Aspects of the Azores

Fly from London to Lisbon, then transfer to Terceira and check in to the Terceira Mar Hotel for two nights.

Embark on a full-day tour of Terceira Island today. Witness the Monte Brasil Nature Reserve and its volcano, the majestic mountains of Serra do Cume and the seaside town of Praia da Vitória, among other stops. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, before continuing the tour. This afternoon’s highlights include the Algar do Carvão Natural Reserve, an atmospheric cave formed from lava spills; the colourful pools of Biscoitos, set among the volcanic rocks; and Cinco Ribeiras, where you’ll stop for a cheese tasting. Return to Angra do Heroísmo.
(B, L)

Enjoy a short, guided tour of Angra do Heroismo this morning. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city was once a key port of call for ships bringing gold and silver from the Americas and spices from the East. Today it’s known for its Renaissance architecture, elaborate churches and cobbled streets. Visit the Sé Cathedral, the largest church in the Azores; the elaborate Town Hall; the Baroque-era Convent of São Gonçalo; and the picturesque bay. Later on, transfer to the airport for your flight to Faial Island, where you’ll be met by a local driver to go to your hotel. If flight times allow, there may be time for a whale-watching trip (on request, pre bookable); the Azores are home to 24 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises, and there are frequent sightings here. Dinner at a local restaurant is included this evening. Two nights in the Hotel do Canal.
(B, D)

Transfer to Horta harbour this morning to board the boat to nearby Pico Island. This is the second-largest isle in the Azores, and the home of Portugal’s tallest mountain, Mount Pico. Visit capital Madalena and see the island’s UNESCO-listed Landscape of Vineyards. Afterwards, explore the House of Traditional Embroidery, then stop at Lajes do Pico, home to Pico Island’s oldest port. After free time for lunch, you’ll visit the Whalers Musuem to learn more about the whaling history in the Azores. Continue on to Lagoa do Capitão, a spectacular lake offering exceptional views of Mount Pico Pass the town of São Roque and explore the rugged, scenic coastline of Arcos do Cachorro, marked out by its arches, caves and rock pools Return to Faial Island by boat. (B)

Take a guided tour of Faial Island today. Along the way, you’ll stop at various scenic viewpoints and take in the Caldeira, a sprawling volcanic crater that spans over a mile wide and is now a protected nature reserve. Witness the wild coastline of the Ponta Furada and see the Capelinhos Volcano, formed from an eruption under the sea. Visit the Interpretation Centre here to learn more, before marvelling over the natural pools of Varadouro. Transfer to the airport for a short flight to São Miguel Island. On arrival, you’ll be transported to Hotel Marina Atlantico for three nights, the rest of the day at leisure.
(B)

Head out on a full-day tour of São Miguel this morning. You’ll explore the Furnas Valley, the heart of the island’s geothermal activity, where boiling calderas sit between steaming hot springs and geysers. Visit a tea plantation in the valley, before stopping at Terra Nostra Park, where you’ll have the chance to bathe in the thermal pools. Enjoy lunch at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, then explore the scenic region of Nordeste, known for its rushing waterfalls, mountain peaks and craggy coastline. Take a walk in the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park , where tumbling falls meet fragrant cedar forest, with hiking trails aplenty. Return to Ponta Delgada.
(B,L)

You’ll have another full day in São Miguel today. Start your tour with a sip of home-made liqueur at a local pineapple plantation. Continue on to explore the caldera landscape of Sete Cidades. You’ll stop at various lookouts along the way; expect panoramic views of the kaleidoscopic Lagoa de Santiago and its lush surroundings. Pass through the idyllic coastal towns of Capelas, Calhetas and Fenais, before reaching Ribeira Grande , the island’s largest city. Enjoy some free time to explore the city and its historic architecture, including the Baroque Church of São Pedro . Lunch is at leisure. Afterwards, you’ll drive to the peak of Pico da Barrosa for panoramic views over Lagoa do Fogo, an aqua-blue crater lake set between lush slopes. Return to Ponta Delgada.
(B)

Transfer to Ponta Delgada airport today for your flight back to London.
(B)