Porto, Lisbon & São Miguel

Description

3 Nights – Porto
4 Nights – Lisbon
5 Nights – São Miguel

✈ UK to Porto (3 nights):  As soon as you arrive in Porto, the charm of its winding streets and vibrant waterfront will instantly draw you in. Start your exploration in the historic Ribeira, with its narrow alleys heading down to the Cais da Ribeira, the bustling riverside promenade.  Take a traditional rabelo boat along the Douro River, passing beneath the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, an architectural marvel with its striking double-decked metal arches.  A great spot to soak up the city atmosphere is the bustling Praça da Ribeira, flanked by charming boutiques and lively bars and for a taste of Porto’s history, head uphill to the Romanesque Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto), offering stunning city views. Don’t miss the Livraria Lello, often considered one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, and São Bento Station, where the blue and white azulejos (traditional ceramic tiles) depict stories of Portugal’s past. Lastly, an absolute-must visit in Porto is a trip to Vila Nova de Gaia to explore the wine cellars and discover the centuries-old tradition behind this iconic Portuguese drink.

🚆 Porto to Lisbon (4 nights): From Porto you’ll board the train, passing through rolling hills, vineyards, villages, and gradually transitioning to coastal landscapes as you approach Lisbon.  Head to Alfama with its maze of narrow, charming streets, and make your way to São Jorge Castle for incredible views that’ll take your breath away. To rest your weary feet,  grab a warm pastéis de nata from a local bakery – it’s practically a rite of passage – and enjoy watching the world go by in one of the many sun-soaked squares.  As evening falls, head to the Bohemian Bairro Alto, where the cobbled streets filled with bars and restaurants come alive with the sounds of traditional fado music. If you’re in the mood to shop, the Avenida da Liberdade offers high-end options, while Baixa’s quirky shops are perfect for finding something unique. And don’t forget a day trip to the town of Sintra, just a short hop away by train. Nestled in the foothills of the Serra de Sintra mountains, Sintra feels like it’s jumped straight out of a fairy tale. Wander through the magical Pena Palace, a castle perched on a hill, and uncover the secrets of Quinta da Regaleira, with its enchanting gardens and hidden tunnels. Alternatively, head to the coastal town of Cascais for a wander along the seafront, enjoying the sea breeze, picturesque beaches, and lively atmosphere.

✈ Lisbon to São Miguel (5 nights): Flying from Lisbon, you’ll arrive on São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores, where your private transfer will take you to your hotel in Ponta Delgada, the archipelago’s largest city. Ponta Delgada has a relaxed, welcoming vibe, with a mix of cobblestone streets, picturesque waterfront, and vibrant local life, making it an ideal base for exploring the island. In the city itself, you’ll find colonial buildings, the Church of São Sebastião, famed for its Manueline portal and Baroque interior, and the 16th-century Forte de São Brás, now home to the Museu Militar dos Açores. Outside of the city, there is so much natural beauty to explore, including the Sete Cidades crater lakes, where you can hike around the twin lakes, or head to Lagoa do Fogo, a pristine volcanic lake surrounded by lush forests. The island’s dramatic coastline with its rugged cliffs and natural pools, such as the ones in the area around Ribeira dos Caldeirões are perfect for swimming and walking along the cliffs.  You can also visit the Gorreana Tea Factory, the only tea plantation in Europe, and take in the lush landscapes of the island’s countryside.

✈ São Miguel to UK:  Time to fly back home to the UK.  However, if you’re not quite ready for your trip to end and you’d like to add some more islands onto your Azores trip, such as Terceira, known for its UNESCO-listed Angra do Heroísmo, or Pico, home to Portugal’s highest mountain, this can be easily arranged.