Inside B&R's new journey through Portugal's Atlantic Islands

In Furnas, on the Azorean island of São Miguel, steam drifts up from the ground, there's a faint smell of sulphur in the air, and the water in your hotel is heated by the earth underneath it. One flight away, Madeira climbs out of the Atlantic so steeply that you can start the morning by the sea and be above 1,800 metres (5,900 feet) by lunch. Both are Portugal, and neither is anything like the Portugal most travellers picture.João Carvalho has known these islands his whole life. He joined B&amp;R as a Guide in 2017, has crafted trips as an Experience Designer for the past two years and, as a native of Portuguese living in Portugal, brings an authentic, insider perspective to every trip he creates. Our new Limited Edition departure, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/azores-madeira-portugals-atlantic-islands#accomidations">Azores &amp; Madeira: Portugal's Atlantic Islands</a>, was designed by João with fellow <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/meet-the-designers">Experience Designer</a> Alvaro Diez Diaz. Here, he explains how it came together.

<h3>Portugal has become familiar to many travellers. Why look to the islands?</h3>For Portuguese people, the islands have always held a special place. The Azores and Madeira are two separate archipelagos, far out in the Atlantic, and they show you a side of our country you won’t find on the mainland.Portugal gets a lot of attention now, especially Lisbon, Porto and the Douro Valley. But I always tell people not to visit once and think they’ve seen it. Come back and discover another region. The islands are a wonderful place to do that.<h3>How do São Miguel and Madeira differ?</h3>They’re both islands, and that’s where the similarity ends. São Miguel feels rural. The hills roll, it’s green everywhere, and locals like to say there are more cows than people. I think that might be true. It’s a beautiful place to cycle because you take in so much of that open landscape as you ride.Madeira is more rugged, with mountains that rise sharply from the sea. It’s a hiker’s island. So we bike more on São Miguel and hike more on Madeira. Putting them together gives you two very different experiences of Portugal in one trip.

<h3>How does the itinerary bring out each island’s character?</h3>We begin on São Miguel, cycling into Furnas, where heat from the earth is part of daily life. We walk through the village privately with a local expert who knows its springs and shows us how geothermal activity shapes the landscape and the way people live. At Octant Furnas, even the hotel’s water is heated by the ground below.Then we cross to the island’s west coast, with a whale-watching outing along the way, and stay at Sensi Azores Nature &amp; Spa. From there, we trade the bikes for hiking boots and explore the volcanic highlands.On Madeira, The Reserve at Savoy Palace is our base in Funchal for four nights. We head out from there to walk beside the levadas—historic channels that carry mountain water to farming terraces—and hike in the central mountains. You see how differently people have adapted to these two islands’ landscapes.

<h3>What makes whale watching on São Miguel special?</h3>We go out on a private Zodiac with a marine biologist, so you learn as you watch. I’m especially struck by how the boats find the whales. The Azores were once known for whaling, and lookouts still sit on the cliffs with binoculars, spotting whales and guiding boats out to sea. The technique remains, but its purpose has changed.I’ve been lucky enough to see whales every time I’ve gone out, though sightings are never guaranteed. For me, being out on the water with someone who can explain what we’re seeing is part of the experience.<h3>One highlight is lunch at a family home on Madeira. What can travellers expect?</h3>It’s an intimate visit with a family who make their own Madeira wine. We’ll taste older vintages you wouldn’t find in a shop, but the real highlight is spending time with them.I can share my perspective as a Portuguese person, but I love when travellers hear directly from local people—whether it’s this family or the expert who walks with us through Furnas. Those conversations help you understand what it means to be Madeiran or Azorean.

<h3>How active is the trip?</h3>We’ve rated it a 3, so there’s something active to do most days. On São Miguel, I recommend an e-bike. The rides aren’t especially long, but there are plenty of steep ups and downs.Madeira’s hikes are true hikes rather than casual walks, though we can shorten them when needed. There are gentler moments too, including whale watching and an afternoon in Ponta Delgada. You’re active, but you also have time to take everything in.<h3>You designed the trip and will guide it*. What are you most excited to share?</h3>I love seeing my own country through someone else’s eyes. Travellers ask questions or notice things I’ve walked past a hundred times, and I learn from that.I’m especially looking forward to our day in Madeira’s central mountains. The first time I hiked there, I was coming down through thick fog when the clouds disappeared all at once. The landscape was nothing like I expected. I’m a mountain person, and that moment stayed with me. I can’t wait to see what the group notices up there.Azores &amp; Madeira: Portugal's Atlantic Islands — September 9 - 17, 2027 <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/azores-madeira-portugals-atlantic-islands#accomidations">EXPLORE THE ITINERARY &amp; RESERVE YOUR SPOT.</a> * If featured guide becomes unavailable, a suitable replacement will be arranged.

Butterfield & Robinson's new Limited Edition trip combines the Azores and Madeira. Experience Designer João Carvalho shares how he built it and what to expect.

Islands of Portugal: Exploring the Azores & Madeira with a Local Guide

Experience Portugal beyond the expected

Portugal

Why Portugal with B&R?

Our trip designers live and work in Portugal. This allows us to build journeys in direct collaboration with local hosts, guides, families, and artisans where we brainstorm together to craft experiences that are genuinely authentic. The result is a level of flexibility, personalization, and access that no third-party operator can replicate.

Unmatched Local Access

As pioneers of active travel, we explore Portugal by bike, on foot and sometimes by surfboard, kayak, water ski or climbing harness. Moving actively through the landscape allows travellers to connect more deeply with the land, culture, and people in ways that traditional transportation simply cannot offer.

Active by Nature

Our expertise extends far beyond Portugal's most-visited coastlines. From remote villages and emerging wine regions to the distinct island landscapes of Madeira and the Azores, we curate experiences that capture the full breadth of this remarkable country.

Expertise Across the Entire Country

Travel in Portugal with B&amp;R is defined by creativity and spontaneity: musical moments, unexpected encounters, and local surprises that emerge naturally from deep regional relationships. Think an acapella sunset performance, a Queimada ceremony on the Camino, or an encounter with Lusitano horses.

Travel Shaped by Creativity and Spontaneity

Why Portugal with B&R

Portugal offers a remarkable range of landscapes. From the rolling plains of the Alentejo to the terraced vineyards of the UNESCO Douro Valley, the granite hills along the Spanish border, and an expansive coastline. Explore the quiet beauty of the Alentejo or head north to the Douro, known for its wines, views, and exceptional culinary experiences.We show travellers both the Portugal they expect and the Portugal they don’t yet know existed, pairing iconic sites like the Palácio de Pena in Sintra, Lagoa da sete Cidades in Azores, and Levadas in Madeira with lesser-known regions like Serra da Estrela. Each experience is thoughtfully timed to avoid crowds and reveal a more authentic side of the country.

From Porto’s wine to Lisbon’s charm, explore Portuguese culture

From Iconic to Unexpected: Portugal Through an Insider Lens

What is one of your favourite on-trip memories?“On the Coastal Camino, we learned mid-trip that the group loved playing cards. We had a custom Camino-themed deck made and surprised them with it on the road. They used it constantly and it became one of their favourite memories from the whole journey.”

Alvaro Spotlight

Portugal Experience Designer

Alvaro Diez Diaz

What is one of your favourite on-trip memories?“On a milestone 30th birthday trip, the guest's mother mentioned her son was passionate about football. We tracked down an official Portugal jersey printed with his name, a Cristiano Ronaldo mask, and a football. We then delivered them in the middle of a sweeping open field where the whole group could play together. The birthday boy said it was the best gift he'd ever received.”

João Spotlight

Joāo Carvalho

Portugal delivers an exceptional range of experiences within a surprisingly compact country. Cycle through sun-drenched vineyards, hike dramatic coastal trails, or explore the Atlantic by boat. Watch whales breach off the Azores, discover rural traditions like the cork harvest, grape stomping, olive oil production, and beekeeping, or simply indulge in Portugal's celebrated food, wine, and golf. Each region reveals a different side of the country—from working cow farms in the Azores to Burel wool production in the mountains and centuries-old olive groves in the Alentejo.

What experiences does Portugal offer?

Portugal is an ideal setting for family and multigenerational travel. Private villa stays in Comporta, farm life in the Alentejo, boating among the islands, and walking sections of the Portuguese Camino all lend themselves beautifully to shared experiences across generations. Add in baking classes, beekeeping workshops, treasure hunts, a day aboard a catamaran exploring hidden coves and spotting dolphins, or an evening of stargazing, and you have the ingredients for a trip the whole family will talk about for years.

Is Portugal a good destination for families and multigenerational travel?

Portugal's regions complement one another beautifully, making multi-destination itineraries both practical and deeply rewarding. A 12-day trip, for example, can take in island highlights alongside the mainland—combining cycling in the Douro Valley with hiking in Madeira, or island-hopping in the Azores alongside a week on the coast. For shorter trips of six to nine days, pairing two mainland regions strikes the right balance between variety and the slower pace that lets you truly absorb it all.

Can I visit the entire country on a single trip?

Portugal encompasses a remarkable range of landscapes and cultures. In the north, the Douro Valley offers world-class wine, rich history, and UNESCO-protected scenery. The Alentejo spreads open across golden plains ideal for cycling and farm stays. The Atlantic coast delivers dramatic shorelines and surf culture, while Lisbon and Porto offer vibrant architecture, cuisine, and contemporary culture. Further afield, Madeira and the Azores present entirely distinct island experiences, shaped by nature, ocean, and volcanic drama.

What regions of Portugal can I explore?

The ideal travel season runs from April through October. Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures perfect for active exploration—hiking, cycling, and long days outdoors without the summer heat. July and August are warmer and especially well-suited to enjoying the ocean, coastal regions, and island escapes.

When is the best time to visit Portugal?

Portugal FAQs

Cycle the Douro Valley and walk the Alentejo on small group or private bespoke trips through Portugal, with quinta stays and wine estate access since 1966.

Portugal Bike & Walking Tours | Butterfield & Robinson

Local Connections

Incredible Rides

Authentic Food

Alentejo is Portugal at its most unhurried: cork forests and sun-baked plains, medieval towns with Roman bones and a culture of hospitality best experienced behind the scenes. From private vineyards and tile studios to farm tables that never appear in a guidebook, the experience unfolds by invitation. Pedal past century-old cork trees, explore Évora’s Gothic gems, sail the Arrábida coast by catamaran and raise a glass with the passionate locals who keep it all beautifully, deliciously alive.

Discover the way of Alentejo

Preview the itinerary

'Slowing down to see the world' means seeing what others miss - and we're the only ones going slowly enough to land exclusive invitations to Comenda Grande winery. Ride through Alentejo's cork and olive groves, taste sublime reds, tour our friend's farm-to-table estate, and experience the Goth architecture of Évora. We stake a spot on the gorgeous coast for two nights—discovering Arrábida Natural Park's inimitable charm. Come explore Alentejo with us!

Spend 5 nights biking Portugal's golden Alentejo on this small group tour. Cork forests, Roman ruins in Evora and coastal Setubal. Off the tourist trail.

Portugal Alentejo Biking | Butterfield & Robinson

Gaze out from atop clifftop castles and discover cathedrals and canals that rival Europe’s best in Portugal. Brimming with European charm, discover for yourself what makes it distinct. Start with the custard tarts (and you could be forgiven for not going any further), followed by the seafood, the folklore and the music. Below are some of our favourite experiences in Portugal to inspire your bespoke journey.

Regional Expertise

Cultural Immersion

Unique Gastronomy

With clifftop castles, terraced vineyards and seafood so fresh it practically swims to your plate, Portugal is a sensory love letter. From Lisbon’s lively laneways and Alentejo’s golden hills to the volcanic Azores and the Douro’s vine-covered slopes, spend your days exploring by foot or by bike, and your evenings sipping vinho verde as the sun sets.

Scenic coastlines, rich heritage, unforgettable flavours 

Terraced vineyards, riverside hotels & farm-to-table meals

A glimpse into Alentejo, Portugal’s hidden gem

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Portugal Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

From the rolling countryside in Vidago, Montalegre and Douro, to the elegant spaces of Chaves, art galleries and Michelin-starred chefs, feel the juxtaposition each day as you explore Portugal's glorious interior. Gently pedal past whitewashed quintas and traverse terraced vineyards while leaving the challenging uphill ride for the final day, with gratifying vistas as a reward. Slow down and lean into traditional Portuguese wellness, wine and wonderful cuisine by connecting with local chefs, longstanding family port producers and artists to add unique perspectives to your experience.

The contrasts of Portugal

Douro Valley Multi-Active | Butterfield & Robinson

No need to choose between the wine regions of Vinho Verde and Douro—we’ll explore both! Drool over ancient bread ovens, terraced vineyards, stunning riverside hotels, and naturally, a glass or two of port&nbsp;wine. If all this pleasure wears you out, recover with a visit to the spa, a dip in the pool and a picnic aboard a private riverboat.

With its European charm and uncrowded appeal, Portugal's coast offers a bounty of experience for history buffs, adventurers and foodies alike. Explore from Northern Portugal to Santiago de Compostela in Spain; end your journey by cycling the final stretch of the Camino on lesser-known routes. Pedal the sparkling blue coastline, savour a Vinho Verde tasting and indulge in the region's spectacular seafood.&nbsp;

CAMINO COASTAL CHARMS

Venture to northern Portugal and discover the enchanting Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest and most celebrated wine regions. Adorned with steep terraced vineyards and meandering rivers, this pocket of northern Portugal is best discovered on two wheels. Begin your journey pedalling through the charming medieval city of Chaves, then explore the works of acclaimed artist Nadir Afonso in Boticas. Continue to the Douro Valley, where you'll indulge in the iconic taste of Port wine at its birthplace and savour a local lunch on a riverboat cruise. Along the way, pedal through UNESCO agricultural landscapes and meet our friends who will host you for incredible gastronomic experiences.&nbsp;

Off-the-Beaten-Path

Food & Wine

Northern Portugal serves up granite peaks, glacial valleys, and enough Port to make Julius Caesar jealous. Pedal from the highland drama of the Serra da Estrela, down through cheese country and centuries-old vineyards, to the terraced slopes of the Douro Valley—finishing with a glass of Port in hand and the river gliding by. With mountain air, storied wool traditions, farm-fresh feasts and culinary magic—this is Portuguese indulgence on two wheels.

Pedal through ancient vineyards and villages

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

Experience Designer

Spend 5 nights cycling the Douro Valley in a small group. Terraced port vineyards, private quinta wine tastings and Europe's most dramatic river valley scenery.

Douro Valley Bike Tour: Port Terraces, Private Quinta Tastings & River Views

Nature's Wonders 

Off the Beaten Path

Leave the mainland behind and discover a world where volcanic peaks meet lush forests, and ocean breezes carry the scent of wildflowers and salt. In the Azores and Madeira, nature takes center stage. Hike the crater rims of ancient calderas, taste wines grown in volcanic soil or sail between islands. This island playground invites you to slow down and tune into the rhythm of the waves, the rustle of the forest and your own sense of wonder.&nbsp;

Hike volcanic calderas, watch whales from Atlantic cliffs and sail between Portugal's islands on a tailor-made journey. Remote island access, privately guided.

Portugal Islands Private Tours: Azores, Whale Watching & Island Sailing

Authentic Cuisine

Active Adventure

Friends & Family

Close to Lisbon, miles from ordinary,&nbsp;Alentejo unfolds like a dream. Where golden hills roll, cork forests whisper and time slows to the rhythm of the land. Cycle between sun-drenched vineyards, ride noble Lusitano horses or sail the quiet coast where sky meets sea—every day here is an invitation. Unwind in private wine estates, linger at a family-run farms or dine barefoot at a beachside restaurant, just steps from the water.&nbsp;

Bike, hike and ride horseback through Portugal's Alentejo on a custom itinerary. Cork forests, whitewashed villages and estate experiences built for you.

Alentejo Private Tours: Cork Forests, Whitewashed Villages & Horseback Riding

Cultural Immersion 

Coastal Charm

Path of the Pilgrims

Step onto a centuries-old pilgrim’s path where the ocean leads the way and every village hums with stories of faith, food and friendship. The Portuguese Camino is a journey through two worlds—Portugal’s warm hospitality and sun-soaked shores blending effortlessly into Galicia’s green hills and timeless traditions. Wander in quiet reflection, bike windswept trails or explore with family. It’s not just about arriving in Santiago—it’s about every step, every taste and every moment in between.&nbsp;

Walk the coastal Camino from Bayona to Santiago on a tailor-made itinerary. Atlantic clifftop paths, ancient fishing ports and routes far from the crowds.

Portuguese Camino Private Tours: Atlantic Clifftops & Coastal Pilgrim Route

Exceptional Wines

Timeless Traditions

Sensory Porto

Northern Portugal is Portugal turned all the way up. From Porto’s lively laneways to the terraced vineyards of the Douro and the rugged granite peaks of Serra da Estrela, the north serves up beauty, flavour and soul. Life moves slower here—set to the rhythm of rivers, wine pours and age-old traditions. Pedal through vineyard-clad hills, hike ancient Roman roads, sip with winemakers who treat you like family and linger in villages where time forgot to rush. This is Portugal at its most authentic—untouched, unhurried and deeply rooted in tradition.&nbsp;

Hike and bike the Douro Valley on a custom Portugal itinerary. Ancient granite villages, private quinta wine tastings and estates most visitors miss.

Douro Valley Private Tours: Granite Villages & Quinta Wine Tastings

Atlantic Wilderness

Two Islands, Distinct Perspectives

The Art of Island Hopping

Few places pack so much variety into such a compact corner of the Atlantic. In the Azores, São Miguel's volcanic heart reveals itself in misty crater lakes, bubbling thermal springs and green pastures that roll down to the sea. In Madeira, mountains rise straight from the Atlantic, laurel forests shelter centuries-old water channels and Funchal's markets hum with island flavour. Ride and hike by day, then trade the trail for thermal pools, spa treatments and long dinners overlooking the sea. It's Atlantic Portugal, from wild to refined.

Experience Designers

Hike, bike and island-hop through the Azores and Madeira. See whales, soak in thermal springs and walk Madeira’s levadas on a small-group luxury trip.

Inside B&R's new journey through Portugal's Atlantic Islands

Portugal

B&R Experience Designer João Carvalho takes us inside his new journey through the Azores and Madeira, two islands he has known his whole life and now can't wait to share.

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