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
- Day 1 |Arrival to Faial island. Free rest of the day.
- Day 2 |City Tour and Van tour Faial (FD)
- Day 3 |Hiking Caminho dos Burros ( Pico Island FD)
- Day 4 |Hiking around the Crater (HD). Free rest of the day.
- Day 5 |Flight Faial to Sao Miguel Island. Free rest of the day.
- Day 6 |Thematic tour to Furnas (FD)
- Day 7 |Hiking in Serra Devassa (Sete Cidades -HD)
- Day 8 |Whale watching (HD)
- Day 9 |Hiking in Faial da Terra + Van Tour Nordeste (FD)
- Day 10 |Hiking Lagoa do Fogo (FD)
- Day 11 |Free Day
- Day 12 |Transfer out for departure.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Faial Island
Arrival to Faial Island and transfer to the Hotel where you will be staying 4 nights. Rest of the day free.
Day 2 - Faial Island
Pick up at the hotel. Horta City Tour and Van tour- 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 center, if opened. Return to the hotel.
Day 3 - Pico Island
Pick up at the hotel and transfer to Horta Harbor. 30 minutes ferry trip to Pico, a guide will be waiting for at Madalena do Pico Harbor to start your Hiking in Caminho dos Burros- Full Day. Extension: 11.2 Km | Duration: 4.5 Hours | Level: 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 depending on weather/Ocean conditions. Meal included The tour will end at Madalena do Pico Harbor and ferry trip back to Faial (30 minutes). Arriving to Horta Harbor, a guide will be waiting to transfer you back to the Hotel.
Day 4 - Faial Island
Pick up at the hotel for Hiking Faial Crater- Half Day Extension: 6.8 Km/3.7miles | Duration: 4.5 Hours | Level: Medium. This round trail that is part of the Natural Reserve of Faial, with 2Km/ 1.24miles diameter, had its origin with several eruptions with periods of dormancy during 400 thousand years. The trail is 840-1040 meters high (2755ft to3412ft). By the beginning of the trail, there's a small tunnel to cross and the crater will be welcoming on the other side. Return to the hotel and free afternoon.
Day 5 -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 rest of the day.
Day 6 -Sao Miguel island
Pick up at the hotel. Thematic Tour to Furnas- Full day Van + walking. During the tour starting by the south part of the island, there will be a passage thru innumerous 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 famous "cozido das Furnas" ( several vegetables and meats) is cooked underground 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 7 -Sao Miguel island
Pick up at the hotel. Hiking in Serra Devassa, Sete Cidades complex - Half day This is a beautiful hike to the volcanic complex of Sete Cidades will take you thru a path of serenity and beauty of the lakes, aqueducts and waterfalls. Meal included. Return to the hotel.
Day 8 - Sao Miguel island
Please note that pickup at the Hotel is not included on this day. 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 9 - Sao Miguel island
Pick up at the hotel. Hiking Faial da Terra and Van tour to Nordeste- Full day. Extension: 10.4km/6.46 miles | Level: Easy | Duration 7 hours. On this day, there's a hike and a van tour to relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape of this side of the island. Starting with a hike thru a hidden settlement in the mountain and the waterfall Salto do Prego. A view over the old whalers harbor and the colorful small boats and end at Ponta do Sossego. Meal included. Return to the hotel.
Day 10 - Sao Miguel island
Pick up at the hotel. 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 11 - Sao Miguel island
Free day
Day 12 - Sao Miguel island
Transfer out and departure