Walking in the Azores
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 14-day journey through the enchanting islands of the Azores. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the charming historic city of Ponta Delgada to the stunning volcanic landscapes of Sao Miguel, Sao Jorge, Pico, and Faial, each day brings a new adventure. Explore Europe's oldest tea factory, walk along the iconic Sete Cidades volcanic crater, and taste the local wines of Pico. Whether you're strolling through quaint maritime communities, hiking along breathtaking coastal trails, or whale-watching off the coast of Lajes do Pico, this tour promises a captivating experience. The tour includes comfortable accommodations, expert guides, and a flexible itinerary to cater to your interests and pace.
Included
A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options
13 Breakfasts
1 Lunches
vegetarian, vegan, halal, meat
Bus, Ferry, Flight, Public Bus, Taxi
11 nights standard hotel
2 nights simple hotel
Accommodation and service levels in the Azores are generally very good.
In Ponta Delgada at the beginning of the trip you'll stay at the Neat Hotel Avedina. This centrally located hotel is a comfortable base for the start of the tour.
In Horta on Faial Island at the end of the trip, you will stay at the Azoris Faial Garden Hotel. Set in extensive gardens with coastal views this hotel has a lounge, bar, restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools and health club with comfortable and spacious rooms. The hotel is very well located in the centre of Horta with easy access to many great restaurants, the marina and beach.
Please note that some departures have different hotels, please check your trip notes for the name of your final accommodations in the Azores.
Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leader's ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and have a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety is adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour.
All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Ponta Delgada
- Ponta Delgada - Arrival day
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- Museu Carlos Machado
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Welcome to the Azores! Your adventure begins in the historic city of Ponta Delgada, the largest city on Sao Miguel island. After settling into your hotel, meet your tour leader and fellow travelers at 7pm in the hotel reception. If you arrive early, feel free to explore the city at your leisure. You might want to stroll along the harbor front promenade, visit the Municipal city hall with its reflecting pool, or explore the Convent and Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Esperança with its unique quadrangular tower.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Sao Miguel
- Ponta Delgada
- Santa Clara
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- Salto do Cabrito
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Today, we venture to the west side of Sao Miguel to explore the iconic Sete Cidades volcanic crater. This stunning natural wonder is home to two lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul, each a different color. Our trail starts at the Vista do Rei viewpoint and takes us along the crater ridge, offering spectacular views of the lakes and the coastline. The walk is leisurely, covering 5 kilometers in about two hours, and ends at the parking lot of Várzea.
Day 3 – Day 3: Discovering Sao Miguel's Natural Wonders
- Ponta Delgada
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- Lagoa do Fogo
- Miradouro do Pico do Carvão
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Our exploration of Sao Miguel continues as we visit Gorreana, home to Europe's oldest and only remaining tea factory. We then head to Lagoa das Furnas, where we walk around the lake and witness the natural ovens created by volcanic activity. For lunch, we enjoy a traditional Cozido cooked in the volcanic fumeroles. Afterward, we visit the Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens, where you can take a dip in the outdoor thermal pool. Our day ends with a visit to Lagoa de Fogo, the island's highest crater lake, for a photo stop before returning to Ponta Delgada.
Day 4 – Day 4: Free Day in Sao Miguel
- Ponta Delgada
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Today is yours to explore Sao Miguel at your own pace. You might choose to hike one of the island's many trails, such as the circular Serra Devassa trail or the more challenging Salto do Cabrito trail to the waterfall on the north coast. Alternatively, you could opt for a whale-watching trip for a chance to spot sperm whales and dolphins.
Day 5 – Day 5: Journey to Sao Jorge
- Ponta Delgada
- Velas
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- Miradouro de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
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Today, we fly to the island of Sao Jorge, known for its narrow valleys and precipitous cliffs. After settling into our hotel in the maritime community of Velas, you're free to wander the streets or take an optional walk to the old whale watching tower, Miradouro do Morro das Velas. From this volcanic crater, you can enjoy panoramic views of Velas town.
Day 6 – Day 6: Hiking in Sao Jorge
- Velas
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- Miradouro de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
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We spend the day hiking in Sao Jorge, starting from the 700-meter-high ridge and descending through the beautiful gorge of the Caldeira de Cima to the coast. We then follow the rocky coastline to the Caldeira de Santo Cristo Lake and continue to Faja dos Cubres. These fajas, or small plains at the foot of the cliffs, are dotted with traditional hamlets and fertile orchards.
Day 7 – Day 7: Free Day in Sao Jorge
- Velas
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Today is yours to explore Sao Jorge at your own pace. Your tour leader can advise on various optional walks. You might choose to hike the Pico da Esperanca ridge for stunning views of the surrounding islands, or walk along the fajas on the south coast for a change of scenery.
Day 8 – Day 8: Journey to Pico
- Velas
- Madalena
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- Church of the Holy Savior
- Miradouro de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
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Today, we take a boat to Pico and transfer to our accommodation in Madalena. Pico is known for its volcano, Pico Alto, and its rich whaling history. In the afternoon, we visit the Pico Wine Cooperative to learn about the winemaking process and enjoy a tasting. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the small fishing port or visit the Grota do Torres Lava Tunnel.
Day 9 – Day 9: Exploring Pico
- Madalena
- Lajes do Pico
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- Torre do Relógio
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We start the day with a visit to Lajes do Pico, where you have the opportunity to take a whale-watching trip. We then transfer to Porto do Calhau in the village of Candelaria to begin our walk through the UNESCO World Heritage landscape back to Madalena. The trail takes us along the coast and through vineyards, offering views of Mount Pico and the island of Faial. For those seeking a challenge, an alternative option is to ascend Pico, a strenuous six to seven-hour climb.
Day 10 – Day 10: Walking the South Coast of Pico
- Madalena
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- Church of the Holy Savior
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Today's walk takes us along the south coast of Pico. We start in the Forest Reserve and pass by the lava landmarks of Misterio de Sao Joao and the Misterio da Silveira, remnants of historic volcanic eruptions. Along the route, we see the red Ponta Rasa windmill and pass through the villages of Silveira and Sao Joao, home to the Cheese Museum where you can sample local delicacies.
Day 11 – Day 11: Journey to Faial
- Madalena
- Horta
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We cross by ferry to the charming island of Faial, known for its harbor filled with yachts on their transatlantic crossing. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the streets and harbor of Horta. There's also an optional circular walk from the hotel on the Monte da Guia headland, offering views over the town.
Day 12 – Day 12: Exploring Faial
- Horta
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- Church of Nossa Senhora das Angústias
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Today, we tour the Ilha Azul by private bus. We visit the stunning Caldeira, where we walk along its edge and enjoy the lush green-carpeted crater. We then head to the western end of the island to visit the extinct Capelinhos volcano. You can choose to walk around or visit the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre. We return to Horta later in the day, where you can enjoy a meal at one of the town's excellent restaurants.
Day 13 – Day 13: Hiking in Faial
- Horta
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- Church of Nossa Senhora das Angústias
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Today's trail begins and ends at Praia do Norte Parish, descending to Faja da Praia do Norte, a headland formed by lava from the eruption of the Cabeco do Fogo volcano. We follow the path through cultivated fields and along the cliff path through laurel forest woodland to reach Praia do Norte beach, a prime surfing spot. We pass by an area for the protection of endemic plants and walk through the center of Praia do Norte, passing by the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Penha de Franca.
Day 14 – Day 14: Departure from Horta
- Horta - Departure day
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Our unforgettable journey through the Azores comes to an end today. After breakfast at our hotel in Horta, you are free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. We hope you leave with wonderful memories and stories to share from your Azorean adventure.
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