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Highlights of the Azores

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Highlights of the Azores

Was From $ 3,595 AUD
Now From $ 3,236 AUD
Sale!

Description

Explore the Azores with an array of unique experiences, starting on Sao Miguel where you’ll taste fresh pineapple from greenhouses and enjoy a traditional volcanic stew. Sail to Pico Island for a glimpse into its volcanic past and a tasting at a local distillery. Hike around Horta and pay a visit to Capelinhos volcano, then wander its charming streets, discovering architectural gems and local culture. Relax with a famous G&T at Cafe Sport, a favourite haunt for sailors. This is the Portugal you never knew.

Trip Name
Highlights of the Azores
Last Updated
2024-08-30
Days
7
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Savour the unique flavours of the Azores, like fresh pineapple straight from a greenhouse, traditional stew cooked underground by volcanic steam and Europe’s only home-grown tea.
  • Sail through the stunning waters of the Azores, visiting Lagoa das Sete Cidades, which sits in a volcanic caldera. Discover the beauty of the islands from panoramic viewpoints and spend your free afternoons exploring local museums, biking or paddleboarding.
  • Travel on a ferry to Pico Island, where you’ll learn about the island’s volcanic history at Arcos do Cachorro and taste local spirits at a family-owned distillery.
  • Embrace the island’s natural wonders on a hike through Horta, followed by a visit to the Capelinhos volcano. Learn about its dramatic 1957 eruption at the volcano centre.
  • Wander through the charming streets of Ponta Delgada and Horta on guided tours, where you’ll discover a mix of architectural styles and local culture. Unwind with a famous G&T at Cafe Sport – a legendary sailor’s haunt.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Sao Miguel Island / Ponta Delgada
Ola! Welcome to Sao Miguel Island, the largest in the Azores. Affectionately nicknamed the ‘Green Island’, you can expect to be greeted by mountainous terrains and lush flora. Your island adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, perhaps wander along the seaside promenade of Ponta Delgada town, pick up a plate of bacalhau (dried and salted cod) at the farmer’s market in Mercado da Graca, or even sample some fresh seafood at the local restaurants.
Day 2 - Sao Miguel Island / Ponta Delgada
Begin your day with a visit to Arruda’s Pineapple Plantation, located at Faja de Baixo. The delicious fruit can take up to two years to grow inside the glass greenhouses – but there might be an opportunity for you to snack on some during your visit. After, head along the south coast of the island towards Furnas volcano and witness the effects of volcanic activity. With your group, enjoy a delicious stew cooked underground with the steam from the volcano and then you’ll have the option to take a relaxing dip in a hot spring. Follow your leader to the Pico do Ferro viewpoint so you can experience the island from a new height. Take a break at the local tea plantation, where you can sample some of the only tea grown in Europe. Finish your tour of the island today at Miradouro de Santa Iria – a northern viewpoint that allows you to soak up its natural beauty.
Day 3 - Sao Miguel Island / Ponta Delgada
This morning, you’ll visit Lagoa das Sete Cidades – a green freshwater lake nestled in a volcanic caldera. After, you’re free to explore the island on your own terms. If you’d like to learn about Azorean natural history then the Museu Carlos Machado is the place for you. The building sits in a 16th-century convent, which is as much of an attraction as the museum itself. If you want to stay outdoors, consider taking in your surroundings from a rented bike or paddleboard. You can also change things up with a visit to Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores. Wander the cobbled streets and admire the various architectural styles, and maybe try some local seafood when you get hungry.
Day 4 - Faial Island / Horta
Enjoy a free morning before your early afternoon flight to Horta, Faial Island. This island is sometimes referred to as ‘Blue Island’ because of the iconic blue hydrangeas dotted all around that bloom during summer. When you arrive, your leader will explain all this and more on an orientation walk. The rest of the day is free to explore the port town of Horta. You can chill out on the seafront or perhaps call into Cafe Sport (aka Peter’s Bar) for a famous G&T. This watering hole was once a crucial post office and gossip stop for travelling sailors in a pre-internet era. For some, it still is.
Day 5 - Pico Island / Faial Island / Horta
Hop on a ferry to Pico Island – the second- largest island in the Azores. Known as 'Black Island’ for its black volcanic earth, Pico is the proud home of UNESCO-designated vineyards that have played a major role in the community’s development. On your tour of the island, visit Arcos do Cachorro (lava tunnels), where you’ll learn more about its volcanic past. Then, call into a family-owned distillery for a tasting and discover their special techniques. Finish your tour at Criacao Velha for a stunning view of Pico's unique vineyards. After, you might like to head out for some optional whale watching. Up until 1980, the island supported a substantial whaling industry due to the deep waters of the surrounding Atlantic. Fortunately, the end of the industry means whale watching has become a popular activity for visitors. In the evening, return to Faial Island.
Day 6 - Faial Island / Horta
Get your hiking boots on as you start the day on a walking trail in Horta. After, visit the island's resident volcano, Capelinhos. You’ll head to the volcano interpretation centre, as climbing up is not considered safe. Capelinhos last erupted in 1957 and changed the island permanently, adding an extra kilometre of land mass and blanketing the surrounding area with five metres of volcanic ash. You’ll learn more about this eruption and the most famous volcanoes in the world at the centre. For the rest of the day, you're free to explore as you wish.
Day 7 - Faial Island / Horta
Your trip will come to an end after breakfast. For those who wish to stay in the Azores, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-05-202523-05-2025AUD $ 3,236-
24-05-202530-05-2025AUD $ 3,267-
07-06-202513-06-2025AUD $ 3,366-
28-06-202504-07-2025AUD $ 3,366-
05-07-202511-07-2025AUD $ 3,236-
19-07-202525-07-2025AUD $ 3,236-
02-08-202508-08-2025AUD $ 3,366-
09-08-202515-08-2025AUD $ 3,366-
30-08-202505-09-2025AUD $ 3,492-
06-09-202512-09-2025AUD $ 3,492-
13-09-202519-09-2025AUD $ 3,492-
20-09-202526-09-2025AUD $ 3,492-
24-09-202530-09-2025AUD $ 3,492-
27-09-202503-10-2025AUD $ 3,492-
04-10-202510-10-2025AUD $ 3,366-
11-10-202517-10-2025AUD $ 3,236-
16-05-202622-05-2026AUD $ 3,775-
23-05-202629-05-2026AUD $ 3,775-
06-06-202612-06-2026AUD $ 3,925-
27-06-202603-07-2026AUD $ 3,925-
04-07-202610-07-2026AUD $ 3,775-
18-07-202624-07-2026AUD $ 3,775-
01-08-202607-08-2026AUD $ 3,925-
08-08-202614-08-2026AUD $ 3,925-
29-08-202604-09-2026AUD $ 4,075-
05-09-202611-09-2026AUD $ 4,075-
12-09-202618-09-2026AUD $ 4,075-
19-09-202625-09-2026AUD $ 4,075-
23-09-202629-09-2026AUD $ 4,075-
26-09-202602-10-2026AUD $ 4,075-
03-10-202609-10-2026AUD $ 3,925-
10-10-202616-10-2026AUD $ 3,775-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Transport

Plane,Ferry,Private vehicle,On foot,Taxi

Map