The Azores Jewels of Portugal

From volcanic craters and thermal waters to lush vegetation and picturesque coasts, enjoy the natural splendor of this Portuguese archipelago and see why the Azores are commonly referred to as “the Hawaii of Europe.”

This is the Azores. A set of islands virtually untouched by urban development. Your adventure begins on São Miguel, the largest of the nine volcanic islands. Sit along the seaside promenade and breathe in the mild air of the Atlantic. Get to know Ponta Delgada, the capital city of São Miguel, on a walking tour of the area. Celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

On an off-road adventure, traverse the dirt paths to the island’s highest point. Venture to Sete Cidades, the blue and green mirror lakes, where you’ll navigate the rim of the entire crater. On your way, gaze down upon the blue lake (reflecting the sky) and the adjacent green lake (reflecting the earth). Take a short hike to the viewpoint of Lagoa do Canario*. Return to Ponta Delgada with free time to relax and explore as you wish.

Glimpse into Portugal’s sweet side at a family run queijadas (pastry) bakery. After sampling treats, head to the organic paradise of Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. Embark on a guided tour before relaxing in the park’s rejuvenating thermal waters. For lunch, enjoy a traditional cozido das furnas meal, where your food is cooked in the earth’s volcanic heat. Continue on to the green pastures of a nearby tea plantation before an evening of leisure in São Miguel.

Say hello to the colorful island of Terceira. Stand along the edge of the crater at Serra do Cume viewpoint and take in the patchwork of infinite green. Swap the grassy fields for sandy shores at Praia Victoria, or “Beach of Victory.” Get to know Angra do Heroismo (UNESCO) with a local guide. Restored in traditional style, the city features white facades and vibrant trims. Tonight, get a taste of the culture at a local restaurant.

The morning is yours. Perhaps you’ll take an optional off-road tour on a lively buggy ride, or maybe you’ll strap on your hiking boots for an optional hike along two volcanoes at Misterios Negros Nature Reserve. Gather later and head underground with an expert guide to Algar do Carvao, the “Cavern of Coal.” Feel the quiet stillness as you descend into this ancient lava tube. Then, it’s your choice! Swim** in the natural volcanic pools of Biscoitos -OR- hike along lava fields. Enjoy a free evening or entice your taste buds on an optional wine and tapas experience.

Say bom dia (good morning) to Faial, the “Blue Island” of the Azores. Peek into the daily life of dairy production when you drop by a family-owned cheese factory, where you’ll sample the fruits of their production. Encounter the volcanic vitality of Faial when you take in the collapsed Caldeira and the ash hills of the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Center. Make the most of an evening at leisure.

Your exploration continues with a ferry to the nearby island of Pico. Get acquainted with the area on a brief walking tour before settling in for a light home-hosted lunch. Sample drinks paired with local cheeses and meats, snacking on different Azorean favorites. Make a stop at Lagoa do Capitao and spy Sao Jorge Island in the distance. End the day at the rustic lava stone houses of Aldeia da Fonte, your home for the next 3 nights. Enjoy dinner at this cliff-side abode, overlooking the ocean.

Explore Pico vineyards (UNESCO) and wander along grapes and rocky stone walls. Climb the vineyard’s windmill and take in a new perspective of the stretching fields and lava rocks. Visit the Pico Wine Museum before tasting these exclusive wines at a wine collaborative. Then, it’s your choice! In Lajes, visit the whaling museum highlighting the historical ties of the industry to the culture of the islands -OR- take advantage of free time in town to explore the area independently.

The day is yours. Perhaps you will take to the waves on an optional ocean excursion, where you will watch for whales and dolphins before enjoying lunch back on land. No matter how you choose to spend the day, celebrate your Azorean adventure in the evening with a dinner of local flavors, folklore music, and captivating energy. “Bom proveito!”

Depart Pico for Lisbon and enjoy some time at leisure. Whether you want to relax, wander the streets of the capital city, or take the historic tram to the vibrant Alfama district, spend the day however you please. Tonight, toast to the end of your trip with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Say adeus (goodbye) to Portugal and the Azores as you depart this coastal paradise.