PortugalClassic Portugal: Mainland & Azores Adventure
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.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1Show
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Roma Lisbon
Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk of Lisbon. The rest of the day is free for exploration. In the evening enjoy a Fado performance and traditional Portuguese dinner in one of Lisbon's oldest neighbourhoods. 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.
Lisbon Orientation Walk
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Fado Night with Traditional Portuguese Meal
Sit down to a traditional meal and lend your ears to the sound of a performance by Portuguese folk music artists.
Optional Activities - Day 2Show
Accommodation
Hotel Roma 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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Monastery of Batalha Visit
Visit the Bathala Monastery built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. The elaborate, Gothic-style architecture of this UNESCO site is considered to be one of the masterpieces of the region.
Free Time
Take time to wander around the jaw-droppingly gorgeous monastery, or get out and explore the surrounding area.
Accommodation
Hotel Astoria 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.
Free Time
Get out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 4Show
Accommodation
Hotel Astoria Coimbra
Continue to the historic and vibrant coastal town of Porto in the morning, and take an orientation walk upon arrival.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Accommodation
Ibis Porto Centro São Bento
Free day to explore Porto. Opt to take a cruise down the Douro River, or explore the city which gained UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1996. In the evening enjoy a visit to the port wine cellars and a 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.
Free Time
Take it all in.
Your Hands-On Moment: Port Wine Cellar Visit
Finish off the day with a tour of the cellars of the region's famed export - Port wine. Learn about the art of Port making and the processes that render its rich taste. Indulge in a tasting and raise a glass to a day well spent. Saúde!
Optional Activities - Day 6Show
Accommodation
Ibis Porto Centro São Bento
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.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Accommodation
NEAT Hotel Avenida Ponta Delgada
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.
Ribeira Funda to Maia Hike
Hike from Ribeira Funda to Maia along the dramatic and beautiful north coast of the island of São Miguel. Pass by several ruins of old water mills that once used the force of the Ribeira do Salto river to transform wheat and corn into flour that was mostly used to bake bread. Bread was a key staple in the eating habits of the many families in the village and of the island. Lunch will be had at Praia da Viola also known as the 'secret beach'. The hike ends in the friendly parish of Maia, right next to a little beach area where we can cool off if the weather is nice. Length: 8km Avg duration: 4 hours. Elevation: approx 180-200m
Terra Nostra Geothermal Hot Spring Visit
Visit the 24 acre thermal springs and botanical garden in a town of Furnas. There will be time to dip into the natural waters or wander the grounds.
Accommodation
NEAT Hotel Avenida Ponta Delgada
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Lagoa do Fogo Hike
Known as the "lake of fire," Lagoa do Fogo is the highest body of water in the Azores. Embark on a hike down to the shores of the lake which has formed in the bottom of the caldera. Walk through a forest of Eucalyptus, Japanese Cedars and along a levada water way.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Sete Cidades Parish Hike
Walk the rolling hills along groomed trails in the Sete Cidades parish. Hike around the caldera for spectacular views of the crater lakes formed within the former volcano. Marvel at the blue-green lake reflecting two different colours due to sunlight and algae growth.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 9Show
Accommodation
NEAT Hotel Avenida Ponta Delgada
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.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Rocha do Chambre hike
This 9.5km circular route takes place in the middle of the island explores the rich agriculture of Azorean Heather, Laurel and Juniper plants. The Rocha do Chambre trail is considered rolling terrain. It has some flat sections through the forest which provide very dramatic scenery and a few steep inclines. It crosses a forest and meanders along a small stream up to the top of the Pico Alto crater at just over 700 meters. Enjoy beautiful views of the Azinhal Valley and Biscoitos village with its rocky lava formations that meet the sea. Total elevation gain is about 360 meters.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Angra do Heroísmo Walking Tour
Enjoy a walking tour of the capital city, Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city maintains its stunning Renaissance architecture, housing fortresses, churches and manor houses. Walk through this beautiful city and discover the hidden history of the main streets, squares and monuments.
Accommodation
Hotel Cruzeiro
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.
Mistérios Negros trail Hike and Algar do Carvão lava caves
Hike the Mistérios Negros trail which starts near the site of the last volcanic eruption on Terciera, in 1761. Learn about this incredible landscape while traversing uneven trails, over hardened lava flows and volcanic rock. The highlight of the day is a visit to the Algar do Carvão lava caves, which are a naturally formed tunnel of air developed under the warm lava.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle - its a short 30 minute drive each way.
Accommodation
Hotel Cruzeiro
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
