Walking in the Azores

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Description

Summary

Starts
Ponta Delgada
Duration
14 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
18 years

Description

Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the captivating Azores, a paradise of volcanic landscapes, lush greenery, and rich cultural heritage. This journey takes you across four stunning islands, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking vistas. From the historic streets of Ponta Delgada to the dramatic cliffs of São Jorge, the majestic volcanoes of Pico, and the charming harbors of Faial, every day promises new adventures. Enjoy leisurely walks, explore vibrant towns, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of this Atlantic archipelago. With comfortable accommodations and expert guidance, this tour is the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.

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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

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Bus, Ferry, Flight, Public Bus, Taxi

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Destinations

Santa Clara
Furnas
Madalena - city in PortugalMadalena
Velas - city in PortugalVelas
Horta - city in PortugalHorta
Azores - region in PortugalPonta Delgada

Map

Attractions

Moinho Do Frade
Salto do Cabrito, Ribeira Grande (Matriz), Ribeira Grande, São Miguel, Azores, PortugalSalto do Cabrito
Walking Trail - Rocha da Relva
Reserva Florestal Natural do Parque do Capelo
Portas da Cidade de Ponta Delgada, AçoresPortas da Cidade
Torre do Relógio, Horta, Horta (Matriz), Faial, Azores, PortugalTorre do Relógio
Praia da Fajã
Church of the Holy Savior, Horta, Horta (Matriz), Faial, Azores, PortugalChurch of the Holy Savior
Museu do Vinho da Ilha do Pico
Miradouro de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Horta (Conceição), Horta, Faial, Azores, PortugalMiradouro de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo
Lagoa do Fogo, Água de Alto, Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel, Azores, PortugalLagoa do Fogo
Cascata do Salto do Cabrito, Ribeira Grande (Conceição), Ribeira Grande, São Miguel, Azores, PortugalCascata do Salto do Cabrito
Photo of Facade of the Baroque Church of the Jesuit College of Ponta Delgada, São Miguel - Azores Portugal.Carlos Machado Museum
Coal Peak Viewpoint, Arrifes, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores, PortugalMiradouro do Pico do Carvão
Mercado da Graça, Ponta Delgada, Ponta Delgada (São Pedro), São Miguel, Azores, PortugalMercado da Graça
Igreja da Nossa Senhora das Angústias, Horta, Horta (Angústias), Faial, Azores, PortugalChurch of Nossa Senhora das Angústias
Ponta da Galera

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Ponta Delgada

  • Ponta Delgada - Arrival day
  • More
  • Walking Trail - Rocha da Relva
  • Carlos Machado Museum
  • More

Welcome to the enchanting city of Ponta Delgada, nestled on the harbor of São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores. As you arrive, take a moment to wander through the charming cobbled streets and admire the historic architecture. If you arrive early, explore the Municipal City Hall and the Convent and Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Esperança. Join your tour leader at 7 PM for a welcome meeting at the hotel (or similar), followed by an optional dinner outing.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Sete Cidades

  • Ponta Delgada
  • Santa Clara
  • More
  • Portas da Cidade
  • Cascata do Salto do Cabrito
  • More

Embark on a scenic journey to the west side of São Miguel, where the iconic Sete Cidades volcanic crater awaits. Begin your adventure at the Vista do Rei viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of the twin lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the crater ridge, soaking in the stunning vistas of the coastline and the azure sea. Return to Ponta Delgada for a relaxing evening.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Discovering Furnas

  • Ponta Delgada
  • Furnas
  • More
  • Lagoa do Fogo
  • Miradouro do Pico do Carvão
  • Ponta da Galera
  • More

Today, delve into the rich culture and natural wonders of Furnas. Visit the Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe's oldest, before heading to Lagoa das Furnas. Marvel at the volcanic activity and enjoy a traditional Cozido lunch cooked in natural ovens. Explore the Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens, where you can relax in the thermal pool. End the day with a visit to the Lagoa de Fogo viewpoint before returning to Ponta Delgada.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Free Exploration Day

  • Ponta Delgada
  • More
  • Salto do Cabrito
  • Mercado da Graça
  • More

Enjoy a day of leisure, exploring São Miguel at your own pace. Choose from various walking trails, such as the circular Serra Devassa or the more challenging Salto do Cabrito trail. Alternatively, embark on a whale-watching adventure or simply relax and soak in the island's natural beauty.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Arrival in São Jorge

  • Velas
  • More
  • Miradouro de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
  • More

Fly to the elongated island of São Jorge, known for its dramatic landscapes. Settle into your accommodation in Velas (or similar) and explore the quaint maritime community. Opt for a walk to the old whale-watching tower, Miradouro do Morro das Velas, for panoramic views of the town and beyond.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Walking São Jorge's North Coast

  • Velas
  • More
  • Miradouro de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
  • More

Embark on a captivating walk from Velas to the north coast of São Jorge. Traverse the stunning gorge of Caldeira de Cima and descend to the rocky coastline. Pass by the serene Caldeira de Santo Cristo Lake and continue to Fajã dos Cubres, where traditional hamlets and fertile orchards await.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Optional Walks on São Jorge

  • Velas
  • More
  • Moinho Do Frade
  • More

Today, choose from various walking options on São Jorge. Consider the Pico da Esperança ridge walk for breathtaking views or explore the contrasting scenery of the fajas on the south coast. Your tour leader will provide guidance on the best routes to suit your interests.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Discovering Pico Island

  • Madalena
  • More
  • Church of the Holy Savior
  • Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo
  • More

Travel by boat to Pico, where the majestic Pico Alto volcano dominates the landscape. Visit São Roque do Pico to explore Captain's Lagoon and marvel at the Cachorro rock formation. End the day with a vineyard tour and wine tasting, immersing yourself in the island's rich viticulture.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Coastal Walks and Whale Watching

  • Madalena
  • More
  • Reserva Florestal Natural do Parque do Capelo
  • Torre do Relógio
  • More

Embark on a whale-watching adventure from Madalena, spotting majestic sperm whales and playful dolphins. In the afternoon, walk through the UNESCO World Heritage landscape from Porto do Calhau back to Madalena, passing tidal pools and volcanic stone walls. For a challenge, consider climbing Pico for panoramic island views.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Exploring the Mysteries of Pico

  • Madalena
  • More
  • Church of the Holy Savior
  • Museu do Vinho da Ilha do Pico
  • More

Discover the south coast of Pico on the Misterios do Sul do Pico trail. Pass by historical lava landmarks and visit the Cheese Museum in São João. Sample local delicacies, including the renowned São João cheese, as you immerse yourself in the island's rich culinary heritage.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Arrival in Faial

  • Horta
  • Madalena
  • More
  • Moinho Do Frade
  • More

Cross by ferry to the picturesque island of Faial, where yachts dot the harbor. Spend the day exploring Horta's charming streets and harbor. Enjoy a circular walk on Monte da Guia for stunning town views. Relax at the Azoris Faial Garden Hotel (or similar), surrounded by lush gardens and coastal vistas.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Touring Ilha Azul

  • Horta
  • More
  • Moinho Do Frade
  • Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo
  • More

Explore Faial's stunning landscapes by private bus. Visit the lush Caldeira and walk along its edge, surrounded by blooming hydrangeas. Continue to the extinct Capelinhos volcano and explore the Interpretation Centre. Return to Horta for a delightful evening in this charming town.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Coastal Trails of Faial

  • Horta
  • More
  • Praia da Fajã
  • Church of Nossa Senhora das Angústias
  • More

Embark on a scenic trail from Praia do Norte, descending to the Fajã da Praia do Norte. Walk through laurel forests and along cliff paths to reach the beach, a prime surfing spot. Visit the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Penha de França before returning to your accommodation.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Departure from Horta

  • Horta - Departure day
  • More

Conclude your Azorean adventure with a final breakfast at your hotel in Horta. Enjoy a leisurely morning before departing at your convenience. If you have a later flight, take advantage of the hotel's luggage storage facilities. Safe travels!

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Explore with confidence
From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.
Secure your spot
Book instantly and lock in your place on one of Europe’s top-rated tours. Enjoy the best price and secure checkout so you can focus on the fun.
Get instant confirmation
Receive your e-ticket and booking summary immediately after checkout, with all meeting points and schedules included.
Easily make changes
Plans changed? No problem. Our team is just seconds away—ready to help with any adjustments quickly and smoothly.
Explore with confidence
From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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