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. 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.
Call (207) 623-4591 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17002434
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Offer
- Offer valid through 3/31/2023
- Duration
- 12 Days
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Sao Miguel | 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 | Sao Miguel | This is the Azores. A set of islands virtually untouched by urban development. Your adventure begins on SAo Miguel, the largest of the nine volcanic islands. Relax and explore as you wish, perhaps sit along the seaside promenade and breathe in the mild air of the Atlantic. |
| Day 3 | Sao Miguel | Get to know Ponta Delgada, the capital city of SAo Miguel, on a morning walking tour of the area. This afternoon, traverse the dirt paths to the island's highest point on an off-road adventure. Venture to Sete Cidades, the blue and green mirror lakes, where you will 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. Celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. |
| Day 4 | Sao Miguel | 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 SAo Miguel. |
| Day 5 | Sao 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. |
| Day 6 | Terceira | 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 | Say bom dia (good morning) to Faial, the "Blue Island" of the Azores. Encounter the volcanic vitality of Faial when you take in the rocky landscapes and the ash hills of the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Center. Peek into the daily life of Azoreans as you mingle amongst the locals and sample locally produced cheese at a local market. Make the most of an evening at leisure. |
| Day 8 | Faial | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | Say adeus (goodbye) to Portugal and the Azores as you depart this coastal paradise. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Lodging
- The Grand Hotel ACores AtlAntico, Ponta Delgada - Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal
- Zenite Boutique Hotel & Spa - Terceira, Azores, Portugal
- Hotel do Canal - Faial, Azores, Portugal
- Aldeia da Fonte Nature Hotel - Pico, Azores, Portugal
- Iberostar Lisboa - Lisbon, Portugal
- Disclaimer
- * NOTE: Tour prices are land only rates based on per person, double occupancy. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit. Certain taxes and fees are to be paid upon exiting the country in local currencies.
Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations.
