Portugal and Its Islands featuring Lisbon, Azores & Madeira Islands
Experience the best of Portugal as you explore its capital city, coastal villages, and remote islands. Marvel at the geothermal wonders of the Furnas Valley, and take in the beauty of the twin lakes of Sete Cidades. Tour the grand capital of Portugal, Lisbon. Get swept away by the melancholy sounds of fado. Explore thermal pools, colorful botanical gardens, and the lush green landscapes of Portugal’s natural parks and thrill with a walk on a glass sidewalk. Relax and enjoy multi-night stays on the Azorean island of St. Michael and sunny Madeira, the “Pearl of the Atlantic.”
Experience the best of Portugal as you explore its capital city, coastal villages, and remote islands. Marvel at the geothermal wonders of the Furnas Valley, and take in the beauty of the twin lakes of Sete Cidades. Tour the grand capital of Portugal, Lisbon. Get swept away by the melancholy sounds of fado. Explore thermal pools, colorful botanical gardens, and the lush green landscapes of Portugal’s natural parks and thrill with a walk on a glass sidewalk. Relax and enjoy multi-night stays on the Azorean island of St. Michael and sunny Madeira, the “Pearl of the Atlantic.”
Highlights
- Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon offers all the delights you’d expect of Portugal’s star attraction, yet with half the fuss of other European capitals. Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums are all part of the colorful cityscape, but the real delights of discovery lie in wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets. The Lisbon experience encompasses so many things, from enjoying a fresh pastry and bica (espresso) on a petite leafy plaza to window-shopping in elegant Chiado. It’s mingling with Lisboêtas at a neighborhood festival or watching the sunset from the old Moorish castle.
- Standing proudly on the bank of the Targus river in Lisbon is Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 16th-century tower was where explorers from the Age of Discovery set out towards the New World, across the Atlantic.
- Fado is a popular style of music in Lisbon, Portugal. In Lisbon, fado is always sung by a solo performer, while in other regions of Portugal it is typically performed in a group. Fado can be traced back to the 1820s, but it is said to have much earlier origins.
- The island, named for Archangel Michael, is also referred to as “The Green Island.” Sao Miguel is the largest island in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. The island was established in 1427 after the discovery by Goncalo Velho Cabral. The island is home to the Presidency of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Tourists come to Sao Miguel, to view the lakes, rolling high, high mountains, and enjoy the beaches. Sao Miguel offers a variety of outdoor activities that include several of its scenic features.
- While in Ponta Delgada you have a choice between two ways to experience the Terra Nostra Botanical Park. You can choose to take a guided stroll through the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, home to the world’s largest collection of camellias. Or, you can choose to experience the sensation of rest and relaxation in the Terra Nostra Botanical Park’s mineral rich thermal water pool. (Bathing suits are required) Terra Nostra Botanical Garden Guided Walk Activity Level 2 Guests can choose while on tour whether they would like to go on the garden walk or thermal pool experience. Terra Nostra Thermal Pool Experience Activity Level 1 Guests can choose while on tour whether they would like to go on the garden walk or thermal pool experience. The thermal pool will require a swimsuit and towel.
- These botanical gardens are over two hundred years old, dating back to 1780 when the U.S. Consul General to the Azores built his home here. Successive owners have since developed the park, planting layer upon layer of iconic trees and shrubbery from all over the planet. Today the park is a romantic vision of ponds, winding paths, flowers, centuries-old exotic trees and silence. Two streams converge in the park and there is a pond of warm thermal water that is used as a swimming pool. There are vast, hidden, luxurious gardens in which the colors of the flowers are mixed with the bright green of the Japanese cedars and araucarias. There is an abundance of leafy vegetation from cold and tropical countries, with some species that are hard to find even in their native lands.
- Sete Cidades is a civil parish in the center of Ponta Delgada, that is loczted in the center of a massive volcanic crater. The region comes from Latin origins and became a historical reference as the Island of the Seven Cities. The first documentation recognizing Sete Cidades was written in 750 A.D. The urbanized portion of the parish, the village of Sete Cidades, is located in the southwest of the crater. Most of the land is covered in farmlands, pastures, and forests.
- Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago, a group of islands, located in the North Atlantic Ocean. The island was claimed by Portuguese sailors in 1419, and became a settlement a little more than a year after. The archipelago is considered to be the first territorial discovery of the exploratory period of the Portuguese Age of Discovery. Today, Madeira is a popular year-round resort visited by about a million tourists a year. Noted for its Madeira wine, flowers, landscapes, and embroidery artisans, Madeira has also been officially recognized by Guinness World Records for its annual fireworks show on New Years.
- During an evening on Madeira Island, experience a traditional Portuguese dinner and show. While you are entertained by folklore music and dance, dine on classic Portuguese cuisine. Dig in to delicious espetada, a type of kabob made from beef or chicken. These skewers are marinated in garlic and salt before being slow-roasted over an open fire. In the traditional fashion, the espetada will be served with bolo do caco (a type of Maderian bread) or milho frito (fried cornmeal bites).
- Have an immersive cultural experience when you attend a traditional Portuguese folkloric show. Folklore is a meaningful part of Portuguese culture, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness this entertainment firsthand.
- Gaze upon the picturesque volcanic pools in the fishing village of Porto Moniz and perhaps take a dip into the sparkling blue waters that overlook the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
Hotels
- Lumen Hotel — Lisbon
- Azoris Royal Garden Hotel, Ponta Delgada — Sao Miguel, Azores
- Pestana Casino Park Hotel — Funchal, Madeira Island
- Lumen Hotel — Lisbon
Details
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Start City
- Lisbon
- End City
- Lisbon
- Duration (Days)
- 14
- Activity Level
- Level 3
What's Included
- 19 meals included
- Inter-tour flights included
- Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon offers all the delights you’d expect of Portugal’s star attraction, yet with half the fuss of other European capitals. Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums are all part of the colorful cityscape, but the real delights of discovery lie in wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets. The Lisbon experience encompasses so many things, from enjoying a fresh pastry and bica (espresso) on a petite leafy plaza to window-shopping in elegant Chiado. It’s mingling with Lisboêtas at a neighborhood festival or watching the sunset from the old Moorish castle.
- Standing proudly on the bank of the Targus river in Lisbon is Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 16th-century tower was where explorers from the Age of Discovery set out towards the New World, across the Atlantic.
- Fado is a popular style of music in Lisbon, Portugal. In Lisbon, fado is always sung by a solo performer, while in other regions of Portugal it is typically performed in a group. Fado can be traced back to the 1820s, but it is said to have much earlier origins.
- The island, named for Archangel Michael, is also referred to as “The Green Island.” Sao Miguel is the largest island in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. The island was established in 1427 after the discovery by Goncalo Velho Cabral. The island is home to the Presidency of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Tourists come to Sao Miguel, to view the lakes, rolling high, high mountains, and enjoy the beaches. Sao Miguel offers a variety of outdoor activities that include several of its scenic features.
- While in Ponta Delgada you have a choice between two ways to experience the Terra Nostra Botanical Park. You can choose to take a guided stroll through the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, home to the world’s largest collection of camellias. Or, you can choose to experience the sensation of rest and relaxation in the Terra Nostra Botanical Park’s mineral rich thermal water pool. (Bathing suits are required) Terra Nostra Botanical Garden Guided Walk Activity Level 2 Guests can choose while on tour whether they would like to go on the garden walk or thermal pool experience. Terra Nostra Thermal Pool Experience Activity Level 1 Guests can choose while on tour whether they would like to go on the garden walk or thermal pool experience. The thermal pool will require a swimsuit and towel.
- These botanical gardens are over two hundred years old, dating back to 1780 when the U.S. Consul General to the Azores built his home here. Successive owners have since developed the park, planting layer upon layer of iconic trees and shrubbery from all over the planet. Today the park is a romantic vision of ponds, winding paths, flowers, centuries-old exotic trees and silence. Two streams converge in the park and there is a pond of warm thermal water that is used as a swimming pool. There are vast, hidden, luxurious gardens in which the colors of the flowers are mixed with the bright green of the Japanese cedars and araucarias. There is an abundance of leafy vegetation from cold and tropical countries, with some species that are hard to find even in their native lands.
- Sete Cidades is a civil parish in the center of Ponta Delgada, that is loczted in the center of a massive volcanic crater. The region comes from Latin origins and became a historical reference as the Island of the Seven Cities. The first documentation recognizing Sete Cidades was written in 750 A.D. The urbanized portion of the parish, the village of Sete Cidades, is located in the southwest of the crater. Most of the land is covered in farmlands, pastures, and forests.
- Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago, a group of islands, located in the North Atlantic Ocean. The island was claimed by Portuguese sailors in 1419, and became a settlement a little more than a year after. The archipelago is considered to be the first territorial discovery of the exploratory period of the Portuguese Age of Discovery. Today, Madeira is a popular year-round resort visited by about a million tourists a year. Noted for its Madeira wine, flowers, landscapes, and embroidery artisans, Madeira has also been officially recognized by Guinness World Records for its annual fireworks show on New Years.
- During an evening on Madeira Island, experience a traditional Portuguese dinner and show. While you are entertained by folklore music and dance, dine on classic Portuguese cuisine. Dig in to delicious espetada, a type of kabob made from beef or chicken. These skewers are marinated in garlic and salt before being slow-roasted over an open fire. In the traditional fashion, the espetada will be served with bolo do caco (a type of Maderian bread) or milho frito (fried cornmeal bites).
- Have an immersive cultural experience when you attend a traditional Portuguese folkloric show. Folklore is a meaningful part of Portuguese culture, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness this entertainment firsthand.
- Gaze upon the picturesque volcanic pools in the fishing village of Porto Moniz and perhaps take a dip into the sparkling blue waters that overlook the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
Pricing
| Option | Price | Departure | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | USD 4,099.00 | 2026-04-25 | |
| Single | USD 5,299.00 | 2026-04-25 | |
| Double | USD 4,099.00 | 2026-05-16 | |
| Single | USD 5,299.00 | 2026-05-16 |
Itinerary
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Day 1: Overnight Flight
Experience the beauty of Portugal as you travel through the capital, Lisbon, the Azorean island of St. Michael, and the island of Madeira.
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Day 2: Lisbon, Portugal - Tour Begins
Your adventure opens in Lisbon, where old-world traditions blend seamlessly with modern ways. Experience Portuguese cuisine, regional wines, and folkloric entertainment among colorful buildings and winding pathways. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.
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Day 3: Lisbon
Set out on a tour of Lisbon and uncover some of the city’s most famous sights. Travel to Belem, where the age of Portuguese maritime discoveries comes to life at the Tower of Belem (UNESCO). Go to downtown Lisbon and enjoy some free time to have lunch, take in the intricate architecture, and explore the beautiful streets before a quick stop to savor one of the local petiscos, and end your morning in a playful and interactive historical museum. You can choose to return to your hotel and relax or enjoy the free afternoon to continue exploring Portugal’s capital city.
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Day 4: Lisbon
Explore Lisbon today at your own pace. With plenty of free time in the capital city, you may wish to check out its famous culinary scene or venture downtown to do some shopping. If you’d prefer to tour today, choose an optional excursion to Sintra and Cascais; from the quaint palaces and villas of Sintra, learn a thousand fascinating tales of the Portuguese Riviera and of beautiful Cascais and Estoril. This evening, over Portuguese cuisine and wine, listen to local artists perform the traditional fado (UNESCO).
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Day 5: Lisbon - St. Michael, Azores - Ponta Delgada
To the Azores! Fly to St. Michael, the largest of the 9 volcanic islands that form the Azores archipelago. On a brief walking tour of Ponta Delgada’s town center, see the Portas da Cidade (the City Gates), and several of the main architectural sights that make up this unique island capital. Enjoy dinner this evening at a local restaurant featuring traditional Azorean cuisine.
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Day 6: Ponta Delgada - Furnas - Ponta Delgada
Start the day with a visit to a 150-year-old family run ceramic factory where we will learn about the process of creating traditional Portuguese pottery. Then, it’s your choice! Take a stroll through the natural beauty of Terra Nostra Botanical Park -OR- rest and relax in the park’s thermal water pool.* In Furnas Valley, experience a cozido das Furnas lunch, cooked in the heat of the volcanic earth. After lunch let the green, lush beauty of Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Natural Park surround you as you stroll through the natural landscape and take in the watermills so typical of this place. Then head to the verdant pastures of a tea plantation, one of two in Europe, and delve into its cultivation methods and trade history before heading back to Ponta Delgada. The evening is yours to do as you please.
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Day 7: Ponta Delgada
Make the most of a day at leisure. Perhaps you‘ll take an optional whale-watching adventure** and cruise over the waves with an expert biologist, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Gather in the late afternoon to explore a local pineapple plantation and learn more about this fruit, introduced to the island by Portuguese navigators. Then enjoy a cocktail and dinner in one of the best family-run restaurants in Ponta Delgada.
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Day 8: Ponta Delgada - Sete Cidades - Ribeira Grande - Ponta Delgada
Today visit the iconic Sete Cidades volcanic crater and peer down at its twin lakes. The lakes appear to be different colors -– one blue (reflecting the sky) and the other green (reflecting the ground). Hear the stories and legends associated with the two lakes before journeying to a boutique, family-run winery where the volcanic soil plays a key role in the end product. Then travel to the quaint town of Ribeira Grande, with free time for lunch. End your full day of touring with a visit to Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Nature Reserve, where watermills create a lush, otherworldly setting.
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Day 9: Ponta Delgada - Funchal, Madeira
Fly to Madeira, the “Pearl of the Atlantic.” After your afternoon arrival, embark on a walking tour of the capital city of Funchal, to get a first glimpse of the quaint old town and some of its main sights. Then, discover the Madeira Botanical Gardens as you make your way through a terraced landscape of more than 2,000 exotic plants.
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Day 10: Funchal
Explore the Lavradores market, a hub of exotic fruits, flowers, and a traditional fish market. The local culture comes to life here! A tasting at a Madeira wine lodge teaches you about the famous Madeira wine. Head to colorful Santa Maria Street, where vibrant murals and brightly painted doors enliven the streets, and many cafe´s tempt you to linger over lunch on your own. A free afternoon provides more time to explore or to relax and enjoy your hotel’s garden, pool, and spa. Gather again this evening for a traditional espetada dinner, feasting on local cuisine cooked over an open fire against a backdrop of folk dancers and lively music.
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Day 11: Funchal - Câmara de Lobos - Porto Moniz - Funchal
Begin your day with a tour that takes you to Câmara de Lobos, a traditional village on a picture-perfect bay that served as a special retreat for Sir Winston Churchill. It was here that Madeira’s natural beauty captivated him and inspired many paintings of the village. Drive along mountain roads, passing vineyards en route to the world’s second-highest cliff, Cabo Girão, where you can walk on the highest glass skywalk in Europe. At BAM (Centro da Banana da Madeira) find out about the rich history and modern-day production of delicious Madeira bananas before leaving for the lively fishing village of Porto Moniz. Here, enjoy free time for a swim* (weather permitting) in the natural volcanic rock pools before returning to Funchal.
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Day 12: Funchal
The day is yours to explore independently or embark on a full-day optional tour of the island. Start with an easy trek along the island’s levadas*** and learn about this unique watering system. Then travel to a quinta for lunch with views of the Atlantic. End with a visit to the traditional A-frame houses of Santana, a reminder of the island’s farming past.
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Day 13: Funchal - Lisbon
Board your flight and return to the metropolitan energy of Lisbon. Later, bid adeus to Portugal during a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
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Day 14: Lisbon - Tour Ends
Depart for home with Portugal in your heart as your tour ends today.