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.

Visiting Caldeira das Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo will get you outdoors. Change things up with these side-trips from Ponta Delgada: Furnas (Parque Terra Nostra & Poca Da Dona Beija). There's lots more to do: see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour, identify plant and animal life at Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre, pause for some serene contemplation at Igreja Matriz de Sao Sebastiao, and kick back and relax at Praia de Santa Barbara.

For more things to do, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Ponta Delgada trip planner.

Philadelphia, USA to Ponta Delgada is an approximately 11-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 4 hours traveling from Philadelphia to Ponta Delgada. In September, daytime highs in Ponta Delgada are 76°F, while nighttime lows are 63°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) to allow 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.

Palacio da Bolsa and Graham's Port Lodge are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Get in touch with nature at Douro River and Praia da Luz. There's much more to do: take in the views from Ponte de Dom Luis I, wander the streets of Rua Santa Catarina, enjoy breathtaking views from Torre dos Clerigos, and go for a stroll along the water at Cais da Ribeira.

For where to stay, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Porto holiday planning website.

You can fly from Ponta Delgada to Porto in 5.5 hours. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Ponta Delgada to Porto. Traveling from Ponta Delgada in September, expect a bit cooler with lows of 56°F in Porto. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Mon) so you can travel to Lisbon.

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

Take a break from the city and head to Praia da Nazare and Lisbon by Boat. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Belém Tower and Museu Calouste Gulbenkian. The adventure continues: step into the grandiose world of Castelo de S. Jorge, stop by Alfama, pedal to the sights with Portugal Bike, and appreciate the history behind Arco do Triunfo.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Lisbon route planning tool.

Fly from Porto to Lisbon in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. When traveling from Porto in September, plan for somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Lisbon: temperatures range from 81°F by day to 61°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Thu) early enough to travel back home.