Portugal & the Azores

14 Days | Eat, dance and travel your way through Portugal’s highlights.

4 out of 5 based on 5 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
ZAR  103,670

Take in the different sides of Portugal and its sun-kissed splendour on a 14-day exploration of the highlights and some lesser-known outposts. Taste port in its birthplace, explore riverfront Coimbra and its historic university, and weave through the verdant countryside all the way to the capital, Lisbon. Venture far into the Atlantic to see the rolling blue hydrangeas of Faial, the steep cliffs of Sao Jorge and the black volcanic soil under the vineyards of Pico in the Azores, offering a delightful insight into both island and Portuguese living. Discover some new sides to ancient Portugal on this diverse adventure.

Trip overview

Map of Portugal & The Azores including Portugal
Start
Porto, Portugal
Finish
Faial Island, Portugal
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Portugal
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
ZMSPC
This trip generates 45 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Take a walk through the idyllic coastal city of Porto and understand why the birthplace of fortified wine is renowned for its narrow lanes, charming buildings and delicious cuisine.
  • Explore the country’s oldest university when discovering the historic riverfront city of Coimbra – once the capital of Portugal.
  • Walk through the secluded Schist Villages, a set of 27 settlements hidden between the mountain slopes and away from daily life.
  • Uncover the wonders of Sao Miguel on a day tour of the island, from plantations of tea and pineapples to an active volcano and some truly memorable viewpoints.
  • Check out the lava tunnels on Pico Island, visit a family-owned distillery and learn about life on the island over a tasting of their products and be amazed by the stunning UNESCO-listed landscape of Pico's vineyards.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be extreme in Portugal (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season. Please note that only some of our hotels and public trains in this region have air-conditioning.
  • In mainland Portugal the primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Trains are a fast way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. They are comfortable and all have toilets, however, can sometimes be quite busy. Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential Trip Information’ section. On the Azores Islands this trip includes some ferry rides between the islands. With temperamental weather, some of these ferry trips may be a little rocky.
  • There are two internal flights included on this trip. In order for our local operator to be able to buy tickets we need your passport details preferably at the time of booking, but at least 6 weeks prior to the trip's departure. Please note that the internal flights have a luggage limit of 20kg. Please pack accordingly as exceeding this limit may incur additional charges at the airport.
  • This trip does not require any physical preparation, however, a good level of fitness will be an advantage. The Azores are a natural wonderland and the best way to discover them is on foot. There are few included walks and lots of opportunities to discover the islands further in your free time.
  • Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushe together/apart.
  • On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

Itinerary

Map of Portugal & The Azores including Portugal

Inclusions

Meals

13 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

Train, Private vehicle, Plane, Ferry, On foot, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights)

Activities
  • Porto - Port Wine Tasting
  • Coimbra - Evening Fado Performance
  • Schist Villages - Village Walk
  • Lisbon - Drink and Local Bites
  • Sao Miguel - Island Day Tour
  • Sao Miguel - Ananás dos Açores Boa Fruta Plantation visit
  • Sao Miguel - Cozido das Furnas Lunch
  • Sao Miguel - Tea Plantation Visit & Tasting
  • Sao Miguel - Miradouro do Pico do Ferro & Miradouro de Santa Iria
  • Faial Island - Hike in Capelinhos Volcano area
  • Sao Jorge - Visit to Bakery or Local Market
  • Faial Island - Monte da Guia walk
  • Pico Island - Day Trip
  • Pico Island - Liqueur Tasting
  • Pico Island - Criacao Velha Vineyards UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Pico Island - Arcos do Cachorro (Lava tunnels)
Optional activities
  • Porto - Clerigos Tower - EUR8
  • Porto - Bolhao Market - Free
  • Porto - Livraria Lello - EUR8
  • Porto - Serralves Foundation - EUR20
  • Porto – Tile-Painting Workshop - EUR45
  • Coimbra - Mondego River Boat Trip - EUR10
  • Coimbra - Cathedrals - EUR5
  • Coimbra - Joanine University Library - EUR14
  • Lisbon - Oceanarium - EUR25
  • Lisbon - Naval Museum - EUR7
  • Lisbon - Experience Lisbon Walk Urban Adventure - EUR45
  • Lisbon - Puppet Museum - EUR5
  • Lisbon - Folk Art Museum - EUR5
  • Lisbon - National Art Museum - EUR6
  • Lisbon - Gulbenkian Museum - EUR10
  • Lisbon - Belem Tower and Monastery - EUR20
  • Lisbon - Ginginha Tasting - EUR2
  • Sintra - Day Trip - EUR10
  • Sao Miguel – Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas Geothermal Pool - EUR3
  • Sao Miguel - Lagoa das Sete Cidades visit - EUR45
  • Sao Miguel - Museu Carlos Machado - EUR2
  • Pico Island - Whale Watching Excursion - EUR62

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip. Availability is limited due to small properties we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for internal flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 6 weeks of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
3. The luggage limit for airlines we use for the domestic flights on this trip is 20kg. Exceeding this limit will incur an excess baggage charge, payable by the traveller. However, we must stress that due to the adventurous nature of this trip and the amount of public transport we use on it, this limit far exceeds Intrepid's recommended luggage weight for this tour (15kg).

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4 out of 5 based on 5 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Anita · Traveled July 2024
Review submitted 13 Aug 2024

GARY · Traveled July 2024
Review submitted 13 Aug 2024

David · Traveled June 2024
Review submitted 09 Jul 2024

Rhonda · Traveled June 2024
Review submitted 11 Jul 2024

Donna · Traveled August 2022
Review submitted 20 Sep 2022
Portugal & the Azores
From
ZAR  103,670