6 days
Duration
2/5
Activity Level
4-14
Group Size
Ponta Delgada
Starting City
€ 3,900
Price
Join us and discover the astonishing beauty of São Miguel Island in the Azores archipelago. We’ll show you the highlights of this island, as well as to some of the lesser known gems found at the heart of São Miguel. The trip’s relaxed island pace combines breathtaking scenery, with adventure and tranquility, earning it a 5-star rating.
A direct flight from Boston, Toronto, Madrid or Lisbon will take you to this string of lush volcanic islands, sitting in the middle of the Atlantic, with temperate weather all year round. Composed of nine islands, this Portuguese archipelago is one of the few unspoilt paradises left on the planet. Often described as the tip of the lost continent of Atlantis, the islands retain an Old World charm that is difficult to find anywhere else in Europe.
Trip Highlights
- Discover the Azores’ best kept secrets
- Hike along the famous lagoons and cliffs of the wild Atlantic islands
- Explore quaint whitewashed towns and villages of the São Miguel Island
- Delight in fresh cuisine – seafood, local cheeses and Portuguese wines
- Breathtaking scenery – waterfalls & lush vegetation
- Whale & dolphin watching
Activities – Hiking, Walking
This trip is rated Easy Active [2] with optional Moderate [3] parts. Trip members should be capable of hiking up to 4 hours (up to 6 miles) on consecutive days. Hikes may include trails with loose dirt, rocks, sand, numerous stone stairs of variable height, and sections with steep ascents and descents. Elevation gain/loss is moderate on this trip.
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION: | Vila Galé Collection S. Miguel, Ponta Delgada, S. Miguel Island, Azores | |||||
| DEPARTURE TIME: | Please arrive by 9 am for a welcome brief and departure at 9:30 am. | |||||
| RETURN TIME: | Ponta Delgada, São Miguel 4 pm. | |||||
| WHAT TO WEAR: | Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking boots, hat and jacket. | |||||
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| SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: | € 90/ night (2024) |
Day 1
Sete Cidades Lagoon Walk
Our trip begins in São Miguel, Azores (Portugal) with a 9am rendez-vous at your hotel in Ponta Delgada. Today, prepare for the magical feeling of being right inside an ancient volcano. We will walk around the enchanting twin volcanic lakes of Sete Cidades while learning about the fauna, flora and geography of the Azores, as well as some local secrets and legends. Weather permitting, we’ll stop for a picnic in the green fields, otherwise we’ll have lunch at a charming local restaurant. In the afternoon we take an off-road drive over the famous caldeira ridge road and, depending on the tides, have the unique chance to swim in hot thermal waters emerging in the Atlantic Ocean at Ponta da Ferraria. To top off the day we’ll head for a tasty visit to the historic Arruda Pineapple Farm, before returning to our hotel in Ponta Delgada to relax before dinner.
Hiking: Sete Cidades: 6.2 miles (9.7 km); terrain: packed dirt and rocky trails with some steeper sections;
Driving: 30 min
Day 2
Whale and Dolphin Watching and Scenic hiking to Salto do Cabrito
Today we begin our day a little earlier to view a variety of dolphin species, sea turtles, whales and more, on a half-day boat trip. Spring is prime whale watching season in the Azores, with blue whales, fin whales and Sei whales migrating through the region. Sperm whales are local residents, and seen year round. We break for lunch at a local restaurant by the harbour before beginning our walk to Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande / Salto do Cabrito. Our trail will take us over a rope bridge through green pastures to a forest before finally reaching a waterfall. Time for a swim! We then return to the hotel and get ready for a fun dinner.
Hiking (loop): Options from 5.3 miles (8.5 km); Duration: 2.5hrs;
Driving: 25 min
Day 3
Discovering the stunning Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lagoon)
Today’s hike begins at Lagoa do Fogo, or the “Lagoon of Fire.” Some may find it more challenging due its many ups and downs, but it is well worth the effort! We’ll traverse a great variety of native and endemic vegetation offering a unique and wonderful perspective of the lake. At the same time you’ll discover the stories behind the hot springs and the ruins of a local flax factory. After dining on local fare at a small restaurant, we’ll take a soothing dip in the warm waters of the Caldeira Velha waterfall, discover the historic town of Ribeira Grande or stop at Agua D’Alto or Caloura beaches for a swim in the ocean. Return to the hotel and dinner in town. This is our final evening in Ponta Delgada. Hiking (loop): Lagoa do Fogo, 7.5 miles (11.67 km); duration: 4.5h; terrain: trails with some rocky surfaces as well as climbs and descents. Driving: 30 min
Day 4
Faial da Terra and Salto do Prego Waterfalls
Today we head to Furnas for a change of scenery and to stay in the paradisiacal Terra Nostra Garden Hotel situated in a botanical park dating back to 1775. After breakfast we make our way to Provocação, for a short hike to the spectacular Faial da Terra and Salto do Prego waterfalls, as well as a hidden mountain village called Sanguinho. Keep your swimsuit handy, since you may want to freshen up under the cascades. After lunch we return to our beautiful hotel to stroll the Terra Nostra park and see Yankee Hall, built in 1775 by Thomas Hickling, a rich Bostonian merchant who was Honorary Consul to São Miguel. Many of the trees in the park were planted in the 19th century, having come from as far as North America, Australia, New Zealand, China and South Africa. The highlight of this special place is taking a dip in the iron-rich hot spring waters of the outdoor pool. It’s also a wonderful thing to do first thing in the morning. Today you have dinner on your own. Hiking (partial loop): 4.3 miles (7 km); Duration: 2.5h plus 1-2h walk in the botanical gardens; terrain: mostly gentle walk through open fields, brush and forest, ranging from flat to slight climb. Driving: 40 min
Day 5
WOW! Lagoa das Furnas
After a short transfer, we begin our hike around the Lagoa das Furnas, a lake of volcanic origin, taking us through one of the most impressive areas of countryside on the island and by a spectacular waterfall. We’ll get to see how the locals cook traditional meat stew or “cozido” in pots immersed in the boiling hot spring waters dotted with sulphur fumaroles. Our trail will lead us along the lake’s edge and through forest before arriving at Igreja Nossa Senhora das Vitórias church. In the afternoon you have the option of visiting Poça da Dona Beija hot springs, a natural phenomenon resulting from the volcanic activity in the Furnas Valley. Return to the hotel for a wonderful dinner. Hiking: 3.5 miles (5.4 km) loop to Furnas + 1.8 miles (3 km) one way to the waterfall; duration: 3h; terrain: mostly flat, very beautiful easy trail. Driving: 10min
Day 6
Moinho do Félix and Gorreana Tea Plantation
Our walk today is called Moinho do Félix or Felix’s Watermill. We’ll start on a dirt trail and descend towards the ocean, stopping to admire the stunning views before reaching the Homem (“Man”) waterfall and the ancient ruins of a watermill which once milled grain, providing flour for the local population. Along the way we will frequently stop for pictures as there are so many places of immense beauty to remember! By the time we reach Vila Franca harbor we’ll be ready for our farewell lunch. After a delightful lunch, we provide the convenience of a complimentary transfer to either our starting hotel in Ponta Delgada or the airport. Hiking: 3.4 miles (5.5 km); duration: 2.5hrs; terrain: some steeper sections but nice trails through the forest. Driving: 1hr 15 min
What’s included
- Transportation during the course of the trip
- Guilt-free van support with snacks and water
- Highly experienced and enthusiastic trilingual guides
- Entries for specific monuments, events or points of interest
- Gratuities for all accommodations and group meals
- Baggage transfers and handling
- Optional transfer to the airport at end of the trip
- Wine with group lunches and dinners
- Lodging and meals as indicated below
Accommodations
Hotels, 5 nights:
- Ponta Delgada – 3 nights
- Furnas – 2 nights
Meals: 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 4 dinners:
Day 1: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Breakfast and Lunch
Tour Dates – 2024
- April 28 – May 3 – guaranteed
- May 19 – 24
- June 2 – 7 – guaranteed
- Sept 15 – 20 – guaranteed
Tour Reviews
Thank you for a wonderful time! We felt like we experienced a full adventure and education. We have great / renewed respect for the people of these islands. We hope to have a similar experience in continental Portugal in the future. God Bless! Angela & Phil H.
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