(806) 358-2255
Enter an untouched paradise on an adventure through the Azores, the archipelago gems of Portugal. Explore the rim of the Sete Cidades Caldera. Indulge in a traditional cozido das furnas meal, cooked by the heat of the volcanic earth. Descend into Algar do Carvao, the "Cavern of Coal" lava tube, with an expert guide. Enjoy a home-hosted meal during your stay on SAo Miguel Island. Encounter the volcanic ash-covered landscape of the Capelinhos Volcano. From thermal pools and lush craters to local farms and volcanic cuisine, delve into the culture of Portuguese island life.
Call (806) 358-2255 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18874282
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2024
- Duration
- 13 Days
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Sao Miguel | From volcanic craters and thermal waters to lush vegetation and picturesque coasts, enjoy the natural splendor of this Portuguese archipelago and see why the Azores are commonly referred to as "the Hawaii of Europe." |
| Day 2 | Ponta Delgada | This is the Azores. A set of islands virtually untouched by urban development. Your adventure begins on SAo Miguel, the largest of the nine volcanic islands. Relax and explore as you wish, perhaps sit along the seaside promenade and breathe in the mild air of the Atlantic. |
| Day 3 | Ponta Delgada | Get to know Ponta Delgada, the capital city of SAo Miguel, on a morning walking tour of the area. This afternoon, take a ride up to Sete Cidades caldera's highest point and discover some of Mother Nature's finest work: the twin blue and green lakes that make up this caldera and are explained by local legend: They are apparently the tears of star-crossed lovers, a green-eyed princess and a blue-eyed shepherd. This evening, celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. |
| Day 4 | Sao Miguel | Start the day with a visit to one of the few remaining basket weavers on the island. Learn how willow basket making has evolved and how this father-son enterprise has kept this traditional craft alive. Then, it's your choice! Enjoy the thermal waters at the Terra Nostra pool,* built in the 18th century by the American consul to the Azores -OR- embark on a guided visit to the organic paradise that is the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. For lunch, enjoy a traditional cozido das furnas meal, where your food is cooked in the earth's volcanic heat. Later, continue to the green fields of a nearby tea plantation to learn about this unique crop before an evening of leisure in SAo Miguel. |
| Day 5 | Sao Miguel | Today enjoy a full free day to explore SAo Miguel at your own pace. Perhaps you will take to the waves on an optional** ocean excursion to watch for whales and dolphins, followed by a lunch at a local restaurant. Regardless of how you choose to spend your day, gather tonight for a home-hosted dinner at a local village. |
| Day 6 | Sao Miguel | Say bom dia (good morning) to Faial with a walking tour of Horta. Its marina and painted murals are a testament to the island's importance to the sailors who have visited the island on voyages crossing the Atlantic. Later, encounter the volcanic vitality of Faial when you take in the surrounding rocky landscape and ash hills with a fascinating visit to the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre. |
| Day 7 | Faial | The day is yours to enjoy on your own and relax on Faial Island! You may also consider joining an optional tour to Pico*** to encounter the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture (UNESCO) and explore this scarcely populated island's scenery, a sublime mixture of lava rock and exotic vegetation, during a walk along Lagoa do Capitao. |
| Day 8 | Faial | Board your flight to Terceira and say hello to the colorful capital of Angra do Heroismo (UNESCO) with a local guide. Restored in traditional style, the city features white facades and vibrant trims. Learn about the Holy Ghost Chapels, known locally as Imperios, and customs surrounding this tradition. Tonight, get a taste of the culture at a local restaurant. |
| Day 9 | Terceira | Start your day with a swim* in the natural volcanic pools of Biscoitos. Later, on your way to Algar do Carvao, stop at Serra do Cume viewpoint where views of the agricultural fields and their neat orderly stone walls will take your breath away. At Algar do Carvao, the "Cavern of Coal," feel the quiet stillness as you descend into this ancient lava tube. Enjoy the evening exploring Angra do Heroismo as you wish. |
| Day 10 | Terceira | Today, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may choose to join an optional tour to the western side of Terceira in the morning, sipping coffee at an organic coffee plantation and tasting locally grown bananas along the way and ending at a family-owned cheese factory for a light lunch made up of local products. End the day at a petiscos home-hosted dining experience. |
| Day 11 | Terceira | Say farewell to the Azores archipelago as you head to Lisbon in continental Europe. Lisbon, known as the city of the seven hills, and the starting point of many of its 15th century explorations, was also the departure point of many of its immigrants that crossed the Atlantic searching for a better life. |
| Day 12 | Lisbon | Start your morning with a panoramic tour of Belem. See the imposing 16th century Jeronimos Monastery and the Belem Tower, a fortress built to protect Lisbon and later used as a prison. Join a special tour exploring the grandeur of the Ajuda National Palace, once a royal residence of King LuIs I. Then return to downtown Lisbon and enjoy some free time before you gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. |
| Day 13 | Lisbon | Say adeus (goodbye) to Portugal and the Azores as you depart this coastal paradise. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Lodging
- Vila Gale Collection SAo Miguel - Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal
- Hotel do Canal - Faial, Azores, Portugal
- Zenite Boutique Hotel & Spa - Terceira, Azores, Portugal
- Bessa Hotel Liberdade - Lisbon, Portugal
- Disclaimer
- * NOTE: Tour prices are land only rates based on per person, double occupancy. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit. Certain taxes and fees are to be paid upon exiting the country in local currencies.
Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations.
