Portugal
& the Azores
13 nights/14 days: June 13-26, 2026
Detour with Taunya
Old-world charm or raw natural beauty? Portugal and the Azores offer both. The mainland captivates with rich history and warm hospitality, from Porto’s medieval streets and world-renowned port to Lisbon’s vibrant neighborhoods and storied past. Just off the coast, the "Hawaii of Europe" unfolds with volcanic landscapes, emerald crater lakes, geothermal springs, and dramatic ocean cliffs. Nature reigns here, offering breathtaking hikes, whale encounters, and the soothing embrace of thermal waters. Join me on a journey that combines culture, adventure, and inspiration, promising an unforgettable escape into Portugal’s many wonders!
highlights include
Fall in love with romantic Porto and lively Lisbon
Savor a port wine tasting and overnight stay in the terraced Duoro Valley
Wander Piódão’s storybook streets
Experience Coimbra’s Fado tradition
Enjoy Furnas’ Cozido and soak in its thermal waters
Marvel at São Miguel’s crater lakes and waterfalls
Spot whales and dolphins on a marine adventure
itinerary
“If there is one portion of Europe which was made by the sea more than another, Portugal is that slice, that portion, that belt. Portugal was made by the Atlantic.”
Portugal and her Azorean islands are a symphony of history, nature, and soul-stirring beauty. The perfume of aged port drifts through Porto’s medieval streets as the Douro River snakes past sun-warmed rooftops. Lisbon hums with stories—of poets, revolutionaries, and sailors who once chased the horizon—while fado music drifts through mosaic-lined alleyways. The Atlantic cradles it all, from Nazaré’s towering waves to the seafood feasts of coastal villages. Beyond the mainland, the Azores emerge—a volcanic dreamscape of emerald crater lakes, steaming hot springs, and dramatic cliffs plunging into the wild ocean. Here, waterfalls tumble through lush forests, tea grows on misty hillsides, and whales breach in the open sea. This is the Portugal you never knew you needed.
day 1: arrival in Porto
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Ola, bem-vindo! Welcome to Portugal! Nestled along the banks of the majestic Douro River, Porto is one of the country’s most romantic and atmospheric cities. Famous for its striking bridges and the medieval cobbled streets, Porto is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and charm. But perhaps its greatest claim to fame is being the birthplace of port wine—a tradition deeply woven into its identity. This evening, we’ll gather for a warm welcome over a glass of tradition, followed by a delicious dinner together, to toast the beginning of our adventure.
Hotel: Hotel Moon & Sun | Meals: D | Activity Level: Moderate
day 2: Pretty Porto
Sunday, June 14, 2026
This morning, we’ll set out on a walking tour of Porto, uncovering the city’s rich history and stunning architecture. We’ll step inside the opulent Stock Exchange Palace, marvel at the gilded Baroque splendor of the Church of São Francisco, and admire the intricate azulejo tilework of São Bento train station. This afternoon, you may choose to embark on a scenic rabelo boat cruise along the Douro River, gliding beneath Porto’s iconic bridges for a breathtaking view of the city from the water. The evening is yours to discover more of Porto’s culinary and cultural delights at your own pace.
Hotel: Hotel Moon & Sun | Meals: B | Activity Level: Strenuous
day 3: Douro Valley
Monday, June 15, 2026
You can’t spell Portugal without Port, and to taste this iconic fortified wine is to taste thousands of years of Portuguese history. Today we'll travel through terraced wine country to the Douro Valley to learn the story of its origins while discovering which locally produced vino is your tipple of choice. We’ll savor a lunch of rustic regional specialties (and more wine!), then continue to our accommodation, tucked between the rolling hills and terraced vineyards with unbeatable Douro River views. Unwind by the hotel's outdoor pool, or grab dinner on the terrace and soak in the scenery. Saúde! (cheers!)
Hotel: Hotel Vila Gale Douro Vineyards | Meals: B, L | Activity Level: Moderate
DAY 4: Piódão to Coimbra
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Today we journey into Schist Village territory, beginning with the storybook village of Piódão, tucked away in the scenic Serra do Açor mountains. Built entirely from local schist rock, its slate-roofed homes and winding alleys create a fairytale-like charm, seamlessly blending into the lush, green hills. As we wander through its narrow streets, we’ll step back in time, soaking in the village’s unique atmosphere. Later, we’ll continue to the historic city of Coimbra, home to Portugal’s oldest university. Here, we’ll experience the soul of the city through a captivating Fado performance, where haunting melodies bring centuries of academic and cultural heritage to life.
Hotel: Hotel Mondego | Meals: B | Activity Level: Moderate
Day 5: Nazaré to Lisbon
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
After a leisurely morning, we’ll head south to the vibrant coastal village of Nazaré, a place where old-world fishing traditions meet record-breaking waves. Feel the refreshing Atlantic breeze as you dip your toes in the water, sample the local delicacy—barnacles—or take the funicular up to the historic Sítio neighborhood for breathtaking cliffside views over the coastline. We’ll continue to lively Lisbon, Portugal’s captivating capital. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace before we come together for a memorable dinner in the heart of the city.
Hotel: Hotel Moon and Sun | Meals: B, D | Activity Level: Moderate
day 6: Lively Lisbon
Thursday, June 18, 2026
This morning, we’ll explore Lisbon’s historic downtown, from the medieval alleys of Alfama to the elegant squares of Baixa. As we wander, we’ll uncover stories of local life, the poetry of Fernando Pessoa, and the Carnation Revolution that ended nearly 50 years of dictatorship in 1974. Along the way, we’ll soak in Lisbon’s charm, from Fado melodies drifting through the streets to stunning city views. The afternoon is yours to explore—perhaps visiting one of Lisbon’s unique museums dedicated to tiles, Fado, or port wine, or simply enjoying the city’s vibrant cafés and riverfront promenades at your own pace.
Hotel: Hotel Moon and Sun | Meals: B | Activity Level: Strenuous
day 7: Azores Bound
Friday, June 19, 2026
Today we take a 2.5 hour flight over the Atlantic to the Azores, a volcanic paradise of crater lakes, hot springs, dramatic coastlines, and rich marine life often dubbed the “Hawaii of Europe.” We’ll unpack for the week on São Miguel, affectionately nicknamed the “Green Island” for its verdant landscapes teeming with colorful flowers. We’ll make the cozy town of Furnas our home for the next three nights, where we’ll witness bubbling geothermal vents, taste thermally cooked stew, sample tea from the only plantation in Europe, explore serene lakes and rugged coastlines, and soak in steamy hot springs at our Terra Nostra Garden hotel.
Hotel: Terra Nostra Garden Hotel | Meals: B | Activity Level: Your Choice
day 8: Steamy Furnas
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Today we soak up the volcanic wonders of Furnas. Our day begins at the stunning Lagoa das Furnas, where we’ll witness the island’s geothermal power firsthand at the bubbling Furnas Caldeiras. Here, locals prepare the traditional Cozido das Furnas, a hearty stew slow-cooked underground by volcanic heat—a dish we’ll savor for lunch. You’ll lava it! The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure—wander through the lush Terra Nostra Park, soak in the mineral-rich thermal baths, and let the warm volcanic steam melt your cares away in this truly unique natural paradise.
Hotel: Terra Nostra Garden Hotel | Meals: B, L | Activity Level: Moderate
day 9: Nordeste and Tea
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Today we venture to the island’s wild and beautiful northeastern region, Nordeste, known for its dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls. Our first stop is the Gorreana Tea Plantation, the oldest and only tea plantation in Europe, where we’ll enjoy a guided tour and a tasting of its fragrant teas. Next, we’ll explore the lush Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, home to stunning waterfalls and vibrant flora, where we’ll pause for a scenic picnic lunch. On our return, we’ll visit the charming town of Nordeste and take in breathtaking coastal views from Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego and Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada.
Hotel: Terra Nostra Garden Hotel | Meals: B, L | Activity Level: Moderate
day 10: Marine Adventure
Monday, June 22, 2026
The Azores are one of the best places in the world for spotting whales and dolphins, and this morning, we’ll experience why. We’ll embark on a marine adventure with expert biologists who will help us spot some of the 25 cetacean species that frequent these waters. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic sperm whales, playful pods of common and bottlenose dolphins, and perhaps even the elusive blue whale if the season is right. We’ll pay a visit to Vila Franca do Campo, the island’s former capital, before heading to Ponta Delgada where we’ll sleep the next four nights. We’ll get acquainted with this charming town over an orientation and dinner together.
Hotel: Hotel Marina Atlantico | Meals: B, D | Activity Level: Moderate
day 11: sete Cidades & Mostieros
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Today we journey into the stunning western mountains of São Miguel, starting with a visit to the island’s unique pineapple plantations—the only ones in Europe—where these tropical fruits are grown in greenhouses using a fascinating traditional method. Climbing to the top of Serra Devassa, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of several crater lakes, including the iconic Sete Cidades, a dazzling twin-lake landscape steeped in legend. We’ll continue to Mosteiros, the island’s westernmost point, where dramatic volcanic rock formations and rugged coastal scenery make for a spectacular finale to the day.
Hotel: Hotel Marina Atlantico | Meals: B | Activity Level: Moderate
day 12: Lagoa do Fogo
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
We’ve saved the island’s best for last. This morning, we set off for Lagoa do Fogo, one of São Miguel’s most breathtaking volcanic lakes. Winding our way up the mountain, we’ll stop at the Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo, where panoramic views reveal the lake’s shimmering blue waters cradled by lush, untouched landscapes. This afternoon, we’ll unwind at Caldeira Velha, a stunning natural hot spring and waterfall nestled in a tropical forest. Here we’ll soak up the warm, mineral-rich waters, surrounded by ferns and volcanic rock, letting nature’s geothermal embrace melt away any tension.
Hotel: Hotel Marina Atlantico | Meals: B | Activity Level: Moderate
day 13: Free Day
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Our last day together is yours to explore São Miguel. Get lost with your camera in Ponta Delgada or browse the city’s unique boutiques for the perfect souvenir. Relax at an open-air café, sipping local tea or Azorean pineapple liqueur, or soak up the sun on one of the island’s stunning black-sand beaches. Hike along the dramatic coastal cliffs, kayak in a crater lake, or or take a final dip in one of the island’s natural hot springs. However you choose to spend the day, we’ll reunite in the evening for a final happy hour, reminiscing over shared memories before gathering for a farewell dinner, raising our glasses to an unforgettable journey—and future adventures !
Hotel: Porto Mykonos | Meals: B, D | Activity Level: Your Choice
day 14: detour over
Friday, June 26, 2026
Our detour concludes after breakfast. We will help organize transport to the airport where you can catch your return flight home, or you may choose to continue your exploration of the Azores. . . there are still eight amazing isles yet to explore! Knowing this won’t be our last detour together, don't say goodbye; instead say Te vejo em breve! ("I'll see you soon")!
$7,995 per person (double/triple occupancy)
$8,895 per person (single occupancy)
10% deposit
FAQs
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Each detour includes the price of all admissions to sights seen as a group; tours by local guides, meals as listed in the trip itinerary; accommodations each night of the detour including breakfasts; all transportation required for group activities from the first hotel to the last hotel of the detour (transportation for optional group activities and independent travel during the detour is not included), travel consultations and advice from our staff, guides, and vendors including suggestions, tips, and directions, and all trip leader, local guide, driver, and hotel tips. Prices do not include airfare to and from the detour, nor ground transportation to/from airports.
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Detour prices do not include international airfare or ground transportation to/from the airport.
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Each detour includes all breakfasts and about half of your lunches and dinners as indicated in the meal guide included in each itinerary: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner.
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Our groups range from 10-20 participants with 1-2 trip leaders and local guides to connect us to local culture and experiences.
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Yes! Our detours are the perfect way for children (and adults) to learn in action. We welcome and celebrate multi-generational travel. History class was never so fun!
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We will meet at 6 pm the Central Hotel in Athens’ colorful Plaka neighborhood where we will have a welcome reception to become acquainted follow by a group dinner together.
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The Athens Eleftherios Venizelos international airport is a quick 30-minute taxi ride to our hotel.
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We will meet at 6 pm on September 28. If you plan to arrive a day early and want to stay in our trip hotel, please make arrangements with the hotel directly, indicating that you are part of our group.
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Each trip page has a “book now” button that links to our online registration and payment system. There you can pay the 10% per person deposit and choose to pay in installments or to pay the full amount.
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Deposits are refundable for 30 days from receipt. After 30 days they are nonrefundable.
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Final payment is due 90 days prior to detour commencement but you may pay in full any time prior to this.
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Cancellations are allowed without penalty (excepting deposit) until the final payment deadline. After the final payment deadline 100% of funds paid are nonrefundable.
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Each trip page has a “book now” button that links to our online registration and payment system. There you can pay the 10% per person deposit and choose to pay in installments or to pay the full amount.
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Yes, all published prices are per person, based on double occupancy, or when available, single occupancy. Please contact us for triple occupancy pricing.
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During the registration process you will have the opportunity to request single occupancy, if it is offered. Due to the boutique nature of our hotels, we are not always able to offer single accommodations, but are happy to pair you with another single traveler.
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Yes. You must be able to carry your own luggage up at least three flights of stairs and on uneven ground for up to a quarter mile.