Portugal Explorer: Azores, Lisbon and Porto

Travel through São Miguel Island’s picturesque countryside to arrive at the Kings View viewpoint. Take in spectacular vistas of the twin Blue and Green lakes, and Sete Cidades - considered one among Portugal’s seven natural wonders. Next, descending to the valley, walk along the lakes’ shores while listening to local legends. Continue along the northern coast to reach Ribeira Grande, and stroll along the main street. Check out the medieval architecture of the riverside City Hall that features a clock tower. Later, making your way up the volcanic complex of Água de Pau Massif, enjoy the natural scenery. Pause at the viewpoint overlooking Lagoa do Fogo for spectacular vistas of this pristine crater lake. Finally, driving towards Ponta Delgada, visit the historic Augusto Arruda Pineapple Plantation. Get to know about the growth and harvesting of the famous Azorean pineapples. (Duration:8hrs; 09.30 am; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Notes: Wear comfortable walking shoes)

Explore the varied wonders of Furnas over the course of this tour. Arrive at the scenic lookout of Santa Iria, which offers stunning vistas of the entire northern coast of the island. Next, head to a tea factory to view lush plantations and traditional processing techniques. Enjoy tastings of green and black teas, followed by some of the most delicious ice creams available on the island. After pausing at Pico do Ferro for panoramic views of the entire Furnas valley, head to Terra Nostra, one of Europe’s most famous botanical gardens. Discover myriad species of trees, bushes and flowers collected and nurtured from across the world. Later, enjoy a dip in the balmy waters of a natural thermal pool before you settle down to a lunch of ‘cozido’ that gets its unique flavor from being cooked in the volcanic heat under the lake. Continue the sensory indulgence with a visit to the hot springs, where the waters vary vastly in texture and temperature. A brief stop at the charming hamlet of Vila Franca provides the perfect finish to a beautiful day in the Azores. (Duration:8hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Time: 0930 - 1730 hrs; Tour includes Admission, Guide and Lunch; Fitness level: easy; Guests are requested to bring bathing suit, windbreaker and sneakers as well as water and sunscreen)

Discover some of the best kept secrets of Sao Miguel with a tour of Nordeste, or the eastern part of the island. Set off from your hotel for the verdant environs of Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park, where native vegetation and exquisite waterfalls offer a glimpse into how the island must have appeared to the earliest settlers. Stroll past old watermills, picnic areas and quaint cafes. Continue with your tour as you pass the village of Nordeste for breathtaking valley vistas, particularly from the Ponta de Sossego viewpoint. A scenic drive along the southward coast brings you to the quaint village of Povoação, one of the first inhabited parts of the island, a fact marked by architectural elements like the Matriz Velha by the sea and the 15th century Hermitage of Santa Bárbara. After a delicious lunch break, wander through its atmospheric streets, stopping perhaps for a cup of local coffee and the sinfully delicious Fofas da Povoação or traditional éclairs of the region. (Duration:8hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Time: 1000 - 1800 hrs; Tour includes Guide; Fitness level: easy; Guests are requested to bring comfortable walking shoes)

Immerse yourself in the cultural and natural beauty of the Portuguese Riviera on this leisurely tour from Lisbon. Visit Sintra, one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal, where the historic Pena Castle is located. Enjoy visit of Palacio da Pena, perched on a mountain range. The Palace of Pena was classified as a National Monument in 1910 and ranks as the single most important site in the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, classified by UNESCO as World Heritage in 1995. Travel on to Cape Roca to enjoy panoramic views from the westernmost point of continental Europe. Pass by the famous surfing beach of Guincho to reach the idyllic holiday destination of Cascais. Discover the historical center of this erstwhile fishing town and walk down its streets dotted with restaurants and quaint storefronts. The upscale resort town of Estoril, once a favorite destination of European royals, makes for an ideal last stop before you head back. (Duration:8hrs; Starting Time: 900 hrs; Ending Time: 1700 hrs; We recommend to start at 9 am to avoid the crowds in Sintra; Private Activity & Transfers; Admission to Pena Palace Included; Fitness Level: Easy. Please note that this activity involves some walking.)

Enjoy a delightful wine tasting tour of Taylors and W & J Graham’s magnificent wine cellars in Porto. The historical cellars are set on a ridge in Vila Nova de Gaia across the Douro river from Porto. Take in spectacular views of the historic city center and the famous two-tier bridge connecting the cities of Oporto and Gaia. Row after row of oak casks and large vats of ageing Port wine are stored here, and you can explore the extensive cellars where the wines are aged in bottles. Thick granite walls allow for optimal climatic conditions and the maritime climate too is perfect for the slow ageing of Port. You’ll be amazed by the beautiful interiors too, with high ceilings supported by Riga Pine beams. Enjoy the tasting of different types of wines, cheese, sausage, bread and oil while taking in views of the city of Porto. (Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; Standard Taylors Tasting & Premium Graham’s tasting with pairings; Includes a private guide and driver. Please wear appropriate footwear.)