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 Graham's Port Lodge. Step out of the city life by going to Douro River and Praia da Luz. There's much more to do: take in the views from Ponte de Dom Luis I, take in the waterfront activity at Cais da Ribeira, enjoy breathtaking views from Torre dos Clerigos, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco.

For reviews, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, go to the Porto tour planner.

You can fly from Ponta Delgada to Porto in 3 hours. Traveling from Ponta Delgada to Porto, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Plan for slightly colder nights when traveling from Ponta Delgada in December since evenings lows in Porto dip to 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Tue) to allow time to 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 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 2.5 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 fly back home.