Signature: Portugal & the Azores Islands

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. There will be an included group welcome dinner after the meeting.

Finish off the day with a tour of the cellars of the region's famed export - Port wine. Learn about the art of Port making and the processes that render its rich taste. Indulge in a tasting and raise a glass to a day well spent. Saúde!

Join an expert bookseller for a private, early-access tour of the legendary Livraria Lello before it opens for the day. Discover the stories behind this architectural masterpiece and enjoy the rare opportunity to explore its world-famous interior in a peaceful, intimate setting.

Explore Porto’s UNESCO-listed treasures on a privately guided tuk tuk tour, offering a comfortable and stylish way to see the city’s most prestigious landmarks. Marvel at the opulent gold leaf of São Francisco Church and the Romanesque beauty of the Stock Exchange Palace before visiting the iconic São Bento Station.

Porto served as a cornerstone of the Age of Discovery, functioning as a primary maritime center and shipyard for the Portuguese fleet. The city’s strategic importance is highlighted by its connection to Prince Henry the Navigator, who utilized Porto’s resources to launch his historic voyages of exploration.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Experience a taste of Amarante’s history at Confeitaria da Ponte, the city’s premier destination for regional delicacies since 1930. Located directly across from the historic bridge, this iconic shop is renowned for the quality of its traditional sweets and its stunning riverside terrace, providing a perfect vantage point over the Tâmega River.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Enjoy a visit to the Sapateiro winery to sample a selection of fine local wines paired with regional cheeses, meats, and fresh breads. This tasting offers a relaxed opportunity to experience the estate’s unique character and the traditional flavors of the area.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Discover the deep historical roots of Portuguese winemaking and its significant influence on the country's development.

As the world's oldest regulated wine region and the leading producer of cork, the Douro and its forests are symbols of Portuguese resilience and innovation through the centuries. Their evolution from wartime maritime essentials to protected cultural treasures reflects the nation's unique contribution to global heritage.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of the Douro Valley with a hands-on cooking class focused on authentic regional recipes.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Embark on a breathtaking journey through the heart of the Douro Valley, where every turn reveals stunning, UNESCO-listed landscapes. Experience the river’s timeless beauty on a cruise designed to showcase the most spectacular views in the region.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Explore the historic heart of Tomar on a guided walk that highlights the city's unique Templar heritage and architectural evolution. The experience features a visit to the magnificent Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning Manueline design and storied military history.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Sit down to a traditional meal and lend your ears to the sound of a performance by Portuguese folk music artists.

Explore Lisbon’s legacy as the epicenter of the Age of Discovery, the strategic port from which explorers set sail to map unknown continents.

Discover the historic streets of Lisbon on a guided walk that traces the city's maritime legacy and its pivotal role during the Age of Discovery. The journey includes a visit to the iconic Conserveira de Lisboa, a traditional shop that has preserved the city's storied canning heritage since 1930.

Built with the riches of the spice trade, the Jerónimos Monastery is a pinnacle of Portuguese artistry and a landmark of global history. It holds the distinction of being among the first European sites recognized by UNESCO for its exceptional universal value.

Discover the history of global exploration through an extensive collection that charts the maritime connections between Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The museum offers a fascinating perspective on the ships and stories that fueled centuries of international discovery and colonization.

This venue promotes the integration of refugees and immigrants through training and employability. They value people's knowledge, experience and culture and these are the elements we use to facilitate inclusion and create more diverse, vibrant communities.

Visit the Church of São Roque to witness one of the world’s most opulent displays of Baroque art and gold-leaf craftsmanship.

Explore the evocative ruins of the Carmo Archaeological Museum, a roofless Gothic convent preserved as a striking memorial to the 1755 earthquake.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Photo stop where “a terra se acaba e o mar começa…” which means “Where the land ends and the sea begins”. It's the westernmost point of continental Portugal, as well as of continental Europe. Enjoy a panoramic view over the Serra de Sintra. Historical records indicate that there was a fort on Cabo da Roca in the 17th century that played an important part in guarding the entrance to Lisbon’s harbour, forming a defensive line along the coast, especially during the Peninsular Wars.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Situated in the hills of Sintra, Pena Palace and its surrounding park are one of the greatest expressions of 19th-century romanticism in Portugal. With clear Manueline influence and Moorish architectural styles, the palace is built in a such a way as to be visible from any point in the park. Tour the Palace and park and learn about the Palace's origins and influences throughout Portuguese history.

Explore the mystical estate of Quinta da Regaleira on a guided walk through its enigmatic gardens, hidden tunnels, and the iconic "Initiation Well."

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Transfer to the airport to continue your journey in the Azores

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Join an expert-led presentation about the storied past of the Azores through the eyes of a local expert, uncovering how these islands shaped global navigation and Portuguese identity.

Set out on foot to the Palácio dos Capitães Generais.

Explore the Palácio dos Capitães-Generais, a massive landmark in Angra do Heroísmo that showcases the historical wealth and strategic importance of the city. Originally founded in 1572 as a Jesuit college and convent, the building remains a powerful symbol of the order’s mission to educate and catechize the island.

Explore the Museu de Angra do Heroísmo with the curator to discover the island’s heritage inside a former 17th-century Franciscan convent. This private visit showcases a diverse collection of Terceirense culture, including naval artifacts, historic textiles, and decorative arts.

Use free time to explore the UNESCO-listed streets of Angra do Heroísmo this afternoon, where you can wander past vibrant facades and historic plazas at your own pace.

Visit the summit of Monte Brasil for a panoramic view of the UNESCO-listed city of Angra do Heroísmo and the surrounding Atlantic. This short stop at the rim of the extinct volcano offers a unique perspective on the island’s dramatic geography and historic coastal defenses.

Visit the village of São Sebastião to see the island’s oldest church with its rare medieval frescoes and the vibrant Holy Spirit Império, a chapel central to the Azores’ unique charitable traditions.

Experience the breathtaking "patchwork" landscape of Terceira from the Serra do Cume viewpoint, where the rim of an ancient caldera overlooks a vast expanse of green fields divided by volcanic stone walls.

Stepping into the Casa-Museu Vitorino Nemésio in Praia da Vitória offers an intimate look at the author's formative years through a preserved collection of personal artifacts and period furnishings. The exhibits masterfully bridge his literary legacy with his Azorean roots, capturing the "azorianidade" that defined his iconic 20th-century works.

Enjoy lunch at Rocha, a seaside restaurant celebrated for its selection of fresh, locally caught fish. This coastal setting allows you to choose from a variety of island flavors while enjoying views of the Atlantic.

Descend into the depths of Algar do Carvão, a rare volcanic chimney where you can walk inside an extinct magma chamber filled with unique silica stalactites and a crystal-clear underground lake.

Sample the unique volcanic wines of Biscoitos at a traditional winery, where vines are grown in small plots protected by black basalt stone walls.

Enjoy a traditional meal inside a historic living museum, where the atmosphere authentically recreates centuries of rural island life. Have a look at the beef roast, slow-cooked on a clay tile in a traditional furnace until tender, and served alongside local ingredients chosen to complement main dish.

Transfer to the airport to continue your journey.

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Visit Quinta do Agricultor to explore a traditional Azorean farm and learn about the island’s rural heritage and agricultural practices. Following the tour, enjoy a farm-to-table lunch featuring regional specialties prepared in a rustic, authentic setting.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle, stopping at Vista do Reis for photos along the way.

Experience the dramatic beauty of the Sete Cidades caldera, where a short walk along the rim offers iconic views of the twin green and blue lakes nestled within the volcanic crater. This stop provides a firsthand look at the island's most famous natural landscape and the unique geology that shaped it.

Explore the Azores' pioneering role as the world’s first sustainable island archipelago, highlighting modern agricultural practices.

Participate in a hands-on sustainability project that explores local harvesting techniques and the ongoing efforts to balance traditional land use with environmental preservation.

Participate in a wine masterclass to explore the unique characteristics of volcanic viticulture and the diverse flavor profiles of Azorean grapes. Following the tasting, enjoy a lunch prepared over an open fire, highlighting traditional cooking techniques and seasonal local ingredients.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Join a local expert for a guided walk through Parque Terra Nostra, home to one of the world’s most diverse botanical collections and a famous geothermal pool. Discover the history of this 18th-century estate while exploring winding paths filled with rare exotic plants and century-old trees.

Enjoy free time to take a dip in the geothermal hot springs water.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Gain expert perspective on the marine life surrounding the Azores and the historical impact of the whaling industry on island development.

Join your Expedition Leader on a walk through the historic streets of Ponta Delgada, showcasing the city’s architectural heritage on your way to the harbor. This walk bridges the gap between land and sea before you board your vessel for an unforgettable whale watching encounter.

Experience the rich marine life of the Azores on a private tour through a vital migratory hub for blue, fin, and sei whales. In addition to these seasonal visitors, you have the opportunity to see the resident sperm whales that frequent these deep Atlantic waters year-round.

Visit the ARRISCA cooperative in Ponta Delgada to learn how this social organization supports the community through vocational workshops and the creation of traditional Azorean handicrafts. During the visit, you can see their artisans at work and browse a unique selection of handmade tiles, ceramics, and textiles that blend local heritage with social impact.

You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.