The Azores Jewels of Portugal

From $4,199.00 CAD

Enter an untouched paradise on an adventure through the Azores, the archipelago gems of Portugal. Explore the 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 home-hosted meal during your stay on São Miguel Island. Encounter the volcanic ash-covered landscape of the Capelinhos Volcano. From thermal pools and lush craters to local farms and volcanic cuisine, delve into the culture of Portuguese island life.

View Itinerary

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

  • Encounter the striking scenery of Capelinhos Volcano’s ash hills.
  • Venture to Sete Cidades caldera’s highest point and gaze upon the twin lakes.
  • Descend into Algar do Carvao, an ancient lava tube, with a local expert.
  • Swim in natural volcanic pools.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

  • Experience a truly unique cozido das furnas lunch in Furnas valley.
  • Enjoy a home-hosted meal at a village in the São Miguel Island.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

  • Explore colorful Horta Marina and its importance to sailors crossing the Atlantic.
  • On São Miguel, learn about traditional basket weaving from local artisans.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:
  • 13 Days
  • 12 Nights
Meals:
  • 11 Breakfasts
  • 1 Lunch
  • 6 Dinners
1768310
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Itinerary

  1. Overnight Flight

    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.”

    Accommodation: Vila Gale Collection São Miguel

  2. Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Açores

    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. Relax and explore as you wish, perhaps sit along the seaside promenade and breathe in the mild air of the Atlantic.

    Accommodation: Vila Gale Collection São Miguel

  3. Ponta Delgada

    Get to know Ponta Delgada, the capital city of São Miguel, on a morning walking tour of the area. This afternoon, take a ride up to Sete Cidades caldera’s highest point and discover some of Mother Nature’s finest work: the twin blue and green lakes that make up this caldera and are explained by local legend: They are apparently the tears of star-crossed lovers, a green-eyed princess and a blue-eyed shepherd. This evening, celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

    Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
    Accommodation: Vila Gale Collection São Miguel

  4. São Miguel

    Start the day with a visit to one of the few remaining basket weavers on the island. Learn how willow basket making has evolved and how this father-son enterprise has kept this traditional craft alive. Then, it’s your choice! Enjoy the thermal waters at the Terra Nostra pool,* built in the 18th century by the American consul to the Azores -OR- embark on a guided visit to the organic paradise that is the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. For lunch, enjoy a traditional cozido das furnas meal, where your food is cooked in the earth’s volcanic heat. Later, continue to the green fields of a nearby tea plantation to learn about this unique crop before an evening of leisure in São Miguel.

    Meal included: Breakfast & Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel do Canal

  5. São Miguel

    Today enjoy a full free day to explore São Miguel at your own pace. Perhaps you will take to the waves on an optional** ocean excursion to watch for whales and dolphins, followed by a lunch at a local restaurant. Regardless of how you choose to spend your day, gather tonight for a home-hosted dinner at a local village.

    Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel do Canal

  6. São Miguel - Horta, Faial

    Say bom dia (good morning) to Faial with a walking tour of Horta. Its marina and painted murals are a testament to the island’s importance to the sailors who have visited the island on voyages crossing the Atlantic. Later, encounter the volcanic vitality of Faial when you take in the surrounding rocky landscape and ash hills with a fascinating visit to the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre.

    Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
    Accommodation: Zenite Boutique Hotel & Spa

  7. Faial

    The day is yours to enjoy on your own and relax on Faial Island! You may also consider joining an optional tour to Pico*** to encounter the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture (UNESCO) and explore this scarcely populated island’s scenery, a sublime mixture of lava rock and exotic vegetation, during a walk along Lagoa do Capitao.

    Meal included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Zenite Boutique Hotel & Spa

  8. Faial - Angra do Heroismo, Terceira

    Board your flight to Terceira and say hello to the colorful capital of Angra do Heroismo (UNESCO) with a local guide. Restored in traditional style, the city features white facades and vibrant trims. Learn about the Holy Ghost Chapels, known locally as Imperios, and customs surrounding this tradition. Tonight, get a taste of the culture at a local restaurant.

    Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
    Accommodation: Zenite Boutique Hotel & Spa

  9. Terceira

    Start your day with a swim* in the natural volcanic pools of Biscoitos. Later, on your way to Algar do Carvao, stop at Serra do Cume viewpoint where views of the agricultural fields and their neat orderly stone walls will take your breath away. At Algar do Carvao, the “Cavern of Coal,” feel the quiet stillness as you descend into this ancient lava tube. Enjoy the evening exploring Angra do Heroismo as you wish.

    Meal included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Bessa Hotel Liberdade

  10. Terceira

    Today, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may choose to join an optional tour to the western side of Terceira in the morning, sipping coffee at an organic coffee plantation and tasting locally grown bananas along the way and ending at a family-owned cheese factory for a light lunch made up of local products. End the day at a petiscos home-hosted dining experience.

    Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
    Accommodation: Bessa Hotel Liberdade

  11. Terceira - Lisbon

    Say farewell to the Azores archipelago as you head to Lisbon in continental Europe. Lisbon, known as the city of the seven hills, and the starting point of many of its 15th century explorations, was also the departure point of many of its immigrants that crossed the Atlantic searching for a better life.

    Meal included: Breakfast

  12. Lisbon

    Start your morning with a panoramic tour of Belem. See the imposing 16th century Jeronimos Monastery and the Belem Tower, a fortress built to protect Lisbon and later used as a prison. Join a special tour exploring the grandeur of the Ajuda National Palace, once a royal residence of King Luís I. Then return to downtown Lisbon and enjoy some free time before you gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

    Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner

  13. Lisbon - Tour Ends

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

    Meal included: Breakfast

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