Signature: Portugal & the Azores Islands

Signature: Portugal & the Azores Islands

• Trip code: 4A4X007
• Dauer: 14
• Stil: National Geographic Signature

Experience the connection and contrast of Portugal’s unique geography and culture from Europe’s mainland to the mid-Atlantic islands. Immerse yourself in the maritime history in Porto and set off on a whale-watching excursion from São Miguel island after engaging with a marine biologist. Sip wine in the Douro Valley, witness the spectacular volcanic scenery of the Azores, and be immersed in local communities for cultural insights and exchanges. Gain unique perspectives with exclusive and behind-the-scenes visits with experts at the top of their field for an unforgettable expedition like no other.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (13 nts)

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout

Group Size Notes

Max 22

Highlights

Experience the melancholic soul of Portugal with a Fado performance and dinner in Lisbon, Visit a historic Port Wine cave for a cellar tour dinner and sampling of locally produced wines, Meet a local biologist to gain insight into conservation and the diverse species living in the surrounding oceans, Join a cooking class at a traditional quinta learning to prepare local dishes in the heart of the Douro Valley, Enjoy exclusive access to one of the world's most beautiful bookshops before it opens to the public

Introduction

Experience the connection and contrast of Portugal’s unique geography and culture from Europe’s mainland to the mid-Atlantic islands. Immerse yourself in the maritime history in Porto and set off on a whale-watching excursion from São Miguel island after engaging with a marine biologist. Sip wine in the Douro Valley, witness the spectacular volcanic scenery of the Azores, and be immersed in local communities for cultural insights and exchanges. Gain unique perspectives with exclusive and behind-the-scenes visits with experts at the top of their field for an unforgettable expedition like no other

Meals Included

13 Frühstück, 10 Mittagessen, 8 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD170-225 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Start / Finish

Porto nach Ponta Delgada

Transport

Private vehicle, tuk tuk, riverboat, airplane, walking

What's Included

Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Porto
Signature Moment: Livraria Lello Private Visit, Porto
Dein Foodie-Moment: Cooking Class, Lamego
Dein Foodie-Moment: Rocha Restaurant Lunch, Angra do Heroísmo
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Quinta do Agricultor Visit and Lunch, Ponta Delgada
Dein Foodie-Moment: Wine Masterclass and Open-Fire Lunch, Ponta Delgada
Signature Moment: Private Whale Watching Tour with a Marine Biologist, Ponta Delgada. Arrival and Departure Transfers. Port Wine Tasting. Porto Tuk Tuk Tour. Expedition Leader-Led Walk of the São Gonçalo Bridge. Pastry and Coffee at Confeitaria da Ponte. Regua to Pinhao Boat Cruise. Guided Tour of Tomar. Fado Night with Traditional Portuguese Meal. Expert Lisbon City Tour. Jerónimos Monastery Visit. Maritime Museum Visit. São Roque Church Visit. Carmo Archaeological Museum Visit. Cabo da Roca Viewpoint. Guided tour of Pena Palace. Guided tour of Quinta da Regaleira. Angra do Heroismo Orientation Walk. Private visit to the Palácio dos Capitães Generais. Internal flight from Lisbon to the Azores. Angra Museum with the Curator. Monte Brasil Caldera Viewpoint. São Sebastião Church Visit. Serra do Cume Visit. Vitorino Nemésio House Museum. Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Visit. Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting. Vista do Reis Photo Stop. Sete Cidades Caldera Visit. Harvesting and Sustainability Project Visit. Parque Terra Nostra Visit. ARRISCA Cooperative Visit. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader and Expert. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your National Geographic Signature Specialist or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a National Geographic Signature tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12

Itinerary

Day 1 Porto

Welcome to Portugal. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Porto, one of the oldest settlement centres in Europe.You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city’s UNESCO-designated historical centre. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader for an introduction to your journey and a short presentation from the National Geographic Expedition Expert. Set off on foot across the river into Vila Nova de Gaia for a welcome dinner, accompanied by a curated sampling of local wines

Day 2 Porto

Start the day with a walk to the Livraria Lello, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, for an exclusive pre-opening tour with a specialist-bookseller. Peruse the stacks in quiet reverence amid the unique atmosphere of neo-gothic, art deco and art nouveau designs and the majestic central staircase. Next, board electric tuk-tuks for a guided exploration of UNESCO-listed Porto. Visit the awe-inspiring São Francisco Church, featuring over 200lbs (90.7kg) of gold leaf, the Romanesque Palácio da Bolsa and stop at the São Bento Railway Station to marvel at the dramatic azulejo tile panels. After lunch, enjoy a free afternoon to explore on your own before regrouping in the evening for a presentation from the expert and an optional dinner out with the group

Day 3 Porto/Douro

Travel to the Douro Valley, soaking in the scenery of rolling hills and dramatic, terraced vineyards. Stop in the charming town of Amarante for a stroll along the Tâmega River, crossing the São Gonçalo Bridge on the way to the historic Confeitaria da Ponte for coffee and a taste of some of the local sweets. Continue to a family-owned vineyard and winery for a tasting paired with a lunch of local specialties, highlighting the robust flavours borne from this unique terroir. In the evening, enjoy a discussion before dinner about the pivotal role of Portuguese wines throughout history

Day 4 Douro

Set off from the hotel and take a scenic drive along the Douro River, stopping for a hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare local dishes using fresh regional ingredients, and enjoy the delicious results as a farm-to-table lunch. Later, board a vessel for one of the most spectacular experiences in the area with a navigation along the emblematic Douro River. Feel the immense scale of the UNESCO-listed landscapes rising dramatically around you, revealing the heart, soul and magic of the valley

Day 5 Douro/Lisbon

Bid the Douro Valley farewell and travel south towards Lisbon. The path is rich with history and storytelling, clearly seen in the city of Tomar, the former seat of the Order of the Knights Templar. Enjoy a guided walk and visit the Convent of Christ, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and chief work of the Portuguese Renaissance. Continue in the afternoon to Portugal’s bustling capital, steeped in history and charm. In the evening, gather for dinner and a Fado performance, experiencing the deep, melancholic soul of Portugal through its music

Day 6 Lisbon

Be immersed in Lisbon's vibrant culture and history on a tour of the city's vibrant neighbourhoods and iconic monuments. Visit Jerónimos Monastery, built with the profits of the spice trade and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch is at a community restaurant which promotes the integration of refugees and immigrants through training–celebrating empowerment and diversity within Lisbon’s diverse communities. Continue to São Roque Church, whose chapels are extraordinary masterpieces then visit the Carmo Convent Archaeological Museum, a haunting reminder of the 1755 earthquake. The evening is free for dinner on your own

Day 7 Lisbon

Head west to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe and an iconic landmark. Stand on the dramatic cliffs and marvel at the spectacular, windswept views of the expansive Atlantic — a powerful connection to the ocean that defined Portugal’s history. Continue to Sintra, a 19th-century resort town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guided tour immerses you in the region's Romanticism, including visits to the colourful Pena Palace and the intriguing, eclectic architecture of Quinta da Regaleira. Back in Lisbon, gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner, celebrating your exploration of Portugal’s historic and diverse past and present

Day 8 Lisbon/Angra do Heroísmo

Take a short flight over the Atlantic to the Azores archipelago and to Terceira Island. Transfer across the island to the city of Angra do Heroismo, our base for the next few days, and get your bearings on a short orientation walk with your Expedition Leader.. Explore the nearby waterfront and cross the bridge into Gaia, where you’ll stroll along the riverbanks, taking in the area’s historic architecture and natural beauty. In the evening, regroup with your fellow travellers at a reception for any new travellers joining the expedition, followed by dinner

Day 9 Angra do Heroísmo

Set off on foot and engage in discussion with your Expedition Leader and expert about the history of the Azores en route to the impressive Palácio dos Capitães Generais, a magnificent building which bears witness to the city’s economic power over centuries. Continue to the Angra Museum, housed in a former Franciscan convent and take an exclusive tour with the curator for unique insights into Terceira’s history through its naval artefact and decorative arts. After a delicious local lunch, take the remainder of the day at leisure, free to explore or relax

Day 10 Angra do Heroísmo

Immerse yourself in Terceira’s geological origins on a full-day exploration of the island's spectacular volcanic landscape. Take in sweeping views from the Monte Brasil Caldera and Serra do Cume viewpoints, then descend into the Algar do Carvão, a striking volcanic chimney left behind from an eruption millions of years ago. Witness the sulfuric fumaroles to appreciate the powerful and raw forces of nature that shaped the geography of the entire archipelago. Visit the house and museum of a prominent Azorean author then continue to the vineyards of Biscoitos for a walk and wine tasting before returning to the hotel

Day 11 Angra do Heroísmo/Ponta Delgada

Catch a short flight to the island of São Miguel, then head to a small farm for a personal encounter with a local family who work and live on the property. Join them for a home-cooked lunch from fresh ingredients and learn about what life is like on the island. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to the western side of the island for a visit to Sete Cidades, a stunning natural protected area. Take in the sweeping views from Vista do Rei of the famous twin crater lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. Hike along natural trails, learning about the unique history and species of plant life that thrive in this lush volcanic landscape

Day 12 Ponta Delgada

Start the day by engaging with a local agriculture and sustainability project, getting hands-on insight into environmental initiatives that help to preserve the Azores through farming. Following a wine masterclass and open-fire lunch, set off on a guided walk through the stunning Parque Terra Nostra gardens, known for their unique collection of flora. Finish things off with the chance for a relaxing dip in the geothermal hot springs pool, allowing you to soak in the volcanic warmth and rejuvenate your body and mind

Day 13 Ponta Delgada

Shifting focus to the surrounding waters of the Azores, meet with a marine biologist who will share insights into conservation and offer insights into the history of whaling in the islands. Next, set off in a private boat in search of resident sperm whales and depending on the season other migratory species like blue, fin and sei whales. Experience a truly thrilling marine encounter while gaining a unique and beautiful perspective of the islands from the water. Continue to a local craft cooperative working to rehabilitate individuals who have faced life challenges, learning about their work and meeting some members. The day concludes with a farewell dinner to celebrate the final night in the islands

Day 14 Ponta Delgada

Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Porto

Day 2 Porto

Day 3 Porto/Douro

Day 4 Douro

Day 5 Douro/Lisbon

Day 6 Lisbon

Day 7 Lisbon

Day 8 Lisbon/Angra do Heroísmo

Day 9 Angra do Heroísmo

Day 10 Angra do Heroísmo

Day 11 Angra do Heroísmo/Ponta Delgada

Day 12 Ponta Delgada

Day 13 Ponta Delgada

Day 14 Ponta Delgada