São Miguel & Lisbon: 15-Day Guided Adventure

09:30AM - 12:00PM: Ponta Delgada City Tour 

This tour takes place in what is considered the "capital" of São Miguel Island – the city of Ponta Delgada. During this tour, we will discover the main historical, cultural, and noteworthy sites of this wonderful city.

Highlights of this tour include:

• Old churches and convents
• Monument of Portas da Cidade 
• Pineapple plantations (* if not possible during the City Tour, this visit will take place during the Full-Day Tour of Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo)
• Historical Beautiful gardens
• São Brás Fortress and São Francisco square

9AM - 5PM: Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo Tour

A full-day tour that takes you to the two most famous lagoons of São Miguel Island. 

Sete Cidades: One of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal, this show-stopping, lake-filled crater has become one of the signature and most famous images of the Azores. There are (amazingly) 11 lakes in total scattered around Sete Cidades, but they can only be seen from certain angles from the various miradouros (viewpoints in Portuguese) in the area. 

Lagoa do Fogo: Lagoa do Fogo, which translates roughly into "Lagoon of Fire", is a crater lake located at the center of São Miguel Island. This protected nature reserve sits tucked away atop the impressive Pico da Barrosa, far above the whir, hum, and hurry of civilization below. 

Highlights of this tour include:

• Pineapple plantations (* if already visited during the City Tour, it will be substituted for a different point of interest)
• Escalvado viewpoint (offering a magical view to Mosteiros)
• Sete Cidades parish
• Santiago lagoon
• Vista do Rei viewpoint (overlooking the most famous lagoons of Sete Cidades) 
• Pico do Carvão
• Lunch at a local restaurant 
• Local ceramics factory (Cerâmica Vieira)
• Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint
• Ribeira Grande city center, with a visit to the local liquor shop

9AM - 5PM: Furnas Tour

Furnas Valley is famous worldwide for its bubbling caldeiras and hot springs, where visitors can relax while soaking in a thermal bath any time of year, but this mystical volcanic valley is full of many more interesting surprises. 

Highlights of this tour include: 

• Vila Franca do Campo (offering a viewpoint to the iconic islet)
• Furnas Lake (here, learn how the famous "cozido" dish is cooked underground by heat from the actual volcanic vents!)
• Furnas parish (you will have free time to bathe in the thermal waters here, or visit the Terra Nostra Garden)
• Cozido lunch 
• Visit Furnas "calderas" to see the volcanic activity
• Pico do Ferro viewpoint
• Tea Factory
• Santa Iria Viewpoint

Please note: Terra Nostra Park and/or Dona Beija entrance fees (8€-10€ each) are not included. Also, it is advised that you bring dark-colored bathing suits, an old towel, and a change of clothes (bathing in the thermal waters is known to stain fabrics). And blondes who dye their hair are cautioned to close pay attention as well, as the waters here contain iron and can stain hair the lighter hair pigments.

08:30AM - 12:30PM: Whale & Dolphin Watching Excursion

Take the opportunity to observe some of the dozens of cetacean species that are usually seen in the Azores. While nature is indeed wild, and offers no guarantees, whales and dolphins are regularly seen during our half-day tours. During this tour, you will have the opportunity to observe turtles, birds, and other marine species. Before you embark on the boat trip, expert biologists hold a small informative talk to explain which cetacean species can be observed, the safety measures and protocols for behavior on board – including how we respect animals and what the rules for observation at sea are. You will even learn some fascinating historical facts.

Suggestion for the day:

• Salto do Prego Hiking Trail (Faial da Terra)  & Furnas: We start this tour by going to a beautiful view called "Salto do Cavalo" where we can overlook Furnas and Povoação. Then we visit Povoação village - the oldest on the Island - and then we go to Faial da Terra, where the trail starts. This is a beautiful hike inside a valley, once attacked several times by pirates and you will get to see a hidden small village "camouflaged" in the beautiful nature. During this hiking trail, you will also get the chance to see and/or swim on a breathtaking natural waterfall. After the hike, we will go to Furnas where you can relax and bathe in the hot springs (entrance fee not included - from 8€ to 10€ per person).

Suggestion for the day:

• Salto do Prego - Sanguinho Hiking Trail: Explore the Sanguinho Trail in Faial da Terra, São Miguel Island's hidden gem. This remote village captivates with its rustic houses and fruit orchards, evoking a simpler time. The trail's crowning jewel is the awe-inspiring Salto do Prego spring, complete with a cascading waterfall that feels like a scene from a movie, reminiscent of Avatar. The water is crystal clear, surrounded by lush, vibrant greenery that's purely the work of Mother Nature. Take a refreshing dip in the small pool below the waterfall before returning to the trail's starting point. This unforgettable experience will leave you yearning to return to this natural paradise again and again.

Welcome to Lisbon!

Enjoy included airport transfers for your arrival and departure. For your comfort, consider booking an early check-in in advance.

Suggestion for the day:

• Explore Baixa, the downtown district of Lisbon, known for its grand squares and elegant architecture. Discover the vibrant shopping streets, explore local boutiques, and take a break in one of the traditional cafés to enjoy a refreshing cup of Portuguese coffee.
• End your day with a breathtaking sunset view from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. This hilltop viewpoint offers a panoramic vista of Lisbon, where you can admire the city's rooftops and the sparkling Tagus River as the sun sets on the horizon.

08:30 AM - 02:30 PM

• Begin your day in the charming town of Aljustrel, just four kilometers from the Sanctuary, where you'll visit the family homes of the three shepherds who witnessed the extraordinary events in 1917. Dive into their stories and the roots of the Fátima phenomenon.
• Continue your adventure to the Sanctuary, where the Little Chapel of the Apparitions marks the exact spot of the apparitions. Discover the impressive Our Lady of the Rosary Basilica and the monumental Holy Trinity Basilica, offering a blend of history, architecture, and a unique sense of place.
• Enjoy free time to soak in the atmosphere, attend a local Mass, and explore the serene surroundings.
• Join us at 8:00 am at Praça da Figueira, and conclude your day's exploration at Marquês de Pombal.

08:00 AM - 05:30 PM

• Start your day by exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra, with its charming village center and scenic cobblestone streets.
• Visit the enchanting Quinta da Regaleira and its lush gardens, including the iconic Iniciatic Well.
• Immerse yourself in the vast 85-hectare Pena Palace with its breathtaking natural beauty.
• Continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, for awe-inspiring views.
• Conclude the day in Cascais, a former fishing village turned chic hotspot, where you can enjoy free time to wander.
• Join us at 8:00 am at Praça da Figueira, and end your adventure at Marquês de Pombal. 

02:00 PM - 06:00 PM

• Your Lisbon Foodie Tour starts at Mercado da Ribeira, relishing a classic Portuguese breakfast of coffee and pastel de nata.
• Cruise the Tagus to the south bank, where you'll savor seafood treats against the backdrop of the city's panoramic views.
• Back in Lisbon, raise a toast with Ginja, and explore Baixa Pombalina for the iconic Bifana paired with Portuguese draft beer.
• Culminate your experience with a wine tasting featuring delightful companions—bread, cheese, and jams.
• Join us at 02:00 PM at Mercado da Ribeira and conclude your tour at Largo Camões, having savored 13 tastings, a captivating walking tour, and a scenic boat ride—an extraordinary culinary journey!

08:00 AM - 05:30 PM

• Step into the past and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Évora, a former Roman town immersed in over 1000 years of history, blending Roman, Visigoth, Muslim, and Portuguese influences.
• Begin your walking tour at São Francisco church and the renowned Bones Chapel. Traverse the medieval heart of the city, discovering landmarks like the largest Cathedral in Portugal, the Roman Temple, and Roman baths.
• Visit the charming medieval town of Arraiolos, known for its carpets, olive oil, and chicken patties. Experience local culture at CITA (Arraiolos Tapestry Museum), indulge in tastings, and explore the medieval castle.
• Meet us at 08:00 am at Praça da Figueira, concluding the journey at Marquês de Pombal.

Suggestion for the day:

• Visit Alfama. Head to the nearby neighborhood of Graça and climb up to the Miradouro da Graça for panoramic views of the city. 
• Explore the beautiful Monsanto Park, a 20-min drive from Lisbon.
• Go to the LX Factory, a vibrant hub of creativity, featuring trendy shops, art galleries, cafés, and restaurants.

Suggestion for the day:

• Visit the iconic Cristo Rei statue. Take a short ferry ride or cross the 25th of April Bridge to reach the statue, which offers breathtaking views of Lisbon and the river.
• Say goodbye to Lisbon with a Fado Dinner!  A captivating and deeply emotional experience that combines the soulful melodies of Fado music with delicious Portuguese cuisine. As you enter a cozy, dimly lit restaurant, you'll be enveloped in an atmosphere of nostalgia and tradition. The hauntingly beautiful strains of Fado, performed by local musicians, fill the air, evoking a profound sense of saudade—the Portuguese longing for something lost.

Thank you for choosing Portugal Getaways! Wishing you a safe and cozy flight back, and eagerly looking forward to exploring more adventures with you shortly.