11 Day Highlights Tour of Mainland Portugal and Azores Islands

Tour Overview

Lisbon and Surroundings plus Azores Islands

5 Days / 4 Nights - Lisbon and Central Portugal

Set ou on a captivating five-day journey through Portugal, where rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural treasures await. From the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the fairytale palaces of Sintra, the sacred pilgrimage site of Fátima, and the medieval allure of Évora, this adventure promises an exquisite blend of heritage, natural beauty, and culinary delights.

7 Days / 6 Nights - Azores (Faial, Pico and São Miguel islands)

Add a visit to the Azores islands on a breathtaking 7-day, 6-night journey through four of the most captivating and scenic islands of the Azores. Witness the awe-inspiring crater lakes nestled within São Miguel’s ancient volcanoes. Visit the picturesque port town of Horta on Faial, and marvel at the majestic Pico Mountain on the island of Pico. Immerse yourself in the Azores’ striking volcanic landscapes, lush biodiversity, and tranquil way of life. Discover the islands’ rich culture, history, and geography, all while enjoying a seamless travel experience—our expert agents will handle all the details, ensuring your trip is stress-free and unforgettable.

Itinerary:

Click map to enlarge

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon

Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, enjoy a seamless transfer to your hotel in the heart of Portugal’s charismatic capital. In the afternoon, set out on a fascinating sightseeing tour that unveils the essence of Lisbon. Stroll through its historic quarters, admire grand monuments, and immerse yourself in the city’s golden age of exploration.

Day 2: Lisbon | Sintra | Cabo da Roca | Cascais | Estoril | Lisbon

Step into a storybook realm as you travel to Sintra, a UNESCO-listed cultural gem known for its fairytale palaces and lush mountainscapes. Explore the Pena Palace, a breathtaking fusion of Romanticist architecture perched atop the misty peaks of the Sintra mountains. Enjoy free time to wander through Sintra’s charming village, where boutique shops and cozy cafés beckon. Indulge in the town’s famed pastries—queijadas and travesseiros—before venturing to the Colares wine region, renowned for its exceptional vintages. Continue your journey to Cabo da Roca, the dramatic westernmost point of continental Europe, where rugged cliffs plunge into the vast Atlantic. Passing by the wild beaches of Guincho and the thunderous waves of Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth), you’ll arrive in Cascais, a chic coastal town where traditional fishing heritage meets modern elegance. As the day winds down, drive along the Estoril Coast, enjoying a panoramic view of the Estoril Casino and its manicured gardens, before returning to Lisbon. Highlights:

Marvel at the colorful Pena Palace in Sintra
Savor exquisite wines in Colares
Stand at the edge of Europe at Cabo da Roca
Stroll through the elegant coastal town of Cascais

Day 3: Lisbon | Fátima | Batalha | Nazaré | Óbidos | Lisbon

Begin the day in Fátima, one of the world’s most revered pilgrimage sites. Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Fátima, where the tombs of Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta rest, and experience the spiritual serenity of the Chapel of the Apparitions. After free time for lunch, travel to Batalha, home to the magnificent Batalha Monastery, an awe-inspiring Gothic and Manueline architectural wonder, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, arrive in Nazaré, Portugal’s most picturesque fishing village, where golden sands meet record-breaking waves. If conditions permit, ascend to Sítio, an iconic cliffside viewpoint offering a breathtaking panorama of the Atlantic coast. Conclude your day in Óbidos, a medieval jewel encircled by ancient walls. Wander through cobbled lanes lined with whitewashed cottages and flower-draped balconies, visit the historic Pousada do Castelo, and savor the town’s signature cherry liqueur, Ginjinha, served in a chocolate cup. Return to Lisbon as the day draws to a close, carrying the essence of Portugal’s diverse landscapes and historic grandeur. Highlights:

Explore the enchanting whitewashed village of Óbidos
Visit the majestic Alcobaça Monastery
Experience the seaside beauty of Nazaré
Admire the intricate architecture of Batalha Monastery
Discover the spiritual aura of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima

Day 4: Lisbon | Évora | Lisbon

Set off on a journey into the heart of the Alentejo region, where rolling plains, sun-kissed vineyards, and ancient cork oak forests shape the idyllic scenery. Arrive in Évora, a UNESCO-listed city brimming with history, culture, and architectural splendor. Stroll through its atmospheric lanes, where echoes of Roman, Moorish, and medieval influences intertwine. Visit the Roman Temple of Évora, an extraordinary relic of the city’s imperial past, and admire the Sé Cathedral, a striking fusion of Romanesque and Gothic artistry. Step inside the Chapel of Bones, an eerie yet thought-provoking site where thousands of human bones line the walls, serving as a poignant reminder of life’s impermanence. At the bustling local market, witness the richness of regional produce, the foundation of Alentejo’s celebrated gastronomy. Explore the artistry of handcrafted cork, ceramic, and copper wares before indulging in a wine-tasting experience, sampling some of Portugal’s finest vintages. As the sun begins to set, journey back to Lisbon, savoring the timeless elegance of Évora’s storied past. Highlights:

Walk among history at the Roman Temple of Évora
Discover the hauntingly beautiful Chapel of Bones
Visit the renowned University of Évora
Enjoy a Moscatel de Setúbal wine tasting in Azeitão

End your journey back in Lisbon, enriched by the beauty, history, and flavors of Portugal’s central region.

Day 5: Departure from Lisbon to Azores

After breakfast, bid farewell to Lisbon as you enjoy a private transfer to the Airport. Depart with cherished memories of an unforgettable journey through the country’s most captivating landscapes, historic wonders, and cultural gems.

Azores 3 Island Tour

7 days, 6 nights. Visit the three islands with the most to offer and stay in 4 star hotels along the way. São Miguel, offering the largest geographic diversity and some of the most striking scenery, is perhaps the most attractive island in the archipelago. Faial, formerly a crucial staging port for ships on transatlantic routes between Europe and the Americas, is now a popular stop for modern yachtsmen and sailors. Pico, with its grand volcanic cone (the tallest mountain in Portugal), is the perfect destination for a day of exploration offering unique landscapes and quaint villages.

Azores Island Itinerary

Day 1 - Horta, Faial

Arrival transfer service from the airport to hotel. Spend 3 nights in Faial with breakfast included. Horta was once the strategic relay point for early trans-Atlantic cable communications between the U.S. and Europe. Modern technology now bypasses the old cable network. Since their discovery in the 14th century, the Azores Islands have played an important role as a staging and victualing point for ships crossing the Atlantic, an enviable location for nations with New World colonies. Today, Horta is famous for its yacht harbor, a haven for trans-Atlantic yachts and sailboats. Visiting crews paint the harbor walls with names and pictures of their vessels.

Day 2 - Faial

Your driver/guide will meet you in the lobby for your half-day island tour. Depart the hotel on the mountain road overlooking the Valley of Flamengos, toward Caldeira, the highest point on the island. Continue north to Capelinhos, site of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores. This 1957-58 event added 2 square km to the island. Earthquakes and ash destroyed much of the west side of the island prompting many islanders to immigrate to North America. The elements are slowly eroding the ash. There is a nearby museum detailing the eruption.

Day 3 - Pico

Transfer from the Hotel to the harbor for a 30 minute trip to Pico. Pronounced "Peak" by Azoreans, the translation is exactly that. Meet your driver at the ferry dock in Madalena on Pico for a full day tour of the second largest island in the Azores. The island is dominated by the great bulk of Pico Mountain. Islanders make good use of the black volcanic rocks to build houses and walls in a distinctive fashion. Pico was an important whaling station and there is a museum showing how islanders took to the seas in open boats in pursuit of the leviathans. Fortunately, tourists are now the only ones who go to sea to see the many species of whales around the island. An unusual feature of Pico is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of acres of vineyards encircled by small, black volcanic rock walls to protect them from the salt winds and to collect extra heat. No lunch included. Return to Madalena in the afternoon for the ferry trip back to Horta and transfer back to the Hotel.

Day 4 - Faial/São Miguel

Transfer service from your Horta hotel to the airport for the short flight to São Miguel, the largest and most geographically diverse of the islands. Upon arrival in Ponta Delgada, you will be transferred to your hotel, for the next 3 nights with daily buffet breakfast. Ponta Delgada is the largest city as well as the capital of the Azores. Urban sprawl is beginning to set in but the historic central part of the city is still charming. The hotel is well located for walks through the historic section. Balance of the day at leisure.

Day 5 - São Miguel

Full-day tour of Furnas. Your driver/guide will pick you up at your hotel for your full day trip to Furnas. Just outside of Ponta Delgada, the rural life of São Miguel dominates. Depart along the south road passing the village of Lagoa for a viewpoint at Caloura. Continue to Vila Franca for a coffee break (not included). Upon arrival in the Furnas area, visit the lake and hot springs, and see the holes in the ground where meals are cooked by underground steam. Pots full of various meats, sausages, potatoes, and vegetables are steamed for 7 hours to produce "Cozidos nas Caldeiras" (Caldeira Stew). Continue to the charming town of Furnas for a lunch stop (lunch not included). Visit the beautiful botanical gardens established in the 18th century (entry fee not included) with the opportunity to swim in the hot springs swimming pool. Cross the island to the north coast, stopping for a fine view of both the south and north coasts from an interior highland. On the way, you will visit a tea plantation, the only one in Europe. Return to your hotel about 5:30pm.

Day 6 -São Miguel

Full-day tour of Sete Cidades ( Twin Lakes) and Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake) with picnic lunch. After meeting your driver/guide in the hotel lobby, head west to one of the most awesome natural sights in the world, the twin caldeira lakes of Sete Cidades. The view from "Vista do Rei" (King's View) high on the crater's rim is stunning. Far below, next to the lakes is the pretty village of Sete Cidades (Seven Cities, named for a mythical kingdom). Descend into the caldeira to visit the town. Before returning to Ponta Delgada, stop at a pineapple plantation. The Azores are not warm enough to grow pineapples in the open but they thrive in the greenhouses with careful cultivation methods. The pineapples are small but very sweet. Continue to the Fire Lake, the highest crater lake located in the center of the island, stop at Caldeira Velha, Ribeira Grande and return to Ponta Delgada.

Day 7 - São Miguel

Check out late in the morning. The hotel will store your baggage for you. Day free for last minute shopping and sightseeing in Ponta Delgada before your transfer to the airport. Transfer to airport.

What's Included

Included:

Azores Islands

6 Nights Accommodations, standard rooms
Half-day tour of Faial
Full-day tour of Pico
Full-day tour to Furnas, São Miguel
Full-day tour to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo (Fire lake) with picnic, São Miguel
Transfers airport/hotel/airport
Round trip ferry tickets from Faial to Pico ( delivered locally)
Transfers hotel/harbor/hotel
Daily buffet breakfast
Airfare: Lisbon/Faial/São Miguel/Lisbon
Sightseeing by private car with English speaking driver/guide
Hotel tax and hotel service charge
One complimentary small food crate with local products (São Miguel Island only)

Mainland Portugal

4 nights accommodation on buffet breakfast basis Hotel 4 star or similar in Lisbon
Arrival and departure transfers Lisbon Airport/Hotel/Lisbon Airport
Half day Lisbon on the first or last day depending on flight times
Transport by air conditioned bus or minivan as per detailed itinerary
Official Guide during entire tour
3 Lunches
Entrances fees: Palacio da Pena (Sintra), Mosteiro da Batalha Cloisters (Batalha), Evora Cathedral , S. Francisco Church And Bone’s Chapel (Evora)

Does not Include

International flights to and from Lisbon or Azores. Please contact us for additional price
Airport Transfers (Let us know if you would like a quote)
City Taxes to be paid directly by the client to the hotel
Entrance fees to museums, lakes and parks, unless for those stated above
Other expenses such as porterage fees at the hotel, dinners or personal expenses

Dates & Rates

Choose a Package Type

For some packages you may be given a choice of different Hotel Categories: Comfort and Superior.

Superior/Premier

Includes first class 4-star lodging, with the exception of Flores Island if your package includes this island.
Each package has a hotel summary description. For more detailed information, please Google the hotel online.
In case you have a Hotel preference, please let us know if you have preference for sea view rooms when you send us your booking request. Seaview rooms have an additional charge.
Please note that Pousada Forte da Horta will be closed until March 31. You will be booked at Hotel Azoris Faial Garden with no price difference.

Comfort/Standard

Includes 4-star tourist class lodging and standard rooms. May include first class 3-star lodging in the smaller islands.
Sea view rooms upgrade available in some hotels with supplement.
Each package has a hotel summary description. For more detailed information, please Google the hotel online.

Room Type

Solo = Person traveling alone
Single = Person staying in a single room while traveling with others, sharing land services such as transfers and tours.
Double = 2 Persons per room
Triple = 3 Persons per room

Important Notes

Rates are per person in US dollars.
Rates do not include city taxes when applicable and must be paid directly at the hotel upon check-in.
Package can start any day of the week, all year.
Tours are provided in a private car up to four people. If you prefer a bigger vehicle, please let us know at the moment of the reservation for a new quote.
International flights are not included. Inter-Island flights are only included on the multi-Islands packages and on the itinerary informed.
We cannot book airplane seat assignments. This service has an extra cost and needs to be done by the client with the airline directly after the tickets have been issued.
All tours are private except for Flores island on the Five island Classic Tour.
Day tours can be scheduled in a different order than described on this package, depending on services' organization and booking.
Dates shown are for tour land departure. If you are taking an overnight flight to reach the tour departure city, plan to book your flight one day earlier than date shown on table.
Rates for multi-island tour packages do include inter island airfare as per the program.
Depending on the hotel, some triple rooms can have the third person on an extra bed that may not be too comfortable for a sizeable adult.

General

Booking your vacation

While prices are shown in USA dollars, we can also charge in Euros at the prevailing currency conversion daily rate.
Early booking is advised. Availability of accommodations and inter-island flight is limited especially in summer months.
If hotels named in itinerary are not available at time of booking, alternate similar same rating properties will be confirmed, and subject to new quote.
Order of islands visited may need to be altered due to flight schedule changes.
Unless otherwise indicated, sightseeing tours are by private car with English speaking driver. Other languages are available upon request.
Quotations with different hotels have a non refundable deposit of $50. Deposit will be credited towards final booking price.

Booking your Vacation with Air

International airfare for this package is additional to price shown on Rates table. Departure cities are limited to those serviced by SATA International (Azores Airlines).
If you want a quote for airfare to be included make sure to check yes when prompted during the booking/reservation request process.

Booking Conditions

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $350 per person is required to book and hold both land and air for you.
Final payment is due 50 days before departure.
Option to pay full price up front is available.

Cancellation Policy - Land Portion

Full-payment minus the $350 deposit per person is refunded if canceled up to 50 days prior departure.
75% of full-payment paid per person if refunded if cancelled 49-39 days prior departure.
50% of full-payment paid per person is refunded if canceled 38-31 days prior departure.
No refunds if canceled less than 30 days prior departure.

Cancellation Policy - Airfare

Airfare cancellation terms and conditions are those of the Airlines company and will be provided to you before ticket is booked.

Refund Fees

On any payments made via a bank credit card, a 3.9% bank credit card assessed fee will be subtracted from any refunded payment, including deposits refunded due to services requested not available for date of booking.

I want to book. What do I do next?

Click on the "Book Now" or "Request Quote" button to send your reservation request.
No payment will be collected at this time.
Our travel Associate will contact you via email to answer any questions and book your Package.
If you don't plan to book at this time please click here to contact us with any questions or concerns about your trip or your holiday.

Booking Changes

A fee of $35 per person, per transaction, will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed.
If the change increases the value of the booking, the $35 per person fee will be waived.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend you purchase travel/cancellation insurance.

Hotels

Comfort Hotels

Angra do Heroismo - Hotel Cruzeiro

Hotel Cruzeiro, a 4 star Hotel, is the latest hotel unit to open in Angra do Heroísmo, Unesco World Heritage city, located 5-minute walk from various points of interest, such as the Angra bay, Sé Church, Old Town Square (Praça Velha), Museum, Pico da Memória, among others.

Wi-Fi access is available in all areas of the hotel.

The hotel has a restaurant and a bar, where lunches, dinners and snacks are served and private parking.

Horta - Hotel Horta

Located in the old Azorean town of Horta, the newly-renovated Hotel Horta offers views of Pico Island. It features rooms with balconies, a large garden and an outdoor pool.

Horta’s rooms are decorated in neutral colors, and have wooden furniture. Each of the air-conditioned rooms has a cable TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer.

The hotel’s panoramic restaurant offers international and regional dishes. The bar and the lounge offer views of the outdoor pool, the pool bar and the garden.

Guests can rent a bicycle to explore the surrounding area. Horta is famous for the whale watching and the volcanoes of Capelinhos and Caldeira.

Horta Airport is 4.3 mi away, and the hotel provides free private parking on site.

Ponta Delgada - Hotel Ponta Delgada

Hotel Ponta Delgada (RNET 6591) is centrally located and only a 10-minute drive from the airport. Hotel Ponta Delgada features a family ambiance and comfortable furnishings. It features an indoor pool. Air-conditioned rooms all open out on to a private balcony and are fitted with double-glass windows. All rooms include a TV set with cable channels and private bathrooms with walk-in shower or bathtub. Free WiFi access is available in all areas of the hotel. The Ponta Delgada’s Baco Restaurant offers authentic cuisine from the Azores. The hotel’s bar has an esplanade, where guests can enjoy a refreshing drink or cocktail. Guests can stroll in the narrow streets of the city center. Alternatively, they can dip in the hot tub or relax in the on-site hammam and sauna.

Lisbon - Hotel Turim Saldanha

Situated in the heart of Lisbon, TURIM Saldanha Hotel offers a restaurant and bar for guests to enjoy. The hotel is conveniently located just 1,312 feet from Eduardo VII Park and Saldanha, with two metro stations within a 5-minute walk.

The cozy rooms come with a flat-screen satellite TV and a private bathroom, equipped with either a bath or shower, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer.

The upscale Liberty Avenue is just 0.7 miles away, home to numerous luxury shops and boutiques. TURIM Saldanha Hotel is a quick 15-minute Metro ride from Chiado and Rossio. The famous São Jorge Castle is located 2.5 miles from the hotel. The closest airport is Portela Airport, situated 4.5 miles from the property.

Superior Hotels

Lisbon - Hotel Turim Saldanha

The cozy rooms come with a flat-screen satellite TV and a private bathroom, equipped with either a bath or shower, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer.

Angra do Heroísmo - Pousada Castelo de S. Sebastiao

Pousada Castelo de S. Sebastiao is a 8-minute walk from the beach. Set on top of a cliff, Pousada de Angra do Heroismo Castelo de S. Sebastiao is a modern hotel housed in a 16th century Fortress known as Saint Sebastian's Little Castle. The Pousada offer rooms and one suite with modern décor and furnishing. The suite and some rooms include terraces with views over the sea and the Monte Brasil. All living units contain LCD TV and internet connection. There are 2 swimming pools: one for adults and the other for children. Guests can enjoy the regional cuisine while taking in views of the sea and pool area. The Pousada is located in the village centre of Angra do Heroísmo was classified World Heritage by UNESCO. Angra do Heroísmo also offers many activitiy options, such as marine hunting, diving, sport fishing and boat tours. Pousada de Angra do Heroismo Castelo de S. Sebastiao is located at a 23-minute drive from the Lajes International Airport.

Horta - Pousada Forte da Horta

Just an 8 minute walk from the beach, The Pousada Forte da Horta is set in a 16th century fortress with a view of Horta Bay and Pico island. This Pousada features air conditioned rooms, a swimming pool, and a regional restaurant. Most of the rooms offer a view of the marina. Classified as a National Monument since 1947, the Pousada Forte da Horta offers modern rooms with cable TV and a minibar. Each private bathroom is stocked with a hairdryer and bathrobe. A breakfast buffet is served daily on the poolside veranda terrace. Guests may taste fried pork, tuna and passion fruit pie in Pousada Forte da Horta’s restaurant. The swimming pool area is furnished with sun beds, tables and parasols. Indoors, there is a lounge with various seating areas and a bar with a piano. The 24-hour reception offers car rentals and free on-site parking. The Horta Airport is just 5.4 miles from the Pousada Forte da Horta.

Ponta Delgada - Vila Gale Collection S. Miguel

Located in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel island, the Vila Gale Collection S.Miguel provides superior accommodations, excellent restaurant, bar, sauna, swimming pool, kid's club and private parking.

The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WIFI, each with a private bathroom, and is at a short walking distance to the center of town.

All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Each room includes a safety deposit box, while certain rooms will provide you with a balcony. At Vila Gale Collection S.Miguel every room includes bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available every morning.

At Vila Gale Collection S.Miguel guests are welcome to use a sauna and a Turkish bath.

The attentive and professional reception staff speak English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, and are always on hand to help.

11 Day Highlights Tour of Mainland Portugal and Azores Islands

Tour Overview

Lisbon and Surroundings plus Azores Islands

5 Days / 4 Nights - Lisbon and Central Portugal

7 Days / 6 Nights - Azores (Faial, Pico and São Miguel islands)

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon

Day 2: Lisbon | Sintra | Cabo da Roca | Cascais | Estoril | Lisbon

Day 3: Lisbon | Fátima | Batalha | Nazaré | Óbidos | Lisbon

Day 4: Lisbon | Évora | Lisbon

Day 5: Departure from Lisbon to Azores

Azores 3 Island Tour

Azores Island Itinerary

Day 1 - Horta, Faial

Day 2 - Faial

Day 3 - Pico

Day 4 - Faial/São Miguel

Day 5 - São Miguel

Day 6 -São Miguel

Day 7 - São Miguel

What's Included

Included:

Azores Islands

Mainland Portugal

Does not Include

Dates & Rates

Choose a Package Type

Superior/Premier

Comfort/Standard

Room Type

Important Notes

General

Booking your vacation

Booking your Vacation with Air

Booking Conditions

Cancellation Policy - Land Portion

Cancellation Policy - Airfare

Refund Fees

I want to book. What do I do next?

Booking Changes

Travel Insurance

Hotels

Comfort Hotels

Angra do Heroismo - Hotel Cruzeiro

Horta - Hotel Horta

Ponta Delgada - Hotel Ponta Delgada

Lisbon - Hotel Turim Saldanha

Superior Hotels

Lisbon - Hotel Turim Saldanha

Angra do Heroísmo - Pousada Castelo de S. Sebastiao

Horta - Pousada Forte da Horta

Ponta Delgada - Vila Gale Collection S. Miguel

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