The nine islands of the Azores conceal many surprises. Characterized by strong volcanic activity which helped to form this “lost” paradise in the Atlantic, the archipelago conceals over 1700 volcanoes, nine of which are still active, a vibrant underwater ecosystem and mountains and valleys of unique natural beauty. All the ingredients to provide an unparalleled experience to any visitor.
Arrival at the airport of Ponta Delgada and transfer to the hotel located in the capital of the Island Ponta Delgada is a modern city that preserves its original character with its narrow streets full of traditional trade, markets and delicacy shops. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. Meals: D
Breakfast and departure to visit the heart of Ponta Delgada, from the Square of Gonçalo Velho Cabral, to the Graca market, the Fort of São Brás, to the Church of Senhor Santo Cristo/ Church of Nossa Senhora da Esperança, stopping at the Campo of São Francisco, where the second most important religious event of the country is held, and the Church of the Jesuit College of Ponta Delgada. After free time for lunch, we go to Vila Franca do Campo – the first capital of the island, where the Islet of Vila Franca is located which was made a natural reserve in 1983 and which can only be visited between June and September. We should not leave without tasting the traditional “queijadas” of Vila Franca do Campo, we are able to visit the factory where we can learn the method of preparation of these traditional island cake and of course to taste it! Our day ends at the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Paz, a small shrine with a staircase of 100 steps. The current temple dates to the 18th century and has been built on a previous one probably dating from the 16th century, it was built by the population to honour the Virgin, because on that location a shepherd, miraculously found, a picture of her. Return to the hotel at the end of the day for dinner and overnight stay. Meals: B, D
Breakfast and departure to discover one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal, the Lagoa do Fogo (visit subject to weather conditions). In the view-point, we will have the opportunity to observe the magnificent view. We descend toward the Caldeira Velha which is formed by waterfalls, pools of thermal waters with an average temperature of 34 degrees, where it is possible to a bath. Free time for lunch. ln, the afternoon we will have a small tour in the city of Ribeira Grande, of baroque architecture, where we can find the building in which the Theater is located that has been functioning since 1922, the Manueline window and the Nossa Senhora da Estrela Church. Before returning to the hotel we will have time to toast our first day of discovery. We will visit the Mulher of the Capote factory where we will taste some regional liquors. Return to the hotel at the end of the day for dinner and overnight stay. Meals: B, D
Breakfast at the hotel and departure towards the Furnas Valley (one of the main reasons for visiting the Azores) which is part of one of the three central active volcanoes of São Miguel Island. A stop at Lagoa das Furnas. where the famous Furnas Stew is cooked inside the earth, which we have the opportunity to taste at lunch in one of the local restaurants. In the west bank at the Lagoa das Furnas we will find the Nossa Senhora das Vitórias Chapel, an example of the neo-gothic style, unique in the archipelago. During the afternoon, a visit to the calderas and the village, our next stop is at the Terra Nostra Park, a garden with unique species and a superb thermal pool (possibility of bathing]. The park is a unique repository of a tree. plants and Other plant species from all over the world. Return to the hotel at the end of the day for dinner and overnight stay. Meals: B, D
Breakfast and departure from the Hotel towards Sete Cidades. We are setting off on an adventure and discover the Wetland Lake, then the Lagoa of Canário, visit the viewpoint of grota do inferno, stop at the viewing point of king’s View and then to the Curneeiras of Sete Cidades. Here we descend to the village where we shall have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we will have the opportunity to one at the following activities: Canoeing in the Iagoon or stand up paddle, a better scenario is impossible! Return to the hotel at the end of the day for dinner and overnight stay. Meals: B, D
Breakfast and departure from the hotel to visit a pineapple greenhouse with over 100 years of history. The Portuguese discovered the fruit at the time of the colonization of Brazil and brought it to the archipelago. Here, the Pineapple is produced in glass greenhouses, with the use of traditional cultivation techniques such as applying “smoke” and using the “hotbed”, based on plant matter. Then, continue to the tea plantations to visit the oldest tea plantation in Europe since 1883. The art of cultivating tea was introduced in the Azores by two Chinese experts in September 1874. A visit to the factory to get to know the production process, tea tasting. Return to Ponta Delgada. Free afternoon to enjoy the city. Dinner and overnight stay. Meals: B, D
Breakfast at the hotel, meet your driver and transfer to the airport. Meals: B
