The Azores Jewels of Portugal
The Azores Jewels of Portugal
The Azores Jewels of Portugal
12 Days Starting and ending in Portugal
Visiting: São Miguel Island, Terceira Island, Faial, Faial Island, Pico Island, Lisbon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
13988
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 24
Physical rating:
Medium, Activity Level 3
Age range:
5-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Beach Tours, Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Ruins-Archaeology
Tour Overview
Enter an untouched paradise on an adventure through the Azores, the archipelago gems of Portugal. Explore the entire rim of the Sete Cidades Caldera. Indulge in a traditional cozido das furnas meal, cooked by the heat of the volcanic earth. Descend into Algar do Carvao, the “Cavern of Coal” lava tube, with an expert guide. Sample local dairy goods at a family-owned cheese shop. Enjoy a light home-hosted lunch featuring local meats and cheeses. Spend 3 nights in a lava stone house. From thermal pools and lush craters to local farms and volcanic cuisine, delve into the culture of Portuguese island life.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: São Miguel Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
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.”
Day 2 : São Miguel, Açores, Portugal - Tour Begins
Location: São Miguel Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 3 : São Miguel
Location: São Miguel Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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). At Lagoa do Canario,* take in the amazing views around you during a short hike. Return to Ponta Delgada with free time to relax and explore as you wish.
Day 4 : São Miguel
Location: São Miguel Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,
Glimpse into Portugal’s sweet side at a family-run queijadas (pastry) bakery. After sampling treats, head to Furnas and enjoy the thermal waters at the local pools.** For lunch, enjoy a traditional cozido das furnas meal, where your food is cooked in the earth’s volcanic heat. After, embark on a guided visit to the organic paradise of Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. Later, continue on to the green fields of a nearby tea plantation where we will learn about this unique crop before an evening of leisure in São Miguel.
Day 5 : São Miguel - Terceira
Location: São Miguel Island, Terceira Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,
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.
Day 6 : Terceira
Location: Terceira Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The morning is yours. Perhaps 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.
Day 7 : Terceira - Faial
Location: Terceira Island, Faial
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8 : Faial - Pico
Location: Faial Island, Pico Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
After a relaxing morning, board a ferry to the nearby island of Pico. Enjoy a light home-hosted lunch, sampling 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.
Day 9 : Pico
Location: Pico Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today 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.
Day 10 : Pico
Location: Pico Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Iberostar Lisboa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,
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!”
Day 11 : Pico - Lisbon
Location: Pico Island, Lisbon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Iberostar Selection Lisboa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,
Today we say farewell to the Azores Islands when we depart Pico for Lisbon. Enjoy some time at leisure for some last minute shopping or perhaps to wander through the streets of the capital city on your own. Tonight, toast to the end of your trip with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 12 : Lisbon - Tour Ends
Location: Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say adeus (goodbye) to Portugal and the Azores as you depart this coastal paradise.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
-
Drinks with Meals
(non-alcoholic)
-
Fully Guided
-
Meals – Half Board
-
Train Tickets
(if train occurs once tour starts and before tour ends – i.e. not airport transfers)
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
Airport Transfers at Destination
-
Country Entry Visas
Experiences
- Traverse the entire rim of the Sete Cidades caldera and gaze upon the twin lakes from Lagoa do Canario viewpoint.
- Spend 3 nights in the eco-friendly lava stone houses of Aldeia da Fonte, Pico Island.
Check out our Q&As
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes.
-
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Yes. Baggage is limited to 1 checked bag and 1 carry per person.
-
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes, an experienced Tour Manager, with the passion for travel, discovery and the destination - will guide you through your journey from start to finish,
-
Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes.
-
Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Primarily, yes. All of the coaches used must meet rigourous safety and cleanliness standards.
-
Are flights included in this tour?
No.
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
We can accommodate children as young as 5 years old, provided they are traveling / rooming with a parent or legal guardian.
-
Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes, most likely. Our tours draw travelers from the United States, Canada and Australia, predominatly.
-
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Yes, it varies by tour.
-
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes, you will receive full information within the weeks leading up to your departure.
-
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, with few exception.
-
Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Effective immediately and until further notice, all guests will be required to bring one of the following: proof of vaccination (official vaccination certificate in paper or electronic form), proof of recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result (FDA Approved diagnostic) for a test performed 72-hours or less from the start date of the tour with you on tour to verify information you will be pr
-
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, our Customer Care center would be happy to help.
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No, unless you purchase and land and air package from Collette.
-
What currencies are required for this tour?
Local currency.
-
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Absolutley. Out tours are crafted with that in mind – striking a balance between included experiences and time to explore on your own.
-
What is the tipping policy?
Igratuities for included meals and accommodation housekeeping are included. It is customary to tip you Tour Manager and driver at the end of the tour.
-
Do you require a visa for this holiday?
That will vary by country of residence and country destination.
-
What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Varies by tour, but typically thjey are 4* / 4*+, and an occaissional 5*
-
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Varies by tour.
-
What is the maximum group size?
Varies by tour.
-
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No, the fees associated with required Visa’s are an additional expense.
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Collette requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of collette charges.
Up to 300 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."