Explore the ancient world of volcanoes on foot. Track the origins of São Miguel, Pico and Faial Islands and experience some of the thermal springs and nature at its finest. This is a package that lets you explore some of the best trails in the Azores, such as the rim of Sete Cidades volcanic complex or the Pico Island vineyards, classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO. This is a package for hikers!
Summary
- Day 1 | Arrival
- Day 2 | Hiking in Sete Cidades (FD)
- Day 3 | Thematic tour to Furnas (FD)
- Day 4 | Whale and dolphin watching and hiking in Lagoa do Fogo (FD)
- Day 5 | Hiking in Capelinhos and Horta city tour (FD)
- Day 6 | Hiking in Caminhos de Santa Luzia (FD)
- Day 7 | Hiking in Caminho dos Burros (FD)
- Day 8 | Departure
Itinerary
Day 1 - Sao Miguel Island
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free day.
Day 2 - Sao Miguel Island
Pick up at the hotel. Hiking in Sete Cidades. Picnic lunch included. Return to the hotel. Hiking in Sete Cidades - Full day Extension: 11 Km | Duration: 4 hours | Degree of difficulty: Easy Explore the West side of São Miguel. Sete Cidades lake is one of the most famous and legendary lakes of the island. During the 11 km long hike you will have the opportunity to learn about the fauna, flora, history, volcanic formation of the island, and of course, you will hear the legendary love story behind the formation of the lake. After the walk we will drive along the south coast and stop in Ferraria, a delightful ocean bathing area, where the salt water is heated inside a volcanic fissure.
Day 3 - Sao Miguel Island
Pick up at the hotel. Thematic tour to Furnas. “Cozido” lunch included. Return to the hotel. Thematic Tour to Furnas (van + walking) - Full day On this tour we feel and experience the volcanic origins of the Island in Furnas, a magical place. We start by visiting the Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas (Furnas Lake Calderas), a place where we cook the famous “cozido das Furnas” (a very special meal cooked only with the steam of the Earth) and continue with a soft walk that crosses a stream and circles the lakeside. During this walk we have the opportunity to appreciate a variety of endemic flora species. Next we visit the town of Furnas, with its fumaroles and hot springs that contain water with different tastes. The Cozido meal is served in a local restaurant. After lunch we visit the centenary Terra Nostra botanical garden that is famous for its extraordinary collection of native plants on the Azores, as well as others from all over the world that have adapted to the local garden conditions. At the end of the visit you are invited to bathe in an iron-rich hot water swimming pool that has a temperature of 35-40ºC, an exquisite experience! On the way back to Ponta Delgada we stop at several beautiful viewpoints on the North Coast and also at the only tea plantation in Europe where we will be able to visit the working tea factory and have a lovely break to taste the tea.
Day 4 - Sao Miguel Island
Pick up at the hotel. Whale and dolphin watching (3 hour trip) and hiking in Lagoa do Fogo. Lunch included. Return to the hotel. Whale and Dolphin watching - Half day During this activity you will have the opportunity to watch some of more than 25 cetacean species that can be found in the Azores. Although nature offers no guarantees, whales and dolphins are regularly seen during our half day tours, along with turtles, seabirds and other marine life. Before the boat trip our biologists give you a briefing to explain which cetacean species can be observed, safety measures aboard, how we respect the animals and rules of observation at sea as well as some historical facts. During the tour each passenger is required to wear a life vest (except on our catamaran). Futurismo also provides rain coats and trousers if necessary. After the activity pick up at the marina and lunch in a local restaurant. Transfer to Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint where we will start our afternoon hike. We invite you to enjoy nature at its best in Lagoa do Fogo’s natural reserve. After the hike we will drive you to Caldeira Velha (hot waterfall with bath possibility). Hiking in Lagoa do Fogo – Half day Extension: 12 Km | Duration: 2 hours | Degree of difficulty: Medium Fogo lake is one of the most beautiful lakes of São Miguel island and one of the best naturally preserved throughout the years. From one of its viewpoints it is possible to descend to the margin of the lake, following a dirt path. Once we are at the bottom we can walk along the peculiar white sand of pumice stone and even swim in this lake of volcanic origin. On the way back up, we take the same trail. This trail is not recommended for people with knee or ankle problems.
Day 5 – Sao Miguel / Faial Island
Transfer from the hotel to Ponta Delgada airport and departure to Faial Island. Pick up at the airport and hiking in Capelinhos and Horta city tour. Lunch included. Boat trip to Pico Island (20 minutes) and transfer to the hotel. Hiking in Capelinhos and Horta City Tour - Full day Extension: 7 Km | Duration: 3 Hours | Degree of difficulty: Medium Drive by jeep or van towards Caldeira, a big volcanic crater with beautiful views over the sea and Pico Island too. Short drive to Capelinhos Volcano and its surrounding area. The endemic vegetation is amazingly well preserved and it’s a constant during the trip. Once we reach the area affected by the eruption, we will visit the volcano’s interpretation centre and go up to the lighthouse, from where we will have a very wide view over all the new part of the island which was added by the last eruption of 1957. The views over the black volcanic rocks and sand are extremely beautiful, contrasting with the deep blue of the ocean. After the visit we will have our lunch. In the afternoon we continue our tour in Horta city and visit the famous Marina and Peter’s Cafe.
Day 6 - Pico Island
Pick up at the hotel. Hiking in Caminhos de Santa Luzia. Picnic lunch included. Return to the hotel. Hiking in Caminhos de Santa Luzia - Full day Extension: 10.5 Km | Duration: 3.5 Hours | Degree of difficulty: Medium This hike takes place in Santa Luzia and goes through some of the Pico Island vineyards which are classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Along the hike, you will notice some marks of the old horse wagons that were used to transport the wine that was produced there, as well as some interesting geological phenomena. The visit to a local alembic and to the Wine Museum complete the day.
Day 7 - Pico Island
Pick up at the hotel. Hiking in Caminho dos Burros. Picnic lunch included. Return to the hotel. Hiking in Caminhos dos Burros – Full day Extension: 11.2 Km | Duration: 4.5 Hours | Degree of diffictuly: Medium This trail starts in Pico’s “Planalto Central” area (Pico’s Central Plateau) and goes slightly downhill as we go from the south to the north of the island. The endemic vegetation is present throughout most of the walk featuring impressively sized specimens. Reaching Prainha’s Forest Park we will have a break for our picnic lunch and also some free time to visit the park. Continuing the hike, we go down a bit more until we reach “Baía das Canas” in the coast where the trail ends. Possibility of swimming in a natural bay.
Day 8 Departure
Free day. Transfer from the hotel to the airport and departure.
Highlights
- Hiking around the crater of Sete Cidades
- Tasting the famous Furnas “Cozido” cooked only with steam of the earth
- Watching some of the 25 cetacean species that can be found in the Azores
- Hiking in the landscape of the Pico island vineyard culture, classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO
Included
- 4 nights in Sao Miguel
- 3 nights Hotel in Pico
- Inter island flights: Sao Miguel | Faial
- Transfers hotel | airport / harbor / hotel
- Transfers to the activities
- Boat trip Faial | Pico
- English speaking guide
- Lunch on the full day activities
Not Included
- International flights
- Lunch on days 1 and 8
- Dinners
- Optional activities
Guides
Our guides speak a variety of languages so that we can offer our guests a more personalized service. Languages spoken include English, Portuguese, German, Dutch, French, Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Scandinavian languages, Bulgarian and Estonian.
Meals
- Picnic lunch on days 2, 6 and 7 – baguette sandwich or salad, cupcake or energy bar, fruit, water and juice
- Cozido lunch on day 3 – starter, Cozido, dessert and drinks included. Cozido contains: beef, chicken, pork, spicy sausage, blood sausage, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrot, cabbage, green kale. All cooked during 6 hours with natural steam only
- Lunch in local restaurant on days 4 and 5 – starter, fish or beef, dessert and drinks included
*Vegetarian options on request (24h before the trip)
Recommendations
Bring comfortable light clothes, sweater, raincoat, walking boots or shoes, swimming suit and towel, hat, sunblock, backpack and bottle of water to refill.
Note
The weather or sea conditions may restrict the activities therefore the order of the itinerary may be switched so that guests can take the most enjoyment of their trip.
Comfort Hotels
Ponta Delgada - Hotel Apartamentos Gaivota
Located in the center of Ponta Delgada and next to Portas Do Mar, this hotel offers panoramic views of the marina right in the capital of the Azores Archipelago.
All rooms at Hotel Apartamentos Gaivota have hardwood floors and elegant furnishings. Each of the air conditioned rooms features a cable TV, and a minibar.
Guests can enjoy their breakfast in the privacy of their room, while using the free internet. The hotel is surrounded by restaurants and cafés with terraces. Packed lunches are also available.
The ocean pools of Ponta Delgada and the city's public pools are less than 165 ft away. Ponta Delgada Airport is 2 miles away, and the hotel offers a car rental service on site.
Madalena - Hotel Caravelas
Located on Madalena’s waterfront, Caravelas is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on 3 sides and overlooks Faial Island. It features an outdoor pool, a 24-hour front desk, and car rental.
The air conditioned rooms at Hotel Caravelas open out onto private balconies with views of the ocean or Pico Mountain. All rooms include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar, and a private bathroom.
Guests can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast at the restaurant of the hotel, or discover the many cafés that surround the property, serving traditional Azorean specialties. The in-house bar offers soft drinks and the renowned Pico Wine.
Boutique Hotels
Madalena - Hotel Caravelas
Located on Madalena’s waterfront, Caravelas is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on 3 sides and overlooks Faial Island. It features an outdoor pool, a 24-hour front desk, and car rental.
The air conditioned rooms at Hotel Caravelas open out onto private balconies with views of the ocean or Pico Mountain. All rooms include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar, and a private bathroom.
Guests can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast at the restaurant of the hotel, or discover the many cafés that surround the property, serving traditional Azorean specialties. The in-house bar offers soft drinks and the renowned Pico Wine.
Ponta Delgada - Hotel Do Colegio
Hotel Do Colegio offers accommodations in Ponta Delgada. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant.
Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and is equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Some units include a sitting area for your convenience. Each room comes with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer.
There is a 24-hour front desk at the property.
The nearest airport is João Paulo II Airport, 1.2 miles from the property.
Superior Hotels
Ponta Delgada - Azor Hotel
Featuring 123 rooms overlooking the Atlantic, the Azor Hotel is a lively and modern hotel with an outdoor swimming pool located in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel.
Each modern room is equipped with air conditioning, soundproofing, a minibar and a flat-screen cable TV. Private bathrooms come with a bath or shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Guest may enjoy a revitalizing breakfast every morning and the À Terra restaurant serves a varied à la carte menu with typical delicacies. In the evening guests may relax at the on-site bar.
Spa and Wellness facilities as well as a conference centre will be opening soon. Taking advantage of the natural surroundings of the São Miguel Island, a great variety of outdoor adventures and local experiences may be arranged.
Within a 15-minute walk, guests will find landmarks like São Brás Fort and São Sebastião Mother Church. Sete Cidades Lagoon is 15.5 miles away and Ponta Delgada Airport is 4.7 miles away.
Premier Hotels
Madalena - Hotel Caravelas
Located on Madalena’s waterfront, Caravelas is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on 3 sides and overlooks Faial Island. It features an outdoor pool, a 24-hour front desk, and car rental.
The air conditioned rooms at Hotel Caravelas open out onto private balconies with views of the ocean or Pico Mountain. All rooms include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar, and a private bathroom.
Guests can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast at the restaurant of the hotel, or discover the many cafés that surround the property, serving traditional Azorean specialties. The in-house bar offers soft drinks and the renowned Pico Wine.
Booking your vacation
- 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 Vacation 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 $200 per
person per vacation is required to book and hold space for you
- Final payment is due 45 days before departure
- Option to pay full price up front is available
Cancellation Policy - Land Portion
- $200 per person if canceled up to 45 days from day of
departure
- 25% of total reservation if canceled 15 to 45 days from day
of departure
- 50% of reservation if canceled 7 to 14 days from day of
departure
- No refunds if canceled less than 7 days or less from date
of departure
Cancellation Policy - Airfare
- Airfare cancellation terms and conditions will be provided to you before ticket is booked
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- Click on the Request Quote button to send your reservation request
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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
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