Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Portugal – Azores – Sao Miguel – Lisbon
100% customisable for you
Your Portuguese adventure starts today, so pack your bags and head to the airport for your flight to Ponta Delgada, the capital of Sao Miguel, the largest island in the Azores. Flight time is around six hours via Lisbon, so be sure to have a good book to hand or something downloaded.
Upon arrival, head through customs, collect your bags and pick up your rental car. You’re headed to Furnas (a 45-minute drive away), the volcanic heart of the island.
Check in at your hotel – your base for the next three nights – and then head out to stretch your legs. In the surrounding area, you’ll find thermal baths, botanical gardens and viewpoints all waiting to be explored. For dinner, why not try the famous cozido das Furnas? This traditional meat and vegetable stew is slow-cooked underground using the island’s geothermal heat.
Nestled within a caldera, the village of Furnas is home to a plethora of forested landscapes just waiting to be explored, as well as numerous hot springs. Don’t worry, you’ll have time to explore the lovely landscapes and dip into the thermal baths, but let’s start with Lake Furnas.
Tucked away in the depression formed by the collapse of an ancient volcanic cone, Furnas Lake shifts from blue to green, reflecting the surrounding landscape. You can choose to explore it on foot, by bike or even by canoe. At the end of the day, head over to the thermal pools for some much-needed rest and relaxation.
Today, drive down the coast at your own pace, stopping to soak in the views or to stretch your legs on one of the secluded beaches. Exposed to the elements, the swell crashes headlong onto the sand and the dark waves create a dramatic scene.
Back in the warmth of your vehicle, keep on following the coastline from peak to headland. Azoreans love their miradouros (viewpoints), so there are plenty to stop off at along the way.
Hug the ocean all the way to the eastern side of the island, then turn back once you've had your fill of dramatic panoramas (if that's even possible).
It’s time to head west today, so hop in your car and drive to Lagoa, 45 –minutes away from Furnas.
Along the way, you might like to stop at Caldeira Velha. Here, a gentle trail leads to the waters that have made this natural site famous. At the end, you’ll find verdant waterfalls and steaming sulphur baths waiting to warm you up.
Back on the road, the journey continues to Lagoa, where you’ll settle in for the next three nights. If you’ve time to spare, head down to the beach at Praia da Marinha, where the clear waters are perfect for snorkelling.
Today, head out to explore the local area on a cycling trip through Sete Cidades, followed by a relaxing dip in the Ferraria thermal baths.
According to legend, Sete Cidades once housed seven cities (its name means seven cities in English) , which were all destroyed by a volcanic eruption. Today, the three-mile-diameter depression in the caldera is covered by a vast expanse of water. The two lakes, Verde and Azul (green and blue), reflect the two-tone nature that characterises the island.
From the caldera's highest point, you’ll set off on mountain bikes along the gently rolling trails. And because after exertion comes relaxation, the next part of the program includes a relaxing trip to Ferraria. Thermal baths, whirlpools and Turkish baths await to relax your muscles after an adventurous day.
Along the northern coast of the island, you’ll find the oldest and only working tea plantation in Europe. Here, green and black tea leaves are still harvested using traditional methods, with the help of machines developed in the 19th century. Mist shrouds the lush landscape in the morning and the plants flourish in the afternoon sun, so you can expect a striking scene whatever time of day.
Near Ponta Delgada, the vibrant capital of the Azores, you can spot a more exotic crop – pineapples. These tropical fruits are used to make local cakes, liqueurs and cocktails.
As the evening fades, approach the small port of Caloura, where you can watch the sun sink into the ocean before returning to Lagoa (a 15-minute drive away).
The island portion of your trip is winding down, so drive back to Ponta Delgada (a 15-minute journey) and return your car at the airport. Your flight to Lisbon is just over two hours and upon arrival, you’ll be met by a private transfer to take you to your hotel.
This evening, why not wander the Alfama district? The city’s historic neighbourhood is awash with beautiful tiled buildings, and you might be able to catch a fado (traditional Portuguese music) show in one of the local bars.
Today, you’ll get to know the city on a private guided tour. To really grasp the essence of a city in such a short time, nothing compares to exploring it with a local, and your guide knows the city like the back of their hand. Explore the cobbled streets, with insider access to elegant townhouses, small churches and art galleries.
While you’re in Lisbon, trying a pastel de nata (or five) is a must. These flaky, custard-filled pastries are popular with locals and tourists alike (they’re also a great way to refuel after your tour).
To celebrate your final evening in the city, we can arrange dinner and a fado show to see you off in style.
Sadly, your Portuguese holiday is coming to an end, but we’re certain you’ll leave with happy memories and plenty of pastel de natas.
Take a private transfer to the airport to catch your flight back to the UK; direct flights take around three hours, and you’ll arrive the same day.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire now
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
