Compare Portugal in 12 days - Cultural Treasures & Enchanting Azores - Superior by Exoticca vs 7 Day Azores Vacation (New York) by Gate 1 Travel

Day 1: US - Night on board

Ready to discover the spectacular cities and landscapes of Portugal? Arrive at your departure airport, ready to catch a flight to Lisbon.* Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Lisbon

Touch down in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, known for its dramatic coastline and pastel-colored buildings. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Why not explore the oldest parts of the city to admire the ornate architecture or simply enjoy the views of the River Tagus from one of the many riverside cafes and bars. Overnight stay in Lisbon.

Day 3: Lisbon

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a tour of Lisbon for an eye-opening overview of this incredible city. Begin with a fascinating walking tour of Alfama, one of the oldest areas in the city, perched upon the hillside with spectacular views across the sprawling cityscape. End your morning tour at the church of the Monastery of Jeronimos, home to the tomb of Vasco da Gama and the famous poet Camões. Stop for a moment to contemplate the incredible Belem Tower before heading to the Pasteis de Belem for a mouth-watering pastry tasting session. Be sure to try a delicious Portuguese Tart, perhaps the most famous pastry in the country. In the afternoon, explore the city center on a walking tour around the Praça do Comércio Square and Rossio Square before enjoying some free time to discover the city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Lisbon. *Optional Dinner & Fado Show: Head to the historic neighbourhood of Alfama to indulge in an evening of traditional Portuguese cuisine accompanied by the melancholic sounds of Fado music. Soak up the warm atmosphere and listen to the soft melodies of the Portuguese guitar as you experience the authentic musical heritage of Lisbon for yourself! Why not upgrade your trip with our Portugal Highlights package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!

Day 4: Lisbon - Sintra - Lisbon

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on an excursion to Sintra, an unforgettable town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with 19th-century Romanticist architecture, fairytale castles and exquisite gardens. Here you'll visit the Quinta da Regaleira Gardens and Palace considered the most enigmatic of all the estates in Sintra. The palace is a fusion of ornate and colorful architectural styles but the main attraction is the extensive gardens, filled with symbolism and intriguing constructions. After the tour, enjoy free time in Sintra to explore at your own pace. In the afternoon head to Cape Roca, the most westerly point of the European continent. Here you can soak up the views of the Atlantic Ocean and explore the village of Cascais, once the chosen beach destination of the aristocracy. Return to Lisbon and enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the delights of this cosmopolitan city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lisbon.

Day 5: Lisbon - Obidos - Nazare - Fatima

Breakfast at the hotel. Head to Obidos today, one of the best-known villages in Portugal thanks to its magical cobblestone streets and charming architecture, enclosed within medieval city walls. Next, visit Nazare, a surfers paradise, home to some of the largest waves in the world and the most popular beach destination on the Silver Coast. Finish the day in the historic and fascinating city of Fatima, one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Catholics. Sacred sights here include the Capelinha das Aparições, where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to local children in 1917, the Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, with its golden angels, and the modern church of Igreja da Santíssima Trindade. Spend the evening at your leisure, discovering the sights and sounds of this beautiful city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Fatima.

Day 6: Fatima - Coimbra - Porto

Breakfast at the hotel. Bid farewell to Fatima today as you set for Tomar to visit the famous Convent of Christ complex, once a stronghold of the Templars in the 12th-century. Uncover the history of the Templars in Portugal, including the beautiful medieval chapel and the ornate cloister, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Explore this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site before continuing to the city of Coimbra, once the capital of Portugal and today a student city, home to the oldest university in the country. As the day draws to a close, travel to Porto, in northern Portugal on the banks of the Douro River. With its stunning Old Town, Porto is one of the highlights of any trip to Portugal. Spend the evening at your leisure, exploring the city's atmospheric streets. Overnight stay in Porto. *Optional Fado and folklore Show with Traditional Dinner: A fantastic gastronomic show that will highlight the remarkable traditions of the Douro and northern Portuguese culture. This lively evening will combine Folklore songs, traditional dances and an all-inclusive dinner paired with some of the best wines in Portugal. Sing and dance the night away, a true authentic experience to remember.

Day 7: Porto

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a panoramic tour of Porto to see the main attractions of the city such as the exterior of Clérigos Tower, Aliados Avenue, the impressive Sao Bento train station and the iconic bridge of Luis I. In the afternoon, soak up the delights of Porto at your own pace, admiring the famous tiled facades or sampling the authentic local port in a cosy cafe. Alternatively, we recommend an unforgettable boat tour on the River Douro.* Overnight stay in Porto. *Optional River Douro Boat Tour: In the afternoon, set off on an unforgettable boat tour on the Douro River to enjoy spectacular views of the city. After cruising on the river, visit a local port wine cellar and enjoy a tasting session of this typical Portuguese drink. Please note: Entrance to the Bolsa Palace (10 euros per person) and Church of Saint Francis (8 euros per person) is optional and is not included. Why not upgrade your trip with our Portugal Highlights package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!

Day 8: Porto - Aveiro - Lisbon

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Porto this morning, headed for the charming coastal city of Aveiro where you can enjoy some free time to explore its picturesque canals and colorful architecture. In the afternoon, return to the capital of Lisbon and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to soak up the ambience of this lively city or do some last-minute shopping. Overnight stay in Lisbon.

Day 9: Lisbon - Sao Miguel Island, Azores

Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time, transfer to Lisbon airport to catch a flight to Sao Miguel Island in the Azores.* The largest island in the Portuguese Azores archipelago, Sao Miguel is known for its breathtaking volcanic scenery, beautiful flora and captivating marine life. Arrive and transfer to the hotel in Ponta Delgada. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, soaking up the striking Gothic architecture of this capital of the Azores. Overnight stay in Ponta Delgada. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Day 10: Sao Miguel Island, Azores

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off this morning for Sete Cidades, a three-mile-long volcanic crater lake, home to all kinds of fascinating sights. Begin with a tour of a pineapple plantation to observe the growing phases of this delicious tropical fruit and to taste a local pineapple liqueur. Continue to stunning Pico do Carvao, which boasts brilliant views across the central part of Sao Miguel island. At Vista do Rei viewpoint you can enjoy the epic landscapes of Sete Cidadaes. Descend into the crater to admire Lagoa de Santiago before returning to Ponta Delgada. In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day tour to Lagoa do Fogo, a volcanic crater lake in the center of the island. Journey down the south coast in the direction of Pico da Barrosa and admire the captivating views of the lake from the viewpoint. Descend to Caldeira Velha, where you have the opportunity to bathe in the hot water springs before heading to historic Riberia to enjoy a walking tour of its old town, admiring the architecture and stopping to sample the traditional local liqueurs. Return to Ponta Delgada via the picturesque north coast of the island. Overnight stay in Ponta Delgada.

Day 11: Sao Miguel Island, Azores

Breakfast at the hotel. Get ready for an action-packed day of sightseeing in the Furnas Valley, known for its volcanic activity and hot springs. Set off to Vila Franca do Campo, once the capital of the Azores, where you can sample the delicious traditional pastries known as 'Queijadas da Vila'. Next, descend into the Furnas Valley, starting with a visit to Terra Nostra Park, a shining example of the romantic 18th-century gardens of the Azores. Admire the rich and fragrant vegetation with the option to enjoy a relaxing dip in a thermal pool. Afterwards, head to the Caldeiras, situated next to the famous Furnas Lake, to watch a cooking demonstration where you'll learn how to cook using the natural heat of the caldeiras. Tuck into traditional cozido for lunch at a local restaurant before exploring more of the sights of the Furnas Valley such as the hot springs and fumaroles as you learn about everyday life in this volcanic environment. On the way back to Ponta Delgada, stop at the Pico do Ferro Viewpoint for unforgettable views of this unique landscape. Overnight stay in Ponta Delgada.

Day 12: Sao Miguel Island, Azores

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a day at your leisure to explore the delights of the Azores at your leisure. Get to know the local culture, enjoy the unique climate of this Atlantic archipelago and take some time for sightseeing in the capital. We recommend an optional Dolphin and Whale-Watching excursion or a City Tour of Ponta Delgada.* Overnight stay in Ponta Delgada. * Optional Dolphin & Whale Watching Excursion: Set off on a 4-hour dolphin and whale watching excursion to discover the most famous inhabitants of the Azores wildlife-rich waters. The most frequently sighted whales in the Azores are the sperm whale, sei whale and fin whale, whilst both bottle-nosed dolphins and common dolphins are also numerous. * Optional City Tour of Ponta Delgada: Get a great overview of this unique and historic city on a 4-hour city tour. See all the unmissable landmarks such as the church of St. Sebastian, the Convent and Chapel of Our Lady of Hope and much more as you soak up the atmosphere of this striking island capital.

Day 13: Sao Miguel Island, Azores - US

Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time, transfer to the Azores airport for your return flight back to the US.* Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.