Discover Portugal and the Azores

From the volcanic heart of the Atlantic to the sun-drenched streets of one of Europe's most beloved capitals, Portugal and the Azores offer a travel experience unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether you're drawn to dramatic landscapes, outdoor adventure, rich history, or simply the pleasure of exploring somewhere genuinely unique, our packages are designed to bring out the best of both destinations.

São Miguel, The Green Island

At the centre of most of our Azores packages is São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago and one of nature's most spectacular achievements. Nicknamed "The Green Island," it earns that name at every turn — emerald crater lakes, lush forests, steaming geothermal valleys, and coastlines that drop dramatically into the Atlantic. No two days here look the same.

The island's signature experiences include the twin lakes of Sete Cidades, whose blue and green waters sit inside a dormant volcanic crater and rank among the most photographed landscapes in Portugal. Lagoa do Fogo, the "Lake of Fire," offers a more rugged and remote alternative, reached by hiking trails with sweeping views of the island. At Furnas, the earth itself does the cooking — geothermal heat bubbles up through the ground, feeding hot spring pools and slow-cooking the island's famous Cozido das Furnas stew underground for hours before it arrives at your table. Caldeira Velha offers another chance to soak in warm, mineral-rich thermal waters, this time surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and a waterfall.

Beyond the natural wonders, São Miguel has a cultural and culinary character all its own. Ponta Delgada, the island's main city, is worth an afternoon of wandering — its black basalt architecture, waterfront promenade, and local cafés give a flavour of everyday Azorean life. Just outside the city, Gorreana is home to Europe's only tea plantation, where you can walk the terraced rows and taste tea grown on volcanic soil with Atlantic views. Elsewhere, traditional greenhouses produce the island's famous sweet pineapples, grown slowly in a method unique to the Azores.

For those who want to go further, São Miguel is a world-class outdoor adventure destination. Hiking trails range from easy crater-rim walks to more demanding volcanic terrain. Canyoning at Ribeira dos Caldeirões and Salto do Cabrito takes you through some of the island's most spectacular hidden landscapes. Whale watching trips head out into some of the richest cetacean waters in the North Atlantic. Surfers will find reliable swells at Mosteiros, while kayaking and quad biking round out an impressive menu of activities. Our adventure-focused packages are led by expert local guides and are best suited to travellers with a moderate level of fitness and comfort with outdoor environments.

Lisbon

For those looking to pair the Azores with a taste of mainland Portugal, our Azores and Lisbon Duo package adds four nights in one of Europe's most captivating cities. Lisbon rewards wandering in a way that few cities can match. Its neighbourhoods each have a distinct personality — the Alfama with its tangled medieval lanes and Fado bars, Mouraria with its markets and layers of history, Bairro Alto buzzing with life after dark. The city's iconic yellow trams climb steep hills past tiled facades, and the late afternoon light over the Tagus River is something you'll carry with you long after you're home. The food is outstanding at every price point, and the pace of life, unhurried and warm, is infectious from the first day.

When to Go

Portugal and the Azores are rewarding year-round, but some seasons suit certain travellers better than others.

Spring (March to May) is the most universally recommended time to visit. The landscapes are at their greenest and most colourful, temperatures are warm and pleasant, and both São Miguel and Lisbon are relatively uncrowded. If you have flexibility, this is the window to aim for.

Summer (June to August) brings long, beautiful evenings and a lively atmosphere, particularly in Lisbon. It's the best season for water activities and surfing in the Azores, though popular sites get busier and prices rise. Book well ahead.

Autumn (September to October) is another excellent window — warm, less crowded than summer, and particularly special if you're interested in the island's harvest season and the rich colours of the volcanic landscapes.

Winter (November to February) is mild, quiet, and excellent value. The hot springs of Furnas and Caldeira Velha are especially inviting on cooler days, and Lisbon in winter has a relaxed, unhurried character that many travellers prefer. Some outdoor activities are weather-dependent, but for hot springs, culture, and scenery, winter delivers.

Find the Right Package for You

Whether you want to explore independently with a rental car and pre-booked hotels, join a guided adventure with expert local guides, combine city and island in one seamless trip, or simply soak in hot springs and take in the views at your own pace, we have a package designed around the way you like to travel. Our agents know these destinations well and are happy to help you find the right fit. Give us a call at 1-800-665-4981 and let's plan it together.