Wine Tasting and Whale Watching: Lisbon and the Azores

The best way to explore Lisbon’s cobbled streets is on foot, so we’ve secured you tickets for a tour of the city’s street art. Led by an English-speaking guide, spend four hours marvelling at works by renowned local artists including Vhils, OsGemeos and Blu across Lisbon’s various districts. Conclude your journey at the LX Factory, a former industrial complex transformed into a hub of innovative galleries, vintage shops and lively bars.

Your second Lisbon experience is a dive into the rich world of Portuguese vineyards and winemaking heritage. Stroll across the capital and discover the history of different grape varieties, hearing stories of the individuals who shaped their development, both nationally and internationally. You'll taste six wines – one sparkling, two whites, two reds and one sweet – each accompanied by delicious local nibbles.

Today, you’re flying to Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores archipelago on the island of São Miguel. So, wake up and feast on as many pastel de natas as your stomach can manage before being privately transferred to Lisbon’s airport. Make sure to check out our recommended reading list for Portugal to fill your two and a half hours in the air, landing in Ponta Delgada at around two in the afternoon. Collect your bags, pick up your car and begin the scenic 40-minute drive to Furnas. Cruise down the island's southern coast, making a pit stop at the charming fishing port of Caloura before paying a visit to Vila Franca Do Campo to check out the historic chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz. Finally, arrive at Furnas, where you’ll find your hotel nestled between the mountains and Furnas Lake.

Furnas is best known for its geothermal activity, and the translation of ‘Furnas’ as ‘caves’ couldn’t be better fitting – there’s no shortage of caves, bubbling hot springs and geysers spouting jets of steam and water. Head out for a hike along one of the many trails to experience some of this volcanic activity, or check out Terra Nostra Park to see its geothermal hot spring with yellow, iron-rich water.

Get ready for an adrenaline rush, because your second day on São Miguel is all about canyoning in Ribeira dos Caldeiroes. Located on the northeast coast, the park has an abundance of lush vegetation, waterfalls, rivers and pools – the perfect playground for canyoning. Alongside the supervision of an English-speaking instructor, you’ll discover hidden spots, see native wildlife in their natural environment and appreciate the beauty of the great Portuguese outdoors.

Pack up your car ready for today’s drive, just over an hour to the small village of Ginetes on the west coast of São Miguel. Comprised of a handful of houses, a solitary lighthouse and a rugged coastline, Ginetes exudes a distinctive charm and provides an off-the-beaten-path experience in Portugal. Settle into your hotel and embrace the soothing spa treatments, or slip into swimsuits and enjoy a dip in the outdoor swimming pool.

During your stay in Gientes, you’ll embark on a three-hour boat tour of the Azores’ islands. Led by an English-speaking biologist and skipper, hop aboard and witness diverse marine species, including various dolphins, sperm whales and even blue whales in the early spring to late summer. With a maximum group size of 12 people, this tour provides an immersive opportunity to explore the rich marine life. Spend your final day in Gientes exploring nearby towns in your car, relaxing in the hotel, indulging in Portuguese cuisine, walking along the coastline or enjoying a marvellous mix of everything.