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 Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre. When in Ponta Delgada, make a side trip to see Poca Da Dona Beija in Furnas, approximately Furnas away. Spend the 30th (Fri) observing fascinating marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour. And it doesn't end there: explore the activities along Lagoa do Fogo, stroll through Praia de Santa Barbara, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Nossa Senhora da Paz.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Ponta Delgada attractions app.

Philadelphia, USA to Ponta Delgada is an approximately 10.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Azores Standard Time (AZOT), which is usually a 4 hour difference. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Philadelphia in November: high temperatures in Ponta Delgada hover around 22°C and lows are around 17°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sat) so you can catch the flight 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 some cultural insight at Wine Tours & Tastings and Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco. 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, go for a stroll along the water at Cais da Ribeira, enjoy breathtaking views from Torre dos Clerigos, and learn about winemaking at Graham's Port Lodge.

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 3 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 fly 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 Nature & Wildlife Tours 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. There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Castelo de S. Jorge, tour the water at your own pace with Nosso Tejo, and take a tour by water with Lisbon by Boat.

To find maps, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Lisbon trip itinerary maker site.

Fly from Porto to Lisbon in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 18°C in December, and nighttime lows around 8°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Fri) early enough to fly back home.