Unique Azores - An Island Hopping Adventure

Day 1 - Ponta Delgada, São Miguel

Join your tour group at the hotel.

São Miguel Park Hotel, Ponta Delgada (4-star)

Day 2 - Ponta Delgada

Today we set out on a half-day walking tour of Ponta Delgada. What started as a simple fishing village is now the bustling capital of the Azores and we’ll take time to explore its mosaic-cobbled streets lined with old balconied mansions and centuries-old architecture spanning convents, churches and the striking, triple-arched city gates.

São Miguel Park Hotel, Ponta Delgada (4-star)

Day 3 - Ponta Delgada

After yesterday’s walking tour, today is at leisure. Relax at the hotel, explore independently or join a thrilling optional half-day whale watching tour in the wildlife-rich waters surrounding São Miguel. The experienced skipper, biologist and lookout will help you spot some of the 28 species of cetaceans known to live in the waters around the Azores.

São Miguel Park Hotel, Ponta Delgada (4-star)

Day 4 - Furnas Valley

We leave Ponta Delgada behind and head to the slopes of the Furnas Valley, which is actually the crater of a long-extinct volcano almost 7km wide. Here, we visit the elegant Terra Nostra Garden to bathe in its renowned thermal pools. Afterwards sit down to a memorable lunch - Cozida das Furnas - a unique Azores stew that is slow-cooked underground in the hot volcanic soil. We’ll take the scenic route back to the hotel, with a photo-stop at the sky-high Pico do Ferro viewpoint on the way.

São Miguel Park Hotel, Ponta Delgada (4-star)

Day 5 - Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo

After a sweet start to the day at a pineapple plantation, we head to one of the most beautiful sights in the Azores: the twin lakes of Sete Cidades. According to local legend the two lakes - one blue, one green - were formed by the tears of a shepherd and a princess who shared a forbidden love. We’ll also see Lagoa do Fogo, the highest lake on São Miguel which has some of the island’s most stunning viewpoints, and the cascading waterfall at Caldeira Velha. Heading back, we stop at Ribeira Grande, a quaint and characterful city on the coast which radiates old Azores charm.

São Miguel Park Hotel, Ponta Delgada (4-star)

Day 6 - Northeast São Miguel

Today we set off to explore a remote region of northeast São Miguel on a tour packed with stunning scenery and authentic flavours of the Azores. We’ll see old fishing ports, quaint water mills and spectacular coastlines, we’ll pause at lofty look-out points, and we’ll enjoy lunch and taste the local sweet treat, fofas da povacão. Lastly, we’ll stop for tea in Europe’s only tea plantation which has little changed since it opened in 1883.

São Miguel Park Hotel, Ponta Delgada (4-star)

Day 7 - São Miguel - Terceira

Today we fly to Terceira, the third largest island in the Azores, characterised by lush landscapes and laurel forested slopes. On arrival we transfer to our hotel in Angra do Heroísmo, our base for the next four nights.

Hotel do Caracol, Angra do Heroísmo (4-star)

Day 8 - Angra do Heroísmo

Today we’ll walk through five centuries of history as we explore the beautifully preserved baroque and Renaissance buildings and old maritime forts of Angra do Heroísmo. The city was given UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983 and our walk through the old town with its plazas, churches, convents and cathedral, is like stepping through the pages of a living history book.

Hotel do Caracol, Angra do Heroísmo (4-star)

Day 9 - Terceira Island

Today we leave the city behind to explore the volcanic hills and lush forests of Terceira. Our first stop is the viewpoint at the top of Monte Brazil, a long-extinct volcano which is now a protected reserve criss-crossed with walking trails. After lunch we head north to learn how vineyards have been planted in the lava fields to make the famous Azorean ‘volcanic’ wine. We’ll take a walk around Furna do Enxofre (where the earth's gases can be seen escaping from the ground) and through the lava tubes of Algar do Carvão, which are lined with prehistoric-looking flora and lush green ferns. Heading back, there’s the chance to taste and buy some locally made Terceira cheese, wine and ice-cream.

Hotel do Caracol, Angra do Heroísmo (4-star)

Day 10 - Terceira

A full day at leisure gives you the freedom to explore Angra do Heroísmo, perhaps stopping for coffee at one of the plaza cafés. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Biscoitos.

Hotel do Caracol, Angra do Heroísmo (4-star)

Day 11 - Terceira

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.

Terceira