of Portuguese cuisine, a perfect introduction to the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Today, we will take a transfer from our hotel for a half-day city tour with a local guide who will introduce us to Lisbon’s main sights. Begin along Avenida da Liberdade, once a grand promenade for Portugal’s nobility, before continuing to Parque Eduardo VII, the city’s largest park, named in honour of King Edward VII of England.

We will then explore some of Lisbon’s most characterful neighbourhoods, including Alfama and Bairro Alto, where narrow lanes, tiled facades and centuries of tradition capture the city’s unique charm. The tour ends at Praca do Comercio, one of Europe’s grandest squares, with wide views across the Tagus River.

The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore more of Lisbon at your own pace.

Lisbon – Sintra – Cascais – Estoril – Lisbon. This morning, we will travel to the beautiful towns of Sintra and Cascais. Just outside Lisbon, Sintra enchants with its lush hills and romantic palaces. You will have the choice of visiting one of its iconic landmarks, such as the National Palace, Pena Palace, Monserrate Palace or Quinta da Regaleira, each offering a distinctive glimpse into the town’s history and charm.

Continuing to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, where dramatic cliffs overlook the Atlantic Ocean. Then we journey on to Cascais, a former fishing village that has evolved into a stylish seaside retreat while retaining its historic character.

Return to Lisbon along the scenic coastal road through Estoril, admired for its elegant promenade and sandy beaches.

Please note: that these monuments close on the 24th and 25th December, 1 January and Easter Sunday.

Lisbon - Evora - Lisbon. We will set out on a full-day visit to Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its whitewashed houses, grand churches and cobbled medieval streets. Often called the Museum City, Evora reflects a rich blend of cultures shaped over centuries.

You will have free time for lunch before we continue in the afternoon, where we will visit a local wine estate to learn about regional production and enjoy a tasting of Alentejo wines before returning to Lisbon.

Lisbon – Ponta Delgada. After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel in Lisbon and transfer to the airport for our flight to Ponta Delgada.

On arrival in the Azores, a private transfer will take us to our hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in and enjoy the relaxed island atmosphere.

Ponta Delgada – Sete Cidades – Ribeira Grande – Capelas – Ponta Delgada. Today, we set out on a full-day tour to explore some of Sao Miguel’s most beautiful scenery. We start with a visit to a traditional pineapple plantation before travelling to the west coast for panoramic views from Pico do Carvao. At the famous Vista do Rei viewpoint, we can admire the two lakes of Sete Cidades, one blue and one green, surrounded by lush volcanic hills.

Lunch will be served in the charming town of Sete Cidades before continuing along the coast to Capelas, once a busy whaling village.

In the afternoon, we will visit Ribeira Grande to see its historic centre. You may choose to stop at the Regional Liquor Factory for a tasting of local liqueurs, or at Caldeira Velha Natural Reserve to take an optional dip in the warm waterfall pools.

The day ends with a visit to Lagoa do Fogo for one last spectacular view before returning to Ponta Delgada along the scenic road that descends Pico da Barrosa.

Ponta Delgada – Vila Franca do Campo – Furnas – Ribeira Grande – Ponta Delgada. This morning, we will continue exploring the natural beauty of Sao Miguel. The first stop is the coastal town of Vila Franca do Campo, where you can try the local pastry known as Queijada da Vila.

In the Furnas Valley, we will witness the island’s geothermal activity, with bubbling fumaroles and the traditional cooking of Cozido das Furnas, a hearty stew prepared using the earth’s natural heat. Before lunch, you have the option to visit the lovely Terra Nostra Garden and enjoy an optional thermal bath in its mineral-rich waters.

Later, we will travel up to Pico do Ferro to admire the views over the Furnas Valley. Continuing along the north coast, we will stop at the Gorreana Tea Plantation, the oldest in Europe, to learn about the tea-making process and taste both green and black varieties. The final stop is Santa Iria viewpoint for a sweeping view of the rugged coastline before returning to Ponta Delgada.

Today is yours to enjoy as you wish. You may like to stroll through Ponta Delgada’s cobbled streets, visit a local cafe, explore the harbour, or simply relax and take in the island’s tranquil pace of life.

Ponta Delgada – Lisbon. After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel, and you will be transferred to the airport for your flight. Safe travels!