12 days in Azores, Porto & Lisbon Itinerary

As the busy capital of São Miguel, Ponta Delgada represents the most visited place on the island. Known for its historical buildings, the city offers 17th- and 18th-century convents and churches, as well as cobbled pedestrian streets and hidden squares.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Igreja do Santo Cristo and Nossa Senhora da Paz. Escape the urban bustle at Caldeira das Sete Cidades and Natural Pool. Change things up with a short trip to Mosteiros Beach in Mosteiros (about 48 minutes away). Next up on the itinerary: explore the activities along Lagoa do Fogo, look for all kinds of wild species at Environmental Interpretation Centre of Caldeira Velha, see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour, and get great views at Boca do Inferno Viewpoint.

Quickly create a custom-made itinerary for Ponta Delgada using our trip planner.

San Francisco, USA to Ponta Delgada is an approximately 16-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of bus and flight. The time zone difference when traveling from San Francisco to Ponta Delgada is 7 hours. In May, daily temperatures in Ponta Delgada can reach 66°F, while at night they dip to 58°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Wed) early enough to travel to Porto.

Called "Oporto" by many, the city of Porto along the Duoro River lent the country and Port wine their names. Portugal's second-largest metropolis dates back to the 4th century, representing both a rich cultural past and industrial present through its architecture and style.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral) and Rua Santa Catarina. Get outdoors at Praia da Luz and Rio Douro. And it doesn't end there: snap pictures at Ponte de Dom Luis I, learn about winemaking at Graham's Port Lodge, don't miss a visit to Sao Joao da Foz Fortress, and take a leisurely stroll along Cais da Ribeira.

For maps, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Porto tour itinerary planner .

Getting from Ponta Delgada to Porto by flight takes about 5 hours. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Ponta Delgada to Porto. Plan for a bit cooler nights when traveling from Ponta Delgada in May since evenings lows in Porto dip to 52°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Sat) early enough to travel to Lisbon.

Built on seven hills, Lisbon has experienced a renaissance in recent years, making it the cultural star of Portugal.

Get in touch with nature at Praia da Nazare and Lisbon by Boat. Do some cultural sightseeing at Castelo de S. Jorge and Museu Calouste Gulbenkian. Take a break from Lisbon with a short trip to Portugal Bike in Odivelas, about 38 minutes away. There's still lots to do: take a stroll through Belém Tower and appreciate the history behind Arco do Triunfo.

To see reviews, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Lisbon online attractions planner .

Traveling by flight from Porto to Lisbon takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Expect somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Porto in May: highs in Lisbon hover around 75°F, while lows dip to 55°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Tue) to allow enough time to travel back home.