Day 1: Overnight Flight Travel through some of Portugal’s most beautiful region

Experience Lisbon, the Azorean island of St. Michael, and the island of Madeira.

Day 2: Lisbon, Portugal - Tour Begins Your adventure opens in Lisbon where Old World traditions still thrive. Experience medieval towns, coastal villages, Portuguese cuisine, regional wines and folkloric entertainment. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Lisbon - Sintra - Cascais - Estoril - Lisbon Set out on a tour of Lisbon featuring the Moorish Alfama Quartre, Jeronimo’s Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site), the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Tower of Belem (UNESCO). Later, explore the town of Sintra (UNESCO), the summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Continue to the coastal resorts of Cascais and Estoril on the Portuguese Riviera. This evening, savour Portuguese cuisine and wine while local artists perform the traditional Fado.

Day 4: Lisbon - Fatima - Nazare - Obidos - Lisbon Travel to the “Silver Coast,” a region of sleepy villages, vineyards and age-old castles. We visit three distinct villages, each with its own cultural character. Begin in the pilgrimage town of Fatima. Discover the beauty of the famous Basilica. Later, see the magnificent Batalha Monastery (UNESCO). Continue to Nazare, a seaside community named for a small wooden statue of the Virgin Mary that arrived here in the 4th century. Then it is on to picture-perfect Obidos, where white-washed houses are guarded by a hilltop castle.

Day 5: Lisbon - St. Michael, Azores - Ponta Delgada To the Azores! Fly to St. Michael, the largest of the nine volcanic islands that form the Azores archipelago. A brief walking tour of Ponta Delgada’s town centre highlights the Portas da Cidade (The City Gates), Saint Christ’s Church, St. Sebastian Church, and the seashore promenade. Later, gaze at the twin lakes of Sete Cidades (Seven Cities). Composed of two lakes inside a volcanic crater, it is the island’s most popular national park. From the edge of the crater, one lake appears blue (reflecting the sky) and the other looks green (reflecting the ground).This afternoon it’s your choice! You may choose to take a leisurely hike inside the crater of Sete Cidades and admire the pristine Bay of Silence. Or perhaps you would prefer to explore the interpretation centre of Sete Cidades followed by free time in the town’s centre. Our day concludes with a magnificent view of the coastal village of Mosteiros.

Day 6: Ponta Delgada - Terra Nostra Botanical Park - Furnas Valley Today it’s your choice! You may take a stroll through the Terra Nostra Botanical Park, home to the world’s largest collection of camellias. Or you can choose to rest and relax in the park’s mineral rich thermal water pool*. In Furnas Valley, experience a cozido das furnas lunch in which meat and vegetables are stewed in the heat of the volcanic earth. Afterward, explore Caldeiras das Furnas, the town’s famous hot springs area. The day comes to a close at a tea plantation where you will learn about timeless methods of production.

Day 7: Ponta Delgada - Optional Tours - Cooking Demonstration The morning is yours to explore Ponta Delgada or perhaps take an optional tour…maybe you will choose to swim with dolphins, take a whale watching boat trip, or kayak at Sete Cidades. Later, discover the secrets of Azorean cuisine during an interactive cooking demonstration at one of the island’s most popular restaurants. Your evening finishes with a sumptuous dinner.

Day 8: Ponta Delgada - Lagoa do Fogo - Ribeira Grande - Nordeste Delve into the art of hand-painted ceramics during a studio visit. Next, take in the beautiful vistas of the mystical Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake). Journey to Ribeira Grande, known for its historic 16th- and 17th-century buildings. See City Hall, Church of Our Lady, and the eight-arch bridge, a symbol of the town. Then, visit a family-owned liqueur shop to taste some of the all-natural local liqueurs. Continue to Nordeste, the highest part of the island. Here, explore the natural beauty and famous waterfalls of Ribeira dos Caldeiroes. We make our final stop of the day at a pineapple plantation where an expert leads you through the farm’s greenhouses.

Day 9: Ponta Delgada - Funchal, Madeira - Monte Fly to Madeira. The “Pearl of the Atlantic” boasts a subtropical climate, majestic mountain ranges and volcanic caves. Stop in Monte, perched on the hills overlooking scenic Funchal. Visit the Botanical Garden of Madeira with its collection of more than 2,500 plants from all continents. Discover Madeira’s history during a panoramic tour of Funchal’s plazas, Colonial mansions, 15th-century cathedral and the local market.

Day 10: Funchal - Câmara de Lobos - São Vicente - Porto Moniz We begin our day with a visit to Câmara de Lobos, a traditional village with a picture-perfect bay. Continue along mountain roads, passing banana plantations and vineyards en route to Cabo Girão, the world’s second-highest cliff. Stop in São Vicente, a charming agricultural town and home to dramatic views of the coast. In the lively fishing village of Porto Moniz, enjoy free time for a swim (weather permitting) in the natural volcanic pools.

Day 11: Funchal - Ribeiro Frio - Santana Set out on a winding trip through the mountains to Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third-highest point. Then, it’s your choice! At Ribeiro Frio (Cold River), explore the natural beauty of a trout farm. Or you may join an exhilarating levada walk** and follow the paths that run along the water channels that flow through the mountains. Next we continue to Santana, a village of small triangular homes thatched with straw. Visit a family-owned embroidery shop and meet local artisans who offer a first-hand look at their delicate craft. Then, it’s time to sample some world-famous Madeira wine. Celebrate with a traditional dinner known as espetada. Folk dancers and music entertain as you feast on a local dish of beef marinated in herbs and cooked over an open fire.

Day 12: Funchal - Lisbon Board your flight and return to the energetic city of Lisbon. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Later, bid “adeus” to Portugal during a farewell dinner.

Day 13: Lisbon - Tour Ends