Wonders of the Azores - 11 Days

Once you arrive at Ponta Delgada Airport, a transfer will take you to your hotel, where you will stay for the next four nights.

After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You might choose to take a gentle stroll through the city, relax by the harbour, or dine in one of the local restaurants to sample the island’s fresh regional flavours.

Ponta Delgada - Vila Franca do Campo - Furnas - Ribeira Grande - Ponta Delgada. This morning, we travel along the south coast to Vila Franca do Campo, once the island’s first capital, where we try the town’s well-known Queijada da Vila. From here, we continue to the Furnas Valley, set beside the impressive Furnas Lagoon, to observe the natural steam vents and see how the island’s traditional Cozido is gently cooked beneath the warm volcanic soil.

Before lunch, you may choose to visit Terra Nostra Garden, a peaceful setting where you can relax in the natural thermal pool. We then drive up to Pico de Ferro for a wide view across the Furnas Valley.

Our afternoon takes us to Ribeira Grande on the north coast to visit the Gorreana tea plantation, where we sample both black and green tea. The day concludes at the Santa Iria viewpoint with a final look over the rugged shoreline before we return to Ponta Delgada.

Ponta Delgada - Lagoa do Fogo - Ponta Delgada area - Sete Cidades - Capelas - Ribeira Grande - Ponta Delgada. After breakfast, we begin our day at Lagoa do Fogo, enjoying the panoramic views from one of the island’s most striking volcanic lakes. We then continue to a traditional pineapple plantation to learn about this unique form of cultivation and taste the island’s pineapple liqueur.

Our route leads west to the Pico de Carvão viewpoint before arriving at Vista do Rei for a classic view across the Sete Cidades crater. Once inside the crater, we pause at Lago de Santiago and then head to the village of Sete Cidades for lunch in a local restaurant.

This afternoon, we make our way to Capelas, a former whaling settlement, followed by a visit to Ribeira Grande to explore its historic centre. We then stop at Caldeira Velha, where you may take a warm dip in the natural pools if you wish, before returning to Lagoa do Fogo for a final viewpoint. The day ends with a scenic descent towards Ponta Delgada.

Ponta Delgada - Povocao - Ponta Delgada. After breakfast, you can choose which activity you prefer for the day.

If you decide on a whale watching excursion, you will set off on a three-hour boat trip to discover some of the twenty-eight species of cetaceans that inhabit the waters of the Azores. As you cruise through the Atlantic, keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, as well as turtles, seabirds and other fascinating marine life.

Alternatively, you may wish to take the Salto do Prego and Sanguinho hiking trail. Beginning in the parish of Faial da Terra, this scenic walk follows a gentle stream through orchards and forest paths, crossing wooden bridges and cobbled tracks before reaching the enchanting Salto do Prego waterfall.

Here, you can pause for a picnic and a refreshing swim before making your way back through the old village of Sanguinho, now slowly being restored. Later, stop at the Pico dos Bodes viewpoint and, if you wish, enjoy some free time for a swim in Povoacao or Ribeira Quente, a relaxing dip in the Furnas thermal springs, or a quiet stroll at your own pace.

Ponte Delgada - Falal Island. This morning, we will discover another island in the Azores archipelago, the beautiful island of Faial. After checking out of our hotel in Ponta Delgada, a transfer will take us to the airport for our flight to Faial.

When we arrive at Horta Airport, we will be met and transferred to our hotel, where we will stay for the next three nights. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to begin exploring the island at your own pace.

Today, we will be collected from our hotel and taken to the starting point of our tour to explore the island of Faial. This full-day excursion takes us beyond the beaches to discover the island’s fascinating history, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant culture.

We will visit some of Faial’s most iconic landmarks, including the striking Capelinhos Volcano and the Caldeira do Faial Nature Reserve. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a swim, take a leisurely walk, and stop for lunch in a local restaurant.

At the end of the tour, you will return to your hotel, where you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, you will have the day free to enjoy Faial at your own pace. You may wish to relax by the sea, explore the charming streets of Horta, or simply take time to enjoy the island’s peaceful surroundings.

If you prefer, you can join an optional full-day tour to the nearby island of Pico.

Pico Full-Day Tour You may choose to explore the island’s UNESCO listed vineyards, learn about its whaling traditions, and admire the dramatic coastline under the gaze of Mount Pico. This tour offers a wonderful introduction to the island’s culture and scenery.

Pico Secret Lagoons & Lava Caves Tour For a more adventurous experience, you can join an off road excursion to discover Pico’s wild side. You will visit hidden lagoons nestled in volcanic craters, explore fascinating lava caves including Portugal’s largest lava tube, and take in the island’s striking volcanic landscapes. Please note that this tour requires good physical condition as it involves walking on uneven terrain.

Pico Wine Full-Day Tour Wine lovers may prefer a day dedicated to the island’s celebrated wine culture. You will visit UNESCO listed vineyards, meet passionate local producers, and taste distinctive regional wines while exploring picturesque villages built from volcanic stone.

Please note: that the ferry crossing between Faial and Pico, round trip, is not included.

Falal Island - Terceira Island. Today, after checking out of our hotel in Faial, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Terceira Island. When we arrive, a transfer will be waiting to take us to our hotel, where we will stay for the next three nights.

You will then have the rest of the day\ to enjoy at leisure. You may wish to take a stroll through the nearby streets, relax at your hotel, or begin exploring the island’s charming surroundings at your own pace.

Terceira Island - Praia da Vitoria - Terceira Island. Today, we discover the varied landscapes and coastal villages of Terceira on a full-day tour. We start at Monte Brasil for wide views over Angra do Heroísmo, then continue to the Ilhéus das Cabras viewpoint before travelling through the parish of Porto Judeu and making a brief stop at Baía da Salga.

There is time to swim in the natural pools at Porto Martins if you wish, before we continue up to Serra do Cume for far-reaching views across the island’s fields. Lunchtime brings us to Praia da Vitória, where you may choose a restaurant that appeals to you.

In the afternoon, we explore the volcanic pools at Biscoitos and enjoy an artisan cheese tasting at Queijo Vaquinha. Our final stop is São Mateus, where we stroll along the harbour before returning to our hotel.

We transfer to the starting point of our gentle half-day hike. The route takes around three hours and offers a relaxed way to explore the island’s natural scenery. When the walk ends, we return to the hotel, and the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.

After your final breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Safe Travels!