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 Parque Terra Nostra. Step out of Ponta Delgada to go to Furnas and see Centro de Monitorizacao e Investigacao das Furnas, which is approximately 42 minutes away. Next up on the itinerary: contemplate the waterfront views at Furnas, kick back and relax at Praia de Santa Barbara, look for all kinds of wild species at Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Nossa Senhora da Paz.

For ratings, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Ponta Delgada trip builder app.

New York City, USA to Ponta Delgada is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 4 hours traveling from New York City to Ponta Delgada. In September, plan for daily highs up to 76°F, and evening lows to 63°F. On the 8th (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon 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.

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 Cathedral of Evora (Se Catedral de Evora). Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Lisbon: Monastery of Alcobaca (in Alcobaca), Sintra National Palace (in Sintra) and Evora (Templo Romano de Evora (Templo de Diana) & Capela dos Ossos). 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 4 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 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.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Thu): get into the urban bustle at Palacio da Bolsa, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Torre dos Clerigos.

To see photos, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, read our Porto attractions planning tool.

Traveling by flight from Lisbon to Porto takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In September, Porto is slightly colder than Lisbon - with highs of 74°F and lows of 56°F. You'll have a few hours on the 15th (Fri) to wrap things up before traveling home.