We are flying to Lisbon, plan to spend 5 days, then onto the Azores and Madeira,then London for 5 days. Total trip- 1 month.
We've been to Lisbon on other trips, and London too, but not recently. Are we allowing too much time for the Azores, Madeira? Thinking of staying in serviced apts in the two big cities-any thoughts?

Sorry, forgot to say we are going in late July.

It depends what you want. So you're in Azores/Madeira for approximately ten days each? For me, I'd find nothing to do. I've never been to the Azore, but I've been to Madeira for a week, and I came to the conclusion that you could quite comfortably do everything you wanted to in five days. I'd imagine the Azores are similar. But, that's my perspective - I can't sit doing nothing on a beach every single day. What sort of holiday do you want it to be?

If you'd rather be doing something then I'd spend six nights in Madeira/Azores each, and eight, and nine nights in Lisbon, and London respectively...or something like that.

Serviced apartments? Why? If it's just the two of you, then stay in an hotel, it's much easier.

You might it faster or cheaper if you visit to the Azores first, go to Lisbon after and then finally into London. It will keep you from yo-yo-ing across the Atlantic.

You could change this around too but make sure that the Azores is either the beginning or the end of the trip.

Blackduff

Tomalesbay, do you plan to hop the Azores islands or just stay in S. Miguel? I must avise you in Azores there's even less to do than in Madeira. Azores are beautiful islands but not so lively as Madeira.If you just want to relax and do nothing , then stay in Azores longer, if not 4/5 days is more than enough.
The same applies to Madeira, 4/5 days are enough.
I would follow m- kingdom advice and stay longer in Lisbon. You could rent a car and go easily to Alentejo, Obidos, Sesimbra, Tomar, very nice places and easibly reachable from Lisbon.
Btw, I am Portuguese and live in the Lisbon area, so if you need anymore information, feel free to ask

Teresa

Tere is right on. Which islands do you have in mind. They each have their own character. I've been to the central group of the Azores 14 times. I am not Portuguese, just love it there because the people are wonderful, the scenery is beautiful - especially in the spring and summer when the roadsides are lined with flowers, and the food is great. Best of all, I find the Azores to be about as low on the stress index as possible - a great place to relax. There is really nothing much to do but see pretty scenery and decide where to have dinner. S. Miguel is the most cosmopolitan of the islands but I prefer Terciera, Faial and Pico, the latter's towns are insignificant for sightseeing but the landscape is wonderful. The town of Horta on Faial is also special. If you are in the right season, the whale watching trips in the channel between Pico and Faial are a treat (saw 30 whales on my last trip). All in all, a day or two for each island is adequate. They are connected by both plane and ship.

Thanks to all who made recommendations re:The Azores and Madeira.
Tere, I would love more info on what to do in Lisbon--restaurants,special sights that we might not be noted in the guide books etc. We have been to Portugal twice, seen many of the special towns (my husband speaks some Portugues) however we have never spent much time in Lisbon. Thanks

Tomalesbay, the thread "THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND LISBON" has everything you've always dream to know about Lisbon and didn't dare to ask. See you there