The Azores, Lisbon & Porto - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon, Fly to Ponta Delgada

Welcome to Portugal! Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, you'll connect with your flight to the Azores. Located roughly 1,000 miles (1,609 km) off Portugal's Atlantic coast, this archipelago of nine islands is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and distinctive landscapes of dormant volcanoes, lush greenery, and turquoise crater lakes. Your destination is the Azores' largest city of Ponta Delgada, located on São Miguel Island, where you'll be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel to get settled in. 

Unwind after your travels with a relaxed stroll through the city's charming neighborhoods, then head to dinner at one of the city's many great restaurants—your specialist will also be happy to offer some recommendations!

Day 2: Whale & Dolphin Watching in the Azores

The Azores are among the best whale watching destinations in the world, with over 20 different species found in the archipelago's waters. After breakfast, you'll board a boat to spot these fantastic creatures alongside biologists and naturalist guides. Search for whales, dolphins, turtles, and more, discover the islands' scenic coastline and sandy beaches and take a tour around the islet of Vila Franca do Campo for a closer look at the volcanic marvel and its resident wildlife.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore the island at your own pace. For adventure seekers, Ponta Delgada acts as a base for exploring the rest of São Miguel Island. Within reach are a slew of outdoor activities and excursions in the lush Azores—truly a slice of heaven in the mid-Atlantic—including hiking, sailing, and horseback riding. Those who like to get in the water can also find countless surfing and scuba diving opportunities.

Day 5: Fly to Lisbon, Gourmet Food Tour

This morning you'll bid the Azores farewell and catch a flight back to Lisbon. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the city center. After checking in, you can unwind after your long journey or head out for a quick stroll. You'll find Lisbon to be an unheralded gem of a European capital. Hilly waterfront neighborhoods are dotted with grand plazas and pastel-colored buildings, many of which date back hundreds of years. Old cable cars lurch up winding cobbled roads, and medieval castles sit perched atop the highest points in the city.

Acquaint yourself with Lisbon's culture through its traditional cuisine this evening with a gourmet food tour—a great way to experience the city for the first time! Wear a good pair of walking shoes because you, along with your guide, will meander through a series of authentic winding alleys tasting the incredible flavors of Portuguese gastronomy, particularly in the neighborhood of Campo de Ourique (practically a city within the city) that sets the food culture and culinary trends of Lisbon. 

Day 6: Half-Day Tour of Lisbon 

Today you'll discover Lisbon in-depth with a half-day tour of key sites and some well-kept secrets. Soak up the city's unique atmosphere and authenticity as you explore via the famous yellow tram system broken up with relaxed strolls. Make sure to wear a good pair of walking shoes!

Along the tour, you'll enjoy the lively bohemian district of Bairro Alto, visit the "new city" of Baixa built after the devastating 1755 earthquake, wander the traditional market square of Praça da Figueira, and climb to Portas do Sol for breathtaking views of the historic Alfama district.

Day 7: Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais

After breakfast, meet your driver for today's adventure in Sintra. Located just half an hour east of the city, this resort town in the Sintra Mountains is known for its forested hills, upscale villas, and Moorish palaces. Start with a visit to the Palacio Nacional da Pena (Pena Palace). This 19th-century romanticist castle mixes Moorish and Portuguese late-Gothic architectural styles with distinct features like gargoyles, ornate battlements, and colorful terraces. 

After touring the palace, you'll have a break for lunch, at which point you can also stroll through the historical village of Sintra and do some shopping and/or sightseeing. Then it's off to Sintra Cascais Natural Park. Some can't-miss locales in this area include the dramatic coastal cliffs of the Cabo de Roca, the wide and inviting Guincho Beach (a popular surf spot), and the glamorous towns of Cascais and Estoril. After a day of sightseeing, you'll return to Lisbon for the evening. 

Day 9: Get to Know Porto, Canning Factory Tour & River Cruise

Get to know more of Porto today with a half-day tour, where you'll learn about the city's history, heroes, and battles as you make your way through Boavista Avenue, one of Porto's most important streets, and Foz, home to revered museums and modern local treasures. Within the UNESCO-listed center, you'll find renowned Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque monuments and sites, including the São Bento Railway Station, Clerigos Tower, the Church of St. Francis, Lello Bookshop, Sta. Catarina Street, Majestic Café, and Bolhão Market. 
 
After visiting the imposing Porto Cathedral with its superb silver altarpiece, finish the tour along the banks of the immense Douro River with views of Ribeira Plaza and the D. Luís Bridge. Later in the day, you have the option of visiting a small-scale canning factory, which produces Portugals' gourmet-quality tinned fish or seeing the city from a different vantage point with a scenic river cruise in a traditional rabelo wooden boat. This 50-minute excursion takes you between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia to discover the beauty and tranquility of the Douro River up close.

Day 10: Day Trip to the Douro Valley & River Cruise

 After breakfast in Porto, you will be picked up at your hotel for a full-day excursion into the mountains and valleys of the Douro Valley, one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world. Start the day at a notable local vineyard as you learn about the remarkable process of producing the valley's famous port wine. Enjoy a tasting, then continue to a local olive oil producer to learn about another of Douro's beloved products. 

At mid-day, you'll have lunch at a traditional Portuguese restaurant where there will be more time to learn about the area and ask your guide questions. Then it's time to hop aboard a riverboat for an hour-long cruise down the Douro River. Relax and admire the beautiful scenery of the valley and the rolling hills along the riverbanks. At the end of the day, your guide will return you to Porto, where you can spend the evening at leisure in the city's lively Ribeira area.

Day 11: Depart Porto

It's time to say goodbye to Portugal! Depending on the time of your flight, you may be able to squeeze in one more walk through the streets of Porto or perhaps pick up some last-minute souvenirs. At the designated time, you'll be transferred to the airport to catch your departing flight. Safe travels and boa viagem!

More Great 11-Day Portugal Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Portugal? Check out these other 11-day Portugal itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.