Tour Overview
Please note that this package can be customized to meet your travel schedule and requirements. You may either add your changes to the comments section of the Book Now form or contact us to request your changes.
7 Days, 6 Nights. Take a private guided tour around these two islands and get to know the best they have to offer.
São Miguel Island in the Azores is a great Azores destination known for its stunning natural beauty, including volcanic landscapes, lush greenery, and beautiful crater lakes. Visitors can explore picturesque towns, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and relax in hot springs. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike scenic trails, whale watch, or even swim with dolphins. With its unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural wonders, São Miguel Island offers a truly unforgettable experience for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path paradise. Ponta Delgada city, the vibrant capital city of the Azores archipelago, is a captivating tourist destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty with rich history and culture. The city boasts a charming historic center filled with cobbled streets, elegant squares, and beautiful churches. Visitors can wander through the bustling market of Mercado da Graça, sample local delicacies at traditional restaurants, and admire the ornate architecture of landmarks like the Portas da Cidade.
Faial Island is a captivating tourist destination known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich maritime heritage. Visitors can explore the picturesque town of Horta with its colorful marina, visit the impressive Caldeira crater, and relax on beautiful sandy beaches. The island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails, whale watching opportunities, and world-class diving spots. Faial is also famous for its annual yachting events, attracting sailors from around the world. With its natural beauty, welcoming locals, and unique blend of adventure and relaxation, Faial Island promises an unforgettable Azorean experience. Horta city is a charming and picturesque tourist destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, maritime history, and vibrant culture. Visitors can stroll along the colorful marina adorned with painted sailboat murals, explore historic streets lined with traditional white houses, and visit the iconic Peter's Cafe Sport. The city's welcoming atmosphere, stunning views of Pico Mountain, and proximity to beautiful beaches make it a perfect base for exploring Faial Island. With its rich maritime heritage, lively cultural scene, and breathtaking scenery, Horta City is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Azorean experience.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Horta, Faial
Arrival transfer service from the airport to hotel. Spend 3 nights in Faial with breakfast included.
Day 2 - Full Day City Tour and Garden
Your driver/guide will meet you in the lobby to take you on a walk thru a city full of history and its Garden. Horta was once the strategic relay point for early trans-Atlantic cable communications between the U.S. and Europe. Modern technology now bypasses the old cable network. Since their discovery in the 14th century, the Azores Islands have played an important role as a staging and victualing point for ships crossing the Atlantic, an enviable location for nations with New World colonies. Today, Horta is famous for its yacht harbor, a haven for trans-Atlantic yachts and sailboats. Visiting crews paint the harbor walls with names and pictures of their vessels.
Day 3 - Half-Day Tour of Faial
Your driver/guide will meet you in the lobby for your half-day island tour. Depart the hotel on the mountain road overlooking the Valley of Flamengos, toward Caldeira, the highest point on the island. Continue north to Capelinhos, site of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores. This 1957-58 event added 2 square km to the island. Earthquakes and ash destroyed much of the west side of the island prompting many islanders to immigrate to North America. The elements are slowly eroding the ash. Continue the tour passing thru several villages and drop off at the hotel. Free afternoon to enjoy downtown.
Day 4 - Flight Faial to São Miguel and Half-Day Tour of Sete Cidades
Transfer service from your Horta hotel to the airport for the short flight to Sao Miguel, the largest and most geographically diverse of the islands. Upon arrival in Ponta Delgada your half day tour to the twin caldeira lakes of Sete Cidades starts. The view from "Vista do Rei" (King's View) high on the crater's rim is stunning. Far below, next to the lakes is the pretty village of Sete Cidades (Seven Cities, named for a mythical kingdom). Descend into the caldeira to visit the town. Brunch. Before returning to the hotel, stop at a pineapple plantation.
Day 5 - Full Day Tour of Furnas
Your driver/guide will pick you up at your hotel for your full day trip to Furnas. Just outside of Ponta Delgada, the rural life of São Miguel is prevalent. Depart along the south road passing the village of Lagoa for a viewpoint at Caloura. Continue to Vila Franca for a coffee break (not included). Upon arrival in the Furnas area, visit the lake and hot springs, and see the holes in the ground where meals are cooked by underground steam. Pots full of various meats, sausages, potatoes, and vegetables are steamed for 7 hours to produce "Cozidos nas Caldeiras" (Caldeira Stew). Continue to the charming town of Furnas for a lunch stop (lunch not included). Visit the beautiful botanical gardens established in the 18th century (entry fee not included) with the opportunity to swim in the hot springs swimming pool. Cross the island to the north coast, stopping for a fine view of both the south and north coasts from an interior highland. On the way, you will visit a tea plantation, the only one in Europe. Return to your hotel about 5:30pm.
Day 6 - Half-Day Tour of Lagoa do Fogo
After meeting your driver/guide in the hotel lobby, you'll be taken to the crater of the youngest volcano and highest lake on the island, Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake). Located in the center area of the island, you'll notice that vegetation is a bit different, it's a protected area since 1974 as a Natural Reserve. Drop off at the hotel and free afternoon.
Day 7 - Departure
Check out and transfer to the airport.
Note:
It is possible on Day 6 to make a combo Full day Sete Cidades and Fire Lake, leaving Day 4 free after the flight from Faial.