Option 1: 6 Days Ponta Delgada to Angra do Heroismo
Maybe you’ve been to the Azores before — but definitely not like this. Spend six incredible days hiking this famous archipelago, and experience a side that few ever see. Trek to the highest lake in the Azores, wander through storied towns, and hike through some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes you ever did see.
Travel Style: Active, Hiking, trekking, biking, rafting and kayaking
Trip Type: Small Group, Max of 16, average 12
Age requirement: 12+
Itinerary
Day 1: Ponta Delgada. Meet your tour leader, group members and indulge in a meal.
Day 2: Pona Delgada. Hike from Ribeira Funda to Maia along the dramatic and beautiful north coast of the island of São Miguel. Pause to eat lunch at Praia da Viola, also known as the ‘secret beach.’ Along the way pass many viewpoints along the coast of the island. The tour ends in the friendly parish of Maia. After returning from the hike the group will head into Furnas town for a visit to the Terra Nostra Gardens and geothermal hot springs. While there, the group will have a chance to take a dip in the natural hot waters or wander around the 24-acre botanical garden.
Day 3: Ponta Delgada. Spend the morning on a hike to the highest body of water in the Azores, Lagoa do Fogo, “lake of fire”. Wander down to the shores of the lake through a forest of Eucalyptus and Japanese Cedars. Later, after a picnic lunch, travel to the Sete Cidades Parish and hike the trails for stunning views of the lakes within the caldera.
Day 4: Ponta Delgada/Angra do Heroismo. Fly from São Miguel to Terceira island, considered the capital of Azorean culture. Meet your CEO and hit the trails. Hike 9.5km on a circular route right in the middle of the island. Enjoy beautiful views of the Azinhal Valley and Biscoitos village with its rocky lava formations that meet the sea. Later, enjoy a walking tour of Angra do Heroísmo, the capital city, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 5: Angra do Heroismo. Head to the middle of the island with stunning views of the agricultural patchwork fields contrasted by the centuries old lava flow (often called the Black Lagoon). Here we hike the Mistérios Negros trail and visit the Algar do Carvão lava caves.
Day 6: Angra do Heroismo: Depart at any time.
Meals Included: 5 Breakfast & 3 Lunch (allow around $200 for meals not included.)
Option 2: 7 Days | Discover a new side to Portugal on this Atlantic adventure
Although modern Portugal can be credited for its contributions to art, architecture and world-class dining, there’s a distant remnant of the Old Empire lying far from the mainland. From the rolling blue hydrangeas of Faial, the steep cliffs of Sao Jorge and the black volcanic soil under the vineyards of Pico, the Azores offer a delightful insight into both island and Portuguese living. Discover a new side to ancient Portugal on this island-hopping Atlantic adventure.
Travel Style: Active, Hiking, trekking
Trip Type: Small Group, Max of 12
Age requirement: 15+
Itinerary
Day 1: Ponta Delgada. Your island adventure begins with a welcome meeting that takes place at your hotel at 6 pm. 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: Ponta Delgada. Take a visit to Arruda’s Pineapple Plantation located at Faja de Baixo. These glass greenhouses often take two years to grow the delicious fruit within, and there might be an opportunity to snack on some during the visit. You’ll then skim along the south coast of the island towards Furnas. Marvel at the volcanic activity of the Furnas volcano and visit the great lagoon, then sit down to a truly unforgettable experience. Your lunch today is ‘Cozido das Furnas’ – a delicious stew cooked underground by the steam from the volcano – you’ll lava it! After lunch you’ll have the option to take a relaxing dip in a geothermal hot pool, then it’s time to hit the road again and travel to the fabulous Pico do Ferro viewpoint. Stop in at a local tea plantation for a tour and to sample some of the only tea grown in Europe – the only tea plantations on the continent are found in Sao Miguel! Finally, pay a visit to Miradouro de Santa Iria where you’ll soak in sweeping views of the north coast of the island.
Day 3: Sao Jorge Island/Velas. The morning is yours to discover more of the magic of Sao Miguel. You may like to pay a visit to Lagoa das Sete Cidades, an emerald green lake in a volcanic caldera that would look right at home on another planet. If you’d like to learn about Azorean natural history then the Museu Carlos Machado is the place for you, and the building it sits in, a 16th-century convent, is as much of an attraction as the museum itself. This afternoon, board a flight bound for Sao Jorge Island (approximately 1 hour), one of the most scenic islands in the Azores thanks to its steep cliffs and narrow landmass. In the evening you may like to get to know Velas, the island’s capital, by visiting one of the many local bars or sampling some of the region’s famous (and strong) cheddar.
Day 4: Velas. Start the day with a visit at local groceries to pick up a tasty snack, or if the days line up, you may instead go to the local market. Then it’s time to discover the island’s beauty on foot during a hike to the spectacular Caldeira do Santo Cristo. Begin your walk at Serra do Topo and climb a wide trail upwards. You’ll have the option to detour to a beautiful waterfall, then continue along a cobbled path towards Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo. The views you’ll come upon on this walk are simply unforgettable – each one more breathtaking than the last. Follow the trail to the natural debris field of Fajã dos Cubres and explore the lagoon while your leader fills you in on the flora and fauna of the region. Stop off at a scenic spot along the trail to appreciate the views and enjoy a picnic lunch. Return to Velas after your hike for an evening at leisure.
Day 5: Faial Island/Horta. Today you’ll travel to Faial Island by ferry (approximately 2.5 hours), sometimes referred to as Ilha Azul (Blue Island). Raul Brandao, the Portugese poet, famously made note of the iconic blue hydrangeas that bloom on Faial during the summer months, quipping ‘the man that had the idea to border the road with these plants should have a statute on the island.’ Visit the island’s resident volcano, Capelinhos, or rather the volcano centre as the climb 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 in five metres of volcanic ash. The rest of the day is free to explore the local port town, Horta, and discover its long maritime history.
Day 6: Pico Island/Faial Island/Horta. Leave Faial for the day to visit Ilha do Pico (Pico Island). Known as Ilha Preta (Black Island) for its black volcanic earth, Pico is the proud home of UNESCO-designated vineyards that have played a major part in the community’s development. Today you will set out on a marvellous tour on the island. Firstly learn about the island’s volcanic past by visiting Arcos do Cachorro (lava tunnels) – the fascinating rock formations reveal this special force of nature. Then the hidden gem of a family-owned distillery awaits. Enjoy a tour through the distillery and learn about their special techniques and chat about the life on Pico Island over a tasting of their wonderful products. Next up is a stop at Criacao Velha for the stunning view of the UNESCO-listed landscape of Pico’s vineyards. Free time afterwards and you may like to take part in an optional whale watching tour. 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 sea-faring visitors. You’ll be back on Faial Island for the evening and that means there’s time for a cheeky G&T at Cafe Sport (aka Peter’s Bar), perhaps the most famous sailor’s bar in the world. This watering hole was once a crucial post office and gossip stop for travelling sailors in a pre-internet era.
Day 7: Faial Island/Horta. Departure Day.
Meals Included: 6 breakfasts, 2 lunch
Option 3: 6 Day Portugal’s Azores Multi-Adventure Tour
Known locally as the “Hawaii of Europe,” remarkable scenery abounds on this rugged archipelago. From volcanic craters to emerald hillsides, powerful waterfalls to smoking fumaroles, explore the island of São Miguel, the Azores’ biggest and most geographically diverse. It’s an adventure flavored by fresh pineapple and local delights served up in tiny coastal villages. And it’s one you’ll never forget.
Travel Style: Active, Hiking, trekking, Biking, Kayaking, Wildlife Cruise, Yoga. Each day you can choose your hiking and/or biking level and mileage.
Trip Type: Small Group, Average of 16
Age requirement: 18+
Itinerary
Day 1-3: Sao Miguel. Explore volcanic São Miguel, the largest and most diverse island in the Azores. Hike around viridian Furnas Lake to reach a collection of steaming fumaroles. Witness chefs cooking the famous cozido das furnas stew in geothermal soil. Lush Grená Park nature reserve—with its picturesque waterfall and wooded trails—beckons a visit. Discover the north shore’s dramatic cliffs and shoreline by foot. Historic watermills, breathtaking bluffs and panoramic views are on display. Indulge with a fresh lunch in the red-roofed seaside town of Maia. Cool off with a swim at Maia’s natural pools. At a local tea plantation, enjoy a delightful tour and hike. Bike through charming Azorean villages with traditional stucco homes and age-old cobblestone streets. Get your camera ready for sweeping vistas of the volcanic shoreline and sapphire ocean.
Days 4-6. Pedal into São Miguel’s stunning interior, a gem of the Azores. Breaching sperm whales and playful bottleneck dolphins abound! Kick back at our luxurious oceanfront retreat. Dinner tonight is a grand farm-to-table affair. A scenic hike on Sete Cidades volcano leads to the beloved Boca do Inferno viewpoint. Soak up incredible views over the volcanic terrain. Kayak the deep green and blue waters of Sete Cidades’ peaceful crater lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. Rejuvenate with a morning yoga class. Opt for a surf lesson at our resort’s black-sand beach. Watch mesmerizing waves break against volcanic rock on a final hike along the coast.
Meals Included: All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners.
