Cheryl Forster and The Goddesses Trip: Azores & Portugal (2023)

Travel to São Miguel on overnight flight.

Our first day on the island of São Miguel will include a walking tour of the area, specifically the capital at Ponta Delgada. We will explore popular tourist destinations as well as historic locations and eat at a small, local restaurant.

Today we will visit Parque Terra Nostra. This area is home to a 200-year-old. 12.5-hectare botanical garden with a wide variety of plants, trees and flora species.

We will first explore the botanical garden and then have a chance to swim in the geothermal mineral baths.

Today we will visit Portas do Mar Shop at Ponta Delgada where we will spend a half day swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat while learning about the species. After our lunch break, we will embark on a jeep tour through highland and flatland routes to the beautiful Lagoa do Fogo. Following that, we will visit Caldeira Velha, a scenic waterfall featuring lush vegetation and hot springs before heading home for dinner.

You are in for a real treat today as we will spend our day at the farm with Gina. Here you will have an opportunity to learn about local farm life first hand, interact with the animals and vegetation here.

Tonight’s dinner will be a spectacular farm to table feast.

On our last full day in the Azores, we will travel to the Sete Cidades via bus. We will hike the beautiful volcanic crater and enjoy a packed lunch while taking in the breathtaking view. Following that, we will head back to the Quinta and prepare for departure the next morning.

Today we continue our adventure with a flight to Lisbon. After arriving in Portugal in we will transfer to the hotel. We will spend the rest of the day exploring the hilly Alfama neighborhood where Portuguese cuisine and wine is served with a generous helping of music by local Fado artists.

Today we will dive into Lisbon, starting with its cultural heart, Belem. Here you will find the Tower of Belem, the Maritime Museum, the Monastery of Jeronimo and many other national treasures. For lunch, we will go to the Time Out food market, where you have your choice of the finest cuisine throughout the city. We’ll spend the afternoon exploring the Castle of St. George. We will end the day strolling the shop and restaurant lined promenades of the center of Old Lisbon.

Today we embark on a day trip to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning palaces and castles. Here we will visit Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish Castle.

Afterward we will head to to Bucaco National Forest, (2.5 hrs) known for its beautiful nature. After we arrive, we will explore the forest trails, visit the Palace Hotel, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

We will return to Lisbon (2.5 hrs) this evening.

Today, we will travel to the medieval town of Obidos, (1.5 hrs) famous for its well-preserved castle walls and charming old town. Here we will have an opportunity to stroll through the narrow streets, visit the castle, and enjoy the local shops and cafes.

We will return to Lisbon for a lovely Farewell Dinner.

Depart on return flight to the United States with treasured memories of this incredible adventure!