Signature: Portugal & the Azores Islands

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.

Included Experiences

• Arrival Transfer: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
• Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group: 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.

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.

Included Experiences

• Livraria Lello Private Visit: 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.
• Tuk Tuk Tour: 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.
• National Geographic Expert Presentation: 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.

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.

Included Experiences

• Confeitaria da Ponte: 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.
• Sapateiro Vineyard & Winery: 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.

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

Included Experiences

• Cooking Class: Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of the Douro Valley with a hands-on cooking class focused on authentic regional recipes.
• Boat Cruise Douro River: 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.

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.

Included Experiences

• Tomar Walk with Convent of Christ: 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.
• Fado Night with Traditional Portuguese Meal: Sit down to a traditional meal and lend your ears to the sound of a performance by Portuguese folk music artists.

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.

Included Experiences

• Lisbon City Tour: 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.
• Jerónimos Monastery: 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.
• Mezze Restaurant: 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.
• São Roque Church Visit: Visit the Church of São Roque to witness one of the world’s most opulent displays of Baroque art and gold-leaf craftsmanship.
• Carmo Archaeological Museum Visit: Explore the evocative ruins of the Carmo Archaeological Museum, a roofless Gothic convent preserved as a striking memorial to the 1755 earthquake.

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.

Included Experiences

• Cabo da Roca Visit: 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.
• Pena Palace and Park Guided Visit: 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.
• Quinta da Regaleira Visit: Explore the mystical estate of Quinta da Regaleira on a guided walk through its enigmatic gardens, hidden tunnels, and the iconic "Initiation Well."

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.

Included Experiences

• Plane: Sit back and enjoy the views from above on a short flight between Lisbon to Angra do Heroísmo.
• Arrival Transfer: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: 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.
• Private Visit 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.
• Angra Museum Curator Visit: 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.
• Walking: Set out on foot to the Palácio dos Capitães Generais.

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.

Included Experiences

• Monte Brasil Caldera Visit: 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.
• São Sebastião Visit: 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.
• Serra do Cume Visit: 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.
• Vitorino Nemésio House Museum: 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.
• Rocha Restaurant Lunch: 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.
• Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Visit: 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.
• Biscoitos Winery Tasting: Sample the unique volcanic wines of Biscoitos at a traditional winery, where vines are grown in small plots protected by black basalt stone walls.

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.

Included Experiences

• Plane: Sit back and enjoy the views from above on a short flight between Angra do Heroísmo and Ponta Delgada.
• Quinta do Agricultor Visit and Lunch: 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.
• Sete Cidades Caldera Visit: 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.

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.

Included Experiences

• Harvesting and Sustainability Project: Participate in a hands-on sustainability project that explores local harvesting techniques and the ongoing efforts to balance traditional land use with environmental preservation.
• Wine Masterclass and Open-Fire Lunch: 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.
• Parque Terra Nostra Visit: 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.
• Free Time: Enjoy free time to take a dip in the geothermal hot springs water.

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.

Included Experiences

• Ponta Delgada Walk: 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.
• Private Whale Watching Tour with a Marine Biologist: Meet with a local marine biologist to gain expert perspective on the marine life surrounding the Azores and the historical impact of the whaling industry on island development. They will talk about the different species migrating through the waters around the Azores Islands and what you are likely to see when we take to the waters. Then 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.
• ARRISCA Cooperative Visit: 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.

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

Included Experiences

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