Description
This small getaway of 6 nights is a perfect way to get to know as much as you can from two islands in a short time not feeling rushed. The guides will take you to the right places and share information about history, fauna and Flora on each place.
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 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/Sao Miguel/ Full day 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 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 Sao Miguel dominates. 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 Fire Lake
After meeting your driver/guide in the hotel lobby, you'll be taken to the crater of the youngest volcano and highest lake in 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's possible on Day 6 to make a combo Full day Sete Cidades and Fire Lake, leaving Day 4 free after the flight from Faial.
