Summary
- Day 1 | Arrival
- Day 2 | Thematic tour to Furnas (FD)
- Day 3 | Whale and dolphin watching and Vila Franca Islet (FD)
- Day 4 | Adventure tour in Sete Cidades (FD)
- Day 5 | Swimming with dolphins (HD)
- Day 6 | Jeep safari to Lagoa do Fogo, north coast, Santa Bárbara beach and Gruta do Carvão (FD)
- Day 7 | Free Day
- Day 8 | Departure
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free day.Day 2
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 3
Pick up at the hotel. Whale and dolphin watching – 3 hour trip and visit to Vila Franca Islet. Lunch included. Return to the hotel. Whale and Dolphin watching and visit to Vila Franca islet– Full 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 full 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 3 hour tour we stop in Vila Franca do Campo to have lunch in a local restaurant. Then we board a converted traditional fishing boat and head to Vila Franca do Campo islet, a volcanic crater off the coast that encloses a natural lagoon. The islet is a natural reserve, so here you will be able to view the diversity of fish species that have been preserved due to this protection (masks and snorkels are provided). Transfer back to Ponta Delgada by boat or van.Note:
This activity is only available during the summer season due to the schedule of Vila Franca islet. The islet is typically open to the public between June 15th and September 15th. As an alternative we suggest a visit to Oficina Museu and the Pineapple Plantations or other activity arranged with the guest upon arrival.Day 4
Pick up at the hotel. Adventure tour in Sete Cidades. Picnic lunch included. Return to the hotel. Mountain bike tour and kayak in Sete Cidades adventure - Full day Explore the west side of São Miguel. Sete Cidades lake is one of the most famous and legendary lakes of the island. We will have time to go down to the bottom of the crater where we can ride a bike and paddle a kayak in the amazing lake of Sete Cidades. This is definitely the best way to enjoy Sete Cidades environment, feeling the amazing energy and beauty of the place. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed on the lake shore. In the afternoon we drive along the south coast and pass by Ferraria where we find a wonderful hot water bathing area that was created by the formation of a small crater and volcanic fissure from which the surrounding ocean water is heated. What a perfect way to end our adventurous day!Day 5
Pick up at the hotel. Swimming with dolphins (2h30). Free lunch and afternoon. Swimming with dolphins - Half day Imagine yourself floating in the deep blue ocean of the Atlantic, watching and hearing dolphins in their natural habitat. Learn more about the species, enjoy the ocean and find yourself on this invigorating trip! Before the trip we provide a general presentation about: the dolphin species, how to swim with dolphins responsibly in the wild, how to use a mask and snorkel, rules and how to behave around the dolphins and safety measures aboard.Day 6
Pick up at the hotel. Jeep safari to Lagoa do Fogo, north coast, Santa Bárbara beach and Gruta do Carvão. Lunch included. Return to the hotel. Jeep Safari to Lagoa do Fogo, North Coast, Santa Barbara beach and Gruta do Carvao - Full day In the morning we will visit Gruta do Carvao, the longest lava tunnel of Sao Miguel Island located in the western part of Ponta Delgada city. Lunch in a local restaurant in Lagoa city. During the afternoon you will enjoy nature at its best in this natural reserve, an amazing blue lake in a volcanic crater. The lake is one of the most beautiful in the Azores and one of the best naturally preserved throughout the years. After the stop in the lake, we drive you to Caldeira Velha (warm ironed waterfall with bath possibility) and Caldeiras where you can see some fumaroles. We finish our visit in Praia de Santa Barbara, an amazing black sand beach where you will have time for a dip.Day 7
Free day to do as you please.Day 8
Transfer from the hotel to the airport and departure. Highlights- Riding a mountain bike and paddling a kayak in the wonderful Sete Cidades Lake
- Watching some of the 25 cetacean species that can be found in the Azores
- Tasting the famous Furnas “Cozido”, cooked only with steam of the earth
- Swimming in the deep blue sea with wild dolphins.
