12 days in Lisbon, Porto & Azores Itinerary

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

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Belém Tower and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. Take a break from the city and head to Pypas Cruises Lisbon Boat Tours and Portugal Bike. There's lots more to do: step into the grandiose world of Castelo de S. Jorge, get outside with Lisbon by Boat, appreciate the history behind Padrao dos Descobrimentos, and get engrossed in the history at Carmo Archaeological Museum.

For where to stay, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Lisbon trip itinerary planner.

Philadelphia, USA to Lisbon is an approximately 11.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Western European Standard Time, which is usually a 5 hour difference. Traveling from Philadelphia in July, plan for slightly colder nights in Lisbon, with lows around 63°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Thu) so you can 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 some cultural insight at Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral) and Taylor's Port. Visiting Douro River and Praia da Luz will get you outdoors. There's still lots to do: take in the views from Ponte de Dom Luis I, admire the landmark architecture of Palacio da Bolsa, take in the waterfront activity at Cais da Ribeira, and take a stroll through Rua Santa Catarina.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, read Porto tour itinerary builder.

Getting from Lisbon to Porto by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. When traveling from Lisbon in July, plan for a bit cooler days in Porto, with highs around 75°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 59°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Ponta Delgada.

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.

Take a break from the city and head to Lagoa do Fogo and Poca Da Dona Beija. Take a break from Ponta Delgada with a short trip to Parque Terra Nostra in Furnas, about 46 minutes away. There's still lots to do: take in the dramatic natural features at Caldeira das Sete Cidades, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Igreja Matriz de Sao Sebastiao, look for all kinds of wild species at Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre, and head outdoors with Outdoor Activities.

To see reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Ponta Delgada visit planner.

You can fly from Porto to Ponta Delgada in 4.5 hours. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Porto to Ponta Delgada due to the time zone difference. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Ponta Delgada when traveling from Porto in July, with lows around 65°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Thu) to allow time to travel back home.