Lisbon & the Azores

Experience the traditional charm of the largest island in the Azores archipelago, as well as the culturally-rich capital of Portugal. This trip includes the highlights of the “Green Island” of São Miguel mixed with Lisbon’s history, art, and dynamic city life.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Welcome to the Azores

Upon your arrival at Ponta Delgada International Airport on the island of São Miguel, you’ll be met by a driver and brought to your hotel in Ponta Delgada's center to drop your bags. The day is then yours to explore the cobblestone streets of the Azores’ largest city. Stroll down by the marina, visit the city gates, and wander through the marketplace.

Day 2:

Eastern Sao Miguel/Furnas Tour

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for a day-long tour of the Furnas region. This scenic tour of the eastern side of Sao 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 you 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:

Western Sao 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:

Free Day

Today is yours to explore Sao Miguel on your own: continue to stroll through Ponta Delgada, or perhaps head out of town to another part of the island. The second-largest city of Ribeira Grande, the Gruta do Carvão lava caves, and the Caldeira Velha hot springs are just a few of the options.

Day 5:

Welcome to Lisbon

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and take some more time to stroll the old town of Ponta Delgada before transferring to Ponta Delgada International Airport for your flight to Lisbon. Upon arrival in Lisbon, you will meet your driver and head to your boutique hotel in Lisbon.

Day 6:

Lisbon City Tour

Spend your day exploring Lisbon using your Yellow Bus passes. These passes allow you access to the hop-on-hop-off bus, the local trams, and the water taxi. For an amazing view of the city, take the tram to the Alfama hilltop and then walk up to Castelo de São Jorge. Or head out to Bélem by taking the water taxi from the waterfront. Here, you can visit the Tower of Belém, the Discoveries Monument, Jerónimos Monastery, and other popular tourist attractions.

Day 7:

Until Next Time

After breakfast, use the last of your time in Lisbon to shop for souvenirs or simply relax at a café before your transfer back to the airport for your flight home.

Testimonials

From start to finish the trip Quest put together was seamless. All our drivers turned up on time, whether for airport connections or tours. The hotels were all excellent. All the small group excursions booked for us had wonderful guides - they spoke great English and were very knowledgeable. The restaurant recommendations we received from Quest for both Lisbon and the Azores were definitely worth having. We tried several of them and had some wonderful meals. All in all a fantastic stress-free vacation. Ryan at Quest was responsive to all our questions in a timely manner. Thank you!

Ghislaine S, Portugal - 2023

Wonderful trip. The hotels and excursions were great. We had the same guide for our three days of excursions and he was knowledgeable, helpful and accommodating.

Tracy S, Azores - 2022

This trip was unbelievably wonderful! The agenda of spectacles was clearly the right set of choices for our interests, and the tour guides were polite and knowledgeable. Our hotels were modestly priced and beautiful accommodations with the right arrangement for my whole family — including those of us traveling with children. The transfers were rock-solid reliable, always in the right place at the time with the right kind of vehicle. Quest made our vacation flawless.

Aaron S, Azores - 2023