Lisbon & The Azores

Itinerary

3 Nights – Lisbon
3 Nights – Faial Island (Horta)
4 Nights – São Miguel Island (Ponta Delgada)

* Optional day trip to Pico Island
* Optional extension to stay on Terceira Island

✈ UK- Lisbon (3 Nights): We’ll be there to welcome you from your UK- Lisbon flight, where we’ll transfer you directly to your hotel for the start of your 3-night stay. Against the buttercup yellow backdrop of imperial buildings, gothic churches and sundrenched squares, Lisbon is a city brimming with bohemian flair and warm tradition. Wander Belém’s cafe-packed streets between the Jerónimos Monastery and landmark Belém Tower, and take in panoramic views from the hilltop-perched Castelo neighbourhood. The main Praça do Comércio square’s live fado music provides the perfect setting to enjoy coffee with a traditional custard pastry, and you can shop (high or low-end) at Alfama flea market or the buzzing Baixa district. Lisbon isn’t complete without riding the iconic Tram 28- handy for the hill setting. If the Lisbon Castle Tour or Santa Justa Lift’s dizzying heights sound up your street, we can arrange it.

✈ Lisbon- Horta (3 Nights): Leaving the metropolitan buzz for a contrast of picture-perfect plateaus, you’ll then fly direct to Horta for your first glimpse of this volcanic island cluster’s staggering beauty. You’ll be staying 3 nights at a hotel of your choice, but the Azores’ nine islands weren’t formed for staying cooped up in your room. Vast fields of Gingerlily stagger bathing pools of natural, hot-spring lava, but there’s equally a wealth of culture and local life to explore. Horta is Faial Island’s main city. There’s the historic centre’s galleries, markets and marina- think imposing waterfront facades fronting delightful restaurants. The Azores are home to a third of the world’s whales, dolphins and porpoises, so don’t miss out on the chance to watch these in the wild. Flat-terrain cycling, hiking and walking tours are all available, as is your chance to opt in for a day trip to Pico’s wineries and vineyards. This is where you decide whether to jet straight to São Miguel Island, or add on the Terceira Island option for the beachfront bars and cobbled charm. Either way, you’ll be all set for the third leg of your trip.

✈ Horta- São Miguel (4 Nights): Whether you’re flying from Horta or the extended Terceira Island option, you’ll be travelling direct to São Miguel’s city of Ponta Delgada for the remaining 4 nights of your holiday. São Miguel is the largest Azores island, but the quaint charm of blue china shops and Graça Market’s pineapple stands haven’t gone anywhere. The culture-rich Jesuit churches here keep the island’s heritage alive, although it’s the getaway feel of the island’s 20 official walking trails and hidden waterfalls that make it a gem. Scenic views, canyoning and lake vistas from the hike up to Hell’s Mouth make São Miguel a natural paradise- enough for the island’s piña colada greenhouse plants to be fooled that they’re in South America. With 4 nights, there’s more than enough opportunity to switch up trail hiking with The Block’s offbeat art exhibits, and trust us, the local cuisine will have you Googling “Portuguese restaurants” when you get home.

✈São Miguel- UK: On your final day, we’ll meet you at your hotel and transfer you for your flight back to the UK (for that homecoming cup of tea).