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! 

Day 1

Thursday, Sept 21

Terceira Island
Terceira is the second most inhabited island of the Azores.  It is the eastern island of the five that form the central group and is the nearest one of São Jorge island.  The capital of "Angra do Heroismo" is classified as World Heritage site by UNESCO since 1983.   Over the years, Lajes has provided support to US and NATO operations, and Operations DESERT SHIELD/STORM. In March 2003, The Atlantic Summit, hosted by the Portuguese government brought many distinguished visitors to the island, including U.S. President George W. Bush.
Arrival at our first island Terceira at approximately 9am.   Today will be a light day.  You will need to rest after flight and time change adjustment (4hr ahead of EST). 
We'll do a half day city walking tour to get our legs moving a little as they may be restless from your flight.  
We'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.  After lunch, discover the local history of the city of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the historical center and see the old streets lined with beautiful architecture including colorful homes, historic churches, and monuments. Visit the embroidery shop Bordado dos Açores and see typical Terceira embroidery, traditionally referred to as whitework embroidery, being made.
We'll end our day by sampling a delicious local treat, the Dona Amélia tart, at the charming café O Forno.ere to edit.
Meals: Lunch & Welcome Dinner Reception

Day 2

Friday, Sept 22

Terceira Island
Today we have a full day of the island with a local guide. We'll start the day with a visit to the spectacular Algar do Carvão, an
ancient lava tube boasting stunning stalactites and stalagmites.  This must-see natural wonder of the island is a 90-meter-deep volcanic chimney formed more than 3,200 years ago. 
Enjoy traditional alcatra for lunch at Quinta do Martelo, a local gem situated in a genuine Azorean rural setting. Alcatra, is a
gastronomic delicacy of Terceira, is beef slow roasted in an aguidar, a traditional clay bowl with onion, local bay leaf, wine,
and other traditional ingredients sourced from the villa’s farm.  After lunch, we'll head over to Serra do Cume, the largest caldera on the island. Observe the lush scenery of rolling green fields bordered by stone walls and hydrangeas--So relaxing as you take in this beautiful view.  Then we'll continue to Biscoitos on the north coast to see the natural lava swimming pools and visit the Biscoitos Wine Museum. Savor a glass of verdelho wine, characteristic of the Azores and produced locally. 
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3

Saturday, Sept 23

Pico Island
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 Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004.  ​
Check out of hotel and head to airport for our short flight to Pico Island.  Upon arrival, we'll take a short drive from the airport takes you along the “Wine Route” to the village of Lajido. Stop in Cachorro to observe the famous “puppy” basalt rock and the gorgeous surrounding lava formations. 
We'll indulge in a traditional lunch followed by a liquor tasting at Adega “A Buraca”. 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 Faial Island aboard the ferry to Horta (capital of the island).
Arrive in Faial and transfer to your hotel via minibus. Check in to the hotel and enjoy a free evening at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Day 4

Sunday, Sept 24

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. 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.
Today we'll join our local guide for a walking tour of the city of Horta. Head to the golden sand beach of Porto Pim and the 16th century São Sebastião Fortress. See the world-famous Horta Marina and the hundreds of boats moored here. Admire the paintings by sailors from around the globe left behind on the marina’s walls. Visit the Scrimshaw Museum and learn about this unique artform through the private collection of the Azevedo family, owners of Peter Café Sport. The museum is housed above the acclaimed establishment, where you will have lunch after whetting your appetite with the famed Gin do Mar, a blend of gin and passion fruit liqueur.
After lunch, drive along the coastal road to the westernmost point of the island to Capelinhos. Marvel at the unique landscape, a result of a volcanic explosion from the Atlantic Ocean 65 years ago. Visit the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre for a brief tour to find out more about the incredible volcanic explosion that lasted 13 months. Then, ascend the existing lighthouse for a panoramic view of the jaw-dropping scenery. Relax on the bus as you ascend to the highest point of the island to see the impressive Caldera, 1,043 meters above sea level. On the way back to the hotel, stop at the Espalamaca for incredible views of the city of Horta, the islands of São Jorge and Pico. On a very clear day, you can also see the island of Graciosa in the distance!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5

Monday, Sept 25

Sao Jorge Island
São Jorge  This 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. When one raises the eyes, one finds the contour of Faial, Pico and Graciosa so far away and, at the same time, so close. 
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Today, we'll be taking the ferry in the morning to São Jorge. This island is know for their cheese!  And so we'll begin our tour with a 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.
Drive along the coast passing by picturesque villages and the remarkable fajãs the island is known for. Arrive in Manadas, one
of the oldest towns in São Jorge, and visit the magnificent 15th century Santa Barbara Church. Its rare gilt work and decoration is one of the most exquisite examples of Baroque style in the Azores. Lunch will be at the seaside restaurant Os Amigos in the village of Calheta, known for their traditional São Jorge clams.
Afterwards, we'll continue to the breathtaking Fajã dos Vimes, home to the first coffee plantation in Europe. See firsthand how the coffee is grown and produced at Café Nunes, situated at the family-run plantation.  Later enjoy a freshly-brewed coffee paired with a homemade coffee tart.  Sit back on the bus as you cross the island to the north coast of
the island to the Fajã dos Cubres viewpoint, offering astounding views of cliffs, lagoons and the peaceful blue Atlantic.
Then we'll d head back to Velas for the late ferry (around 9:30 pm) to Faial.
Before your return trip, enjoy a light refreshment of typical São Jorge spiced cookies and other treats at Açor Café.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Day 6

Sao Miguel Island
Tuesday, Sept 26
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.
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This morning we'll head over the airport and take a short flight to Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel.   Upon arrival at the airport, you will then be transferred to our fantastic hotel for the next few days!  

You will have the rest of the day to rest.   Go for a swim in the ocean or by the pool! Have a drink or book yourself a spa treatment! 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Day 7

Sao Miguel
Wednesday, Sept 27
Today, we will begin our morning with a gorgeous drive along the coast to the valley of Furnas.  ​The mystic Furnas and its volcanic activity make you wonder and want to explore every inch of this village. It is considered one of the most beautiful spots of the archipelago, for its hot springs--impressive natural hot springs!, calderas, thermal pools and much more. After an underground meal called cozido (yes, this meal is it's cooked in a steam hole under ground! check out the video) that consists of a mixture of meat and vegetables cooked in a pot, which is placed in a bag and buried in a geothermal soil surrounding Furnas lake.  With a cooking time of around 6 hours, it has a unique flavor that is not achievable in any other part of the world!

Afterwards, we'll explore the north of the island, its amazing landscapes and enjoy a stop at the tea factory on the way back.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Day 8

Sao Miguel
Thursday, Sept 28
FREE DAY!
​Enjoy this day at leisure. 
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9

Sao Miguel
Friday, Sept 29
Today, we will head over to visit one of the first natural Wonders of Portugal!  Sete Cidades
A place of legends and myths, the Lagoa das Sete Cidades takes a certain mystique to its idyllic landscape often accompanied by mist. It stands as the most iconic crater lake on Sao Miguel Island.   
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Farewell Dinner

Day 10

Sao Miguel
Saturday, Sept 30
Our journey has come to an end.   You will have the morning to have your breakfast and pack up.   We will leave and stop into the city of Ponta Delgada so you can do a little shopping or sit at a cafe before we head to the airport.  
Adeus (goodby)
​Until next time! 
Meals: Breakfast
Picture yourself in these magical, volcanic islands full of natural beauty.  From stunning black beaches, to nature hikes along the cliffs, to soaks in natural hot springs, this island is truly magical and will take your breath away! 

​Sound too good to be true?   This land exists and it's closer than you think!  Only a 4-half hour flight from Boston, MA you will be whisked away to the perfect-off-the-beaten-path destination for relaxation, exploration and adventure.  
Picture emerald beaches, dazzling blue lakes, verdant pastures, volcanic caverns, bubbling mud pots, sprawling sunrises and waterfalls cascading deep into ravines (which you can rappel into, by the way).   

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Botanical Gardens             Amazing Rainbows!

Out of this World Hot Springs!

Your Investment

Double Occupancy
If you pay by Cash/Check: $2,800 per person ​​
If you pay with a Credit Card:  $3,000 per person 
Single Occupancy
If you pay by Cash/Check: $3,600 
If you pay with a Credit Card: $3,900

What's Included: 
10-days  9-nights
  • 4/5 Star Hotel accommodations 
  • ​All transfers on the islands (airport roundtrip once arrived in the Azores, harbor/port roundtrip)
  • Escorted tours with English speaking guide
  • Entrance fees to parks, museums & hot springs
  • 22 Meals: (9) breakfasts, (8) lunches (on tour days), 5-dinners and some other special surprises! ​
  • Ferry transfer and tickets from Faial to Pico Island and Sao Jorge island.
What's Not Included: 
  • Flights are not included and will be price at the time of your confirmation.
  • Dinners/meals (not mentioned above)
  • Transfer to/from Boston (although we can help you with them but it's an extra fee)
  • Personal expenses/extra (gifts, spa treatments, etc)
  • Tips/gratuities 
Please contact us for more details.
*Itinerary is subject to change without notice in order to accommodate weather, etc. 
If you'd like to extend your time on the island of Sao Miguel, we can accommodate this.  Contact us for more information. ​
Space is very limited and so are flights. So don't wait!  Contact us now to reserve your spot to join us on this 5-Island ultimate experience and discover it for yourself. 
  •  ​$500 USD non-refundable deposit to reserve and hold your space​
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