The Azores Jewels of Portugal (Sao Miguel, Azores to Lisbon) (2025)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a multi-day tour through the enchanting Azores and Lisbon, where natural wonders and rich history await. From the volcanic landscapes and thermal waters of São Miguel to the vibrant culture of Lisbon, this journey offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Discover the picturesque coasts, lush vegetation, and historical sites that make these destinations truly unique. Enjoy guided tours, local cuisine, and leisure time to explore at your own pace. Join us for an unforgettable experience in Portugal's hidden gems.
Included
11 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 6 dinners
Transport included
Day 1 to 4: Vila Gale Collection São Miguel
Day 5 to 6: Hotel do Canal
Day 7 to 9: Zenite Boutique Hotel & Spa
Day 10 to 11: Bessa Hotel Liberdade
hotel: 11 night(s);
Services of a guide included
Internal flights included
Must-See Inclusions:
Encounter the striking scenery of Capelinhos Volcano’s ash hills.
Venture to Sete Cidades caldera’s highest point and gaze upon the twin lakes.
Descend into Algar do Carvao, an ancient lava tube, with a local expert.
Swim in natural volcanic pools.
Cultural Experiences:
Explore colorful Horta Marina and its importance to sailors crossing the Atlantic.
On São Miguel, learn about traditional basket weaving from local artisans.
Culinary Inclusions:
Experience a truly unique cozido das furnas lunch in Furnas valley.
Enjoy a home-hosted meal at a village in the São Miguel Island.
Highlights
São Miguel Island
Sete Cidades
Choice on Tour: Terra Nostra Botanical Garden or Thermal Pool Experience
Furnas Valley
Home-Hosted Dinner
Faial Island
Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre
Terceira Island
Angra do Heroismo
Algar do Carvao
Natural Volcanic Pools
Lisbon
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: São Miguel
Day 1: São Miguel
From volcanic craters and thermal waters to lush vegetation and picturesque coasts, enjoy the natural splendor of this Portuguese archipelago and see why the Azores are commonly referred to as 'the Hawaii of Europe.'
Day 2 – Day 2: São Miguel
- Ponta Delgada
- More
This is the Azores. A set of islands virtually untouched by urban development. Your adventure begins on São Miguel, the largest of the nine volcanic islands. Relax and explore as you wish, perhaps sit along the seaside promenade and breathe in the mild air of the Atlantic.
Day 3 – Day 3: Ponta Delgada
- Ponta Delgada
- More
- Ponta da Galera
- More
Get to know Ponta Delgada, the capital city of São Miguel, on a morning walking tour of the area. This afternoon, take a ride up to Sete Cidades caldera’s highest point and discover some of Mother Nature’s finest work: the twin blue and green lakes that make up this caldera and are explained by local legend: They are apparently the tears of star-crossed lovers, a green-eyed princess and a blue-eyed shepherd. This evening, celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4 – Day 4: São Miguel
Day 4: São Miguel
- Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões
- Pineapples Santo António
- Mercado da Graça
- More
Start the day with a visit to one of the few remaining basket weavers on the island. Learn how willow basket making has evolved and how this father-son enterprise has kept this traditional craft alive. Then, it’s your choice! Enjoy the thermal waters at the Terra Nostra pool, built in the 18th century by the American consul to the Azores -OR- embark on a guided visit to the organic paradise that is the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. For lunch, enjoy a traditional cozido das furnas meal, where your food is cooked in the earth’s volcanic heat. Later, continue to the green fields of a nearby tea plantation to learn about this unique crop before an evening of leisure in São Miguel.
Day 5 – Day 5: São Miguel
Day 5: São Miguel
Today enjoy a full free day to explore São Miguel at your own pace. Perhaps you will take to the waves on an optional ocean excursion to watch for whales and dolphins, followed by a lunch at a local restaurant. Regardless of how you choose to spend your day, gather tonight for a home-hosted dinner at a local village.
Day 6 – Day 6: Horta
- Horta
- More
Say bom dia (good morning) to Faial with a walking tour of Horta. Its marina and painted murals are a testament to the island’s importance to the sailors who have visited the island on voyages crossing the Atlantic. Later, encounter the volcanic vitality of Faial when you take in the surrounding rocky landscape and ash hills with a fascinating visit to the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre.
Day 7 – Day 7: Faial Island
Day 7: Faial Island
The day is yours to enjoy on your own and relax on Faial Island! You may also consider joining an optional tour to Pico to encounter the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture (UNESCO) and explore this scarcely populated island’s scenery, a sublime mixture of lava rock and exotic vegetation, during a walk along Lagoa do Capitao.
Day 8 – Day 8: Angra do Heroismo
- Angra do Heroísmo
- More
- Rocha do Chambre
- More
Board your flight to Terceira and say hello to the colorful capital of Angra do Heroismo (UNESCO) with a local guide. Restored in traditional style, the city features white facades and vibrant trims. Learn about the Holy Ghost Chapels, known locally as Imperios, and customs surrounding this tradition. Tonight, get a taste of the culture at a local restaurant.
Day 9 – Day 9: Biscoitos and Angra do Heroismo
- Angra do Heroísmo
- More
Start your day with a swim in the natural volcanic pools of Biscoitos. Later, on your way to Algar do Carvao, stop at Serra do Cume viewpoint where views of the agricultural fields and their neat orderly stone walls will take your breath away. At Algar do Carvao, the 'Cavern of Coal,' feel the quiet stillness as you descend into this ancient lava tube. Enjoy the evening exploring Angra do Heroismo as you wish.
Day 10 – Day 10: Terceira
Day 10: Terceira
Today, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may choose to join an optional tour to the western side of Terceira in the morning, sipping coffee at an organic coffee plantation and tasting locally grown bananas along the way and ending at a family-owned cheese factory for a light lunch made up of local products. End the day at a petiscos home-hosted dining experience.
Day 11 – Day 11: Lisbon
- Lisbon
- More
Say farewell to the Azores archipelago as you head to Lisbon in continental Europe. Lisbon, known as the city of the seven hills, and the starting point of many of its 15th century explorations, was also the departure point of many of its immigrants that crossed the Atlantic searching for a better life.
Day 12 – Day 12: Lisbon
- Lisbon
- More
- Palace of Mafra
- Jerónimos Monastery
- Belém Tower
- More
Start your morning with a panoramic tour of Belem. See the imposing 16th century Jeronimos Monastery and the Belem Tower, a fortress built to protect Lisbon and later used as a prison. Join a special tour exploring the grandeur of the Ajuda National Palace, once a royal residence of King Luís I. Then return to downtown Lisbon and enjoy some free time before you gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 13 – Day 13: Lisbon
- Lisbon - Departure day
- More
Say adeus (goodbye) to Portugal and the Azores as you depart this coastal paradise.
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