Lisbon & the Islands – Sample Itinerary
Lisbon & the Islands – Sample Itinerary
12NIGHTS
TRAVEL FROM APRIL 15th TO OCTOBER 15th
Lisbon, Madeira, Azores
3 Nights Luxury Accommodations at your Choice of Hotel in Lisbon
4 Nights Luxury Accommodations at your Choice of Hotel in Madeira
5 Nights Luxury Accommodations at your Choice of Hotel in the Azores
Private Tour of Lisbon with Licensed English-Speaking Guide
Private Tour of Estoril, Cascais & Sintra with Licensed English-Speaking Guide
Private full-day Island Tour of Madeira with Licensed English-Speaking Guide
Private full-day Lagoa do Fogo and Sete Cidades in the Azores with Licensed English-Speaking Guide
Return flights and transfers
Breakfast Daily
Portugal Vacations with Travelive, Romantic Explorer Package
ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1
Lisbon
Start your day by discovering the must-see monuments of Lisbon together with your private guide. Begin in the historic Belem neighborhood, the same place many great Portuguese explorers embarked on their voyages of discovery: Prince Henry the Navigator was the first overseas expedition to conquer Ceuta in Morocco, while Bartholomeu Dias to round the Cape of Good Hope. The first voyages of Ferdinand Magellan and Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India also began here. Visit the Belem Tower, originally built in 1515 as a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor, or the Discovery Monument, built in honor of Henry the Navigator, who led Portugal’s discovery expeditions into the New World, during the country’s heyday in the 15th century. Continue your exploration of Jeronimo’s Monastery, the most impressive symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth during the Age of Discovery, built by King Manuel I in 1502, to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s voyage and to thank the Virgin Mary for its success. Following along the riverbank, towards Commerce Square, you will pass through the Alfama neighborhood, highlighting the city’s Moorish legacy, before heading to the Pombalina district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the lively Rossio Square, Liberty Avenue, and the Marques of Pombal roundabout.
DAY 2
Lisbon – half-day Tour
Explore the iconic sites within the city center with a private local guide. Experience Baixa – the old downtown district of the city – tasting the famous Pastel de Nata (custard tart) along the way. Explore the amazing Rossio, Figueira, and Comércio Squares. Get to know Chiado, the glamorous part of the city with its iconic cafés and shops. Finally, travel back through time as you discover the secrets of Alfama, a hauntingly beautiful Moorish neighborhood of Lisbon.
DAY 3
Lisbon – Estoril – Cascais – Sintra
Today you will have the opportunity to explore charming towns surrounding Lisbon. After meeting your private driver and leaving the city, you’ll head straight to the World Heritage Site of Sintra where hundreds of years of history and culture are waiting for you to discover. Doing a short walk in the old city center you’ll find yourself surrounded by the old houses now converted into small quaint handicraft shops and traditional pastry shops. Driving around the mountain you will pass by amazing Royal Palaces, Chalets, and Aristocratic residences in the most incredible combination of architectural styles, colors, and shapes that you will find in Portugal. Your driver guide will include stops for you to explore the local churches, including the Igreja Ulgueira, and Igreja Paroquidal de Sao Pedro de Sintra. You will also see the colorful Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and if you wish your guide will purchase tickets on the spot. After lunch in one of the many restaurants available in town, it will be time to head to Cascais. Once a small fishing village only, the town of Cascais managed to maintain its seafaring traditions combined with the aristocratic and royal presences of the late 19th and beginning of the 20th century. Walking by its animated town center you’ll find the cosmopolitan life side by side with the Atlantic. You will then board a sailboat to return to Lisbon, giving you the chance to observe this magnificent coast from a different perspective. Revel in the sight of white sandy beaches and amazing 17th-century palaces starting from the town of Estoril and its famous casino.
DAY 4
Lisbon – Madeira
After breakfast, you will meet your driver and head to the airport to board your flight to Madeira Island.
DAY 5
Madeira – full-day Island Tour
Madeira is the best option for nature lovers and active travelers. Accompanied by your local guide you will explore the highlights of this beautiful island and admire amazing views. From the famous “A” framed houses to the vineyards and the unspoiled North, the island offers unique experiences and breathtaking views.
DAY 6
Madeira
You will have a day to leisurely explore the island yourself or simply relax and enjoy the sun and the sea!
DAY 7
Madeira – Trekking in the Levadas
If you are active and love nature, then Madeira is the top destination for you! With countless Levada trails, the island is a paradise for nature lovers. The flat Levada trails are suited to all fitness and experience levels and your personal experienced guide will choose the best trekking path for you. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and have your camera ready for the beautiful views!
DAY 8
Madeira – Azores
After breakfast, you will meet your driver and head to the airport to board your flight to Azores Island.
DAY 9
Azores – full-day Jeep Tour Sete Cidades & Lago De Fogo
On today’s tour, you will embark on a trip to Sete Cidades, and Lagoa do Fogo. You will be impressed by the amazing views even before reaching your first stop. The volcanic landscape of São Miguel Island’s Sete Cidades, a magnificent natural wonder, with a massive caldera has two lakes, a blue, and a green. The Lagoa do Fogo features a natural park with thermal pools, waterfalls, and many different types of endemic plants. Besides the amazing views, you can also enjoy a swim in the thermal waters and a visit to Caldeira Velha.
DAY 10
Azores – full-day Tour in Furnas
Today’s tour will take you from Ponta Delgada to Ribeira Grande, the center of baroque art in Sao Miguel. While you’re still in the city you can visit the Liqueurs shop Ferreira and of course, try their famous Passion fruit Liqueur. As you continue along the north coast you will stop at the belvedere of Santa Iria and the tea factory of Gorreana, where you will have the chance to taste the tea. Before reaching the Parrish of Furnas, you will stop in the belvedere of Pico de Ferro, surrounded by exuberant vegetation, and admire the dazzling panorama over Furnas. As you continue closer to the lake you will also see the Chapel Nossa Senhora das Victorias. Later in the afternoon, you will visit Terra Nostra Park, which was a perfect example of the English romantic gardens. Green lakes, basalt caves, winding pathways, and exotic flowers from all around the world create this unique scenery. Of course, let’s not forget the famous swimming pool with thermal waters that are so worth trying. You will then reach the hot springs, located in the middle of the village, that were formed from volcanic activity.
DAY 11
Azores – Walking Tour Nordeste
The Azores are known for their lush vegetation and idyllic scenery. There are many possible hiking trails you can explore. Upon arrangement with your professional guide, you will choose the most suitable for you and begin your tour! As you will embark on a walking tour today you will have the opportunity to explore some easy trails and get close to nature. You will walk from Ponta Delgada along the south through Vila Franca do Campo and on to the Furnas Valley. As you continue you will reach Povocao, the first settlement on Sao Miguel, and the famous seven hills, before reaching “Pico Longo” and admiring the beautiful views. Before reaching the picturesque town of Nordeste you will also stop at some excellent viewpoints, such as Agua Retorta, Ponta da Madrugada, Ponta de Sossego and Ponta do Arnel. Once you reach the town you will have the opportunity to explore on your own or enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, get some rest, and then start your way back.
DAY 12
Azores
You will have your last day in the Azores free so you can explore at leisure or enjoy your hotel’s amenities. Optionally a cruise can be arranged to see the whales and dolphins.
DAY 13
Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Airport, to catch your departure flight.
Sound good?
