The volcanic structure of the Azorean archipelago has endowed the islands with overwhelming beauty; vast craters housing gleaming lakes, sheer black cliffs rolling into the ocean, hot mineral springs and lush rolling valleys. Each island has its own distinct landscape: São Miguel is made up of six volcanic complexes and municipalities; Terceira is formed from four volcanoes - one of which is the largest collapsed Caldeira in the Azores; and Graciosa, the second smallest island of the group, has an impressive lava cave, the Furna do Enxofre, that stretches 194m in length and 40m in height.
Itinerary includes:
- Flights from London Heathrow to Ponta Delgada, São Miguel with British Airways (Wednesday or Saturday departures) - other routes on request
- All inter-island flights, transfers with English speaking driver
- Guided excursions (minibus and guide or taxi/jeep with English speaking driver): SAO MIGUEL Half Day Tour of Sete Cidades; TERCEIRA Highlights of Terceira Full Day Tour; GRACIOSA Half Day Private Taxi Tour of Graciosa.
- 7-nights’ accommodation on Bed and Breakfast basis:
- 2-nights Talisman Hotel, Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) - Standard Room
- 2-nights Azoris Angra Garden Hotel, Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira) - Classic Room
- 2-nights Graciosa Hotel, Santa Cruz (Graciosa) - Superior Land View Room
- 1-night Azoris Royal Garden Hotel, Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) - Classic Room
Notes:
- We cannot guarantee that you will be on a tour with other people
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Day 1 - SAO MIGUEL: Day of arrival
On arrival in Ponta Delgada, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Talisman Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
Day 2 - SAO MIGUEL: Half day tour of Sete Cidades
After breakfast, depart from Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades, an extinct volcano crater of 40sq.km, within which are two magnificent lakes, one deep blue in colour and the other emerald green. After visiting the lakes, stop at the ‘Vista do Rei’ belvedere which offers the best panoramic view over Sete Cidades and the surrounding area. Return to Ponta Delgada, stopping en route at a pineapple plantation.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at the Talisman Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Sete Cidades, Sao Miguel
Day 3 - TERCEIRA: Day at leisure
Transfer to Ponta Delgada airport for the flight to Terceira (40-minutes). On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Free afternoon to explore the historic town of Angra do Heroísmo which dates back to the 15th century and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the botanical gardens adjacent to the Azoris Angra Garden Hotel, there is a path that leads uphill to the ‘Miradouro of Memory’ offering superb views over the town.
Overnight at the Azoris Angra Garden Hotel, Terceira on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Angra do Heroismo, Terceira
Day 4 - TERCEIRA: Island Tour of Terceira - Full day
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 Carvao 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 5 - GRACIOSA
Transfer to Terceira airport for the flight to Graciosa (30-minutes). On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Graciosa Hotel, Graciosa on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Graciosa Resort Hotel, Graciosa
Day 6 - GRACIOSA: Half day private taxi tour of Graciosa
After breakfast, depart towards the Caldeira where you will visit the Furna do Enxofre, an impressive lava cave which stretches 194m in length and 40m in height, located at the base of the crater. Enjoy spectacular views from the volcanic crater, across small meadows and forests, before continuing to the fishing village of Praia, Fenais and on to Carapacho to visit the thermal baths. Return to Santa Cruz, stopping en route at Monte da Ajuda to enjoy the view over the capital.
Afternoon at leisure to relax at the Thermal Spa located 16km from the hotel or to take a leisurely walk into town (1km) or along the water's edge.
Overnight at the Graciosa Hotel, Graciosa on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Graciosa, The Azores
Day 7 - SAO MIGUEL
Transfer to Graciosa airport for the flight to Ponta Delgada via Terceira (95-minutes). On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Free time on Sao Miguel with the opportunity to indulge in some last minute shopping or simply relax.
Overnight at the Azoris Royal Garden 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.