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 Madeira and the Azores are islands of volcanic wonder that abound with natural drama in the midst of the Atlantic Ocean. Escapist and expressive, the islands bring nature, history, culture, wildlife, lava trails and languid beaches all at once, and this luxury gay group vacation tour visits the most inspiring islands. Look forward to a journey across spectacular landscapes and remote destinations for the very best of the Portuguese archipelagos.
Our tour takes you to exquisite Madeira - the Atlantic's pearl. With great warm weather all year round, a unique history and a ton of new flavors to explore, Madeira is the perfect combination to your Atlantic island vacation. Full of culture, amazing hiking possibilities and friendly locals, Madeira is a great island destination. Marvel at its scenic cliff views and enjoy the thrilling experience of coming down a hill on a traditional wicker toboggan. Taste the exotic fruits of Madeira and enjoy its delicious cuisine. Relax at a natural swimming pool and just have a grand time.
The Azores are a stunning group of nine islands. Each with its own identity, beauty and charm, these jewels in the middle of the Atlantic are a must-visit destination. With this gay tour, we take you to São Miguel, the largest island of the archipelago. Boasting lush landscapes that surround dormant volcanoes, exotic flora and beautiful crater lakes, and surrounded by clean waters, São Miguel is the perfect vacation destination for those looking for an off-the beaten path European destination.
Day 0 - Friday, June 09, 2023
Depart the USA, Canada on any regularly scheduled flight to Funchal, Madeira (FNC).
Arrive early and relax before the start of your tour. Additional nights available on request.
Day 1 - Saturday, June 10, 2023
 Arrive in Funchal, the capital city of the island of Madeira
You are met with a private provide transfer to our 5-star accommodations.
Funchal is the capital city of Portugal's Madeira archipelago. Funchal is a city with more than 500 years of history. It's backed by hills, and known for its harbor, gardens and Madeira wine cellars.
Remainder of this day is at leisure as we await everyone’s arrival.
Tonight we gather for a festive Welcome Dinner at a popular restaurant.
Hotel: Savoy Palace Hotel , Funchal, Madeira, 5*
Room: Oceanview Room
Day 2 - Sunday, June 11, 2023
 It’s a Jeep thing – tour the most beautiful sites that Madeira has to offer with our expert guide.
Stop at various picturesque towns nearby before enjoying a delicious Madeiran lunch paired with local wines. Then bask in the stunning views of the Boca da Corrida and Cabo Girão. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Savoy Palace Hotel, Funchal, Madeira, 5*
Room: Oceanview Room
Day 3 - Monday, June 12, 2023
 A panoramic tour of the city center takes us first to a family owned embroidery factory to discover some trade secrets.
After lunch, we are guided through the mercado to admire the colorful array of fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish, then admire the beautiful chapel of Santa Catarina and the Sé Cathedral before we tour the lush foliage of the Botanical Gardens. Then, a private visit and wine tasting with a local sommelier before a dinner this evening that showcases the elegance of aromatic Mediterranean and Iberian cuisine.
Dinner is on your own this evening.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Savoy Palace Hotel, Funchal, Madeira, 5*
Room: Oceanview Room
Day 4 - Tuesday, June 13, 2023
 Today we rise early to fly to the Azores. We take a private transfer to the airport for our flight to Ponta Delgada.
Ponta Delgada, on São Miguel Island, is the capital of the Azores archipelago of Portugal. You can clearly feel the Portuguese touch expressed in the architectural style and narrow streets, however Ponta Delgada has its own, distinctive appearance: whitewashed buildings are decorated with black volcanic basalt rock around the corners and window edges which creates a beautiful, unique design throughout the city.
Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel where we will enjoy breakfast and drop off our luggage. Then proceed on tour
to the famous Sete Cidades (7 Citiies.) One of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal, this massive crater showcases
the Green and Blue Lakes, which according to legend, were formed from the tears of a shepherd and a princess
who shared a forbidden love. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Azor Hotel, Ponta Delgada, Azores, 4*
Room: Sea View Room
Day 5 - Wednesday, June 14, 2023
 This morning embark on an exciting jeep tour with our expert guide to the easternmost part of the island, Nordeste, one of the region’s most beautiful and flower-rich areas.
Nordeste is a town and the north-eastern area of the Sao Miguel island in the Azores. The name literally means "northeast" and it is exactly what it describes. The town of Nordeste is the center of the region, which is incredibly picturesque - dotted with little villages, green fields, spectacular cliffs, waterfalls and multiple viewpoints. You can also find here the oldest and the only still functioning tea plantation in Europe.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Azor Hotel, Ponta Delgada, Azores, 4*
Room: Sea View Room
Day 6 - Thursday, June 16, 2023
 This morning we have an exhilarating, yet moderate hiking tour of Janelo do Inferno, a nature preserve with
marvelous views of the coast. After refueling with more local cuisine and wine, lunch today is a traditional
Portuguese cozido (or stew), explore the Furnas, one of the most exotic areas of São Miguel. Furnas, as well as the
nearby volcanic complex of geothermal springs, is situated beside the easternmost of the three spectacular caldera
lakes on the island of São Miguel - Lagoa das Furnas. Apart from other places in Azores, Furnas, as one of the main
tourist attractions on São Miguel, is extremely extraordinary yet still very authentic and, comparing to mainland
Portugal, visited by few. There will be an opportunity to swim the thermal pools in Furnas.
This evening we dine in one of the island’s most famous restaurant at our Farewell Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Azor Hotel, Ponta Delgada, Azores, 4*
Room: Sea View Room
Day 7 - Friday, June 16, 2023
Transfer to the Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) for departure flights home or join the post-trip to Porto & Lisbon.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Friday, June 16, 2023
 Breakfast at the hotel. Fly from Ponta Delgado, Azores to Porto, Portugal for 2 nights.
Flight SA 174 (Azor Airlines) depart 08:30AM, arrive 11:45AM. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel to drop luggage and lunch on own.
In the afternoon, meet our guide in the lobby and depart for a city tour of Porto.
End in the late afternoon at the hotel.
Dinner on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Dom Henrique Downtown Hotel , Porto, Portugal, 4*
Day 8 - Saturday, June 17, 2023
 After breakfast, meet our guide in the lobby and depart for a full day tour to Guimarães and Braga.
Guimarães is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town. See the 10th-century castle and the Dukes of
Braganza Palace. We will stop for lunch (on your own) during the tour. Next, venture to Braga, where
you will learn about its extensive Roman history. Return to the hotel for overnight. Dinner on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Dom Henrique Downtown Hotel, Porto, Portugal, 4*
Day 9 - Sunday, June 18, 2023
 Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for the train station. We will take the 1st class Fast Train to Lisbon (3
hours). Upon arrival, transfer from the train station to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Dinner on your own. Overnight in Lisbon.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel , Lisbon, Portugal, 4*
Day 10 - Monday, June 19, 2023
 After breakfast, we will half day Lisbon city tour.
On a tour of Portugal’s lively capital city, visit the waterfront area of Belém. See the medieval Belém Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery, and
the Monument to the Discoveries, which commemorates Portugal’s storied explorers. Walk the narrow
streets of the picturesque Alfama district. Return to the hotel. Afternoon is at leisure. Dinner is on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel, Lisbon, Portugal, 4*
Day 11 - Tuesday, June 20, 2023
 Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day Sintra & Cascais tour with our driver and guide, including entrance fee at one
of the Palaces and “travesseiro” tasting. Marvel at the UNESCO-listed Pena National Palace; explore the UNESCO-listed village of Sintra; visit Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point; and discover the
charming fishing village of Cascais.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel, Lisbon, Portugal, 4*
Day 12 - Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
Meals: Breakfast
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More sweeping panoramas can be enjoyed from the rooftop lounge, terraced gardens, and multiple pools (including a spectacular infinity version, and one dedicated to kids). An array of stylish restaurants and bars, a world-class spa with hydrotherapy facilities, game rooms, a teahouse, and more make this both Madeira’s premier luxury lifestyle hub and an idyllic getaway—whether you want to explore the island from a convenient base or just lay low. 
Guest may enjoy a revitalising breakfast every morning and the À Terra restaurant serves a varied à la carte menu with typical delicacies. In the evening guests may relax at the on-site bar.
