This morning, we’ll set out on a walking tour of Porto, uncovering the city’s rich history and stunning architecture. We’ll step inside the opulent Stock Exchange Palace, marvel at the gilded Baroque splendor of the Church of São Francisco, and admire the intricate azulejo tilework of São Bento train station. This afternoon, you may choose to embark on a scenic rabelo boat cruise along the Douro River, gliding beneath Porto’s iconic bridges for a breathtaking view of the city from the water. The evening is yours to discover more of Porto’s culinary and cultural delights at your own pace.

You can’t spell Portugal without Port, and to taste this iconic fortified wine is to taste thousands of years of Portuguese history. Today we'll travel through terraced wine country to the Douro Valley to learn the story of its origins while discovering which locally produced vino is your tipple of choice. We’ll savor a lunch of rustic regional specialties (and more wine!), then continue to our accommodation, tucked between the rolling hills and terraced vineyards with unbeatable Douro River views. Unwind by the hotel's outdoor pool, or grab dinner on the terrace and soak in the scenery. Saúde! (cheers!)

Today we journey into Schist Village territory, beginning with the storybook village of Piódão, tucked away in the scenic Serra do Açor mountains. Built entirely from local schist rock, its slate-roofed homes and winding alleys create a fairytale-like charm, seamlessly blending into the lush, green hills. As we wander through its narrow streets, we’ll step back in time, soaking in the village’s unique atmosphere. Later, we’ll continue to the historic city of Coimbra, home to Portugal’s oldest university. Here, we’ll experience the soul of the city through a captivating Fado performance, where haunting melodies bring centuries of academic and cultural heritage to life.

After a leisurely morning, we’ll head south to the vibrant coastal village of Nazaré, a place where old-world fishing traditions meet record-breaking waves. Feel the refreshing Atlantic breeze as you dip your toes in the water, sample the local delicacy—barnacles—or take the funicular up to the historic Sítio neighborhood for breathtaking cliffside views over the coastline. We’ll continue to lively Lisbon, Portugal’s captivating capital. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace before we come together for a memorable dinner in the heart of the city.

This morning, we’ll explore Lisbon’s historic downtown, from the medieval alleys of Alfama to the elegant squares of Baixa. As we wander, we’ll uncover stories of local life, the poetry of Fernando Pessoa, and the Carnation Revolution that ended nearly 50 years of dictatorship in 1974. Along the way, we’ll soak in Lisbon’s charm, from Fado melodies drifting through the streets to stunning city views. The afternoon is yours to explore—perhaps visiting one of Lisbon’s unique museums dedicated to tiles, Fado, or port wine, or simply enjoying the city’s vibrant cafés and riverfront promenades at your own pace.

Today we take a 2.5 hour flight over the Atlantic to the Azores, a volcanic paradise of crater lakes, hot springs, dramatic coastlines, and rich marine life often dubbed the “Hawaii of Europe.” We’ll unpack for the week on São Miguel, affectionately nicknamed the “Green Island” for its verdant landscapes teeming with colorful flowers. We’ll make the cozy town of Furnas our home for the next three nights, where we’ll witness bubbling geothermal vents, taste thermally cooked stew, sample tea from the only plantation in Europe, explore serene lakes and rugged coastlines, and soak in steamy hot springs at our Terra Nostra Garden hotel.

Today we soak up the volcanic wonders of Furnas. Our day begins at the stunning Lagoa das Furnas, where we’ll witness the island’s geothermal power firsthand at the bubbling Furnas Caldeiras. Here, locals prepare the traditional Cozido das Furnas, a hearty stew slow-cooked underground by volcanic heat—a dish we’ll savor for lunch. You’ll lava it! The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure—wander through the lush Terra Nostra Park, soak in the mineral-rich thermal baths, and let the warm volcanic steam melt your cares away in this truly unique natural paradise.

Today we venture to the island’s wild and beautiful northeastern region, Nordeste, known for its dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls. Our first stop is the Gorreana Tea Plantation, the oldest and only tea plantation in Europe, where we’ll enjoy a guided tour and a tasting of its fragrant teas. Next, we’ll explore the lush Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, home to stunning waterfalls and vibrant flora, where we’ll pause for a scenic picnic lunch. On our return, we’ll visit the charming town of Nordeste and take in breathtaking coastal views from Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego and Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada.

The Azores are one of the best places in the world for spotting whales and dolphins, and this morning, we’ll experience why. We’ll embark on a marine adventure with expert biologists who will help us spot some of the 25 cetacean species that frequent these waters. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic sperm whales, playful pods of common and bottlenose dolphins, and perhaps even the elusive blue whale if the season is right. We’ll pay a visit to Vila Franca do Campo, the island’s former capital, before heading to Ponta Delgada where we’ll sleep the next four nights. We’ll get acquainted with this charming town over an orientation and dinner together.

Today we journey into the stunning western mountains of São Miguel, starting with a visit to the island’s unique pineapple plantations—the only ones in Europe—where these tropical fruits are grown in greenhouses using a fascinating traditional method. Climbing to the top of Serra Devassa, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of several crater lakes, including the iconic Sete Cidades, a dazzling twin-lake landscape steeped in legend. We’ll continue to Mosteiros, the island’s westernmost point, where dramatic volcanic rock formations and rugged coastal scenery make for a spectacular finale to the day.

We’ve saved the island’s best for last. This morning, we set off for Lagoa do Fogo, one of São Miguel’s most breathtaking volcanic lakes. Winding our way up the mountain, we’ll stop at the Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo, where panoramic views reveal the lake’s shimmering blue waters cradled by lush, untouched landscapes. This afternoon, we’ll unwind at Caldeira Velha, a stunning natural hot spring and waterfall nestled in a tropical forest. Here we’ll soak up the warm, mineral-rich waters, surrounded by ferns and volcanic rock, letting nature’s geothermal embrace melt away any tension.

Our last day together is yours to explore São Miguel. Get lost with your camera in Ponta Delgada or browse the city’s unique boutiques for the perfect souvenir. Relax at an open-air café, sipping local tea or Azorean pineapple liqueur, or soak up the sun on one of the island’s stunning black-sand beaches. Hike along the dramatic coastal cliffs, kayak in a crater lake, or or take a final dip in one of the island’s natural hot springs. However you choose to spend the day, we’ll reunite in the evening for a final happy hour, reminiscing over shared memories before gathering for a farewell dinner, raising our glasses to an unforgettable journey—and future adventures!

Our detour concludes after breakfast. We will help organize transport to the airport where you can catch your return flight home, or you may choose to continue your exploration of the Azores. . . there are still eight amazing isles yet to explore! Knowing this won’t be our last detour together, don't say goodbye; instead say Te vejo em breve! ("I'll see you soon")!