Évora, Nazaré & Lisbon Road Trip

Welcome to Nazaré! After a scenic drive from Évora, you’ll arrive at Portugal’s most famous fishing village, a place of dramatic cliffs, ancient miracles, and world-record-breaking waves.

Driving distance from Évora to Nazaré: (230 km / 145 mi) — approx. 2h50min drive

Suggestion for the day: Clifftop Legends & Giant Waves

• Sítio District: Explore this historic hilltop neighborhood perched 110 meters above the sea. It is the oldest part of town and offers the most iconic panoramic views of the coastline.
• Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré: Visit this grand sanctuary in the main square, a major pilgrimage site featuring beautiful 16th-century gold-covered altarpieces and Dutch tile panels.
• Ermida da Memória (Memory Chapel): This tiny, tile-covered chapel marks the spot where a 12th-century miracle allegedly saved a nobleman from plunging off the cliff.
• Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo & Lighthouse: Walk out to this 16th-century fortress, which houses a surfing museum and provides the ultimate vantage point for the "Big Waves" of Praia do Norte.
• Baloiço da Ladeira: Take a moment at this panoramic swing, a local favorite for social-media-worthy photos overlooking the Atlantic.

Overnight in Nazaré

Suggestion for the day: Coastal Traditions & Local Life

Lace up your walking shoes to explore the "lower town" and the authentic maritime heritage of Nazaré. Don't Miss:

• Seca do Peixe (Sun-Dried Fish Museum): Witness a living tradition where local women tend to horse-mackerel and octopus drying in the sun as they have for centuries.
• The Seven Skirts (Sete Saias): Look for local women wearing traditional seven-layered skirts, which represent the seven waves of the sea or seven days of the week.
• Mercado Municipal da Nazaré: Immerse yourself in local life at this vibrant market, known for its fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional culinary products.
• Nazaré Beach (Praia da Nazaré): Stroll along the golden crescent-shaped shoreline, which is a cosmopolitan and colorful area filled with traditional fishing boats and nets.
• Miradouro da Pederneira: For a quieter perspective, visit this viewpoint in the Pederneira district for sweeping sunset views over the entire town and the Atlantic Ocean.

Overnight in Nazaré

Welcome to Lisbon! After your scenic drive south from the coast, you’ll arrive in the capital — a city of golden light, riverside views, and timeless charm.

Drive from Nazaré to Lisbon (125 km/ 78 mi, approx. 1h30min)

Suggestion for the day: Stroll Around Downtown Lisbon

Lace up your walking shoes and embark on a journey through Lisbon's captivating historical neighborhoods. It’s time to explore Lisbon's vibrant neighborhoods on foot. 

• Start in Chiado, a charming district with elegant shops and cafes. Don't miss Livraria Bertrand, a historic bookstore.
• Move to Baixa, the bustling downtown area with Praça do Comércio, a grand waterfront square. Climb the Arco da Rua Augusta for city views.
• Immerse yourself in Bairro Alto's lively nightlife scene. Wander its maze-like streets filled with bars, restaurants, and traditional Fado music venues.

Overnight in Lisbon

Suggestion for the day: Unveiling Belém's Maritime Marvels

Head to Belém, a UNESCO site showcasing Portugal's maritime past. See the iconic Torre de Belém and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, and savor Pastéis de Belém, a delicious custard tart. Don’t Miss:

• Torre de Belém (Belém Tower): Start your exploration at this imposing 16th-century fortress. Marvel at its Manueline architecture, a unique Portuguese style characterized by nautical motifs and intricate stonework. Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries): A short walk away stands this impressive monument commemorating Portugal's Golden Age of Exploration.
• Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery): Immerse yourself in the grandeur of this magnificent 16th-century monastery. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, showcasing intricate stonework and stained-glass windows.
• Pastéis de Belém: No visit to Belém is complete without indulging in the world-famous Pastéis de Belém, a traditional Portuguese custard tart. This iconic bakery, established in the 18th century, follows a secret recipe that has been passed down through generations.
• MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology: If you have extra time, consider visiting the MAAT, a contemporary museum housed in a striking modern building on the waterfront. 

Overnight in Lisbon

One last stop: returning your rental car in Lisbon.

Thank you for choosing us to be your travel companions on this adventure! It's been a pleasure assisting you in creating unforgettable memories. We wish you happy travels and until next time!

9 AM - 1PM: Discover Downtown Ponta Delgada

 This tour takes place in what is considered the "capital" of São Miguel Island – the city of Ponta Delgada. During this tour, we will discover the main historical, cultural, and noteworthy sites of this wonderful city.

Highlights of this tour include:

• Old churches and convents
• Monument of Portas da Cidade 
• Pineapple plantations (* if not possible during the City Tour, this visit will take place during the Full-Day Tour of Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo)
• Historical Beautiful gardens
• São Brás Fortress and São Francisco square

9AM - 5PM: Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo Tour

A full-day tour that takes you to the two most famous lagoons of São Miguel Island. 

Sete Cidades: One of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal, this show-stopping, lake-filled crater has become one of the signature and most famous images of the Azores. There are (amazingly) 11 lakes in total scattered around Sete Cidades, but they can only be seen from certain angles from the various miradouros (viewpoints in Portuguese) in the area. 

Lagoa do Fogo: Lagoa do Fogo, which translates roughly into "Lagoon of Fire", is a crater lake located at the center of São Miguel Island. This protected nature reserve sits tucked away atop the impressive Pico da Barrosa, far above the whir, hum, and hurry of civilization below. 

Highlights of this tour include:

• Pineapple plantations (* if already visited during the City Tour, it will be substituted for a different point of interest)
• Escalvado viewpoint (offering a magical view to Mosteiros)
• Sete Cidades parish
• Santiago lagoon
• Vista do Rei viewpoint (overlooking the most famous lagoons of Sete Cidades) 
• Pico do Carvão
• Lunch at a local restaurant 
• Local ceramics factory (Cerâmica Vieira)
• Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint
• Ribeira Grande city center, with a visit to the local liquor shop

9AM - 5PM: Furnas Tour

Furnas Valley is famous worldwide for its bubbling caldeiras and hot springs, where visitors can relax while soaking in a thermal bath any time of year, but this mystical volcanic valley is full of many more interesting surprises. 

Highlights of this tour include: 

• Vila Franca do Campo (offering a viewpoint to the iconic islet)
• Furnas Lake (here, learn how the famous "cozido" dish is cooked underground by heat from the actual volcanic vents!)
• Furnas parish (you will have free time to bathe in the thermal waters here, or visit the Terra Nostra Garden)
• Cozido lunch 
• Visit Furnas "calderas" to see the volcanic activity
• Pico do Ferro viewpoint
• Tea Factory
• Santa Iria Viewpoint

Please note: Terra Nostra Park and/or Dona Beija entrance fees are not included. Also, it is advised that you bring dark-colored bathing suits, an old towel, and a change of clothes (bathing in the thermal waters is known to stain fabrics). And blondes who dye their hair are cautioned to close pay attention as well, as the waters here contain iron and can stain hair the lighter hair pigments.

08:30AM - 12:30PM: Whale & Dolphin Watching Excursion

Take the opportunity to observe some of the dozens of cetacean species that are usually seen in the Azores. While nature is indeed wild, and offers no guarantees, whales and dolphins are regularly seen during our half-day tours. During this tour, you will have the opportunity to observe turtles, birds, and other marine species. Before you embark on the boat trip, expert biologists hold a small informative talk to explain which cetacean species can be observed, the safety measures and protocols for behavior on board – including how we respect animals and what the rules for observation at sea are. You will even learn some fascinating historical facts.

Suggestion for the day: The Wonders of Nordeste

Immerse yourself in the beauty of São Miguel Island's northeast region with a captivating day trip to Nordeste! This haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers boasts breathtaking scenery, charming villages, and a wealth of outdoor activities.

Don’t Miss:

• Ponta do Sossego Viewpoint: Embrace panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
• Ponta da Madrugada Viewpoint: Witness the magical spectacle of the sunrise, a moment of pure tranquility.
• Arnel Lighthouse: Discover the majestic Arnel Lighthouse, a towering sentinel guiding ships for centuries.
• Poço Azul Hiking Trail: Embark on an invigorating hike through lush forests and cascading waterfalls, culminating at the breathtaking Poço Azul, a natural swimming basin.
• Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park: Explore a paradise of cascading waterfalls, lush vegetation, and ancient watermills. Hike the park's trails and immerse yourself in the natural beauty.

Suggestion for the day: Souvenir Shopping

Take some time for some souvenirs shopping & Say goodbye to the Azores with a delicious farewell dinner

Don't leave the Azores empty-handed! From gourmet delights to handcrafted treasures, there's a perfect souvenir for everyone on your list.

• Azorean Tea
• Pineapple Delights
• Wickerwork
• Bordado dos Açores (Embroidery)
• Ceramics
• Azores Wine
• Postcards
• T-shirts
• Liqueurs

We've arranged your hotel transfer to ensure a smooth journey to the airport.

Thank you for choosing us to be your travel companions on this adventure! It's been a pleasure assisting you in creating unforgettable memories. We wish you happy travels and until next time!