Azores and the Algarve Summer Discovery

On this 7-day itinerary, visit the island of São Miguel in the Azores for 3 nights, then fly to the Algarve region in southern Portugal for 3 nights of sun and sand.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Welcome to the Azores

Upon arrival at Ponta Delgada International Airport on the Azorean island of São Miguel, you’ll be met by a driver and taken to your hotel in the city's center. The rest of the day is yours to explore the cobblestone streets of the Azores’ largest city. Visit the Portas da Cidade (city gate), the historic St. Sebastian Church, and Forte de São Brás, or simply relax in a café near the marina.

Day 2:

Full-Day Eastern São Miguel/Furnas Tour

This scenic tour of the eastern side of São Miguel begins with a stop in the beautiful seaside town of Vila Franca do Campo to taste the famous Queijadas de Vila Franca, a traditional pastry refined by nuns in convents during the 1600s. You will continue to Terra Nostra Park to visit the award-winning botanical gardens and will have a chance to soak in the geothermal hot springs. The tour continues to Furnas Lake, where you will be able to watch your traditional cozido lunch being prepared using the island's geothermal energy. After lunch, you will continue to the viewpoint of Pico do Ferro, where you will see the archipelago’s oldest crater. On your return journey to Ponta Delgada, you’ll stop at a tea plantation and at the Santa Iria viewpoint to take in the breathtaking views.

Day 3:

Half-Day Western São Miguel/Sete Cidades Tour

This half-day tour begins with a stop at a pineapple plantation for an opportunity to see how the island's delicious fruit is grown. Then visit some of the most scenic lookout points on the western end of the island, including Vista do Rei, where you’ll see the iconic blue and green crater lakes of Sete Cidades.

Day 4:

Welcome to the Algarve

This morning, bid farewell to the Azores and transfer to the airport for your flight to Portugal. Upon arrival at Faro International Airport, you will meet your driver and head to Lagos. After checking-in at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to start exploring this beautiful area. Hit the beach!

Day 5:

Free Day

Today is a free day. Continue to explore, or simply relax by the pool or on a nearby beach.

Day 6:

Benagil by Boat

Hop onboard a traditional-style boat and set sail along the coastline towards Benagil Cave. Soak up the wonders of this fascinating location. Next, visit the picturesque Marinha Beach as well as other scenic cliffs and caves. Back on dry land, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Algarseco boardwalk, which boasts stunning views across the coastline. Along the way, admire the natural pools that form in the holes of the cliffs and fill with water during high tide. At the end of the boardwalk, visit a grotto famous for its two arches which act as a window to the sea.

Day 7:

Until Next Time

After breakfast, transfer back to the airport for your flight home.

Testimonials

We had such a great time in the Azores! It was so beautiful and around every corner was another adventure. The guides were an absolute delight, and some of the best I've ever traveled with.

K. Dupont, Azores - 2018

The trip was fantastic! Everything went very smoothly along the way. The rental car went off without a hitch during pickup and the car was very nice. We had great experiences at both hotels with the staff and the locations. (Hotel Verde Mar and Santa Barbara Eco Resort). The whale watching went super well, it was a gorgeous day we saw some amazing animals with a great team on the boat. The list of ideas in each area was also very helpful to plan on things to do as we went along. Leslie and the team helped immensely on the planning and execution, it went very well, we are super pleased with the trip and would highly recommend!!

Corey S, Azores - 2023