Description
9 Days, 8 Nights. Sao Miguel is the largest island of the archipelago with many hidden beautiful places. This is a comprehensive package built with the intention of having our clients returning home with the highest knowledge possible of Fauna, Flora and History of the island.
Itinerary:
Day 1- Arrival
Arrival and private transfer to the hotel. Free rest of the day
Day 2 - Full day City Tour and Fire Lake
Pick up at the hotel for a learning walk thru the city and its historical Monuments, churches and Fort, while experiencing a bit of the local city life. After lunch (not included), your guide will pick you up again for a half day tour to the Fire Lake. The Fire Lake is a crater lake located in the center of the island, with an unique vegetation for being the youngest volcano formed 15000 years ago. This lake has become a Natural reserve and habit for many birds and endemic plant species.
Day 3 - Full day Furnas
Your driver/guide will pick you up at your Hotel. Being one of the island's ex-libris famous for its geysers, fumaroles and different natural sources, this tour is a visit to a mystic Valley.
Outside of Ponta Delgada, the rural life dominates, along the road, the tour will go thru several villages and cities, like Vila Franca do Campo, Lagoa, Caloura and viewpoints. You'll notice when you're about to arrive to Furnas, the scenario changes into this green lush vegetation with traces of yellow ochre colors on the trees caused by the sulfur, and suddenly it opens up to a meadow and soon after, Furnas lake will be on your left.
Stop for a visit to the lake and 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). From the lake to charming town, it's a few minutes drive. Time for 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 4 -Free day
Take a break from being driven around and use this day to explore yourselves or request to book optional tours like: Half day whale watching, Half day swimming with dolphins, Half Day hiking tour etc. Please let us if you'd like optional tours, price will be an additional to the package.
Day 5 -Full day Sete Cidades
Meet your guide at the lobby. For this tour, we have prepared a brunch so you can fully enjoy the tour and eat by the lake. The Twin Lakes is one of the most famous lakes associated not just to the island but also to the Archipelago itself. From the belvedere "Vista do Rei" (King's View) high on the crater's rim with a view to the Lake and the pretty and unique village of Sete Cidades (Seven Cities, named for a mythical kingdom). Descending into to the caldeira, you'll be greeted by Hydrangeas (blooming season: June to September) and a bridge will welcome you into town. Before returning to Ponta Delgada, stop at a pineapple plantation. The Azores are not warm enough to grow pineapples in the open but they thrive in the greenhouses with careful cultivation methods. The pineapples are small but very sweet. Afternoon free in Ponta Delgada.
Day 6 - Full day Nordeste
Meet your guide at the lobby. This tour will take you to the North side of the island being the first stop at Miradouro de Santa Iria from where the volcano of Sete Cidades and the highest point of the island, Pico da Vara, can be seen. A few miles ahead, the volcano of Furnas and the village of Povoacao will be another beautiful scenario seen at Salto do Cavalo viewpoint. Next stop, it's an experience of what the first settlers back on 1432 had, with a touch of modernization in this village called Povoacao. Ponta do Sossego is beautiful well-tended garden surrounded by old mountains and ocean view. This time is a lighthouse from 1873 called "Farol do Arnel" that will welcome to the Village of Nordeste, village that is proud for its beautiful gardens, once winning the Gardens of Europe prize in 1994, now proudly displayed at the village's Town Hall. Lunch time ( lunch not included). To end this lovely day and before heading down back to the hotel, a walk thru the Natural Park of Ribeira dos Caldeiroes where again you'll feel immersed in gardens and waterfalls.
Day 8 - Free day
Take this last day on the island to rest before going home, last minute shopping or add any tour.Day 9 - Departure
Check out in the morning. You may request the hotel to store your luggage, if necessary. Your guide will meet you at the lobby and take you to the airport.
