A remote archipelago in Portugal far from the crowds, the Azores have become a much-loved tourist destination over the years. The nine islands, forged by volcanoes, reach out from deep blue waters in the heart of the North Atlantic. Thanks to the mild climate and varied terrain, the Azores are a hotspot for open-air adventures and outdoor activities galore - everything from hiking and canyoning to sailing, surfing and unquestionably one of the best places to spot whales and dolphins. Each island has its own charm; from the floral paradise of Terceira and the towering Mount Pico volcano overlooking the region at 7,545ft, to the dramatic lake of fire “Lagoa do Fogo” and delightful beaches of Sao Miguel. Our holidays to the Azores give you the chance to let your inner adventurer roam free, while absorbing plenty of the local culture in between.
Embark on an unforgettable, tailor made deluxe 14-night journey where you'll experience the unique beauty and charm of three distinct islands: Sao Miguel, Pico and Terceira This exclusive holiday package is designed for discerning travellers who seek an immersive and authentic Azorean experience, combining relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality, the Azores archipelago promises an unforgettable escape.
Itinerary includes:
- Club Europe flights on British Airways from London Heathrow to Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
- Private transfers
- Inter-island flights
14 nights bed & breakfast accommodation in carefully selected, superb properties across the three islands, offering comfort, convenience, and a true taste of Azorean hospitality.
- Sao Miguel - 4 nights at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel in 1 x Deluxe Garden View Room
- Pico - 4 nights at the Vinhas do Calhau Aparthotel in 1 x Villa - T1 Seaview with Jacuzzi
- Terceira - 3 nights at the Palacio Santa Catarina in 1 x Superior Seaview Room
- Sao Miguel - 3 nights at the White Exclusive Suites and Villas in 1 x The Villa
A range of optional private excursions are available including -
- Full Day tour of Sete Cidades & Fogo
- Tour of Furnas Valley
- Sunset premium cruise with Azorean Taste
- Full Day tour of Terceira
- Whale watching excursion
- Full Day wine tour on Pico
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Day 1 - Day of arrival
Arrive at Ponta Delgada Airport and transfer to your hotel, which will be your base for the next four nights.
The Terra Nostra Garden is one of the best hotels on the island of Sao Miguel. Well positioned next to the Terra Nostra botanical park, the hotel is made up of two adjoining buildings: the Art Deco Wing, built in the 1930’s which has maintained its architectural history; and the Garden Wing, added much later in the 1990’s. Many of the bedrooms, along with the restaurant and indoor swimming pool, enjoy fabulous views over the world famous, extensive botanical gardens - owned by the hotel. Guests dining here are treated to local Azorean products, with a focus on the Cozido, a sustainable meal fully cooked underground using the natural heat of the volcanic hot springs - a must for any visitor to the islands.
Overnight at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel. (Deluxe Garden View Room)
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
Day 2, 3 & 4 - Sao Miguel
See more of São Miguel's stunning scenery during your Azores holiday with an optional private day trip to the Sete Cidades volcano and the mountain of Lagoa do Fogo. While showcasing the different island landscapes, the excursion also introduces you to some São Miguel culture with activities such as a dip in a volcanic pool, a liqueur tasting, and a visit to a working pineapple plantation. A lunch at Lagoa is among the highlights. Whilst on São Miguel you also have the opportunity to enjoy some local wine as you cruise on a private sailboat trip along the coastline of the island. Sit back and relax and take in the sunset on a leisurely afternoon cruise.
Overnight at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel. (Deluxe Garden View Room)
Sete Cidades
Day 5, 6, 7 & 8 - Pico
Today you will have a private transfer to Ponta Delgada Airport for your flight to the island of Pico. On arrival you will have a private transfer to your accommodation for the next four nights.
Discover the natural beauty of Pico with a stay at Vinhas do Calhau, a luxurious 4-star aparthotel that has been sympathetically-designed in keeping with the majesty of Pico's volcanic origins. As with the island itself, black volcanic stone is the material of choice externally, whilst inside modern, fresh colours contrast with vivid monochrome pictures and furnishings. Part of the Wine Tourism Project Ramal do Calhau, the aparthotel has six spacious apartments, each offering stunning views of either the Atlantic Ocean or the staggering peak of Pico Mountain – Portugal’s highest point, at 2,351 metres. On the island's west coast, it is the perfect base from which to explore the island and to visit the neighbouring island of Faial on a day excursion. During your time on Pico, see beautiful vineyards and discover the stunning natural beauty and rich history of the Azores as you enjoy a full-day private wine culture trip.
Overnight at Vinhas do Calhau. (Sea View Room with Jacuzzi)
Pico
Day 9, 10 & 11 - Terceira
Today you will have a private transfer to Pico Airport for your flight to Terceira. On arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation, the Palacio Santa Catarina.
An historic and luxurious hotel located in the heart of Angra do Heroísmo, the capital city of Terceira. This stunning 18th-century palace offers a unique blend of opulence, history, and modern comfort. Dating back to 1758, the palace features a variety of spacious and elegantly decorated rooms, each with its own unique character and style. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, a private bathroom, and some have a balcony or terrace overlooking the city's historic centre or the ocean. Palacio Santa Catarina is ideally situated for exploring the rich history and cultural heritage of Angra do Heroísmo. The city's historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is within walking distance and features numerous churches, museums, and public squares. For those seeking adventure, the island of Terceira offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, diving and whale watching.
During your time on Terceira, you have the option of taking a private full day tour of the island.
Overnight at Palacio Santa Catarina. (Superior Sea View Room)
Terceira
Day 12, 13 & 14 - Sao Miguel
Today you will take a private transfer to the airport for your flight to São Miguel. On arrival at Ponta Delgada Airport, you will have a transfer to your accommodation, the White Exclusive Suites and Villas. This contemporary boutique hotel is housed in an 18th century building in the village on the southern coast of São Miguel. As its name suggests, everything is brilliant white from the whitewashed walls and concrete floors to the ocean facing terraces. The furniture is created from raw wood including the driftwood effect chairs and tables on the terraces and the guestrooms are beautifully draped in cotton, wool and linen fabrics. The owners have created a truly wonderful and luxurious hotel with an authentic modern design. Located on a cliff top with uninterrupted ocean views, this is an ideal property in which to celebrate those special occasions.
During the final three days of your holiday, you have the option to take a private excursion to Furnas Valley, the centre of São Miguel's unique geothermal activity. Here you can visit two active volcanic sites to see the boiling caldeiras in action, as well as the gorgeous Terra Nostra Park, multiple hot spring pools for soaking and swimming, and the stunning Furnas Lake that's perfectly sized for an afternoon hike - and, if you time your visit to Furnas Lake just right, you might catch the locals taking their steaming hot Cozido stew out of the ground alongside the caldeiras. Also not to be missed is the chance to take a private whale watching excursion. With so many species and an abundance of whales and dolphins surrounding this archipelago, this is one of the best places in the world to witness these marine mammals up close. April to September is peak whale watching season in the Azores, with spring and early summer the best time to spot the blue whale – the mightiest mammal on the planet.
Overnight at the White Exclusive Suites & Villas. (The Villa)
Furnas Lake
Day 15 - Day of departure
After breakfast, you will have a private transfer to Ponta Delgada Airport for your return flight home to the UK.