Porto & the Azores

Relax in the natural beauty of São Miguel in the Azores, then explore the history and gastronomy of the coastal city of Porto in northwest Portugal.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Welcome to the Azores

Upon your arrival at Ponta Delgada International Airport on the island of Sao Miguel, you’ll be met by your driver and brought to your hotel in Ponta Delgada 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

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 Porto

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 Porto. Upon arrival, you will meet your driver and head to your boutique hotel in Porto.

Day 6:

Douro Tour

Today you will head out to the Douro River Valley by van, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to stops in Peso da Régua, Pinhão, and typical villages, you will also visit two renowned wineries for tastings and to learn about the different stages of wine production. In Pinhão, one of the most beautiful and traditional villages in the region, you will enjoy a traditional lunch and taste the wonderful flavors of the Douro’s regional gastronomy. Later, you will enjoy a magnificent boat ride down the river and a tasting of olive oils and other products of the Douro region.

Day 7:

Porto City Tour

Embark on a half-day tour of Porto. From Ribeira (old town) to Foz (river mouth), passing by the most important monuments and places, you will learn about the history and culture of this town, its traditions and emotions. During the tour, you will also visit the Port wine cellars for a tasting and to learn more about the history of Port wine, its production and storage.

Day 8:

Until Next Time

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

Testimonials

The Azores are beautiful and Porto is a very interesting city but be prepared for walking on hilly cobblestone streets. We enjoyed the guided tours arranged for us. The guides were both personable and knowledgeable. From flights to airport pickup to tours all followed the itinerary Erika had prepared. Of note our guide for the Douro valley wine/port tasting tour did an amazing job in less than ideal weather conditions. Thank you Erika for taking our preferences and crafting this wonderful tour.

Ronald L, Portugal - 2023

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