Operated by G Adventures

Classic Portugal: Mainland & Azores Adventure

From

CAD 4,359

Duration

12 days

Countries

Portugal

Activity

moderate

The adventure

Dive into 12 magical days of vibrant cities, world-class wines, and stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites — all wrapped up in jaw-dropping architecture. Then, switch gears and dive into the wild beauty of the Azores, where dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush hiking trails, and soothing geothermal hot springs await. Explore the lively streets of Porto, Coimbra, and Lisbon before hitting some of the Azores’ most epic hikes sure to get your heart racing and your soul soaring. This, right here, is the ultimate mix of culture, nature, and unforgettable moments — the very heart of Portugal, all in one trip!

At a glance

Duration

12 days

Route

Lisbon → Angra do Heroísmo

Countries

Portugal

Activity level

moderate

Style

Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Food & Drink, Trekking & Hiking

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

Portugal

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time. If visiting the historic district of Belém is on your bucket list, we recommend arriving early on this day to explore its major sites like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Most attractions in Belém are closed on Mondays.

Arrive at any time. If visiting the historic district of Belém is on your bucket list, we recommend arriving early on this day to explore its major sites like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Most attractions in Belém are closed on Mondays.

Day 2Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk of LisbonOpt to take a day trip into the foothills of the surrounding mountains to Sintra. Get lost in the city's winding streets lined with pastel coloured houses, palaces, majestic gardens and lush forests. It doesn't get more postcard-worthy than this.

Lisbon

Opt to take a day trip into the foothills of the surrounding mountains to Sintra. Get lost in the city's winding streets lined with pastel coloured houses, palaces, majestic gardens and lush forests. It doesn't get more postcard-worthy than this.

Day 3Leave Lisbon behind and head north…

Lisbon

Leave Lisbon behind and head north to the small hill town of Batalha, best known for its ornate gothic monastery built to commemorate Portugal's victory in the infamous battle of Aljubarrota. Visit the historic Monastery of Batalha with free time to wander the grounds. Continue to the medieval capital of Portugal, Coimbra.

Day 4Enjoy a free day to explore Coimbra

Enjoy a free day to explore Coimbra. Opt to visit the famous Coimbra University, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013 (and also the inspiration for Harry Potter's Hogwarts). Explore the winding streets and the riverfront filled with restaurants and bars, or opt for a day trip to the nearby coastal town of Aveiro or the pilgrimage sites of Fátima.

Day 5Continue to the historic and vibrant coastal town…

Continue to the historic and vibrant coastal town of Porto in the morning, and take an orientation walk upon arrival.

Day 6Free day to explore PortoHead down Allies Avenue to see the French-inspired buildings. Bargain at the Bolhão Market. Wander the city's World Heritage-listed Ribeira district, visit São Francisco church, the palatial former 19th-century stock market Palácio de Bolsa or head to the Clerigos Tower for a panoramic view of the city. In the evening, become an Port wine connoisseur with a visit to the cellars and a port wine tasting.

Head down Allies Avenue to see the French-inspired buildings. Bargain at the Bolhão Market. Wander the city's World Heritage-listed Ribeira district, visit São Francisco church, the palatial former 19th-century stock market Palácio de Bolsa or head to the Clerigos Tower for a panoramic view of the city. In the evening, become an Port wine connoisseur with a visit to the cellars and a port wine tasting.

Day 7Transfer to the airport this morning and board…

Transfer to the airport this morning and board an unescorted flight to Ponta Delgada. Enjoy free time to settle in upon arrival and meet with your new CEO this evening at the hotel.

Day 8Hike from Ribeira Funda to Maia along…

Hike from Ribeira Funda to Maia along the dramatic and beautiful north coast of the island of São Miguel. Pause to eat lunch at Praia da Viola, also known as the 'secret beach.' Along the way pass many viewpoints along the coast of the island. The tour ends in the friendly parish of Maia. After returning from the hike the group will head into Furnas town for a visit to the Terra Nostra Gardens and geothermal hot springs. While there, the group will have a chance to take a dip in the natural hot waters or wander around the 24-acre botanical garden.

Day 9Spend the morning on a hike…

Spend the morning on a hike to the highest body of water in the Azores, Lagoa do Fogo, "lake of fire". Wander down to the shores of the lake through a forest of Eucalyptus and Japanese Cedars. Later, after a picnic lunch, travel to the Sete Cidades Parish and hike the trails for stunning views of the lakes within the caldera.

Day 10Fly from São Miguel to Terceira islandAngra do Heroísmo

Scenic aerial view of a coastal town in Terceira Island, Azores, with ocean and clouds.

Angra do Heroísmo

Fly from São Miguel to Terceira island, considered the capital of Azorean culture. Meet your CEO and hit the trails. Hike 9.5km on a circular route right in the middle of the island. Enjoy beautiful views of the Azinhal Valley and Biscoitos village with its rocky lava formations that meet the sea. Later, enjoy a walking tour of Angra do Heroísmo, the capital city, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 11Head to the middle of the island…

Head to the middle of the island with stunning views of the agricultural patchwork fields contrasted by the centuries old lava flow (often called the Black Lagoon). Here we hike the Mistérios Negros trail and visit the Algar do Carvão lava caves.

Day 12Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.

Depart at any time.