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Azores Three Island Tour (D): Sao Miguel, Santa Maria and Terceira
Overview
Introduction
Experience three of the nine Azorean islands with our set multi-centre itinerary. These charming islands offer an insight into the fascinating history and geology of each island which are all quite different from one another.
Sao Miguel - the Green Island, is the largest island of the archipelago and has a green and fertile paradise, with a mountainous landscape. Santa Maria – the Yellow Island, also known as the ‘island of the sun’ is the warmest region in the Azores. The central mountainous area is heavily wooded with an abundance of plants, while its dramatic cliffs plunge into the ocean. Terceira – the Lilac Island, is where visitors can discover the rural island life and intriguing history, including the story of the 15th century UNESCO-listed Angra do Heroismo. Explore the intriguing black volcanic pools and sample the locally produced cheese and wine.
Itinerary includes:
- Flights from London Heathrow, via Lisbon, to Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) and returning from Terceira, via Lisbon
- All transfers, inter-island flights, entrance tickets (Algar do Carvão - Apr-Sept only) and two lunches (Days 6 and 9)
- Guided excursions (minibus and guide or taxi/jeep with English speaking driver)
- 10-nights’ accommodation on Bed and Breakfast basis:
- - 4-nights Caloura Hotel, Caloura (São Miguel) - Standard Balcony Ocean View Room
- - 3-nights Charming Blue Hotel, Vila do Porto (Santa Maria) - Standard Room
- - 3-nights Terceira Mar Hotel, Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira) - Classic Ocean View Room
General Notes:
- The volcanic cave ‘Algar do Carvão’ included in the half day tour on Terceira is only open between Apr-Sept.
- All museums are closed on Mondays.
- We cannot guarantee that you will be on a tour with other people.
Whale Watching Notes:
- Vila Franca do Campo departures at 08:30 or 12:30.
- Zodiac boats - small, rigid hull inflatables, carry up to 24 people. Minimum child age is 4 years (accompanied by a parent or guardian). Pregnant women or any person suffering from back problems are not allowed on these boats.
- We cannot guarantee that you will see a cetacean but it is unlikely that you should be so unlucky.
Agenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
Arrive at Ponta Delgada airport and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Caloura Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Sao Miguel, Azores
Day 2 - Sao Miguel: Day at leisure
Enjoy the day by the pool and simply relax. The Caloura Hotel is located at the edge of the picturesque fishing harbour on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea and backed by small fields and vineyards. There is a small sandy beach ‘Baixa d’Areira’ 5-minutes walk from the hotel and natural pools on the headland to which the hotel has access.
Overnight at the Caloura Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Caloura Hotel, Sao Miguel, Azores
Day 3 - Sao Miguel: Whale and dolphin watching
Morning whale and dolphin watching trip (3 hours) in a Zodiac boat. Transfers to and from the whaling base in Vila Franca do Campo are included. This activity is led by a professional team of lookouts, skippers and biologists on rigid inflatable boats. Before you leave the harbour, the whaling company will give you information about the mammals you might see and they will provide the necessary equipment to ensure your safety and comfort (life vest and rain jackets). The most frequently spotted cetaceans are Sperm whale, Short-finned pilot whale, Common dolphin, Bottlenose dolphin, Atlantic spotted dolphin and Risso’s dolphin.
Overnight at the Caloura Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Whale and Dolphin watching, Sao Miguel, Azores
Day 4 - Sao Miguel: Day at leisure
Take a bus or taxi (20 minutes journey) to the capital, Ponta Delgada and explore the city on foot. Visit the city gardens, lively marina area, local market, museums and seek out some of the many colourful street art that adorns the walls of the city.
Overnight at the Caloura Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, Azores
Day 5 - Santa Maria
Transfer to Ponta Delgada airport for your flight to Santa Maria (30-minutes). On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Charming Blue Hotel, Santa Maria on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Charming Blue Hotel, Santa Maria, Azores
Day 6 - Santa Maria: Full day tour
Depart from Vila do Porto to the small seaside resort of Anjos and its small chapel where Christopher Colombus attended mass on his return from America. From Anjos, on a clear day, it is possible to see the island of Sao Miguel on the horizon. Continue to the typical village of Santa Barbara where it is possible to admire the simple and beautiful architecture of the traditional houses with their tall chimneys. Then proceed to the pretty village of Santo Espirito, surrounded by green pastures and hills, where you will visit the beautifully restored 17th century baroque church. Return to Vila do Porto via Maia, the Goncalo Velho lighthouse that lies on a cliff top and the viewpoint overlooking the bay of Sao Lourenco.
Overnight at the Charming Blue Hotel, Santa Maria on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Santa Maria, Azores
Day 7 - Santa Maria: Day at leisure
Check out the new fossil museum, located opposite the Charming Blue Hotel in Vila do Porto, which explains the fascinating geological history of this volcanic island. Or, if you’re feeling energetic, book an activity from guided walks and canyoning to diving and coasteering.
Overnight at the Charming Blue Hotel, Santa Maria on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Santa Maria, Azores
Day 8 - Terceira
Transfer to Santa Maria airport for your flight to Terceira via São Miguel (65-minutes). On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Terceira Mar Hotel, Terceira on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Terceira, Azores
Day 9 - 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 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 Terceira Mar Hotel, Terceira on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Terceira, Azores
Day 10 - Terceira: Day at leisure
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Angra do Heroismo and visit the botanical gardens; attractive renaissance central square Praca Vehla; 19th century town hall with its chandeliers, tiled floors and occasional art exhibits; the impressive 17th century Convent of Nossa Senhora da Conceicão; and Monte Brasil which offers a superb view over the city.
Overnight at the Terceira Mar Hotel, Terceira on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Angra do Heroismo, Terceira, Azores
Day 11 - Day of departure
Transfer to Terceira airport for your return flight home to the UK via Lisbon.
Accommodation
Caloura Hotel Resort - Night 1 to 4
This owner-managed hotel is located at the edge of the quaint fishing harbour of Caloura and a 15 minute uphill walk to the village of Água de Pau – less on the way back!
This owner-managed hotel is located at the edge of the quaint fishing harbour of Caloura and a 15 minute uphill walk to the village of Água de Pau – less on the way back! From here you can hop on a bus to visit the coastal town of Vila Franca do Campo (8km) or to the capital city of Ponta Delgada (17km). The small sandy beach of 'Baixa d'Areira' is a 5-minute walk from the hotel (also accessible by car) and there are natural pools on the headland to which the hotel has access.
This family-friendly hotel has a magnificent setting on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea and is set against a background of small fields and vineyards.
The interior has spacious public areas, allowing guests to enjoy the fabulous views. Outside there is a freshwater swimming pool where clients can lounge on the sun deck and soak in the sun whilst enjoying a refreshing drink and light snack from the poolside bar.
This is a good choice for those seeking a coastal location in a quiet and relaxing setting. Car hire is recommended but not essential as there is a bus stop in the village and taxis can be quite economical if used occasionally.
Accommodation
- 80 air-conditioned rooms including standard rooms, triple rooms, a junior suite and a suite
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- ‘Barrocas do Mar’ restaurant with panoramic ocean views and serving international cuisine (buffet and à la carte menu)
- Bar ‘Jubileu’ serves cocktails and light snacks and has occasional live musical entertainment (open Oct-Apr)
- Snack Bar Caloura Terrace with 2 outdoor terraces overlooking the ocean, serves à la carte meals and snacks, refreshing cocktails and desserts (open Apr-Oct)
- Outdoor swimming pool (10 x 30m) open all year – pool towels provided
- Fitness room
- Yoga classes (local charge)
- Massage therapist (local charge)
- Sauna (local charge)
- Souvenirs Kiosk
- Private free parking
- Tennis court (rackets and balls are available free of charge)
- A path starting from the hotel leads to a natural rock swimming pool
- 8km from Vila Franca do Campo and 6km from Lagoa do Fogo
Charming Blue Hotel - Night 5 to 7
The Charming Blue is located in the centre of Vila do Porto, the island’s capital.
The Charming Blue is located in the centre of Vila do Porto, the island’s capital. The main building, dating from the 1860s, is an historic ‘family home’ that has been beautifully restored and converted in to a small and charming hotel with fifteen tastefully designed and spacious guest rooms, a refined à la carte restaurant and pleasant outdoor space with swimming pool.
Accommodation
- 15 air-conditioned rooms including standard rooms and superior rooms
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- ‘Mesa d’Oito’ à la carte restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge with fireplace
- Library
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- Lift (main building)
- Outdoor swimming pool (7 x 12m) open all year – pool towels provided
- Pool bar serving snacks (seasonal)
- Laundry service (payable locally)
- Free parking
Terceira Mar Hotel - Night 8 to 10
The Terceira Mar Hotel is situated on the oceanfront with wonderful views across the bay to Monte Brasil.
The Terceira Mar Hotel is situated on the oceanfront with wonderful views across the bay to Monte Brasil. This spacious hotel is full of light and has comfortable lounges and common areas overlooking the ocean. It is the perfect base for a stay in this UNESCO listed world heritage town of considerable character, the centre of which is only a 20-minute walk.
Accommodation
- 139 air-conditioned rooms including classic rooms, superior rooms, family rooms, junior suites and suites
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- Panoramic restaurant with open-air terrace dining (dinner buffet service in high season)
- Bar/Lounge with ocean view and terrace
- Games room (snooker – c.5 Euros per hour)
- Outdoor, salt-water swimming pool (800sqm) open all year – pool towels provided
- Children’s outdoor pool
- Pool bar open in summer
- Indoor heated swimming pool (4 x 15m) and Jacuzzi
- Fitness centre with sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi and fully equipped gym (free of charge) and masseur (local charge)
- 3 Lifts
- 1 tennis court and 2 paddle courts
- Large ocean front lawned garden
- Free parking
- Ocean swimming off the rocks
- 1km to Angra town centre
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
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC