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.

Get outdoors at Caldeira das Sete Cidades and Dolphin & Whale Watching. When in Ponta Delgada, make a side trip to see Poca Da Dona Beija in Furnas, approximately Furnas away. And it doesn't end there: explore the activities along Lagoa do Fogo, kick back and relax at Praia de Santa Barbara, pause for some serene contemplation at Nossa Senhora da Paz, and identify plant and animal life at Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre.

To see where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, use the Ponta Delgada trip itinerary builder website.

Philadelphia, USA to Ponta Delgada is an approximately 11-hour flight. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Azores Standard Time (AZOT), which is usually a 4 hour difference. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Philadelphia in November; daily highs in Ponta Delgada reach 22°C and lows reach 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Sat) 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.

Get a sense of the local culture at Wine Tours & Tastings and Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral). Step out of the city life by going to Douro River and Praia da Luz. There's lots more to do: snap pictures at Ponte de Dom Luis I, take a stroll through Rua Santa Catarina, enjoy breathtaking views from Torre dos Clerigos, and learn about winemaking at Taylor's Port.

For more things to do, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Porto day trip planning tool.

Getting from Ponta Delgada to Porto by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Ponta Delgada to Porto. Expect a bit cooler evenings in Porto when traveling from Ponta Delgada in December, with lows around 7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Tue) 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.

Visiting Praia da ursa and Lisbon by Boat will get you outdoors. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and Belém Tower. Take a break from Lisbon with a short trip to Guincho Beach in Cascais, about 34 minutes away. Spend the 7th (Fri) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. There's still lots to do: steep yourself in history at Castelo de S. Jorge and tour the water at your own pace with Nosso Tejo.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Lisbon tour itinerary maker website.

Traveling by flight from Porto to Lisbon takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In December in Lisbon, expect temperatures between 18°C during the day and 8°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Fri) to allow time to travel back home.