Portugal & Its Islands featuring the Flower Festival

Day 1: Overnight Flight

The jewels of Portugal come to life on this journey that takes you along some of Portugals most beautiful mainland and island coastlines. Relax and get to know Lisbon, the Azorean island of St. Michael, and the island of Madeira.

Day 2: Lisbon, Portugal – Tour Begins

Your tour opens in Lisbon where Old World traditions continue to thrive. Your journey will introduce you to medieval towns, coastal villages, natural landscapes, Portuguese cuisine, regional wines and folkloric entertainment. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Lisbon – Sintra – Cascais – Estoril – Lisbon

Your tour of Lisbon features the Moorish Alfama Quarter, Jeronimos Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site), the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Tower of Belem (UNESCO). Later, explore the town of Sintra (UNESCO), the summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Continue to Cascais and Estoril, coastal resorts on the Portuguese Riviera, dotted with specialty shops. This evening, savor Portuguese cuisine and wine while professional local artists perform the traditional Fado (UNESCO).

Day 4: Lisbon – Fatima – Nazare – Obidos – Lisbon

Travel to Portugals Silver Coast, a region of sleepy villages, rich vineyards and age-old castles. Youll visit three distinct villages, each with its own cultural character. Begin in the pilgrimage town of Fatima. Discover the beauty of the famous Basilica and the magnificent Batalha Monastery (UNESCO). Continue to Nazare, a popular seaside community. According to legend, the town gets its name from a small wooden statue of the Virgin Mary that arrived here in the 4th century. And then it is on to picture-perfect Obidos, where white-washed houses are guarded by a hilltop castle and medieval city walls.

Day 5: Lisbon – St. Michael, Azores – Ponta Delgada

Fly to St. Michael, the largest of the nine volcanic islands that form the Azores archipelago. A brief walking tour of Ponta Delgadas town center features the Portas da Cidade (The City Gates), Saint Christs Church, St. Sebastian Church with 17th-century painted tiles, and the seashore promenade. Later, gaze at the twin lakes of Sete Cidades (Seven Cities), one of the regions most beautiful natural settings. Composed of two lakes inside a volcanic crater, it is the islands 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 – Terra Nostra Botanical Park – Furnas Valley

It is your choice this morning! You may choose to take a stroll through the Terra Nostra Botanical Park, home to the worlds largest collection of camellias. Or, perhaps you would prefer to experience the sensation of rest and relaxation in the parks mineral rich thermal water pool. In Furnas Valley, experience a cozido das furnas lunch in which meat and vegetables are stewed in the heat of the volcanic earth. Afterward, explore Caldeiras das Furnas, the towns famous hot springs area. Your day comes to a close at a tea plantation where you will learn about timeless methods of production.

Day 7: Ponta Delgada – Optional Tours – Cooking Demonstration

Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore Ponta Delgada or perhaps take an optional tourmaybe you will choose to swim with dolphins, take a whale watching boat trip, or kayak at Sete Cidades. Late afternoon, discover the secrets of Azorean cuisine with an interactive cooking demonstration at one of the islands most popular restaurants. Your evening concludes with a sumptuous dinner.

Day 8: Ponta Delgada – Lagoa do Fogo – Ribeira Grande – Nordeste

Witness the art of hand-painted ceramics during a studio visit. Next, take in the beautiful vistas of Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake), a mystical lake surrounded by mountains. Journey to Ribeira Grande, known for its historic 16th- and 17th-century buildings. See City Hall, Church of Our Lady, and the eight-arch bridge, a symbol of the town. Then, stop at a family-owned liqueur shop to taste some of the all-natural local liqueurs. Continue to the highest part of the island, scenic Nordeste, where you will explore the natural beauty of Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Natural Park with its waterfalls, watermills and unique vegetation. Your final stop today is at a pineapple plantation where an expert will lead you through the farms greenhouses to explain the traditional methods they use.

Day 9: Ponta Delgada – St. Michael, Azores – Funchal, Madeira – Monte

Fly to Madeira Island, the Pearl of the Atlantic. Madeira boasts a subtropical climate, majestic mountain ranges and volcanic caves. Stop in Monte, perched on the hills overlooking scenic Funchal. Visit the Botanical Garden of Madeira with its vast collection of more than 2,500 plants from all continents. Discover Madeiras history during a panoramic tour of Funchals charming plazas, Colonial mansions, 15th-century cathedral and the local market.

Day 10: Funchal – Câmara de Lobos – São Vicente – Porto Moniz

Begin your day with a visit to Cmara de Lobos, a traditional village with a picture-perfect bay. Continue along mountain roads, passing banana plantations and vineyards en route to Cabo Gir£o, the worlds second-highest cliff. Make a stop in S£o Vicente, a charming agricultural town that boasts dramatic views of the coast and surrounding villages. In the lively fishing village of Porto Moniz, enjoy free time for a swim (weather permitting) in the natural volcanic pools.

Day 11: Funchal – Ribeiro Frio – Trout Farm or Levada Walk – Santana

Wind through the mountains to Poiso to visit the islands third-highest point, Pico do Arieiro. Then its your choice! At Ribeiro Frio (Cold River), you may choose to explore the natural beauty of the fascinating trout farm. Or, perhaps you would prefer to join an exhilarating levada walk* and follow the paths that run along the water channels that flow through the mountains. Next, continue to Santana, a village characterized by small triangular homes thatched with straw. Make a stop at a family-owned embroidery shop where youll meet local artisans who will give you a first-hand look at their delicate craft. Then, its time to sample some world-famous Madeira wine. 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 the lively city of Lisbon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Later, bid adeus to Portugal during a farewell dinner.

Day 13: Lisbon – Tour Ends