Summary
Short description
Explore the very best of the Azores' history, gastronomy and spectacular natural world
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Highlights
- Let expert-led tours introduce you to the Azores' volcanic beauty
- Take in the islands' rich history at ancient churches and fascinating museums
- Explore the Azores' rich and varies gastronomy with included lunches and tastings
- Spend days at leisure, enjoying leisurely coastal strolls and beachside relaxtion
In Brief
- 1 Night Ponta Delgada
- 2 Nights Terceira
- 2 Nights Horta
- 1 Night Angra do Heroísmo
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Air bridge holidays | Food & wine | History & culture | Natural world
Often referred to as the Hawaii of the Atlantic, the islands of the Azores bubble and sizzle with volcanic pools and smoking calderas, as spectacular cliff-framed coastlines set the scene for pretty villages seemingly untouched by time. On this weeklong tour, you’ll explore three of the islands – São Miguel, Faial and Terceira – with included excursions that bring you between the Azores’ rich history and magnificent natural world. You’ll also take in the islands’ delightfully varied gastronomy, with the likes of tea tastings, wine tours and delicious lunches showcasing everything from slow-cooked steaks to stews prepared in underground volcanic ovens.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Fly to São Miguel
With included airport lounge access, you’ll start your holiday in style before your flight out to the Azores island of São Miguel. Then, on arrival, a private transfer will whisk you to your hotel in Ponta Delgada for a 3-night stay. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the city on foot. Located close to the Botanical Gardens and with views out over the city and the island’s southern coast, it’s a wonderful base from which to explore. Spend the rest of the day exploring the museums and churches of the historic centre before returning to the hotel’s sauna, Jacuzzi and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Stay: Grand Hotel Azores Atlantico, Ponta Delgada (Superior)
Days
2-3
Terceira
A full day on São Miguel sees you to the beautiful Sete Cidades lakes, stopping along the way to take in the views from the Vista do Rei. Then, after calling in to a pineapple plantation en route back to Ponta Delgada, you’ll board a flight to the island of Terceira, the setting for the next day’s jeep tour. This full-day adventure brings you to the island’s rural heart, tracing the coastline for spectacular Atlantic views before calling at the village of Biscoitos, where you’ll see how the local wine is made and, if you like, milk a cow. Then, for lunch, you’ll head to a nearby restaurant to try deliciously slow-cooked Alcatra beef before ending the day at the volcanic pit of Algar do Carvão. Lunch is included on day three only.
Stay: Azoris Angra Garden Hotel (Superior)
Meals: L
Day
4
Journey to Faial Island and Exploring Horta
Day 4 involves a transfer from Ponta Delgada to the airport for a short flight to Faial Island. Upon arrival, guests are
transferred to their hotel in Horta, the capital of Faial Island, for a 2-night stay.
Horta, known as the "City of Sailors," offers:
A cosmopolitan feel with a mix of colonial and modern architecture
A waterfront pedestrian lane and avenue with cafes, restaurants, and shops
Superb views over the neighboring island of Pico and Mount Pico
A colourful marina with murals and artwork left by sailors from around the world
Recommended visits include:
Horta's Museum: housed in the former Colégio dos Jesuitas, displaying pieces relating to Faial's history from
the 16th century to present day
Peter's Scrimshaw Museum: located in the iconic Peter Café Sport, housing the largest private Scrimshaw
collection in the world
Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight stay is at the hotel in Horta.
Day
5
Full Day Tour of Faial Island
Day 5 features a full day tour of Faial Island, known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes. The tour includes:
Visit to the iconic Capelinhos Volcano, site of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores
Exploration of the Caldeira, a vast volcanic crater in the center of the island
Panoramic views from Nossa Senhora da Conceição viewpoint
A delicious lunch featuring traditional Faial Island dishes (included)
Visit to the serene Fajã coastal area
Walk amongst the volcanic paths of the Capelinhos Volcano
End at Monte da Guia, offering views of Horta Bay and Porto Pim Beach
For dinner (not included), a recommendation is made for Genuíno Restaurant, owned by the first Portuguese man
to sail the world solo, offering great food and views over Porto Pim beach.
Overnight stay is at the hotel in Horta.
1 Morning Exploration
Start the day with a visit to the Capelinhos Volcano and the Caldeira, experiencing Faial's dramatic
volcanic landscapes.
2 Scenic Views
Enjoy panoramic views from Nossa Senhora da Conceição viewpoint over the city of Horta.
3 Traditional Lunch
Savour a delicious lunch featuring traditional Faial Island dishes and drinks.
4 Coastal Beauty
Explore the serene Fajã coastal area and walk amongst the volcanic paths of Capelinhos Volcano.
5 Sunset at Monte da Guia
End the tour at Monte da Guia, taking in views of Horta Bay and Porto Pim Beach as the day
concludes.
Day
6
Journey to Terceira Island and Exploring Angra do Heroísmo
Day 6 involves a transfer from Horta to the airport for a short flight to Terceira Island. Upon arrival, guests are
transferred to their hotel in Angra do Heroísmo for a 3-night stay.
Angra do Heroísmo, founded in the 16th century, was the first place in the Azores to be made a city and classified
as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The day includes:
A 3-hour walking guided tour through the charming cobblestone streets of Angra do Heroísmo
Exploration of the city's heritage, traditions, and culture
Recommendations to visit in Angra do Heroísmo (not included):
Sé Cathedral (16th century): a masterpiece of Mannerist architecture
Misericórdia Church (16th century): known for its intricate stone carvings
Alto da Memória Viewpoint (19th century): offering panoramic views of the city
Garden Duque de Bragança (19th century): a romantic garden with pathways, grottos, and fountains
Duque de Bragança Farmers Market: a bustling hub of local life
Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight stay is at the hotel in Angra do Heroísmo.
Day
7
Depart for UK
This morning, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
7-day tailor-made holiday
from £1,705 pp incl. flights
Superior
01 Nov 2024 - 31 Mar 2025
from £1,705 pp. incl. flights
01 - 30 Apr / 07 - 31 Oct 2025
from £1,940 pp. incl. flights
01 May - 06 Oct 2025
from £2,190 pp. incl. flights
Includes:
- Complimentary access to UK departure airport VIP lounge
- 8 nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels with daily buffet breakfast
- Private 3h30 walking food tour in Ponta Delgada city with English speaking guide (Including: taste local specialties (8 foods, tea, 2 drinks). NO transportation included between Htl/meeting point).
- Private Full day tour Azores Faial Island with lunch including drinks with English speaking driver-guide (09h00-17h00)
- Private 3 hours walking tour in Angra do Heroismo city with English speaking guide. Not included: entrances in monuments. On Mondays most of the churches and monuments are closed.
- Private transfers between hotels and airports
Optional tours are available at additional cost. Flights between islands, entrance fees, most meals, and other charges are not included in the package price.
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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