From CAD 3,250
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(19 reviews)
Experience Overview
Explore the Azores with an array of unique experiences, starting on Sao Miguel where you’ll taste fresh pineapple from greenhouses and enjoy a traditional volcanic stew. Sail to Pico Island for a glimpse into its volcanic past and a tasting at a local distillery. Hike around Horta and pay a visit to Capelinhos volcano, then wander its charming streets, discovering architectural gems and local culture. Relax with a famous G&T at Cafe Sport, a favourite haunt for sailors. This is the Portugal you never knew.
Highlights
- Savour the unique flavours of the Azores, like fresh pineapple straight from a greenhouse, traditional stew cooked underground by volcanic steam and Europe’s only home-grown tea.
- Sail through the stunning waters of the Azores, visiting Lagoa das Sete Cidades, which sits in a volcanic caldera. Discover the beauty of the islands from panoramic viewpoints and spend your free afternoons exploring local museums, biking or paddleboarding.
- Travel on a ferry to Pico Island, where you’ll learn about the island’s volcanic history at Arcos do Cachorro and taste local spirits at a family-owned distillery.
- Embrace the island’s natural wonders on a hike through Horta, followed by a visit to the Capelinhos volcano. Learn about its dramatic 1957 eruption at the volcano centre.
- Wander through the charming streets of Ponta Delgada and Horta on guided tours, where you’ll discover a mix of architectural styles and local culture. Unwind with a famous G&T at Cafe Sport – a legendary sailor’s haunt.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3186
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Plane,Ferry,Private vehicle,On foot,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: ZLSI
Starts: Sao Miguel Island / Ponta Delgada, Portugal
Finishes: Faial Island / Horta, Portugal
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6), Lunch (2),Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3250 (CAD 464 /day)
Itinerary
Ola! Welcome to Sao Miguel Island, the largest in the Azores. Affectionately nicknamed the ‘Green Island’, you can expect to be greeted by mountainous terrains and lush flora. Your island adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, perhaps wander along the seaside promenade of Ponta Delgada town, pick up a plate of bacalhau (dried and salted cod) at the farmer’s market in Mercado da Graca, or even sample some fresh seafood at the local restaurants.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Begin your day with a visit to Arruda’s Pineapple Plantation, located at Faja de Baixo. The delicious fruit can take up to two years to grow inside the glass greenhouses – but there might be an opportunity for you to snack on some during your visit. After, head along the south coast of the island towards Furnas volcano and witness the effects of volcanic activity. With your group, enjoy a delicious stew cooked underground with the steam from the volcano and then you’ll have the option to take a relaxing dip in a hot spring. Follow your leader to the Pico do Ferro viewpoint so you can experience the island from a new height. Take a break at the local tea plantation, where you can sample some of the only tea grown in Europe. Finish your tour of the island today at Miradouro de Santa Iria – a northern viewpoint that allows you to soak up its natural beauty.
Included Activities:
- Sao Miguel - Island Day Tour
- Sao Miguel - Arruda’s Pineapple Plantation at Faja de Baixo
- Sao Miguel - Cozido das Furnas Lunch
- Sao Miguel - Tea Plantation Visit & Tasting
- Sao Miguel - Miradouro do Pico do Ferro & Miradouro de Santa Iria
Optional Activities:
- Sao Miguel – Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas Geothermal Pool (3 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll visit Lagoa das Sete Cidades – a green freshwater lake nestled in a volcanic caldera. After, you’re free to explore the island on your own terms. If you’d like to learn about Azorean natural history then the Museu Carlos Machado is the place for you. The building sits in a 16th-century convent, which is as much of an attraction as the museum itself. If you want to stay outdoors, consider taking in your surroundings from a rented bike or paddleboard. You can also change things up with a visit to Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores. Wander the cobbled streets and admire the various architectural styles, and maybe try some local seafood when you get hungry.
Included Activities:
- Sao Miguel - Lagoa das Sete Cidades including transport and guide services
Optional Activities:
- Sao Miguel - Museu Carlos Machado (2 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a free morning before your early afternoon flight to Horta, Faial Island. This island is sometimes referred to as ‘Blue Island’ because of the iconic blue hydrangeas dotted all around that bloom during summer. When you arrive, your leader will explain all this and more on an orientation walk. The rest of the day is free to explore the port town of Horta. You can chill out on the seafront or perhaps call into Cafe Sport (aka Peter’s Bar) for a famous G&T. This watering hole was once a crucial post office and gossip stop for travelling sailors in a pre-internet era. For some, it still is.
Included Activities:
- Horta - Leader led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Hop on a ferry to Pico Island – the second- largest island in the Azores. Known as 'Black Island’ for its black volcanic earth, Pico is the proud home of UNESCO-designated vineyards that have played a major role in the community’s development. On your tour of the island, visit Arcos do Cachorro (lava tunnels), where you’ll learn more about its volcanic past. Then, call into a family-owned distillery for a tasting and discover their special techniques. Finish your tour at Criacao Velha for a stunning view of Pico's unique vineyards. After, you might like to head out for some optional whale watching. Up until 1980, the island supported a substantial whaling industry due to the deep waters of the surrounding Atlantic. Fortunately, the end of the industry means whale watching has become a popular activity for visitors. In the evening, return to Faial Island.
Included Activities:
- Pico Island - Criacao Velha Vineyards UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Pico Island - Arcos do Cachorro (Lava tunnels)
- Pico Island - Liqueur Tasting
- Pico Island - Day Trip
Optional Activities:
- Pico Island - Whale Watching Excursion (62 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Get your hiking boots on as you start the day on a walking trail in Horta. After, visit the island's resident volcano, Capelinhos. You’ll head to the volcano interpretation centre, as climbing up is not considered safe. Capelinhos last erupted in 1957 and changed the island permanently, adding an extra kilometre of land mass and blanketing the surrounding area with five metres of volcanic ash. You’ll learn more about this eruption and the most famous volcanoes in the world at the centre. For the rest of the day, you're free to explore as you wish.
Included Activities:
- Faial Island - Hike in Capelinhos Volcano area
- Faial Island - Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip will come to an end after breakfast. For those who wish to stay in the Azores, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Lisa - Traveled, October 2023
This is a great trip if you're looking for a beautiful location and a wide variety of activities. Monica was full of enthusiasm.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/17/2023
Jessica - Traveled, September 2023
Highly recommend this trip. Fast paced and worth every minute. Opt into the optional activities, they’re worth it. Such a great way to tour the Azores without having to think about the logistics, which can be tricky on your own.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2023
Sara - Traveled, August 2023
This is an amazing way to see many different aspects of the Azores. The natural beauty is breathtaking. This is a stress-free way to explore a unique and spectacular destination.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2023
Jessica - Traveled, July 2023
The Highlights of the Azores was a magical tour- perfect for my family's first Intrepid adventure. Our guide, Maria Craveiro, was outstanding! Her sense of adventure and enthusiasm for travel was infectious. In a week, we were able to sightsee, smell, taste, and feel the uniqueness of these islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with an eclectic group of folks from around the world. I am truly grateful for the experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2023
Karen - Traveled, July 2023
This trip exceeded all of my expectations. Our tour leader Maria was fantastic and made sure we had a wonderful trip to the Azores!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2023
Laura - Traveled, July 2023
This trip is a must! Especially in June,July, August. The islands are simply stunning. So much to see and do, yet at the same time it’s the most peaceful and wholesome trip I think I’ve ever been on. The gorgeous blue hydrangeas that cover the islands are simply breathtaking. The coastal islands of the island are stunning and the people are just so friendly and always willingly to help you! This trip was 10/10! :) book it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2023
Ryan - Traveled, July 2023
Our tour of the Azores was amazing! Our tour guide, Maria, was very approachable and knowledgeable, and very organized. She set the tone for the group and made sure we were all enjoying ourselves and getting what we wanted out of the experience. This was my first Intrepid tour and I am very impressed with how well it was coordinated and executed. There was a little bit of everything, which meant everyday was interesting. And the Azores are spectacular! I highly recommend this tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2023
Jessica - Traveled, July 2023
The Highlights of the Azores was a magical tour- perfect for my family's first Intrepid adventure. Our guide, Maria Craveiro, was outstanding! Her sense of adventure and enthusiasm for travel was infectious. In a week, we were able to sightsee, smell, taste, and feel the uniqueness of these islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with an eclectic group of folks from around the world. I am truly grateful for the experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2023
Karen - Traveled, July 2023
The Azores are a fascinating group of islands and this Intrepid tour is a great introduction to them. Our leader Maria made the trip a memorable experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/14/2023
Diana - Traveled, June 2023
What a great adventure with a great leader and group of individuals! Azores are stunning. Very well organized tour. Highly recommended for nature enthusiasts
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2023
Steven - Traveled, May 2023
Ana was great taking us around showing this hidden gem of Portugal. Would love to return and explore more
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2023
Danielle - Traveled, October 2022
Overall a great trip and amazing adventure. The accommodations were great, tours and activities fun and educational, and the food was amazing. Would definitely be happy to travel with Intrepid again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2022
Els - Traveled, October 2022
The Azores are stunning, and remote. They are for sure worth a visit. Traveling there on your own would involve renting a car and extensive planning. Intrepid offers a comfortable and informative introduction.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2022
Bianca - Traveled, October 2022
A great adventure! Experiences of the 4 islands are really varied and it’s a great way to discover the Azores
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2022
William - Traveled, September 2022
Sasha led us on a varied and extremely interesting tour of various highlights of the Azores. By van, ferry, small plane, and our own feet we visited thermal activity and magnificent calderas, plantations of pineapple, tea, vineries and coffee, various lovely ports and historic sites, fascinating eating and drinking establishments, and hiked from high mountain ridge through verdant slopes past wild goats and past grazing cattle down to the sea for a picnic before walking out a good trail over the forested lava remains.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2022
Robert - Traveled, September 2022
Our Azores adventure was amazing from start to finish. Sasha, our guide, was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and there was so much to explore and experience. I'd recommend this trip highly for anyone thinking about a trip to the Azores.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2022
Georgina - Traveled, September 2022
The Azores trip lead by Sasha did not disappoint. Beautiful scenery and many activities. Do bring good walking shoes and be prepared for a good level of physical activity.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/06/2022
Herman - Traveled, August 2022
I enjoyed my first visit to the Azores and having Vera as my tour leader! Our group got to know each other during long, leisurely dinners and while island-hopping. I liked the natural scenery and the towns where we stayed. Be prepared for a workout on the hike.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2022
Martha - Traveled, October 2021
I highly recommend this trip. Awesome destination and itinerary!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2021
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