< Designed Trips

The Trip

Discover what might be the best kept secret in Europe, with this 8-day trip to the incredible Azores Islands & Lisbon, Portugal. Experience the rich cultural heritage and history of Lisbon, as well as adventures (on land and at sea!) across the beautiful island of Sao Miguel, the largest and most diverse of the Azores. This trip is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, and travelers who love culture, nature, relaxation and boutique luxury accommodations. Discover Lisbon through a local lens with a privately guided introduction to the city, visit beautiful Sintra & Cascais, and taste petiscos (Portuguese tapas) while listening to traditional  Fado music in the historical center. After a couple of days in the city, fly a few hours west to the Azores and Sao Miguel Island. Here, you'll spend the next 5 days hiking to breathtaking lakes set in the middle of volcanic craters, searching for dolphins and whales off the coast, tasting Cozido (traditional Azorean stew cooked underground by volcanic steam) and relaxing in the thermal baths of volcanic jungle hot springs. Sao Miguel is one of the most beautiful places we've ever visited, and we think you'll agree!

The Details

​Price:
  • From $1,995 per person
Duration​:
  • 7 nights, 8 days
Inclusions: 
  • Highly-rated boutique hotels
  • All transportation within Portugal
  • Private & small-group experiences
  • Curated Portugal mini-guide
  • Trip preparation & support

Itinerary

Lisbon
  • Day 1: After arriving in Portugal’s beautiful capital city, you’ll be picked up by a private car and taken to your boutique hotel (see below) in one of Lisbon’s most historic neighborhoods. Take some time to settle in and relax before joining your private local guide for a short tour of some of the city’s most significant sights, including Arco da Rua Augusta, the Chiado area, Elevador de Santa Justa, Sé Cathedral, and many more.
  • Day 2: Wake up early and eat a big breakfast for your adventure to the fairytale village of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site with Muslim architectural influences. Taste one of the famous travesseiro (pillow) pastries and Sintra cheesecakes before a quick stop at Cabo da Roca, a 500-foot cliff that is the western most point of continental Europe. After, head to the coastal town of Cascais, before visiting the remarkable hilltop Pena Palace, considered one of the best expressions of 19th-century romanticism in the world. 
  • Day 3: On your final full day in Lisbon, the morning and afternoon are free to explore the city’s distinct neighborhoods, see the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge (a mini Golden Gate), visit the Belem monument, hip and alternative LX Factory, and the expansive Time Out Market for some delicious Portuguese food. In the evening you’ll meet up with a private local guide for an evening of petiscos (Portuguese tapas) and Fado, traditional Portuguese music that’s recognized by the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List.
 
Sao Miguel, Azores Islands
  • Day 4: In the late morning, a private car will take you to the airport for your non-stop flight from Lisbon to Sao Miguel. When you arrive, pick up your rental car and make the short drive to check in to your boutique resort. In the afternoon, discover some of the island’s amazing sights. Hike to jungle waterfalls, lost villages, or roll into Ponta Delgada for some history and good food.
  • Day 5: Wake up and eat some breakfast, before heading out on another full-day hike of the incredible Sete Cidades, with a picnic lunch included. One of the island’s most famous lakes, beautiful Sete Cidades is located within a majestic volcano crater and is home to an incredible array of fauna and flora.
  • Day 6: Wake up, eat an early breakfast and head to the harbor for a half-day whale and dolphin watch. Spend the morning in the pristine waters just off Ponta Delgada, where a certified marine biologist will provide insights as you search the waters for these amazing animals. In the evening you’ll join a small group for a nighttime thermal bath experience and local dinner (Cozido das Furnas) cooked with geothermal heat.
  • Day 7: After breakfast, you'll be picked up to join a small group for a full-day Lagoa do Fogo hiking trip. Hike through dense forest, past incredible flora and fauna, and enjoy a lakeside picnic at this beautiful volcanic lake. Stop in nearby Caloura harbor before returning to your resort and heading out for a nice dinner.
  • Day 8: On the final day in the Azores it’s time to board your flight back to Lisbon, from where you can extend your trip to another European destination or head home. The decision is up to you!

Pricing & Inclusions

​​Inclusions
  • 3 hotel nights in Lisbon
  • 4 hotel nights on Sao Miguel Island, The Azores
  • Round-trip, non-stop flight from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
  • Private, round trip airport transfers
  • Private intro to Lisbon tour with a local guide
  • Small-group day trip to Sintra & Cascais
  • Private Petiscos & Fado Evening Experience with a local guide
  • Full-day hiking tour of Sete Cidades with picnic
  • Morning whale & dolphin watching cruise
  • Nighttime thermal baths experience with a traditional Azorean dinner
  • Full-day Lagoa do Fogo excursion with picnic
  • 4-day car rental for independent exploration of the island
  • Curated Portugal Mini-Guide
  • Trip preparation & support

Exclusions
  • International flights to Portugal
  • Meals & activities not listed above
  • ​Travel insurance

Pricing
  • From $1,875 per person with boutique hotels
  • From $2,165 per person with luxury boutique hotels
  • ​​Pricing for Cohica Designed Trips is based on double occupancy and may vary depending on travel dates and total number of travelers.
  • This Designed Trip offers the flexibility to make date changes after booking (ask us for details)
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This Designed Trip was developed based on our personal travels, with local contacts, favorite hotels and authentic activities we've experienced first-hand.
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