Welcome to the Azores!
Let’s explore and discover the natural wonder of the Azores together! This Portuguese archipelago has something to offer for each and every traveler. These nine islands are often being named the next best destination or greatest hidden gem and have been featured in Travel and Leisure, Jet Setter, CN Traveler, and the NY Times.
Join us on the tailor-made journey. You will experience what the best of the islands have to offer and so much more!
Join us on the tailor-made journey. You will experience what the best of the islands have to offer and so much more!
Terceira Island
Our first stop is Terceira Island. She's one of the stunning gems of the Azores archipelago, located in the North Atlantic Ocean. Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, it offers visitors a unique mix of natural beauty and human heritage.
Key Highlights of Terceira Island:
Key Highlights of Terceira Island:
- Angra do Heroísmo: This is the island’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture and historical significance. Strolling through its cobbled streets, you’ll find beautiful churches, forts, and museums.
- Algar do Carvão: A remarkable volcanic vent and cave, this natural monument is a must-visit for its unique underground formations, including stalactites and an underground lake.
- Monte Brasil: This extinct volcano, adjacent to Angra do Heroísmo, offers panoramic views of the island and is perfect for hiking and exploring its rich biodiversity.
- Cuisine: Terceira is known for its traditional dishes such as Alcatra, a slow-cooked beef stew, and a variety of fresh seafood. Pair these with the island's excellent local wines for a memorable culinary experience.
- Festivals and Traditions: Terceira is often called the "Festive Island" because of its lively events like bullfights (held in a unique Azorean style) and vibrant religious celebrations.
- Praia da Vitória: A picturesque town with a beautiful beach and marina, ideal for relaxing by the sea or enjoying water sports.
We'll keep it light on the first day as we'll be arriving on a red-eye and with the 4-hour ahead of US, we'll need to rest! We'll do a half-day city walking tour to get our legs moving as they may be restless from the flight.
Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and sample a local treat, the Dona Amélia tart! We'll see lots more on day 2.
Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and sample a local treat, the Dona Amélia tart! We'll see lots more on day 2.
Pico Island
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Pico is the second largest island of the Azores. Also known for their wine as you will see the actual vines/grapes grown within the lava rocks, which creates a unique microclimate! The grapes of verdelho wine are planted by the coastline and are protected by walls of black stone laid out in currais and curraletas (rectangular plots), which are one of the biggest stone networks built by man The unique nature of wine production which in Criação Velha and Santa Luzia led to recognition as a World
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We'll indulge in a traditional lunch followed by a liquor tasting. Sip sweet liquors made from local fruit such as fig or loquat produced on site at the family-run winery. Learn how the liquors are made and see relics from Pico’s past at the Adega’s charming museum.
After lunch, continue to the center of the island to the captivating Lagoa do Capitão, a lake at the foot of Pico Mountain. pause to take in the tranquil nature and perhaps feed the ducks that call the lake home. Drive through the contrasting landscape of the island featuring verdant hills and rugged black volcanic rock. Arrive in the village of Criação Velha and its traditional vineyards, declared UNESCO World Heritage. Stop for a photo at the beautifully maintained Moinho do Frade windmill with the mighty Pico Mountain behind you. Next, we head to the town of Madalena for a wine tasting at Pico wines.
Explore the history of winemaking in Pico and learn the secrets of the winery’s production on a guided tour, followed by a private tasting of award-winning white, rosé and red wines.
End the day with a very pleasant 30-minute journey across the water to our next island of Faial. We'll aboard the ferry to Horta (capital of the island).
After lunch, continue to the center of the island to the captivating Lagoa do Capitão, a lake at the foot of Pico Mountain. pause to take in the tranquil nature and perhaps feed the ducks that call the lake home. Drive through the contrasting landscape of the island featuring verdant hills and rugged black volcanic rock. Arrive in the village of Criação Velha and its traditional vineyards, declared UNESCO World Heritage. Stop for a photo at the beautifully maintained Moinho do Frade windmill with the mighty Pico Mountain behind you. Next, we head to the town of Madalena for a wine tasting at Pico wines.
Explore the history of winemaking in Pico and learn the secrets of the winery’s production on a guided tour, followed by a private tasting of award-winning white, rosé and red wines.
End the day with a very pleasant 30-minute journey across the water to our next island of Faial. We'll aboard the ferry to Horta (capital of the island).
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Faial Island
Faial known as the “blue” island due to their abundance in hydrangeas. Every year, this island bursts into bloom with thousands of these stunning flowers. They also have the main recreational marina in the Azores, which is one of the busiest and famous in the world! It is the linking point for international regattas.
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Capelinhos
This island was the last location of major volcanic activity in the Azores, when Capelinhos (volcano) erupted (1957-58), adding 1km of land to the island. We will visit this site , it’s interactive museum and marvel at the power of the eruption which engulfed a whole village in 5m of volcanic ash. This incredible area, resembling the surface of the moon, is in stark contrast to the hydrangea-lined lanes of the rest of the island. |
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São Jorge
São Jorge island is made up of more than 70 fajãs which symbolize the natural beauty and isolation that have dominated the history of the island and offer extraordinary and unique panoramic views. The peaks of Velha, Esperança and Areeiro have lookouts marked with signs that provide dazzling views over the coastline. This is also the only island at this time that produces coffee beans!
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Island is known for their cheese!
We'll visit to the largest cheese factory in São Jorge and see how the popular cheese of the island is produced. Sample the locally produced cheese and enjoy some time in the café / shop to purchase some Azorean goodies, including a wide variety of the emblematic cheese along with gourmet jams and handmade biscuits.
São Miguel
São Miguel is the largest island in the Portuguese Azores archipelago. Famous for it's volcanic landscape peppered with bubbling geysers, colorful flora and rich marine life, including whales and dolphins. The island’s highlights include the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades. To the east, is Furnas, with fumaroles and hot springs>
We'll visit the mystic valley of Furnas to the brilliant cascades of waterfalls in Nordeste. Not missing one of Portugal's Natural Wonder--Sete Cidades!
12-Days/11-Nights
Save my seat!
Double Occupancy --$4,299 (per person)
Single Occupancy -- $4,999
What’s Included:
What's Not Included:
If you'd like to extend your time on the island of Sao Miguel, contact Anna Soares for more information.
Space is very limited and this tour always sells out! Don't wait to save your seat!
Single Occupancy -- $4,999
- Deposit of $600 per person saves your seat (non-refundable) - balance due by April 1st, 2025
What’s Included:
- All airfare (including inner island air) roundtrip from Boston, MA (Logan Airport)
- 12-days 11-nights
- 4 & 5-Star Hotel accommodations throughout the islands (locally centered)
- Airport transfers upon arrival on the islands
- Cruise/Ferry transportation to/from hotel to port
- (8) Escorted tours with English speaking guide
- Meals: (11) breakfasts, (9) lunches, (2)-dinners and some other special surprises!
- Ferry tickets to/from Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge
- Entrance fees to botanical parks/hot springs, museums
- Group escort for entire trip
- Wi-Fi
What's Not Included:
- Additional dinners/meals (not mentioned above)
- Personal expenses/extra (such as shopping, spa treatments, etc)
- Tips/gratuities
If you'd like to extend your time on the island of Sao Miguel, contact Anna Soares for more information.
Space is very limited and this tour always sells out! Don't wait to save your seat!
