Signature: Portugal & the Azores Islands

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Explorer Self Guided

Carbon neutral

14 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

1 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

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.

Itinerary

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.

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.

Meal:Dinner

Accomodation:Hotel Infante Sagres est (or similar)

Transport:Arrival Transfer

Included Activity:Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group

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.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Hotel Infante Sagres est (or similar)

Included Activities:Livraria Lello Private Visit, Tuk Tuk Tour Duration : 2.25 hr Distance : 5 km, National Geographic Expert Presentation Duration : 1.0 hr

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.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Douro Royal Valley Hotel & Spa est (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 46 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr Distance : 15 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr - 0.75 hr Distance : 17 km

Included Activities:Confeitaria da Ponte, Sapateiro Vineyard & Winery

day 4 - Douro

Set off from the hotel and take a scenic drive along the Douro River to a traditional 'quinta' for a hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare local dishes using fresh regional ingredients, and enjoy the delicious results for 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.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Douro Royal Valley Hotel & Spa est (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 44 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.75 hr Distance : 30 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr Distance : 70 km

Included Activities:Cooking Class, Boat Cruise Douro River Duration : 2.0 hr

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.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Montebelo Vista Alegre Lisboa Chiado Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 248 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 145 km

Included Activities:Tomar Walk with Convent of Christ Duration : 1.0 hr, Fado Night with Traditional Portuguese Meal Duration : 2.0 hr

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.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Montebelo Vista Alegre Lisboa Chiado Hotel (or similar)

Included Activities:Lisbon City Tour Duration : 0.75 hr, Jerónimos Monastery Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr, Mezze Restaurant Duration : 1.5 hr, São Roque Church Visit Duration : 0.5 hr, Carmo Archaeological Museum Visit Duration : 0.5 hr

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.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Montebelo Vista Alegre Lisboa Chiado Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 41 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.75 hr Distance : 33 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 28 km

Included Activities:Cabo da Roca Visit Duration : 0.5 hr, Pena Palace and Park Guided Visit Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.0 hr, Quinta da Regaleira Visit Duration : 1.0 hr

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.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 0.25 hr - 0.5 hr, Plane Duration : 2.75 hr, Arrival Transfer

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.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Transport:Walking Duration : 0.25 hr - 0.5 hr

Included Activities:Private Visit Palácio dos Capitães Generais Duration : 1.0 hr, Angra Museum Curator Visit Duration : 1.0 hr

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.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Included Activities:Monte Brasil Caldera Visit Duration : 0.25 hr, São Sebastião Visit Duration : 0.25 hr, Serra do Cume Visit Duration : 0.25 hr, Vitorino Nemésio House Museum Duration : 1.0 hr, Rocha Restaurant Lunch Duration : 1.0 hr, Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Visit Duration : 0.5 hr, Biscoitos Winery Tasting Duration : 0.75 hr

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.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr Distance : 22 km, Plane Duration : 0.75 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.75 hr - 1.0 hr Distance : 20 km

Included Activities:Quinta do Agricultor Visit and Lunch Duration : 2.5 hr, Sete Cidades Caldera Visit Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 3 km

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.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 0.75 hr Distance : 35 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 43 km

Included Activities:Harvesting and Sustainability Project Duration : 1.0 hr, Wine Masterclass and Open-Fire Lunch Duration : 2.0 hr, Parque Terra Nostra Visit Duration : 1.0 hr

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.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Included Activities:Ponta Delgada Walk Duration : 1.0 hr, Private Whale Watching Tour with a Marine Biologist Duration : 4.0 hr, ARRISCA Cooperative Visit Duration : 1.0 hr

day 14 - Ponta Delgada

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

Meal:Breakfast

Transport:Departure Transfer Duration : 0.25 hr Distance : 10 km

Signature: Portugal & the Azores Islands

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotels (13 nts)

Meals

13 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 8 dinners
Note: Allow USD170-225 for meals not included.

Transport

Private vehicle, tuk tuk, riverboat, airplane, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout.

Included activities

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, PortoSignature Moment: Livraria Lello Private Visit, PortoYour Foodie Moment: Cooking Class, LamegoYour Foodie Moment: Rocha Restaurant Lunch, Angra do HeroísmoYour Local Living Moment: Quinta do Agricultor Visit and Lunch, Ponta DelgadaYour Foodie Moment: Wine Masterclass and Open-Fire Lunch, Ponta DelgadaSignature Moment: Private Whale Watching Tour with a Marine Biologist, Ponta DelgadaArrival and Departure TransfersPort Wine TastingPorto Tuk Tuk TourExpedition Leader-Led Walk of the São Gonçalo BridgePastry and Coffee at Confeitaria da PonteRegua to Pinhao Boat CruiseGuided Tour of TomarFado Night with Traditional Portuguese MealExpert Lisbon City TourJerónimos Monastery VisitMaritime Museum VisitSão Roque Church VisitCarmo Archaeological Museum VisitCabo da Roca ViewpointGuided tour of Pena PalaceGuided tour of Quinta da RegaleiraAngra do Heroismo Orientation WalkPrivate visit to the Palácio dos Capitães GeneraisInternal flight from Lisbon to the AzoresAngra Museum with the CuratorMonte Brasil Caldera ViewpointSão Sebastião Church VisitSerra do Cume VisitVitorino Nemésio House MuseumAlgar do Carvão Lava Caves VisitVineyard Tour and Wine TastingVista do Reis Photo StopSete Cidades Caldera VisitHarvesting and Sustainability Project VisitParque Terra Nostra VisitARRISCA Cooperative VisitEngaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expert Throughout

What's Excluded

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