Classic Portugal: Mainland & Azores Adventure

This G Adventures small-group trip begins in the lively streets of Porto, where port wine cellars provide both taste and history, and the city's medieval Ribeira district invites slow wandering. A short orientation walk introduces the layout, revealing a city built on steep hills and dotted with colourful tiled buildings.

Then it’s on to Lisbon, whose seven hills offer views and an introduction to its Manueline architecture and open-air markets. Nearby, the Gothic Batalha Monastery offers a quieter contrast with its soaring vaults. Next, you fly to the Azores, a group of volcanic islands where the itinerary turns to natural landscapes. Hikes to crater lakes, lava caves, and thermal springs showcase the islands’ volcanic origins. Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage city, offers an historic centre with cobbled streets for a paced walking tour.

Throughout, travel is mostly by public transport, making this a hands-on experience of local life. Your CEO and local guides will assist but won’t spoon-feed history, encouraging the occasional lift to the top of Lisbon’s hills with the famous Santa Justa elevator. It’s a blend of culture, nature and some walking that rewards those who enjoy seeing the detail rather than ticking off famous sights.