Signature: Portugal & the Azores Islands

Welcome to Portugal. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Porto, one of the oldest settlement centres in Europe.You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city’s UNESCO-designated historical centre. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader for an introduction to your journey and a short presentation from the National Geographic Expedition Expert. Set off on foot across the river into Vila Nova de Gaia to a Port Wine Caves for a tour of the cellars and a welcome dinner, accompanied by a curated sampling of local wines.

Start the day with a walk to the Livraria Lello, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, for an exclusive pre-opening tour with a specialist-bookseller. Peruse the stacks in quiet reverence amid the unique atmosphere of neo-gothic, art deco and art nouveau designs and the majestic central staircase. Next, board electric tuk-tuks for a guided exploration of UNESCO-listed Porto. Visit the awe-inspiring São Francisco Church, featuring over 200lbs (90.7kg) of gold leaf, the Romanesque Palácio da Bolsa and stop at the São Bento Railway Station to marvel at the dramatic azulejo tile panels. After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore and have dinner on your own.

Travel to the Douro Valley, soaking in the scenery of rolling hills and dramatic, terraced vineyards. Stop in the charming town of Amarante for a stroll along the Tâmega River, crossing the São Gonçalo Bridge on the way to the historic Confeitaria da Ponte for coffee and a taste of some of the local sweets. Continue to a winery for a tasting paired with a lunch of local specialties, highlighting the robust flavours borne from this unique terroir. After, enjoy a discussion about the pivotal role of Portuguese wines throughout history.

The day begins with an engaging talk focusing on the Douro region and the historic importance of cork in Portuguese culture. After, travel to a traditional quinta for a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare local dishes using fresh regional ingredients, and enjoy the delicious results for lunch. Later, board a vessel for one of the most spectacular experiences in the area with a navigation along the emblematic Douro River. Feel the immense scale of the UNESCO-listed landscapes rising dramatically around you, revealing the heart, soul and magic of the valley.

Bid the Douro Valley farewell and travel south towards Lisbon. The path is rich with history and storytelling, clearly seen in the city of Tomar, the former seat of the Order of the Knights Templar. Enjoy a guided walk and visit the Convent of Christ, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and chief work of the Portuguese Renaissance. Continue in the afternoon to Portugal’s bustling capital, steeped in history and charm. In the evening, gather for dinner and a Fado performance, experiencing the deep, melancholic soul of Portugal through its music.

Discuss Libson’s role in the ‘Age of Discovery,’ setting the stage for the day ahead. Visit Jerónimos Monastery, built with the profits of the spice trade and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then stop at the Maritime Museum for a glimpse into the history of Europe’s early explorers. Lunch is at a community restaurant which promotes the integration of refugees and immigrants through training–celebrating empowerment and diversity within Lisbon’s neighbourhoods. Continue to São Roque Church, whose chapels are extraordinary masterpieces then visit the Carmo Convent Archaeological Museum, a haunting reminder of the 1755 earthquake. The evening is free for dinner on your own.

Head west to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe and an iconic landmark. Stand on the dramatic cliffs and marvel at the spectacular, windswept views of the expansive Atlantic — a powerful connection to the ocean that defined Portugal’s history. Continue to Sintra, a 19th-century resort town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guided tour immerses you in the region's Romanticism, including visits to the colourful Pena Palace and the intriguing, eclectic architecture of Quinta da Regaleira. Back in Lisbon, gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner, celebrating your exploration of Portugal’s historic and diverse past and present.

Take a short flight over the Atlantic to the Azores archipelago and to Terceira Island. Transfer across the island to the city of Angra do Heroismo, our base for the next few days, and get your bearings on a short orientation walk with your Expedition Leader.. Explore the nearby waterfront and cross the bridge into Gaia, where you’ll stroll along the riverbanks, taking in the area’s historic architecture and natural beauty. In the evening, regroup with your fellow travellers at a reception for any new travellers joining the expedition, followed by dinner.

Begin the day discussing Terceira Island's history and vital connection to Portugal’s mainland. Next, visit the impressive Palácio dos Capitães Generais, a magnificent building which bears witness to the city’s economic power over centuries. Continue to the Angra Museum, housed in a former Franciscan convent and take an exclusive tour with the curator for unique insights into Terceira’s history through its naval artefact and decorative arts. After a delicious local lunch, take the remainder of the day at leisure, free to explore or relax.

Immerse yourself in Terceira’s geological origins on an exploration of the island's spectacular volcanic landscape. Take in sweeping views from the Monte Brasil Caldera and Serra do Cume viewpoints, then descend into the Algar do Carvão, a striking volcanic chimney left behind from an eruption millions of years ago. Witness the sulfuric fumaroles of Furnas do Enxofre to appreciate the powerful and raw forces of nature that shaped the geography of the entire archipelago. Continue to the vineyards of Biscoitos for a walk and wine tasting, followed by a delicious dinner at a traditional quinta .

Catch a short flight to the island of São Miguel, then head to a small farm for a personal encounter with a local family who work and live on the property. Join them for a home-cooked lunch from fresh ingredients and learn about what life is like on the island. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to the western side of the island for a visit to Sete Cidades, a stunning natural protected area. Take in the sweeping views from Vista do Rei of the famous twin crater lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. Hike along natural trails, learning about the unique history and species of plant life that thrive in this lush volcanic landscape.

Start the day discussing modern-day agriculture and the sustainability efforts on the island, highlighting how environmental initiatives are preserving the Azores. You'll then participate in local agriculture and a sustainability project, gaining hands-on insight into island farming. Following a wine masterclass and open-fire lunch, set off on a guided walk through the stunning Parque Terra Nostra gardens, known for their unique collection of flora. Finish things off with the chance for a relaxing dip in the geothermal hot springs pool, allowing you to soak in the volcanic warmth and rejuvenate your body and mind.

Shifting focus to the surrounding waters of the Azores, meet and engage with a marine biologist who will share insights into conservation and offer insights into the history of whaling in the islands. Next, set off in a private boat in search of resident sperm whales and depending on the season other migratory species like blue, fin and sei whales. Experience a truly thrilling marine encounter while gaining a unique and beautiful perspective of the islands from the water. Continue to a local craft cooperative working to rehabilitate individuals who have faced life challenges, learning about their work and meeting some members. The day concludes with a farewell dinner to celebrate the final night in the islands.

Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.