Wonders of the Azores, Madeira & Portugal

Once you arrive at Ponta Delgada Airport, a transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel, where you will stay for the next four nights.

After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. You may wish to take a leisurely stroll through the city centre, and you can end the evening with dinner at a traditional restaurant, where you can sample some of the Azores’ local dishes.

Ponta Delgada – Vila Franca do Campo – Furnas – Ribeira Grande – Ponta Delgada. Today, we will begin with a visit to Vila Franca do Campo, the island’s original capital on the south coast, where we can sample the famous Queijada da Vila, a traditional sweet made from a centuries-old recipe.

We continue towards the Furnas Valley and its beautiful lagoon, where we will witness fascinating geothermal activity with steaming fumaroles and discover how the traditional Cozido das Furnas is cooked underground using the earth’s natural heat. Before we enjoy lunch, you may choose to visit Terra Nostra Garden and take a dip in its warm thermal pool.

The journey then climbs towards Pico de Ferro, a viewpoint offering spectacular views across the Furnas Valley. We will then travel north, where we will visit the Gorreana tea plantation and factory in Ribeira Grande, where we can taste both green and black tea produced locally.

The final stop of the day is at Santa Iria viewpoint, where we can enjoy breathtaking views of the island’s rugged northern coastline before returning to your hotel.

Ponta Delgada – Sete Cidades – Ribeira Grande – Ponta Delgada. This morning, we begin with a visit to a traditional pineapple plantation, where the fruit is grown organically in greenhouses. Here, we can taste the island’s well-known pineapple liqueur before continuing along the west coast to the Pico de Carvao viewpoint, where we can admire sweeping views across the island.

Surrounded by lush vegetation, we will reach Vista do Rei, the viewpoint overlooking the Sete Cidades volcanic crater, where the twin lakes shimmer in striking shades of blue and green. Inside the crater, we will also see Lagoa de Santiago before stopping in the charming village of Sete Cidades for lunch in a regional restaurant.

In the afternoon, the journey continues along the coast towards Capelas, a former whaling village, with a stop at the Pedras Negras viewpoint to admire the northern coastline. We then continue travelling along the north coast, we will visit Ribeira Grande and its historic centre, before heading to Caldeira Velha, a nature reserve where you may wish to take a relaxing dip beneath a warm waterfall.

The final stop of the day is Lagoa do Fogo, where we can take in the magnificent views before descending through Pico da Barrosa on our way back to our accommodation in Ponta Delgada.

Ponta Delgada – Povocao – Ribeira Quente – Furnas – Ponta Delgada. After breakfast, you can choose between two exciting experiences to make the most of your time on Sao Miguel, either a whale watching excursion or the Salto do Prego and Sanguinho hiking trail.

Whale Watching
If you choose whale watching, you will head out on a three hour boat trip to observe some of the twenty eight species of cetaceans that inhabit the waters around the Azores. With a bit of luck, you may spot whales, dolphins, turtles and seabirds as they move through this rich marine environment.

Salto do Prego/Sanguinho Hiking
Alternatively, you can enjoy a scenic walk starting in the parish of Faial da Terra. The trail follows a tranquil stream through the village and its orchards before leading into the forest, crossing wooden bridges and stone paths on the way to the beautiful Salto do Prego waterfall. Here, you can rest, have a picnic and take a refreshing swim before continuing back through the restored village of Sanguinho.

To end the day, you will stop at the Pico dos Bodes viewpoint and can choose how to spend the rest of your afternoon, perhaps with a swim in Povoacao or Ribeira Quente, a relaxing dip in the Furnas thermal springs, or a peaceful stroll at your own pace.

Ponta Delgada – Funchal. This morning, we will take our flight to Madeira. On arrival at Madeira Airport, a transfer will be waiting to take us to our hotel in Funchal.

After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. You may like to take a short walk to explore the city or relax and sample some of Madeira’s delicious local delicacies.

Funchal – Santana – Machico – Funchal. Today, our first stop is Terreiro da Luta, followed by a drive towards Pico do Areeiro. Standing 1,818 metres above sea level, it is the island’s third-highest peak and offers magnificent views over the surrounding mountains and valleys.

From there, we will descend through the forest towards the coast to see one of Madeira’s last traditional thatched houses. Passing through picturesque villages and along scenic coastal roads, we will reach the island’s easternmost point, where we can enjoy panoramic views of both the north and south coasts.

The journey continues to Ribeiro Frio, a peaceful area surrounded by lush vegetation and a popular place for walks along the island’s scenic water channels. Home to trout ponds and the ancient Laurissilva forest, this region showcases Madeira’s natural beauty. We will enjoy lunch at Santana, a village known for its small triangular thatched houses.

In the afternoon, we travel to Ponta de Sao Lourenco, where striking cliffs and rock formations meet the sea. The day ends in Machico, where we can admire the bay and its golden sandy beach before returning to our hotel.

Funchal – Camara de Lobos – Ribeira Brava – Sao Vicente – Porto Moniz – Funchal. This morning, we will begin our journey in the traditional fishing village of Camara de Lobos, known for its colourful boats and coastal charm. We then continue to Cabo Girao, the second-highest cliff in the world and the tallest in Europe, offering breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding farmland.

From there, we will travel to Ribeira Brava before heading north through the narrow valleys of Serra d’Agua to reach Encumeada, a stunning viewpoint where we can see both the southern and northern coasts of Madeira.

The route then leads to Sao Vicente, one of the island’s largest villages on the north coast, before continuing to Porto Moniz. Here, you will have about an hour to enjoy lunch and the chance to admire the impressive volcanic pools created by ancient lava flows.

On our return journey, we will cross Madeira’s highest plateau, Paul da Serra, where vast open landscapes and panoramic views stretch across the island, making for a beautiful end to the day.

Funchal – Lisbon. After breakfast, we take a fascinating route, as we set off on the Rabacal 25 Fontes Levada, one of Madeira’s most popular walks. The hike begins on the Paul da Serra plateau, descending towards the Pousada do Rabacal, where our trail starts. As we follow the path, we will be surrounded by lush vegetation and have the chance to see many endemic species of plants and birds native to the island.

Our first stop will be the Risco waterfall, an impressive cascade with breathtaking views. The trail then continues towards the Lagoa das 25 Fontes, a lagoon encircled by waterfalls and enormous ferns. Fed by the clear waters of Paul da Serra, it offers a peaceful atmosphere and the chance for a refreshing swim for those who don’t mind the chill.

In the afternoon, we will take a transfer to the airport for our flight to Lisbon. On arrival, we will be met and transferred to our hotel.

This morning, we will take a guided tour of the Portuguese capital. Our local guide will pick us up from our hotel, and the tour will begin along Avenida da Liberdade, one of Lisbon’s grandest avenues, once a favourite promenade for the nobility and royal family.

We will then continue to Parque Eduardo VII, the largest park in central Lisbon, named in 1903 in honour of King Edward VII of England, who visited the city to reaffirm the alliance between the two nations.

Next, we will explore some of Lisbon’s most traditional and picturesque neighbourhoods, including Alfama and Bairro Alto. These areas have retained their strong sense of community and authentic charm, reflecting centuries of cultural influence and diversity. The tour ends at Praca do Comercio, one of the largest squares in Europe, where we can admire views over the Tagus River and the lively rhythm of the city.

In the evening, we will be welcomed at one of Lisbon’s most famous fado houses to enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner accompanied by a live fado performance.

Lisbon – Sintra – Cascais – Estoril – Lisbon. Today, we set out to discover the enchanting towns of Sintra and Cascais. Just 30 kilometres from Lisbon, Sintra feels as though it has come straight from a fairy tale, with its mild climate, lush greenery and romantic atmosphere.

In the morning, you can choose which of the town’s iconic landmarks to explore, whether the National Palace of Sintra, the colourful Pena Palace, the elegant Palace of Monserrate or the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira.

Our journey continues to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, where we can take in spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean from the cliffs described by poets as the place “where the land ends and the sea begin.”

In the afternoon, we will visit Cascais, a former fishing village that has evolved into an elegant coastal retreat while maintaining its historic character. The return journey follows the scenic coastal road through Estoril, where we can admire beautiful beaches and graceful seaside architecture before making our way back to Lisbon.

After our final breakfast, a transfer will collect you from the hotel and take you to the airport for your onward flight. Safe Travels!