The Azores & Old-Charm Porto

Suggestion for the day:

• Douro Wine Region: This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts dramatic landscapes unlike any other, with terraced vineyards cascading down steep hillsides alongside the Douro River. Witness the fruits of this labor with winery tours and tastings, savoring the world-renowned Port wines produced here for centuries.  Beyond the wine, the Douro Valley offers charming villages, historic sites, and breathtaking viewpoints – a perfect escape for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a taste of Portuguese serenity.

Suggestion for the day:

• Explore other highlights in Porto. You can easily walk or catch the metro to visit these places.
• • Capela das Almas: This captivating 18th-century chapel is a visual feast, adorned with thousands of blue and white azulejo tiles depicting scenes from the lives of saints.
  • Mercado do Bolhão: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Porto's bustling Bolhão Market. Explore the stalls overflowing with fresh produce, local delicacies, and Portuguese crafts.
  • Jardins do Palácio de Cristal: Escape the urban buzz and find tranquility in these beautifully landscaped gardens. Explore the pavilions, wander through the serene walkways, and enjoy a moment of peace surrounded by nature.
  • Casa da Música: Witness a symphony of architecture at Casa da Música, a modern concert hall known for its unique and eye-catching design. Take a tour or catch a performance and experience the magic of music in this stunning setting.
  • Serralves Museum & Gardens: Go into the world of modern and contemporary art at this museum. Explore the impressive collection and don't miss the beautifully manicured gardens, a haven for art and nature enthusiasts alike.
  • Vila Nova de Gaia: Venture across the iconic D. Luis I Bridge by tram and explore the neighboring town of Vila Nova de Gaia. Here, you can delve into the world of Port wine with tours and tastings at the many cellars, or simply relax on the waterfront and soak up the beautiful scenery.

Welcome to the Green Island, São Miguel! Upon arrival and departure, enjoy seamless airport transfers. 

Suggestion for the day:

• Unwind and explore the captivating city of Ponta Delgada, the Azores' vibrant capital! This charming city offers a delightful blend of European elegance and Azorean character, making it the perfect destination for a leisurely day of strolling and exploration.
  • Portas da Cidade: Begin your journey at the iconic Portas da Cidade, the city gates that once served as the main entrance to Ponta Delgada. Imagine centuries of travelers passing through these historic portals.
  • Cobbled Streets & Sidewalk Cafes: Wander along charming cobblestone streets, soaking in the city's vibrant atmosphere. Relax at a sidewalk cafe, savor a steaming cup of coffee, and observe the locals go about their day.
  • Matriz Church: Marvel at the architectural beauty of Matriz Church, a historic landmark boasting stunning religious art and architecture. Immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of Ponta Delgada.
  • Pineapple Delights: Venture beyond the city center and explore the surrounding areas, famous for their pineapple plantations. Learn about the unique cultivation methods and perhaps even sample a slice of this refreshing tropical fruit.

Suggestion for the day:

• Explore the wonders of Sete Cidades, including Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa de Santiago, Lagoa do Canário, and the captivating Boca do Inferno Viewpoint. Don't miss the chance to venture to the neighboring village of Mosteiros, a perfect spot for a picturesque sunset. While in the western part of the island, treat yourself to the rejuvenating experience of an ocean thermal bath at Ferraria.
• Embark on a Whale and Dolphin-watching Experience: The Azores Islands are known for their unparalleled beauty and biodiversity, adored by outdoor adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. But what people may not know is that the Azores is also one of the fastest-growing whale-watching destinations in the world. Located in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and North America, the Azores are a permanent home and natural point of passage to more than 20 different types of whale and dolphin species, making the islands one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries.

Suggestion for the day:

The thermal hot spot of the Azores! Furnas Valley is the center of São Miguel's unique geothermal activity. Here you can visit two active volcanic sites to see the boiling caldeiras in action, as well as the gorgeous Terra Nostra Park, multiple hot spring pools for soaking and swimming, and the stunning Furnas Lake that's perfectly sized for an afternoon hike - and, if you time your visit to Furnas Lake just right, you might catch the locals taking their steaming hot Cozido stew out of the ground alongside the caldeiras! From thermal pools to mineral springs, caldeiras to culinary treats, and everything in between: Come explore the majestic and mysterious wonders of Furnas Valley in São Miguel. Here are some highlights of your tour:

• Lagoa das Furnas: This beautiful crater lake is surrounded by the steep peaks of the ancient Furnas mountain and its lush, green rim. Visitors can enjoy several hiking trails around the lake, as well as several beautiful parks and the iconic Neo-Gothic Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias.
• Cozido das Furnas Lunch: A longstanding tradition among the locals, this beloved popular dish is a Portuguese stew (cozido) cooked in holes known as fumaroles that are dug in the hot volcanic soil in Furnas. The stew is comprised of a carefully layered pot of pork, beef, chicken, sausages, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and kale that is cooked slowly in the ground for around 6 hours.
• Caldeiras das Furnas: In the center of town, Furnas boasts close to 30 bubbling, steaming calderas and fumaroles of different temperatures and biological compositions, the strong smell of sulfur wafting through the air at every turn. Unsurprisingly, the locals have made the best of having these natural steam pots around. Temperatures range from 70ºC (158ºF)  to 100ºC (212ºF) which is perfect for cooking (but dangerous to get too close to!) 
• Gorreana Tea Plantations: Nestled amidst the lush greenery of São Miguel Island in the Azores archipelago, the Gorreana Tea Plantations stand as a testament to the island's rich history and unique terroir. Established in 1883 by António Agostinho da Silva, Gorreana is the oldest tea plantation in Europe still in operation. A visit to Gorreana Tea Plantations is an immersive experience that unveils the secrets behind the production of world-renowned Azorean tea. Visitors can wander through the verdant tea fields, where rows of tea bushes stretch towards the horizon, basking in the gentle caress of the Atlantic breeze. The air is perfumed with the delicate aroma of tea leaves, a symphony of nature's finest fragrances.

Thank you for choosing Azores Getaways! We hope you had an incredible time in Porto, and we can't wait to embark on more adventures with you soon.