This customizable 15-day Azores tour connects five of the archipelago's most distinctive islands: Flores, Faial, Pico, Terceira and São Miguel. Hotels, inter-island flights, the Faial–Pico ferry and scheduled transfers are arranged in advance, while private driver-guides lead the principal island tours.
Begin amid the crater lakes, waterfalls and green valleys of Flores before continuing to Horta on Faial. Cross the channel to Pico for volcanic landscapes, maritime heritage and the UNESCO-listed vineyard culture. On Terceira, explore Angra do Heroísmo and the island's volcanic interior, then finish on São Miguel with guided visits to Furnas, Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo.
Several free days create a relaxed pace and allow time for independent sightseeing or optional seasonal excursions. The program can be tailored to your preferred dates and travel requirements, subject to hotel, flight, ferry and guide availability.
Is this package right for you?
This itinerary is designed for independent travelers who want the convenience of a guided multi-island vacation without joining a fixed escorted group. It suits couples, families and small private parties who prefer hotels, inter-island transportation, transfers and key sightseeing arranged before departure.
The pace is comfortable, with several full-day vehicle tours balanced by free days in Flores, Faial, Terceira and São Miguel. Travelers should be able to manage airports, ferry terminals, hotel changes, steps and short walks on uneven volcanic ground.
Most sightseeing is provided privately, but the Flores tour and some airport transfers may be shared because local transportation and guide availability are limited. This distinction should be acceptable to anyone booking the program.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 — Arrive on Flores; transfer to Santa Cruz
Day 2 — Full-day guided Flores Island tour
Day 3 — Free day on Flores; optional Corvo excursion
Day 4 — Fly from Flores to Faial; transfer to Horta
Day 5 — Half-day guided Faial Island tour
Day 6 — Ferry to Pico and full-day guided island tour
Day 7 — Free day on Faial
Day 8 — Fly from Faial to Terceira; transfer to Angra do Heroísmo
Day 9 — Full-day guided Terceira Island tour
Day 10 — Free day in Angra do Heroísmo
Day 11 — Fly from Terceira to São Miguel; transfer to Ponta Delgada
Day 12 — Full-day guided Furnas tour
Day 13 — Full-day guided Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo tour
Day 14 — Free day on São Miguel
Day 15 — Airport transfer and departure
Day-by-day itinerary
Flight and ferry schedules, weather and local operating requirements may change the order of islands or activities. The descriptions below show the planned itinerary.
Day 1 — Flores Island — Arrival
Arrive at Flores Airport in Santa Cruz and meet the local representative for your transfer to the hotel. You will stay on Flores for three nights. The remainder of the day is free to settle in and begin exploring independently.
Day 2 — Flores Island — Full-day island tour
Meet your driver-guide for a full-day exploration of Flores. The planned route introduces the island's crater lakes, high waterfalls, green valleys and dramatic western coast, with viewpoints near Ribeira da Cruz, Fajãzinha and Fajã Grande.
Continue to Rocha dos Bordões, where vertical basalt columns form one of Flores' most recognizable geological landmarks, and stop at additional viewpoints as weather and road conditions permit. Lunch and entrance fees are not included. The Flores tour may operate as a shared rather than private service.
Day 3 — Flores Island — Free day or optional Corvo excursion
Enjoy a free day on Flores. When seasonal schedules, sea conditions and availability permit, you may arrange an optional boat excursion to Corvo, the smallest island in the Azores. The Corvo excursion (zodiac type of boat) is not included and should not be considered guaranteed.
Day 4 — Flores to Faial
Transfer to Flores Airport for the inter-island flight to Faial. On arrival, meet the local representative and transfer to your hotel in Horta, where you will stay for four nights.
The remainder of the day is free to explore Horta's historic center, marina and waterfront. Flight times and pickup arrangements will be confirmed locally.
Day 5 — Faial Island — Half-day island tour
Travel with your private driver-guide through the island's interior toward the Faial Caldeira, a vast volcanic crater surrounded by protected natural scenery. Continue to Capelinhos on the western coast, where the 1957–58 eruption reshaped the island and created a stark landscape of volcanic ash and rock.
The remainder of the day is free after returning to Horta. Entrance to the Capelinhos interpretation center is not included unless specifically confirmed in your quotation.
Day 6 — Pico Island — Full-day guided tour
Transfer to Horta harbor and take the approximately 30-minute ferry across the channel to Madalena on Pico. Meet your private driver-guide for a full-day tour of the island beneath Pico Mountain, Portugal's highest peak.
Discover Pico's black-stone villages, maritime heritage and vineyard landscape, whose traditional plots and lava-stone walls are recognized by UNESCO. Lunch and entrance fees are not included. Return by ferry to Faial and transfer to the hotel.
Day 7 — Faial Island — Free day
Enjoy a free day in Horta. You may explore the marina, visit local museums, relax at the waterfront or request an additional activity. A seasonal ferry excursion to São Jorge may be possible, but it is not included and depends on schedules, sea conditions and availability.
Day 8 — Faial to Terceira
Transfer to Horta Airport for the flight to Terceira. On arrival, meet the local representative and transfer to your hotel in Angra do Heroísmo, where you will stay for three nights.
The balance of the day is free to begin exploring the UNESCO-listed historic center, its harbor and the streets surrounding the old town.
Day 9 — Terceira Island — Full-day island tour
Set out with your private driver-guide for a full-day tour of Terceira. Follow the south coast through traditional communities toward Praia da Vitória, with stops that may include Porto Judeu and São Sebastião.
Continue through the volcanic interior to Serra do Cume for broad views across Terceira's patchwork fields. Depending on operating schedules and local conditions, the route may also include Algar do Carvão and the natural lava pools at Biscoitos. Lunch and entrance fees are not included.
Day 10 — Terceira Island — Free day
Spend the day exploring Angra do Heroísmo independently. Walk through its historic streets, visit local churches and museums, or travel to Monte Brasil for panoramic views and walking paths above the city.
Day 11 — Terceira to São Miguel
Transfer to the airport for the inter-island flight to São Miguel. Meet the local representative on arrival and transfer to your hotel in Ponta Delgada, where you will stay for four nights.
The remainder of the day is free to explore the historic center, waterfront and marina.
Day 12 — São Miguel — Full-day Furnas tour
Travel with your private driver-guide along São Miguel's south coast toward the Furnas Valley. Visit the lake and geothermal areas where the traditional cozido stew is cooked underground using volcanic heat.
Continue to the town of Furnas and Terra Nostra Park, where you may visit the botanical gardens and bathe in the iron-rich thermal pool. Lunch and entrance fees are not included. The return route crosses the island toward the north coast and includes a stop at a tea plantation before returning to Ponta Delgada.
Day 13 — São Miguel — Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo
Meet your private driver-guide for a full-day tour of western and central São Miguel. Travel to the Sete Cidades volcanic complex for views over its crater lakes and descend toward the lakeside village as conditions permit.
Continue through the island with stops that may include a pineapple plantation, Ribeira Grande, Caldeira Velha (entrance fee to visit only or bathe not included) and Lagoa do Fogo, one of São Miguel's most important protected crater lakes. A picnic lunch is included. Access and routing may change because of weather, seasonal traffic controls or local restrictions.
Day 14 — São Miguel — Free day
Enjoy a free day in Ponta Delgada or request an additional experience elsewhere on São Miguel. Options may include independent sightseeing, a food experience, whale watching or additional guided touring, subject to availability and additional cost.
Day 15 — São Miguel — Departure
Check out of the hotel and enjoy free time according to your flight schedule. Transfer to the airport for departure. The confirmed pickup time will be provided locally.
What's included
Please note
The itinerary and order of islands may change because of inter-island flight schedules, weather or local operating conditions.
Guided sightseeing is private unless otherwise stated. Airport transfers and the Flores tour may operate as shared services because of limited local transportation and guide availability.
Optional visits to Corvo or São Jorge are not included and depend on seasonal ferry schedules, weather and availability.
Included
14 nights' accommodation
Daily breakfast
Inter-island flights from Flores to Faial, Faial to Terceira, and Terceira to São Miguel
Round-trip ferry tickets between Faial and Pico
Airport, hotel and harbor transfers as described in the itinerary
English-speaking driver-guides for scheduled sightseeing
Full-day Flores Island tour
Half-day Faial Island tour, including the Caldeira and Capelinhos area
Full-day Pico Island tour
Full-day Terceira Island tour
Full-day Furnas tour on São Miguel
Full-day Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo tour with picnic lunch
Hotel service charges
Complimentary crate of local products on São Miguel
24-hour assistance during the trip
Not included
International flights to and from the Azores; ask us to include airfare in your quotation
Meals other than breakfast
Caldeira velha entrance fee for visit only or bathing not included (FD Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo)
Entrance fees unless specifically stated as included
Optional excursions to Corvo or São Jorge
Municipal tourist taxes payable directly at hotel check-in
Day Tour duration
Full-day tours: 7–8 hours
Half-day tours: 3–4 hours
Exact duration for individual tour stops varies.
Optional entrance fees
Entrance fees may be up to 17 Euro per person, subject to change.
Entrance fees are not included unless specifically stated in the itinerary.
Meals
Lunches and dinners are not included, allowing you to choose local restaurants along the route.
What to bring
Bring comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing and a waterproof jacket. Pack swimwear and a towel if you plan to use thermal pools or natural swimming areas. Iron-rich thermal water may stain light-colored swimwear.
Optional Corvo island tour
The ocean crossing Corvo–Flores–Corvo is normally operated by rigid inflatable boat, commonly known as a RIB boat or Zodiac. This tour operation depends on seasonal schedules, sea conditions, weather and availability. You may contact us to include it in your itinerary
Dates & rates
Understanding the rates
Hotel Package Category
Available hotel categories vary by package. The categories below are the ones currently offered for this itinerary.
Comfort
Well-located 4-star hotels
Strong balance of comfort and value
Ideal for most travelers
Superior
Higher-end 4-star hotels, sometimes including 5-star properties
Enhanced comfort, location, or services
Ideal for a more refined experience
Exact hotels and star ratings vary by itinerary, travel dates, and availability.
Hotel Notes
Each package has a hotel summary description. For detailed information, please visit the hotel's official webpage online.
For specific hotel or ocean-view room preference, please notify us when filing your booking form. Additional charges may apply.
Pousada Forte da Horta (Faial) will be closed until March 31. Hotel Azoris Faial Garden will be booked as alternative.
Alternative hotel accommodation will be provided for triple rooms, as not all properties offer this specific room type.
Room Rate Type
Solo = Person traveling alone
Single = Person staying in a single room and sharing tour services with others in travel party
Note: Hotels shown are for reference only. We reserve the right to change hotels based on availability, group size or other factors. Should an alternate hotel be required, it will be of the same or a better rating.
Comfort Hotels
Angra do Heroismo - Hotel Cruzeiro
Hotel Cruzeiro is an option for travelers who would rather stay near Angra do Heroísmo's historic streets than outside town. The hotel is within walking distance of landmarks such as the cathedral and Praça Velha, making an independent stroll easy to fit around guided or self-drive days on Terceira. Its restaurant, bar and parking are useful additions for a town-based stay; parking availability should be checked for the dates of travel.
Horta - Hotel Horta
Hotel Horta places travelers in Horta on Faial, a useful starting point for exploring the island's volcanic scenery and waterfront town. Views toward Pico are part of the property's appeal, alongside its garden, outdoor pool and restaurant. Travelers planning time in Horta as well as excursions to sites such as Caldeira and Capelinhos may appreciate this balance of town access and hotel amenities. Not every room necessarily has the same outlook.
Santa Cruz das Flores - Hotel Ocidental
Hotel Ocidental offers fine accommodation in Santa Cruz das Flores. The city center is 10 minute walking distance from the hotel. The property offers 36 guestrooms appointed with climate control, cable TV, a balcony and direct dial phone. Restaurante Rosa are situated in a natural area, about 1000 meters from the venue. The hotel enjoys an ideal location within 5 minutes' drive from Santa Cruz airport.
Ponta Delgada - Hotel Ponta Delgada
Hotel Ponta Delgada is a straightforward choice for travelers who want to stay in São Miguel's main city rather than at a rural resort. Central Ponta Delgada is accessible from the hotel, and the airport is a relatively short drive away—useful when a vacation involves inter-island flights. The indoor pool, restaurant and sauna are practical extras, but the main reason to consider this hotel is its city-based location.
Superior Hotels
Flores - Ocean Cliff Hotel
Ocean Cliff Hotel on Flores faces the Atlantic toward Corvo Island. Renovated spaces, a swimming pool and a restaurant make it a different style of stay from a simple town-based hotel. Its coastal setting suits travelers who want time to appreciate Flores's scenery between excursions to the island's lakes and waterfalls. The Corvo outlook is a feature of the property, not a promise of the view from every room.
Angra do Heroísmo - Pousada Castelo de S. Sebastiao
Pousada Castelo de S. Sebastião is set within a historic coastal fortress in Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira. It offers a markedly different stay from a standard city hotel, with sea-facing surroundings and views toward Monte Brasil from some accommodations. Guests have access to the property's pools and restaurant between visits to Angra's UNESCO-listed historic center and other parts of Terceira. Sea views and private terraces depend on the room booked.
Horta - Pousada Forte da Horta
Pousada Forte da Horta gives a stay on Faial a memorable setting: a historic fortress overlooking Horta Bay and Pico Island. The building's history and waterfront outlook distinguish it from a conventional town hotel. Guests can spend time in Horta between island excursions and return to the on-site restaurant or pool. Marina-facing rooms are available in some categories, but specific views depend on the room assigned.
Ponta Delgada - Vila Gale Collection S. Miguel
Vila Galé Collection S. Miguel occupies a restored historic building in central Ponta Delgada on São Miguel. The city location suits travelers who want time to explore Ponta Delgada independently as well as join excursions around the island. The hotel’s pools, dining and wellness facilities also provide options for quieter time between excursions.
Booking & policies
Booking Your Trip
While prices are shown in USA dollars, we can also charge in Euros at the prevailing currency conversion daily rate.
Early booking is advised. Availability of accommodations and inter-island flight is limited especially in summer months.
If hotels named in itinerary are not available at time of booking, alternate similar same rating properties will be confirmed, and subject to new quote.
Order of islands visited may need to be altered due to flight schedule changes.
Unless otherwise indicated, sightseeing tours are by private car with English speaking driver. Other languages are available upon request.
Quotations with different hotels have a non refundable deposit of $50. Deposit will be credited towards final booking price.
Booking Your Trip With Air
International airfare for this package is additional to price shown on Rates table. Departure cities are limited to those serviced by SATA International (Azores Airlines).
If you want a quote for airfare to be included make sure to check yes when prompted during the booking/reservation request process.
Booking Conditions
A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $350 per person is required to book and hold both land and air for you.
Final payment is due 50 days before departure.
Option to pay full price up front is available.
Cancellation Policy - Land Portion
Full-payment minus the $350 deposit per person is refunded if canceled up to 50 days prior departure.
75% of full-payment paid per person if refunded if cancelled 49-39 days prior departure.
50% of full-payment paid per person is refunded if canceled 38-31 days prior departure.
No refunds if canceled less than 30 days prior departure.
Cancellation Policy - Airfare
Airfare cancellation terms and conditions are those of the Airlines company and will be provided to you before ticket is booked.
Refund Fees
On any payments made via a bank credit card, a 3.9% bank credit card assessed fee will be subtracted from any refunded payment, including deposits refunded due to services requested not available for date of booking.
I Want To Book. What Do I Do Next?
Click on the Request pricing button to send your reservation request.
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Our travel Associate will contact you via email to answer any questions and book your Package.
If you don't plan to book at this time please click here to contact us with any questions or concerns about your trip or your holiday.
Booking Changes
A fee of $35 per person, per transaction, will be charged
for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking
is confirmed.
If the change increases the value of the booking, the $35
per person fee will be waived.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend you purchase travel/cancellation
insurance.
Common questions about this package
Is this a private guided Azores tour?
Most scheduled sightseeing is provided by private car with an English-speaking driver-guide. The Flores tour and some airport transfers may be shared because transportation and guide availability are limited on the island.
Can this five-island itinerary be customized?
Yes. The itinerary can be adjusted to your travel dates and requirements, subject to hotel, inter-island flight, ferry, vehicle and guide availability. Changes may require a revised quotation.
Are the inter-island flights and Pico ferry included?
Yes. The package includes the scheduled flights from Flores to Faial, Faial to Terceira and Terceira to São Miguel, plus round-trip ferry tickets between Faial and Pico. International airfare is not included but can be requested with your quotation.
Are the Corvo and São Jorge excursions included?
No. These are optional possibilities during free days and are not part of the package price. Operation depends on seasonal schedules, weather, sea conditions and availability.
Will the islands always be visited in this order?
Not necessarily. Inter-island flight schedules and local operating requirements may require the order of islands or sightseeing days to change. The confirmed arrangements will preserve the principal services in your quotation whenever possible.
How much walking is involved?
This is primarily a vehicle-based sightseeing program rather than a hiking tour. You should nevertheless be comfortable walking through historic centers, viewpoints, gardens, ferry terminals and airports, sometimes on steps or uneven volcanic surfaces.
Are lunches and entrance fees included?
Daily breakfast and the picnic lunch on the Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo tour are included. Other lunches, dinners and entrance fees are not included unless specifically shown in your confirmed quotation.
What is the difference between Comfort and Superior hotels?
Comfort packages generally use tourist-class four-star hotels and may include first-class three-star properties on smaller islands. Superior packages use first-class four-star lodging. Named hotels remain subject to availability, and a comparable property may be substituted.
The people behind your Azores vacation
Planning support from Azores travel specialists
Our travel team helps travelers plan island combinations, hotel choices, inter-island connections and local arrangements. Ask us how this itinerary can be adapted to your travel dates and preferences.
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To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
Required for the website to work properly and cannot be switched off.
Preferences
Allows the website to remember choices and settings that improve your experience.
Statistics
Helps us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve its performance and content.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
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