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.

Step out of the city life by going to Caldeira das Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo. Explore Ponta Delgada's surroundings by going to Furnas (Terra Nostra Gardens & Poca Da Dona Beija). There's much more to do: kick back and relax at Praia de Santa Barbara, see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour, pause for some serene contemplation at Igreja Matriz de Sao Sebastiao, and look for all kinds of wild species at Environmental Interpretation Centre of Caldeira Velha.

For reviews, maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Ponta Delgada day trip planner .

Philadelphia, USA to Ponta Delgada is an approximately 11-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Philadelphia to Ponta Delgada is 4 hours. In September, plan for daily highs up to 76°F, and evening lows to 63°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Fri) to allow enough time 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.

Take a break from the city and head to Rio Douro and Praia da Luz. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral) and Museu Serralves. There's much more to do: snap pictures at Ponte de Dom Luis I, indulge in some culinary diversions at a local gastronomic tour, learn about winemaking at Taylor's Port, and admire the landmark architecture of Palacio da Bolsa.

To see maps, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Porto online journey planner .

You can fly from Ponta Delgada to Porto in 5.5 hours. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Ponta Delgada to Porto due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Ponta Delgada in September, Porto is slightly colder at night with lows of 56°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel to Lisbon.

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

Get outdoors at Praia da Nazare and Portugal Bike. Do some cultural sightseeing at Belém Tower and Museu Calouste Gulbenkian. There's still lots to do: choose your vessel at Lisbon by Boat, wander the streets of Alfama, appreciate the history behind Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta, and contemplate the long history of Castelo de S. Jorge.

To see photos, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Lisbon online tour planner .

Traveling by flight from Porto to Lisbon takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Porto in September, you will find days in Lisbon are somewhat warmer (81°F), and nights are about the same (61°F). Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.