Portugal & the Azores

Portugal & the Azores

Take in the different sides of Portugal and its sun-kissed splendour on a 14-day exploration of the highlights and some lesser-known outposts. Taste port in its birthplace, explore riverfront Coimbra and its historic university, and weave through the verdant countryside all the way to the capital, Lisbon. Venture far into the Atlantic to see the rolling blue hydrangeas of Faial, the steep cliffs of Sao Jorge and the black volcanic soil under the vineyards of Pico in the Azores, offering a delightful insight into both island and Portuguese living. Discover some new sides to ancient Portugal on this diverse adventure.

Activities

• Porto – Port Wine Tasting
• Coimbra – Evening Fado Performance
• Schist Villages – Nature & Village Walk
• Lisbon – Sunset Picnic
• Sao Miguel – Island Day Tour
• Sao Miguel – Arruda’s Pineapple Plantation at Faja de Baixo
• Sao Miguel – Cozido das Furnas Lunch
• Sao Miguel – Tea Plantation Visit & Tasting
• Sao Miguel – Miradouro do Pico do Ferro & Miradouro de Santa Iria
• Sao Jorge – Hike to Caldeira do Santo Cristo with Picnic Lunch
• Sao Jorge – Visit to Bakery or Local Market
• Faial – Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre
• Pico Island – Day Trip
• Pico Island – Liqueur Tasting
• Pico Island – Criacao Velha Vineyards UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Pico Island – Arcos do Cachorro (Lava tunnels)

Highlights

• Take a walk through the idyllic coastal city of Porto and understand why the birthplace of fortified wine is renowned for its narrow lanes, charming buildings and delicious cuisine.
• Explore the country’s oldest university when discovering the historic riverfront city of Coimbra – once the capital of Portugal.
• Walk through the secluded Schist Villages, hidden between the mountain slopes, and consider the option of an authentic cooking class run by local residents.
• Uncover the wonders of Sao Miguel on a day tour of the island, from plantations of tea and pineapples to an active volcano and some truly memorable viewpoints.
• Check out the lava tunnels on Pico Island, visit a family-owned distillery and learn about life on the island over a tasting of their products and be amazed by the stunning UNESCO-listed landscape of Pico’s vineyards.