We're open tomorrow at 9:15 AM 020 8758 4722 020 8758 4722
Get in touch
Read our Peace of Mind Promise and Coronavirus policy here.
Azores Three Island Tour (A): Sao Miguel, Faial and Pico
Overview
Introduction
The Azores are must-see islands waiting to be discovered. There is a plethora of attractions for the intrepid explorer, as well as for those looking for a more sedate escape. The charming city of Ponta Delgada is ideal for art enthusiasts, where you’ll find ornate churches, 16th Century fortress and impressive 18th century city gates. If you’re seeking the thrill of adventure hike at Lagoa de Fogo, ‘Lake of Fire’ – a nature reserve packed with endemic species and rich vegetation. But if you’d rather sit back and relax, head to Gorreana, Europe’s only tea plantation. Here you can sip tea and take in the lush landscape. Discover the wonders of Sao Miguel, Faial and Pico in our 7 night Azores Three Island Tour (A).
Note: We cannot guarantee that you will be on a tour with other people.
Flights to Sao Miguel:
- Direct flights with BA from Heathrow to Ponta Delgada operate on Saturdays between 02 Jul - 03 Sept 2022. BA regional add-ons from Newcastle, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast City to London Heathrow on request.
- TAP Portugal flights operate daily services from London Heathrow, London Gatwick or Manchester via Lisbon to Ponta Delgada (Jan-Dec).
- Ryanair operates a direct service from London Stansted to Ponta Delgada on Saturdays between Apr-Oct and from Manchester to Ponta Delgada on Fridays between Apr-Oct.
Agenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
Arrive at Ponta Delgada airport and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Talisman Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Talisman Hotel, Sao Miguel
Day 2 - Sao Miguel: Two half day tours (Sete Cidades and Ponta Delgada)
Departure for Sete Cidades with a stop at ‘Vista do Rei’ belvedere to marvel at the magnificent view over the lakes. 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 that the city has to offer.
Overnight at the Talisman Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Sete Cidades, Sao Miguel
Day 3 - Sao Miguel: Full day tour (Furnas)
Depart to Vila Franca do Campo, the first capital of Sao Miguel. After a short visit to the town, continue to the village of Furnas with time to explore the beautiful botanical gardens and hot springs. A traditional Cozido lunch is included at a local restaurant before returning to Ponta Delgada by the north coast, visiting a tea plantation and Santa Iria viewpoint en route.
Overnight at the Talisman Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Hot springs, Furnas
Day 4 - Faial: Half day tour
Transfer to Ponta Delgada airport for your flight to Horta (1 hour). On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Afternoon tour of the island visiting the Caldeira, the highest point on the island at 1,043 metres; Capelinhos, the site of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores in 1957; and the interpretation centre which details the evolution of the eruption.
Overnight at the Do Canal Hotel, Faial on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Faial
Day 5 - Pico: Full day tour
In the morning transfer to Horta harbour for your ferry ride across to Pico island (30 minutes). Departure from Madalena towards the north coast in the direction of Cachorro and Lajido. Continue to the village of São Roque to visit the Whale factory and the natural swimming pools. Continue by the mountain road towards the lake of Capitao, at 900m. Stop at Lajes do Pico which was, for many years, the centre of the whaling industry in the Azores. Today, you can visit the Whaler’s museum, home to a fascinating exhibition about the industry, which includes examples of the equipment used as well as many original photographs. Stop for lunch (included). Continue along the south coast, short stop at Misterios de Sao Joao then to Sao Mateus to visit the church. Continue in the direction of Criacao Velha to see Pico's vineyards - listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site since 2004. Return to Madalena harbour for your short ferry crossing back to Faial. Transfer from the harbour to your hotel.
Overnight at the Do Canal Hotel, Faial on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Pico
Day 6 - Sao Miguel
Transfer to Horta airport for your flight to São Miguel (1-hour). On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Do Colegio Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Do Colegio Hotel, Sao Miguel
Day 7 - Sao Miguel: Day at leisure
Day at leisure. Explore the town of Ponta Delgada, indulge in some shopping and/or participate in whale and dolphin excursion.
Overnight at the Do Colegio Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
Day 8 - Day of departure
Transfer to Ponta Delgada airport for your return flight home to the UK.
Accommodation
Talisman Hotel - Night 1 to 3
This elegantly styled hotel is conveniently located in the historical centre of Ponta Delgada overlooking a public garden.
This elegantly styled hotel is conveniently located in the historical centre of Ponta Delgada overlooking a public garden. The rooms are decorated in a modern minimalist style with wooden floors and there is a charming winter garden and an excellent restaurant specialising in regional dishes. The rooftop swimming pool – unique for a city hotel, offers a view over the rooftops of the city.
Accommodation
- 57 air-conditioned rooms including standard rooms and suites.
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- 'Palm Terrace' restaurant serving regional and international cuisine
- ‘Sports One’ pub with pool table and often with live music is open from 5pm to 1am (Fri-Sat) or to midnight (Sun-Thurs) cafe opens up on to a paved esplanade
- Cafe opens up on to a paved esplanade
- Lounges
- Business centre
- Rooftop heated swimming pool (3.5 x 7m) and sundeck open all year – pool towels provided. The pool is accessed by a flight of stairs from the 3rd floor
- Mini gym
- Lift to 3rd floor only
- 10 minutes’ walk to the marina
- Private parking - payable locally at 6 Euros per day
Do Canal Hotel - Night 4 to 5
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 and sauna
- Hairdresser and beautician
- 2 Lifts
- Free private parking
- 100m from Porto Pim beach
- 3km from Horta harbour
Do Colegio Hotel - Night 6 to 7
The Do Colégio Hotel enjoys a privileged location within the historical centre of Ponta Delgada.
The Do Colégio Hotel enjoys a privileged location within the historical centre of Ponta Delgada. This 19th century building, once home to the Regional School of Music and Colmeia College, and rich in historical and cultural interest, has been remodelled to create a classically designed, four-star hotel. Many of the building’s original features are still in evidence including stone flooring in the reception, TV lounge and bar.
The hotel’s restaurant, ‘A Colmeia’, is one of the best places to eat on São Miguel. The cooking, by Chef Rodrigo Pereira, is creative and modern and incorporates the best of island traditions and excellent local produce. You can also try Sushi made with local fish.
Accommodation
- 59 air-conditioned rooms including standard rooms, superior rooms, family rooms and two suites.
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- Gastronomic à la carte restaurant (closed lunch times)
- TV lounge/Bar
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- Health club with free use of a sauna and Turkish bath
- Swimming pool (6 x 10.50m) open all year – pool towels provided
- Secure underground parking (free of charge subject to availability)
- 2 Lifts
- Café ‘A Colmeia’ located opposite the harbour promenade
- Restaurant ‘La Cantina’ located opposite the Portas do Mar Marina and serving Italian cuisine
- 15 minutes drive to Populo beach
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