11 Nights Faial, Pico and São Miguel - Trek three great Azorean islands

Tour Overview

Summary

Experience an active holiday combining the best of the Azores! Hike the stunning volcanic crater of Sete Cidades, rejuvenate in a natural thermal pool surrounded by pristine nature, and explore the unique vineyard landscape of Pico Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enhance your experience with an exhilarating whale watching tour, where you'll have the chance to encounter diverse marine life, including resident sperm whales, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins. This package offers a truly comprehensive and active Azores adventure!

Day 1 | Arrival Faial island. Free rest of the day
Day 2 | Full -day city tour and van tour of Faial
Day 3 | Full-day hiking Caminho dos Burros
Day 4 | Half-day hiking around the Crater. Free rest of the day
Day 5 | Flight Faial / São Miguel. Free rest of the day
Day 6 | Full-day thematic van tour of Furnas
Day 7 | Half-day hiking in Serra Devassa (Sete Cidades)
Day 8 | Half-day whale watching
Day 9 | Full-day hiking Sanguinho
Day 10 | Full-day hiking Lagoa do Fogo (Fire lake)
Day 11 | Free Day
Day 12 | Departure

Itinerary

Faial Island

Arrival Faial island and transfer to the Hotel where you will be staying four nights. Rest of the day free to enjoy Horta sights.

Day 2 - Faial Island - Full-day City and Van Tour

The tour begins with hotel pickup for a full-day exploration of Horta, combining a city tour and a scenic van excursion. Discover the city's history, key monuments, the marina, and the famous Peter’s Café Sport. After an included lunch, continue by van to Caldeira, a vast volcanic crater offering breathtaking views of the sea and Pico Island. The journey then passes through Capelinhos, the site of the 1957 volcanic eruption, with a brief stop at the Volcano Interpretation Center (if open). The tour concludes with a return to the hotel.

Day 3 - Pico Island - Full-day Caminho dos Burros Hike

The tour begins with a hotel transfer to Horta Harbor for a 30-minute ferry ride to Pico. Upon arrival at Madalena do Pico Harbor, meet the hiking company at the terminal to start the full-day Caminho dos Burros hike. The trail begins in Pico’s Central Plateau (Planalto Central) and gently descends from south to north, passing through lush endemic vegetation with impressively sized specimens. A lunch break (meal not included) is planned at Prainha’s Forest Park. The hike continues downhill to Baía das Canas on the coast, where, weather permitting, there is an opportunity to swim in a natural bay. The tour concludes at Madalena do Pico Harbor, followed by a return ferry to Faial. Upon arrival at Horta Harbor, a guide will transfer you back to the hotel.

Day 4 - Faial Island - Half-day "Around-the-crater" Hike

The tour begins with a hotel transfer for a half-day hike around Faial Crater, part of the Faial Natural Reserve. This 2 km (1.24 miles) wide crater was formed by multiple eruptions over 400,000 years, with periods of dormancy. The trail sits at an elevation of 840–1,040 meters (2,755–3,412 ft) and starts with a short tunnel leading to breathtaking crater views. After the hike, return to the hotel and enjoy a free afternoon.

Day 5 - Faial to São Miguel Island

Transfer from the hotel to the airport for departure to São Miguel Island. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 6 - São Miguel island - Full-day Thematic Furnas Tour

The tour begins with a hotel pick-up and heads south, traversing picturesque villages such as Lagoa and Vila Franca do Campo (the former capital), with a scenic viewpoint at Caloura. Our initial stop in Furnas will be at the renowned lake, where you'll witness the unique preparation of the famous "Cozido das Furnas" – a traditional stew of various meats and vegetables cooked underground using geothermal heat. Gain insight into this fascinating cooking method, including the processing and cooking duration, and observe the area's natural hot springs and fumaroles. Continuing into the enchanting and distinctive Village of Furnas, we'll pause for a delightful lunch featuring the celebrated "Cozido" at a local restaurant. Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions you may have. Following lunch, we'll stroll through the historic Botanical Park Terra Nostra, established in the 18th century, offering breathtaking vistas. Here, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing dip in their natural warm water pool, known for its distinctive yellow-brown hue due to the high iron content (we recommend wearing swimwear you don't mind potentially staining). The tour then proceeds along the northern coast of the island, with stops at various viewpoints and a visit to the Gorreana tea plantation, the only one in Europe. Learn about the tea processing methods and savor a cup of freshly brewed tea. En route back to your hotel in Ponta Delgada, we'll pass through more charming villages. Finally, you'll be conveniently dropped off at your hotel.

Day 7 - São Miguel island - Half-day Sete Cidades Hike

The tour begins with a hotel pick-up and a half-day hike through the stunning Serra Devassa in Sete Cidades. This scenic trek will immerse you in the beauty of the volcanic complex, guiding you along a tranquil trail. Discover picturesque lakes, historic aqueducts, and cascading waterfalls. A meal is included in this invigorating experience. Upon completion, you will be returned to your hotel.

Day 8 - São Miguel island - Half-day Whale and Dolphin Watching

Please note that pickup at the Hotel is not included on this day. Meeting point is at the marina on the main avenue. Join a half-day adventure at sea, departing from the marina on the main avenue. This exciting activity offers the chance to observe some of the over 25 cetacean species that inhabit the Azores. While sightings are not guaranteed, whales and dolphins are frequently spotted on our tours, along with turtles, seabirds, and other marine life. Prior to the boat trip, our biologists will provide a briefing on the cetacean species you might encounter, safety procedures on board, our commitment to respecting marine animals and observation guidelines at sea, as well as some interesting historical facts. For your safety, all passengers are required to wear a life vest during the tour (except on our catamaran). Please dress appropriately for a sea excursion. The tour concludes back at the harbor, leaving you with a free afternoon to explore at your leisure. Please note that no return transfer is provided.

Day 9 - São Miguel island - Full-day Sanguinho Hike

After pick up at the hotel, embark on a full-day hike to Sanguinho, known for its distance from Ponta Delgada (approximately forty miles). The trail begins and ends in the parish of Faial da Terra, Povoação, and the hike itself will take about 3.5 hours. The name Sanguinho is derived from the endemic plant Frangula Azorica. This scenic hike leads to the breathtaking Salto do Prego waterfall, a highlight of the island. Enjoy a packed lunch and the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters. The return journey follows a parallel trail along the stream, with a stop in Vila da Povoação, the island's first settlement established in 1427. You will be returned to your hotel at the end of the day.

Day 10 - São Miguel island - Full-day Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake) Hike

Pick up at the hotel for a full-day hike to Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake). This trek offers diverse landscapes and vegetation, culminating at a volcanic crater housing the highest lake on the island, a designated natural reserve. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the hike. You will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel.

Day 11 - São Miguel island - Free Day

Free day to visit and enjoy Ponta Delgada or other preferred destination

Day 12 - São Miguel island

Transfer out and departure

What's Included

Note

The weather conditions may restrict activities. In such instances, the order of the itinerary may be switched so that guests can maximize trip enjoyment
Hikes are guided

Included

4 Night Accommodations in Faial
7 Night Accommodations in São Miguel
Daily breakfast
Lunch or picnic on some of the full-day tours
Airfare Faial/ São Miguel
Ferry tickets Faial/Pico/Faial
Airport, harbor, hotel and activities transfers
English speaking guides
Full-day city tour and tan tour, Faial
Full-day hike Caminho dos Burros, Pico
Half-day hike around the Crater, Faial
Full-day thematic van tour to Furnas, São Miguel
Half-day hiking in Serra Devassa and Sete Cidades, São Miguel
Half-day whale watching, São Miguel
Full-day hiking Sanguinho, São Miguel
Full-day hiking Lagoa do Fogo, São Miguel
24 Hour assistance
Complimentary food crate with local products (São Miguel only)

Not Included

International flights. Please contact us for a quote
Meals other than breakfast
Entrance fees to visited sites
City taxes (payable at hotel check-in)

Meals

Meals can be picnic or at a local restaurant
Vegetarian options and/or dietary restrictions need to be requested during the reservation process

Recommendations

Bring comfortable light clothes, sweater, raincoat, walking boots or shoes, swimming suit and towel, hat, sunblock, backpack and bottle of water to refill

Dates & Rates

Choose a Package Type

For some packages you may be given a choice of different Hotel Categories: Comfort and Superior, standard rooms.

Superior/Premier

Includes standard rooms, first class 4-star lodging with the exception of Flores Island if your package includes this island.
Each package has a hotel summary description. For more detailed information, please Google the hotel online.
In case you have a Hotel preference, please let us know if you have preference for sea view rooms when you send us your booking request. Seaview rooms have an additional charge.
Please note that Pousada Forte da Horta will be closed until March 31. You will be booked at Hotel Azoris Faial Garden with no price difference.

Comfort/Standard

Includes 4-star tourist class lodging and standard rooms. May include first class 3-star lodging in the smaller islands.
Sea view rooms upgrade available in some hotels with supplement.
Each package has a hotel summary description. For more detailed information, please Google the hotel online.

Room Type

Solo = Person traveling alone
Single = Person staying in a single room while traveling with others, sharing land services such as transfers and tours.
Double = 2 Persons per room
Triple = 3 Persons per room

Departure Date	Solo Comfort	Single Comfort	Double Comfort	Triple Comfort	Solo Superior	Single Superior	Double Superior	Triple Superior
3/27/2025 - 4/23/2025	$3554	$3182	$2204	$2120	$3182	$2809	$2379	$2229
4/24/2025 - 5/23/2025	$3554	$3182	$2204	$2120	$4650	$4278	$2581	$2411
5/24/2025 - 10/6/2025	$4093	$3721	$2581	$2384	$5035	$4663	$3088	$2886
10/7/2025 - 10/31/2025	$4093	$3721	$2581	$2384	$3182	$2809	$2408	$2296
11/1/2025 - 12/31/2025	$3189	$2817	$2001	$2798	Contact Us	Contact Us	Contact Us	Contact Us

For a Solo booking , package price is subject to change due to the minimum of persons required for the activities
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.
This is not a Private program.

International flights are not included

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.
Day tours can be scheduled in a different order due to services organization.
Dates shown are for tour land arrival. 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 Trip

While prices are shown in USA dollars, we can also charge in Euros at the prevailing currency conversion daily rate.
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 Trip 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 is required to book and hold both land and air for you.
Final payment is due 50 days before departure.
Option to pay full price up front is available.

Cancellation Policy - Land Portion

Full-payment minus the $350 deposit per person is refunded if canceled up to 50 days prior departure.
75% of full-payment paid per person if refunded if cancelled 49-39 days prior departure.
50% of full-payment paid per person is refunded if canceled 38-31 days prior departure.
No refunds if canceled less than 30 days prior departure.

Cancellation Policy - Airfare

Airfare cancellation terms and conditions are those of the Airlines company and will be provided to you before ticket is booked.

Refund Fees

On any payments made via a bank credit card, a 3.9% bank credit card assessed fee will be subtracted from any refunded payment, including deposits refunded due to services requested not available for date of booking.

I Want To Book. What Do I Do Next?

Click on the "Book Now" or "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

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.

Ponta Delgada - Hotel Ponta Delgada

Hotel Ponta Delgada (RNET 6591) is centrally located and only a 10-minute drive from the airport. Hotel Ponta Delgada features a family ambiance and comfortable furnishings. It features an indoor pool. Air-conditioned rooms all open out on to a private balcony and are fitted with double-glass windows. All rooms include a TV set with cable channels and private bathrooms with walk-in shower or bathtub. Free WiFi access is available in all areas of the hotel. The Ponta Delgada’s Baco Restaurant offers authentic cuisine from the Azores. The hotel’s bar has an esplanade, where guests can enjoy a refreshing drink or cocktail. Guests can stroll in the narrow streets of the city center. Alternatively, they can dip in the hot tub or relax in the on-site hammam and sauna.

Superior Hotels

Horta - Pousada Forte da Horta

Just an 8 minute walk from the beach, The Pousada Forte da Horta is set in a 16th century fortress with a view of Horta Bay and Pico island. This Pousada features air conditioned rooms, a swimming pool, and a regional restaurant. Most of the rooms offer a view of the marina. Classified as a National Monument since 1947, the Pousada Forte da Horta offers modern rooms with cable TV and a minibar. Each private bathroom is stocked with a hairdryer and bathrobe. A breakfast buffet is served daily on the poolside veranda terrace. Guests may taste fried pork, tuna and passion fruit pie in Pousada Forte da Horta’s restaurant. The swimming pool area is furnished with sun beds, tables and parasols. Indoors, there is a lounge with various seating areas and a bar with a piano. The 24-hour reception offers car rentals and free on-site parking. The Horta Airport is just 5.4 miles from the Pousada Forte da Horta.

Ponta Delgada - Vila Gale Collection S. Miguel

Located in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel island, the Vila Gale Collection S.Miguel provides superior accommodations, excellent restaurant, bar, sauna, swimming pool, kid's club and private parking.

The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WIFI, each with a private bathroom, and is at a short walking distance to the center of town.

All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Each room includes a safety deposit box, while certain rooms will provide you with a balcony. At Vila Gale Collection S.Miguel every room includes bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available every morning.

At Vila Gale Collection S.Miguel guests are welcome to use a sauna and a Turkish bath.

The attentive and professional reception staff speak English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, and are always on hand to help.