We're open today till 1:30 PM 020 8758 4722 020 8758 4722
Get in touch
WIN A 7 NIGHT HOLIDAY FOR TWO TO CORFU. Click here to ENTER.
Azores Four Island Tour (A): Sao Miguel, Terceira, Faial and Pico
Overview
Introduction
Our suggested multi-centre itinerary takes in four of the nine stunning islands of the Azores archipelago. Each island is unique in landscape and character, and will offer a varied and fascinating insight into their individual attributes.
Sao Miguel, the largest island, has rolling green pastures, water-filled caldeiras, fumaroles and hot springs as well as one of the only tea farms in Europe. Terceira is the location of the Azores’ oldest city, Angra Do Heroismo. This 15th century UNESCO-listed capital is full of character and well worth a visit.
The central islands of Faial and Pico are the closest islands - a boat crossing of just 30-minutes, which allows visitors the chance of seeing both islands with their dramatically contrasting landscapes. Pico is dominated by its volcano ‘Pico Alto’ – the highest point in Portugal at 2,351m. Visitors can taste the local wine produced in UNESCO-listed vineyards, swim in one of the many natural swimming pools or go underground in the volcanic lava tunnel. The sea-faring island of Faial has a colourful marina famed for its transatlantic mariners that pull in to port at Horta, the capital. This is also the location of the famous ‘Pete’s bar’ where tourists, sailors and locals all flock to - try the gin and tonic, you won’t be disappointed.
Itinerary includes:
- Flights from London Heathrow, via Lisbon, to Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) and returning from Terceira, via Lisbon
- 10-nights’ accommodation on Bed and Breakfast basis:
- 4-nights Marina Atlantico Hotel, Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) - Standard Sea View Room
- 4-nights Do Canal Hotel, Horta (Faial) - Standard Room
- 2-nights Azoris Angra Garden Hotel, Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira) - Classic Room
- All inter-island flights, transfers, boat tickets, entrance tickets (botanical garden/museums/caves) and four lunches (days 3, 6, 7 and 10)
- Guided excursions (minibus and guide or taxi/jeep with English speaking driver): Two Half Day Tours - Sete Cidades and Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel; Full Day Tour Furnas (Sao Miguel); Full Day Tour of Pico; Full Day Tour of Faial; Highlights of Terceira Full Day Tour.
Note: We cannot guarantee that you will be on a tour with other people.
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Agenda
Day 1 - Sao Miguel: Day of arrival
Arrive at Ponta Delgada airport and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Marina Atlantico Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Marina Atlantico Hotel, Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
Day 2 - Sao Miguel: Two half day tours - Sete Cidades and Ponta Delgada
Morning departure for the Sete Cidades Lakes by the mountain road. Stop at the ‘Vista do Rei’ belvedere which, on a clear day, affords one of the finest views in the Azores. Return to Ponta Delgada, stopping at a pineapple plantation en route. Free time for lunch (not included).
In the afternoon enjoy a city tour of Ponta Delgada, starting at the City Garden and continuing on foot to see some of the highlights the city has to offer. The tour starts at the City Garden, a place of great landscape and botanical interest, populated by trees that impress with their monumental size or peculiar shape. Continue walking towards the centre of Ponta Delgada to visit the Museum of Sacred Art, located inside the ancient Jesuit College, presenting long term and temporary religious art exhibitions. Next stop is at “Campo de São Francisco”, where the main religious festivities of the island take place on the 5th Sunday after Easter. Here you will visit the church of Senhor Santo Cristo and learn the historical facts about this religious celebration. The tour continues to the square of the City Gates right in the centre of the town, facing the main waterfront avenue, and the church of São Sebastião.
Overnight at the Marina Atlantico Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Sete Cidades, Sao Miguel
Day 3 - Sao Miguel: Full day tour of Furnas
Depart from Ponta Delgada to the village of Furnas, visiting the town of Vila Franca do Campo en route. Furnas is famed for its botanical garden, hot springs and Caldeiras - 1m deep holes dug into the hot earth in which the traditional Cozido is cooked (lunch included). Return to Ponta Delgada by the north coast visiting a tea plantation and Santa Iria viewpoint.
Overnight at the Marina Atlantico Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Lake Furnas, Sao Miguel
Day 4 - Sao Miguel: Day at leisure
Opportunity to explore the town of Ponta Delgada, indulge in some shopping and/or participate in whale watching or swimming with dolphins excursion (pre-book through Sunvil or through our local representatives), or just relax.
Overnight at the Marina Atlantico Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
Day 5 - Faial
Transfer to Ponta Delgada airport for your flight to Faial (55-minutes). On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Do Canal Hotel, Faial on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Faial, Azores
Day 6 - Pico - Full day tour
Transfer to Horta harbour for a boat crossing to Pico (30-minutes). Travel along the north coast in the direction of Cachorro and Lajido on to São Roque to visit the whale factory and the natural swimming pools. From here you will take the mountain road towards Lake Capitão (900m) and then to Lajes do Pico. At Lajes do Pico you will visit the whaler’s museum with its fascinating exhibition illustrating whaling in the Azores which, until its ban in 1987, was the main industry on the islands. There will be a short stop for lunch (included). Continue along the south coast to Mistérios de São Joao where there will be a short stop and then on to São Mateus to visit the church. From here you will visit Criação Velha with its vineyards (awarded UNESCO World status) bordered by black volcanic rock and Mount Pico towering above. Return to Madalena for boat crossing to Faial.
Overnight at the Do Canal Hotel, Faial on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Pico, Azores
Day 7 - Faial - Full day tour
Depart towards the village of Flamengos to visit the Botanical Garden of the Island. Next, the tour heads up to the Natural Reserve of the Caldeira of Faial, surrounded by rows of blue hydrangeas. Then towards Ribeira das Cabras viewpoint, along Serra of Feteira. Stop for lunch (included). Descend to the Fajã in Praia do Norte and visit Capelinhos, the eerie site of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores (1957) and the fascinating Interpretation Centre (closed Mondays and bank holidays). On the way back to Horta, there is a quick stop at Varadouro to admire the Morro of Castelo Branco, ending the day in Monte da Guia, in Horta, to admire one of the best views over the city and bay of Porto Pim.
Overnight at the Do Canal Hotel, Faial on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Faial, Azores
Day 8 - Faial
Day at leisure. Explore the island’s capital with a walk along the harbour front to admire the painted yacht emblems and numerous messages left by sailors.
Overnight at the Do Canal Hotel, Faial on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Faial, Azores
Day 9 - Terceira
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Terceira (40-minutes). On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Azoris Angra Garden Hotel, Terceira on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Terceira, Azores
Day 10 - Terceira: Highlights of Terceira Full day tour
Driving through trees and pastures, often overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you will discover places and landscapes of rare beauty. During the trip there will be several stops with time to enjoy the beautiful scenery including a visit to Serra do Cume viewpoint and the vineyards in the village of Biscoitos. Discover the history and culture of Terceira, connect with nature and enjoy a traditional lunch (included). Taste the delicious ‘Alcatra’, a dish of rump cooked for 12 hours to intensify the flavours and textures at a typical restaurant, with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Please note that a picnic lunch is provided if the tour falls on a Sunday. Visit the ancient Algar do Carvão volcanic pit (open Apr-Sep only). This is a slow pace full day tour and a very special experience. Return to the hotel.
Overnight at the Azoris Angra Garden Hotel, Terceira on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Terceira, The Azores
Day 11 - Day of departure
Transfer to Terceira airport for your return flight home to the UK.
Accommodation
Marina Atlantico Hotel - Night 1 to 4
Built on the harbour front of Ponta Delgada this property has an enviable location affording panoramic views over the ocean and city marina.
Built on the harbour front of Ponta Delgada, this property has an enviable location affording panoramic views over the ocean and city marina. The glass fronted common areas on the ground and mezzanine floors are light and airy and designed to take full advantage of the location of the property. A private bridge over the coastal road connects the hotel to the open-air public swimming pool (open Jun- Sep 2.50 Euros entry fee).
- 184 air-conditioned rooms including standard mountain view rooms, ocean view rooms, family rooms, executive ocean view rooms and suites.
- Buffet breakfast
- Restaurant
- Bar with terrace and harbour view
- Sophisticated fitness centre with treatment rooms and hairdresser (payable locally), Turkish bath and sauna (free of charge), large gym with the latest exercise machines, Jacuzzi and indoor swimming pool (14 x 7m) - pool towels provided
- New outdoor pool and terrace facing the ocean is planned for completion by May 2023
- Business centre
- 4 Lifts
- Private parking (payable locally c.7.50 euros per day).
Do Canal Hotel - Night 5 to 8
The hotel enjoys a prime location in the heart of Horta, opposite the marina and within easy walking distance of the popular 'Peter's Café'.
The hotel enjoys a prime location in the heart of Horta, opposite the marina and within easy walking distance of the popular ‘Peter’s Café’. This four-star property provides an ideal base for those wishing to explore the town’s narrow streets, enjoy a day-trip to Pico and Sao Jorge or participate in a whale-watching excursion (Apr-Oct).
- 103 air-conditioned rooms including classic rooms, executive rooms and suites
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- Restaurant serving international cuisine (buffet and à la carte)
- Snack bar
- Winter garden
- Small games room (card tables, snooker, chess and backgammon)
- Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, sauna and small fitness centre. The hotel has an electric chair to assist those with movement difficulties into the water
- Hairdresser and beautician
- Laundry service
- 2 Lifts
- Free private parking
- 100m from Porto Pim beach
- 3km from Horta harbour
Azoris Angra Garden Hotel - Night 9 to 10
Centrally located in the historic town of Angra do Heroismo, this modern property was in fact the first hotel (in 1968) to offer accommodation to visitors on Terceira.
Centrally located in the historic town of Angra do Heroismo, this modern property was in fact the first hotel (in 1968) to offer accommodation to visitors on Terceira. The hotel is ideally positioned opposite the main square of ‘Praça Velha’ and adjacent to the botanical gardens, from which there is a path that leads uphill (well worth the effort) to the ‘Miradouro of Memory’ with excellent views over the town of Angra.
Accommodation
- 120 air-conditioned rooms including standard rooms, triple rooms, executive rooms, junior suites and a duplex senior suite.
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- Restaurant serving international cuisine (à la carte menu – evening only)
- Banqueting room
- Bistro bar
- Terrace with panoramic views over Angra do Heroísmo, the ocean and Monte Brasil
- Lift
- Health suite with indoor heated swimming pool (5 x 10m) – pool towels provided, and gym, sauna, Jacuzzi and Turkish bath (no charge)
- Free access to the botanical gardens (closes at 23:00 in summer and 18:00 in winter)
- Street parking (payable at metre)
Route Map
Best time to go
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC
Time Difference
GMT - 1 hour
Currency
Euro
Language
Portuguese
Average flight times
4 hours 5 minutes
-
Average temperature
Average rainfall
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC