Day 1: Overnight Flight

Day 2: Lisbon, Portugal - Tour Begins

Welcome to Portugal where Old World traditions continue to thrive. A four-night stay in Lisbon, four nights on the Azorean island of St. Michael and three nights in Madeira introduce you to medieval towns, coastal villages, natural landscapes, Portuguese cuisine, regional wines and folkloric entertainment. Tonight, begin your journey with a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Lisbon - Sintra - Cascais - Estoril - Lisbon

A tour of Lisbon features the Moorish Alfama Quarter, Jeronimo’s Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site), the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Tower of Belem (UNESCO World Heritage site). Later, explore the town of Sintra, another UNESCO World Heritage site and summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Continue to Cascais and Estoril, coastal resorts dotted with specialty shops. Tonight, enjoy regional cuisine complete with wine and Fado music.

Day 4: Lisbon - Fatima - Nazare - Obidos - Lisbon

Travel to Portugal’s “Silver Coast,” a region of sleepy villages, rich vineyards and age-old castles. Begin in the pilgrimage town of Fatima and see the famous Basilica. Next, view the magnificent Batalha Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site). Continue to Nazare and picture-perfect Obidos, where white-washed houses are guarded by medieval city walls.

Day 5: Lisbon - St. Michael, Azores - Ponta Delgada - Sete Cidades

Fly* to St. Michael, the largest of the nine volcanic islands that form the Azores archipelago. A walking tour of Ponta Delgada features the “Portas da Cidade” (The City Gates), Saint Christ’s Church, the Carlos Machado Museum with its fascinating exhibits, St. Sebastian Church with 17th-century painted tiles, the Jesuit College and the seashore promenade. A stop at a pineapple plantation is followed by a visit to the twin lakes of Sete Cidades (Seven Cities), one of the region’s most beautiful natural settings. Composed of two lakes inside a volcanic crater, it is the island’s most popular national park. From the edge of the crater, one lake appears blue (reflecting the sky) and the other looks green (reflecting the ground). Your day concludes with a magnificent view of the coastal village of Mosteiros.

Day 6: Ponta Delgada - Lagoa do Fogo - Furnas Valley - Terra Nostra Park

See the fascinating landscape of Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake), a mystical lake surrounded by mountains. In Furnas Valley, experience a “cozido das furnas” lunch in which meat and vegetables are stewed in the heat of the volcanic earth. Afterwards, stroll through the botanical garden of Terra Nostra Park, home to the world’s largest collection of camellias. Next, explore caldeiras das Furnas, the town’s famous hot springs area. Finally, visit the Gorreana Tea Plantation to learn about timeless methods of tea production.

Day 7: Day at Leisure - Optional Whale and Dolphin Watching Excursion

Enjoy a day at leisure exploring Ponta Delgada. An optional whale and dolphin watching excursion is offered.

Day 8: Ponta Delgada - Ribeira Grande - Nordeste - Povoaçao

Visit Ribeira Grande, known for its historic 16th and 17th century buildings. See the city hall, Church of Our Lady, and the eight-arch bridge, a symbol of the town. Next, discover the art of painted ceramics during a studio visit. Then, stop at a family-owned distillery to taste some of the all-natural local liqueurs. Continue to the highest part of the island, scenic Nordeste. Your day ends in Povoaçao, home of the island’s first settlement and oldest church.

Day 9: St. Michael, Azores - Funchal, Madeira

Fly* to Madeira Island, the “pearl of the Atlantic.” Madeira boasts a subtropical climate, majestic mountain ranges and volcanic caves. Discover Madeira’s history during a leisurely-paced walking tour of Funchal’s charming plazas, colonial mansions, 15th-century cathedral and local market.

Day 10: Funchal-Câmara de Lobos-Cabo Girão-São Vicente-Porto Moniz-Calheta

Visit Câmara de Lobos, a traditional village with a wonderful bay. Continue along mountain roads, passing banana plantations and vineyards on your way to Cabo Girão, the world’s second highest cliff. São Vicente, a charming agricultural town, offers dramatic views. Travel the winding Gold Road and enjoy more spectacular scenery. Explore the lively fishing village of Porto Moniz, renowned for its natural volcanic pools. Also visit Calheta, home to a working sugar mill. Nearby Paul da Serra plateau offers additional amazing views.

Day 11: Funchal - Camacha - Ribeiro Frio - Santana - Monte

Wind through the mountains to Camacha, a village known for wicker crafts. In Poiso, visit the island’s third highest point, Pico do Arieiro. Next, visit Ribeiro Frio (“cold river”), famous for its trout farm. Continue to Santana, a village characterized by small triangular homes thatched with straw. Stop in Monte, perched on the hills overlooking Funchal. Visit an embroidery factory for a first-hand look at this delicate craft. Celebrate your Madeira adventure with a traditional dinner known as “espetada.” Folk dancers and music entertain as you feast on a local dish of beef marinated in herbs and cooked over an open fire.

Day 12: Funchal - Lisbon

Return to Lisbon and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Later, bid “adeus” to Portugal during a farewell dinner.

Day 13: Lisbon - Tour Ends