12 days in Ponta Delgada, Lisbon & Porto 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 in touch with nature at Caldeira das Sete Cidades and Poca Da Dona Beija. Bring the kids along to Lagoa do Fogo and Praia de Santa Barbara. Explore Ponta Delgada's surroundings by going to Furnas (Centro de Monitorizacao e Investigacao das Furnas & Parque Terra Nostra). Next up on the itinerary: contemplate the waterfront views at Furnas, take in the spiritual surroundings of Nossa Senhora da Paz, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Ponta Delgada trip itinerary planner.

New York City, USA to Ponta Delgada is an approximately 11.5-hour flight. Traveling from New York City to Ponta Delgada, you'll lose 4 hours due to the time zone difference. In September in Ponta Delgada, expect temperatures between 76°F during the day and 63°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 8th (Fri) to allow enough time to fly to Lisbon.

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

You'll get in some beach time at Praia da Nazare and Pego Beach. Discover out-of-the-way places like Castelo dos Mouros and Templo Romano de Evora (Templo de Diana). Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Lisbon: Evora (Cathedral of Evora (Se Catedral de Evora) & Capela dos Ossos), Monastery of Alcobaca (in Alcobaca) and Sintra National Palace (in Sintra). There's still lots to do: take an in-depth tour of Carmo Archaeological Museum, let your taste buds guide you at a local gastronomic tour, pause for some photo ops at Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei, and snap pictures at Ponte 25 de Abril.

For where to stay, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Lisbon online journey planner.

You can fly from Ponta Delgada to Lisbon in 3 hours. Traveling from Ponta Delgada to Lisbon, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In September in Lisbon, expect temperatures between 81°F during the day and 61°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Thu) to allow time to fly 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.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Thu): take a stroll around Palacio da Bolsa, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco, and then enjoy breathtaking views from Torre dos Clerigos.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Porto road trip site.

Getting from Lisbon to Porto by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from Lisbon in September; daily highs in Porto reach 74°F and lows reach 56°F. You'll have a few hours on the 15th (Fri) to wrap things up before traveling home.