Itinerary below is based on a Tuesday departure.
Day One: Arrive at Ponta Delgada airport. Take connecting flight to Santa Maria. Transfer to the Hotel Santa Maria.
Day Two : Today’s 3 hour 45 minute (11km) walk will begin at the picturesque village of Santo Espirito, surrounded by lush green countryside, before descending through meadows and terraced vineyards to the white sand beach and natural rock pools at Praia Formosa. Transfers from and to the Hotel Santa Maria are included. Grade 2*
Day Three: Starting at Pico Alto, the highest point on Santa Maria at 587m, this 4 hour (13km) walk will enable you to appreciate the fabulous views over this small island. From Pico Alto, you are able to see the dramatic coastlines to the east, where high cliffs fall into the ocean, pastures to the west of the island and the mountainous central region. This walk ends at the small village of Sao Pedro. Transfers from and to the Hotel Santa Maria are included. Grade 1
Day Four: Transfer to Santa Maria airport for flight to Sao Miguel (30-minutes). Transfer from Ponta Delgada airport to the Hotel Caloura.
Day Five: This walk is through some of the most beautiful and breathtaking scenery in the Azores. Starting at the rim of the Sete Cidades caldeira, this 4-5 hour (13km) walk will descend through the valley towards the village of Sete Cidades, before continuing around the water’s edge itself. The difficulty of this walk, if any, is the last stretch which is fairly steep and can be slippery due to the ground surface consisting of loose gravel on top of compacted stone. Transfers from and to the Hotel Caloura are included. Grade 1
Day Six: Today’s 3 hour 30 minute (9km) walk will visit the village of Furnas, the hot springs where the traditional meal ‘Cozido’ is cooked and Furnas Lake. After the walk you will have free time to explore the village at your leisure, relax and unwind in the renowned botanical garden of the Hotel Terra Nostra Garden or swim in their naturally heated pool. Transfers from and to the Hotel Caloura are included. Grade 1
Day Seven: Today’s walk is in the locality of Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake), in the central region of Sao Miguel. Located at the base of a steep caldeira, the Lagoa do Fogo is surrounded by a beautiful protected nature area, home to several endemic plant species. This 5 hour (13km) walk will start in the village of Praia before ascending through the mountains and valleys to the viewpoint at the caldeira rim. After allowing time to admire the beautiful scenery, you will return to Agua de Alto beach where you can relax and take a refreshing swim. Transfers from and to the Hotel Caloura are included. Grade 2
Day Eight: Transfer to Ponta Delgada airport for the return flight home.
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