11 Nights Faial,Pico and S. Miguel, Active

Tour Overview

Experience an active holiday and try hiking on the volcanic crater of Sete Cidades, bathing in a thermal natural pool in the midst of pure nature and visiting the landscape of the Pico Island vineyard culture, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Go on a whale watching tour and encounter a variety of marine wildlife, such as our resident sperm whales, common dolphins and bottle-nose dolphins. This is a package for a complete active experience!

Summary

Itinerary

Day 1 - Flight Sao Miguel to Faial Island

Arrival and flight to Faial island. Free day.

Day 2 - Faial Island

Pick up at the hotel. Horta city tour and Van tour on Faial Island- Full day. Get to know the history of the city, monuments, Marina and the famous Pete's cafe during the city and after lunch ( included) , a guide will show you the island in a van. Visit to Caldeira, a big volcanic crater with beautiful views over the sea and Pico Island, short passage thru Capelinhos, a volcano that erupted on 1957. Once we reach the area affected by the eruption, quick visit to the volcano’s interpretation centre, if opened. Return to the hotel.

Day 3 – Pico Island

Pick up at the hotel, transfer to the harbour and boat trip to Pico Island (30 minutes). Van tour in Pico island - Full day. Your guide will be waiting at Madalena do Pico Harbor, where the ferry will dock. All the most important places, monuments and museum are included on this full day tour. Lunch included. Drop off at the harbor, ferry to Faial, pick up and transfer to your hotel in Faial.

Day 4 - Flight Faial to S. Miguel Island

Transfer from the hotel to the airport and departure to Sao Miguel Island. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free day.

Day 5 - S. Miguel Island

Pick up at the hotel. Thematic Tour to Furnas (van + walking) - Full day .During the tour starting by the south part of the island, there will be a passage thru inumerous villages like Lagoa and Vila Franca do campo ( former Capital), viewpoint at Caloura. The first stop in Furnas will be at the Lake and where the fanous "cozido das Furnas" ( several vegetables and meats) is cooked undergrounf by the heat of the volcano), brief explanation about how its processed and how long it takes as well observe hot springs and fumerolles. Continue to the charming and unique Village of Furnas and stop for lunch at a local restaurant, the cozido. Please advise if there's any allergies or food restrictions. After lunch, stroll thru the historic Botanical Park Terra Nostra, planted in the 18th century with breathtaking views, there will be an opportunity for a small swim at their natural warm water pool, which yellow/brown color is due to the high level of iron (we advise used swimwear that you won't mind having stained). The tour will continue taking the North side of the island, stop at viewpoints and visit Europe's only tea plantation at Gorreana. Brief explanation how the tea is processed and opportunity to have a cup of tea. More villages will be seen on your way to the Hotel in Ponta Delgada. Drop off at the hotel.

Day 6 - Arrival to Sao Miguel

Pick up at the hotel. Hiking in Sete Cidades - Full day The tour will start with a drive by the south road with a picturesque view till Vista do Rei, the most famous viewpoint of Sete Cidades, where you can see the green and the blue lake. This is where the hike 8 km/+-5miles starts. The hike will go through the rim of Caldeira das Sete Cidades, on the right there will be Caldeira Seca, the parish and on the left, a view to the southwest coast of the island and its small villages. Stop for lunch/picnic by the lake and time to rest and enjoy the view. Return to Ponta Delgada and short tour at the Pineapple Plantion with an explanation on how this fruit is cultivated in the island. Drop off at the Hotel.

Day 7 - Sao Miguel island

There's no pick up. Meeting point is at the marina on the main avenue. 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). Dress accordingly to a sea trip. Return to the harbor and free afternoon. No return transfer.

Day 8 - Sao Miguel island

Pick up at the hotel. Hike Faial da Terra - Salto do Prego - Full Day Faial da Terra is a small village belonging to Povoacao, located in the South East of Sao Miguel Island. The hike starts on a steep narrow road that leads us to Sanguinho – a village that has been abandoned since the early 70’s and is now being restored. The rest of the trail is in the woods, with a lot of short up and down hill stretches between very dense and beautiful vegetation. This is really a walk in which you can “smell” all the green around you! Upon reaching Salto do Prego’s waterfall, we have the opportunity for a dip before our picnic lunch. On the way back we follow a different trail but with the same characteristics. When we finish the trail we have time for a snack in town and to mingle with the local people. This trail is not recommended for people with knee or ankle problems. Drop off at the hotel.

Day 9 - Sao Miguel island

Hiking Lagoa de Fogo ( Fire Lake)- Full day This hike will show different views and vegetation ending at a crater and highest Lake on the island, considered a Natural Reserve, Fire Lake- the youngest volcano of Sao Miguel. Stop for lunch/ picnic and continue the hike. drop off at the Hotel.

Day 10 - Sao Miguel island

Pick up at the hotel. Van tour to Nordeste - Full Day Located in the eastern-most part of the island, Nordeste is considered to be the most beautiful region in the island and it has already been considered to be the most flower-rich region in Europe. Stop at different viewpoints like Salto do Cavalo. Lunch included.

Day 11 - Sao Miguel island

Free day

Day 12 - Sao Miguel island

Transfer out 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
Visiting the vineyard culture landscape of Pico Island, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO

What's Included

Included

4 Nights Hotel in Faial
7 Nights Hotel in Sao Miguel
Interisland tickets Sao Miguel | Faial | Sao Miguel
Breakfast
Assistance
Transfers hotel | airport / harbor | hotel
Transfers to the activities
Boat trip Faial | Pico | Faial
English speaking guide
Lunch or picnic on the full day activities

Not Included

International flights
Dinners
Optional activities

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.

Dates & Rates

Choose a Package Type

For some packages you may be given a choice of different package types. They should be listed on the "Dates & Rates" tab

Superior/Premier – Includes first class 4-star lodging. EXCEPT in Flores Island if your package includes this island

Sea view rooms upgrade available in some hotels with supplement
Comfort/Standard – Includes 4-star tourist class lodging and standard rooms. May include first class 3-star lodging.
Each package has a Hotel small description. For more information please visit the Hotel's webpage directly

Room Type

Solo = Person traveling alone
Single = Person staying in a single room traveling with one or more persons. Single travelers share land services such as transfers and tours
Double = 2 Persons per room
Triple = 3 Persons per room

Rates are per person in US dollars
Rates don't include city taxes when applicable and must be paid directly to the hotel.
Package can start any day of the week and all year round.
Tours are provided in a Taxi up to 4 people. If you prefer a bigger vehicle, please let us know at the moment of the reservation for a new quote.
International flights are not included. Inter-Island flights are only included on the Multi-Islands packages and on the itinerary informed.
We don't book Seat Assignments. This service has an extra cost and needs to be done by the client with the airline directly after the tickets have been issued.
Private program, except in Flores Islands for the 5 Island Classic Tour
Day tours can be scheduled in a different order due to services organization.
Dates shown are for tour land departure. If you are taking an overnight flight to reach the tour departure city plan to book your flight one day earlier than date shown on table
Rates do include inter island Airfare as per the program.
Some Triple rooms can have the 3rd person on an extra bed that may not be too comfortable for an adult.

General

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 $350 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

$350 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

I want to book. What do I do next?

Click on the Request Quote button to send your reservation request
No payment will be collected at this time
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

Hotels

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.

Horta - Hotel Horta

Located in the old Azorean town of Horta, the newly-renovated Hotel Horta offers views of Pico Island. It features rooms with balconies, a large garden and an outdoor pool.

Horta’s rooms are decorated in neutral colors, and have wooden furniture. Each of the air-conditioned rooms has a cable TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer.

The hotel’s panoramic restaurant offers international and regional dishes. The bar and the lounge offer views of the outdoor pool, the pool bar and the garden.

Guests can rent a bicycle to explore the surrounding area. Horta is famous for the whale watching and the volcanoes of Capelinhos and Caldeira.

Horta Airport is 4.3 mi away, and the hotel provides free private parking on site.

Premier Hotels

Horta - Hotel do Canal

The 4-star Hotel do Canal is situated in Horta on Faial Island. It is just 100 meters from the beach and offers panoramic views of Pico Mountain and the bay.

Soundproofed rooms are bright and have modern wood furnishings. They come equipped with cable TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Free fresh fruit and a bottle of mineral water are in the room upon arrival.

A well-equipped fitness center and massage treatments are available at the hotel. There is also a sauna and a Turkish steam bath. Staff at the 24-hour reception desk can arrange car rental.

Guests can enjoy a coffee and newspaper in the bar which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Clipper Restaurant offers all-day dining and local specialties.

Hotel do Canal is just 10 minutes’ walk from the Horta Marina and is a 10-minute drive from Horta Airport. Free private parking is possible on site.

Ponta Delgada - Hotel Marina Atlantico

Hotel Marina Atlantico is in the center of Ponta Delgada overlooking the marina and the harbor. There is an indoor pool and the rooms are modernly furnished with cable TV.

The spacious, contemporary guest rooms at Hotel Marina Atlantico are air conditioned and fitted with a minibar. The private bathrooms feature complimentary bathroom amenities.

The on-site fitness centre is well-equipped and features flat-screen TVs. Guests can relax in Marina Atlantico’s sauna, steam bath or with a massage.

With views of the marina, the hotel’s Escuna Restaurant serves traditional Portuguese meals. Palhabote Bar on the ground floor has refreshing drinks and light snacks.

Marina Atlantico also has a full-service business center, a 24-hour front desk and a car rental service.

Ponta Delgada Airport is just 3 km away.