Portugal Explorer: Azores, Lisbon and Porto

Experience the rich cultural vibes of Ponta Delgada over the course of a walking tour and visit to the city’s main attractions. Start your excursion from the main church in the historic center of the city, known as Praça de Gonçalo Velho. After admiring grand Gothic tower of St Sebastian Church, proceed through charming cobbled streets and past bustling markets. Check out the majestic three-arched City Gates as you learn all about the city’s maritime heritage from your guide. Later, visit the Senhor Santo Cristo Church, famed for its Renaissance-style Ecce Home image of Jesus Christ, brought from Rome in the 15th century. Learn more about the natural and cultural history of the Azores at the Museum of Carlos Machado. Later, take a break at a local market, where your guide will give you tips on the best places to sample authentic snacks and drinks as well scout for handmade crafts. (Duration: 2.5 hrs; Private Activity & Guide; Time: 1000 -1230/1500-1730 hrs; Guests are requested to be dressed in comfortable walking shoes; Fitness level: easy)

Travel through São Miguel Island’s picturesque countryside to arrive at the Kings View viewpoint. Take in spectacular vistas of the twin Blue and Green lakes, and Sete Cidades – considered one among Portugal’s seven natural wonders. Next, descending to the valley, walk along the lakes’ shores while listening to local legends. Continue along the northern coast to reach Ribeira Grande, and stroll along the main street. Check out the medieval architecture of the riverside City Hall that features a clock tower. Later, making your way up the volcanic complex of Água de Pau Massif, enjoy the natural scenery. Pause at the viewpoint overlooking Lagoa do Fogo for spectacular vistas of this pristine crater lake. Finally, driving towards Ponta Delgada, visit the historic Augusto Arruda Pineapple Plantation. Get to know about the growth and harvesting of the famous Azorean pineapples. (Duration:8hrs; 09.30 am; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Notes: Wear comfortable walking shoes)

Explore the varied wonders of Furnas over the course of this tour. Arrive at the scenic lookout of Santa Iria, which offers stunning vistas of the entire northern coast of the island. Next, head to a tea factory to view lush plantations and traditional processing techniques. Enjoy tastings of green and black teas, followed by some of the most delicious ice creams available on the island. After pausing at Pico do Ferro for panoramic views of the entire Furnas valley, head to Terra Nostra, one of Europe’s most famous botanical gardens. Discover myriad species of trees, bushes and flowers collected and nurtured from across the world. Later, enjoy a dip in the balmy waters of a natural thermal pool before you settle down to a lunch of ‘cozido’ that gets its unique flavor from being cooked in the volcanic heat under the lake. Continue the sensory indulgence with a visit to the hot springs, where the waters vary vastly in texture and temperature. A brief stop at the charming hamlet of Vila Franca provides the perfect finish to a beautiful day in the Azores. (Duration:8hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Time: 0930 – 1730 hrs; Tour includes Admission, Guide and Lunch; Fitness level: easy; Guests are requested to bring bathing suit, windbreaker and sneakers as well as water and sunscreen)

Discover some of the best kept secrets of Sao Miguel with a tour of Nordeste, or the eastern part of the island. Set off from your hotel for the verdant environs of Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park, where native vegetation and exquisite waterfalls offer a glimpse into how the island must have appeared to the earliest settlers. Stroll past old watermills, picnic areas and quaint cafes. Continue with your tour as you pass the village of Nordeste for breathtaking valley vistas, particularly from the Ponta de Sossego viewpoint. A scenic drive along the southward coast brings you to the quaint village of Povoação, one of the first inhabited parts of the island, a fact marked by architectural elements like the Matriz Velha by the sea and the 15th century Hermitage of Santa Bárbara. After a delicious lunch break, wander through its atmospheric streets, stopping perhaps for a cup of local coffee and the sinfully delicious Fofas da Povoação or traditional éclairs of the region. (Duration:8hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Time: 1000 – 1800 hrs; Tour includes Guide; Fitness level: easy; Guests are requested to bring comfortable walking shoes)

Acquaint yourself with the bustling city of Lisbon on this fascinating tour. Take in splendid views of the city and its surroundings from the observation decks of popular landmarks. Afterwards, set off on a walking tour beginning with the historic districts of Principe Real and Bairro Alto. Accompany your expert guide down the narrow streets of the ancient Arab quarter of Alfama. Stop by the imposing cathedral before stepping back in time at Baixa with its cluster of neoclassical buildings. Head to the Bohemian locality of Chiado, dotted with bookstores and unique cafes. Take a break and buy yourself lunch at one of the cozy riverside cafes or restaurants in Belem. Afterwards, pass the fairytale-like Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery that serves as the final resting place of renowned names such as explorer Vasco da Gama and King Manuel I. Before you wind up your tour, get a good look at the modern-style monument to pioneers. (Duration:8hrs; Starting Time: 1000 hrs; Ending Time: 1800 hrs; Private Activity; Private Guide & Transfers; Admissions to Castelo São Jorge and Cristo Rei included; Fitness Level: Moderate. Part of this tour involves walking.)

Immerse yourself in the cultural and natural beauty of the Portuguese Riviera on this leisurely tour from Lisbon. Visit Sintra, one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal, where the historic Pena Castle is located. Enjoy visit of Palacio da Pena, perched on a mountain range. The Palace of Pena was classified as a National Monument in 1910 and ranks as the single most important site in the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, classified by UNESCO as World Heritage in 1995. Travel on to Cape Roca to enjoy panoramic views from the westernmost point of continental Europe. Pass by the famous surfing beach of Guincho to reach the idyllic holiday destination of Cascais. Discover the historical center of this erstwhile fishing town and walk down its streets dotted with restaurants and quaint storefronts. The upscale resort town of Estoril, once a favorite destination of European royals, makes for an ideal last stop before you head back. (Duration:8hrs; Starting Time: 900 hrs; Ending Time: 1700 hrs; We recommend to start at 9 am to avoid the crowds in Sintra; Private Activity & Transfers; Admission to Pena Palace Included; Fitness Level: Easy. Please note that this activity involves some walking.)

Discover Porto on this guided walking tour and enjoy a boat ride on the Douro River. Begin at the Infante D. Henrique Square, in the historical center. See the statue of Prince Henry the Navigator and pass by the Mercado Ferreira Borges and Palácio da Bolsa, the erstwhile stock market. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Church of Saint Francis, a prominent Gothic landmark that boasts lavish Baroque interiors. Then, visit Sao Bento Station, located on the site of a former Benedictine monastery. In the grand main hall, you’ll come across large tiles tracing the history of transportation in Portugal. While walking along Freedom Square, go past 19th-century buildings and the equestrian statue of King Peter VI. Stop at the Clerigos Church with its bell tower, before making your way to Se Cathedral Square and the Episcopal Palace. Follow your guide through the backstreets of the Ribeira neighborhood to the embankment. From here, , sail aboard a traditional ‘rabelo’ boat, cruising cruise by Porto’s six historic bridges before turning back. (Duration: 4hrs; Time: 0900/1400 hrs; Private activity; Shared boat ride & entry fee to Sao Francisco Church included; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable clothes & walking shoes)

Enjoy a delightful wine tasting tour of Taylors and W & J Graham’s magnificent wine cellars in Porto. The historical cellars are set on a ridge in Vila Nova de Gaia across the Douro river from Porto. Take in spectacular views of the historic city center and the famous two-tier bridge connecting the cities of Oporto and Gaia. Row after row of oak casks and large vats of ageing Port wine are stored here, and you can explore the extensive cellars where the wines are aged in bottles. Thick granite walls allow for optimal climatic conditions and the maritime climate too is perfect for the slow ageing of Port. You’ll be amazed by the beautiful interiors too, with high ceilings supported by Riga Pine beams. Enjoy the tasting of different types of wines, cheese, sausage, bread and oil while taking in views of the city of Porto. (Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; Standard Taylors Tasting & Premium Graham’s tasting with pairings; Includes a private guide and driver. Please wear appropriate footwear.)