Portugal: Mainland & Azores Adventure

Arrive in Lisbon at any time. The city’s historic Belém district is a popular first stop; plan to arrive early if you want to see the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower on the same day. Note that most of Belém’s attractions are closed on Mondays, so check your calendar before making plans.

An orientation walk through Lisbon's core is a good way to get your bearings. The rest of the day is open for exploration. A popular day trip runs to Sintra, a town in the foothills known for its pastel-coloured houses, palaces, and lush forests. Back in the city, the evening ends in one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods for a traditional Portuguese dinner accompanied by a live fado performance.

Leave Lisbon behind for the drive north to Coimbra. The route breaks at the small hill town of Batalha, home to an ornate Gothic monastery built to commemorate a 14th-century military victory. There's time to wander the grounds before continuing the journey to Coimbra, the medieval capital of Portugal.

A full free day in Coimbra. The main draw is the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013. Beyond the university, you can explore the city's winding streets and riverfront bars. Alternatives include a day trip to the coastal town of Aveiro or the pilgrimage site of Fátima.

The journey from Coimbra to Porto is a straightforward 120km trip by local train. Upon arrival in the historic coastal city, an orientation walk helps to map out the key districts and landmarks. The rest of the day is free to begin exploring.

A free day to explore Porto's UNESCO-listed core. Options include a cruise on the Douro River, bargaining at the Bolhão Market, or climbing the Clerigos Tower for a panoramic view of the city. The Ribeira district's waterfront is a classic walk. In the evening, cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia for a tour and tasting at one of the city's famous port wine cellars.

The trip pivots from mainland Portugal to the Atlantic. A morning transfer connects to the airport for a flight to Ponta Delgada, the main city on São Miguel island in the Azores archipelago. After landing and settling in, the afternoon is free to get a first look at this volcanic outpost.

The day is spent on São Miguel's dramatic north coast. A four-hour, 8km hike follows the trail from Ribeira Funda to Maia, passing the ruins of old water mills. The path descends to Praia da Viola, a secluded beach, for a lunch break. After the hike, the route continues to Furnas town for a visit to the Terra Nostra Gardens. There's time for a dip in the geothermal hot springs or a walk through the 24-acre botanical garden.

Two distinct hikes fill the day. The morning starts with a 7km trek to Lagoa do Fogo, the 'lake of fire,' the highest body of water in the Azores. The trail descends through a forest of eucalyptus and Japanese cedars to the caldera's shore. After a picnic lunch, a transfer leads to the Sete Cidades parish for a 10km hike along the caldera rim, with views of the famous twin-coloured crater lakes below.

A short morning flight connects São Miguel to Terceira, considered the cultural hub of the Azores. The day's main activity is a 9.5km circular hike on the Rocha do Chambre trail, which crosses rolling terrain and forest with views over the Azinhal Valley and Biscoitos village. Later, a walking tour explores the capital, Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture.

Today’s 7km hike follows the Mistérios Negros trail, or 'Black Mysteries,' named for the dark, hardened lava flows from Terceira's last eruption in 1761. The trail is uneven, traversing volcanic rock and offering views of the island's agricultural patchwork fields. The highlight is a visit to Algar do Carvão, a remarkable lava tube you can descend into, formed as a natural tunnel beneath the cooling volcanic flow.

The route concludes on Terceira island. There are no planned activities, leaving the day free for packing and independent departure from Angra do Heroísmo at any time.