The Azores Jewels of Portugal
13 Days Starting in Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal and ending in Lisbon, Portugal
Visiting: Sao Miguel, Azores, São Miguel, Azores, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Pico, Angra do Heroismo, Terceira, Lisbon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
15303
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Azores, the enchanting archipelago known as "the Hawaii of Europe." This tour invites you to explore the untouched beauty of São Miguel, Pico, and Terceira islands. Discover the unique flavors of Pico's exclusive wines and experience the traditional cozido das furnas lunch cooked in volcanic heat. Traverse the breathtaking Sete Cidades caldera, swim in natural volcanic pools, and descend into the ancient lava tube of Algar do Carvão. Enjoy a home-hosted meal in a São Miguel village and a walking food tour in one of Lisbon's oldest neighborhoods. From the lush Terra Nostra Botanical Garden to the historical charm of Angra do Heroísmo, this tour offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and culinary delights. Conclude your adventure in Lisbon, where history and modernity blend seamlessly, offering a fitting farewell to this coastal paradise.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Sao Miguel, Azores
Accommodation Name: The Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico
From volcanic craters and thermal waters to lush vegetation and picturesque coasts, enjoy the natural splendor of this Portuguese archipelago and see why the Azores are commonly referred to as “the Hawaii of Europe.”
Day 2 : São Miguel, Açores, Portugal - Tour Begins
Location: São Miguel, Azores
Accommodation Name: hotel
This is the Azores. A set of islands virtually untouched by urban development. Your adventure begins on São Miguel, the largest of the nine volcanic islands. Relax and explore as you wish, perhaps sit along the seaside promenade and breathe in the mild air of the Atlantic.
Day 3 : Ponta Delgada
Location: Ponta Delgada
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Get to know Ponta Delgada, the capital city of São Miguel, on a morning walking tour of the area. This afternoon, traverse the dirt paths to the Sete Cidades caldera’s highest point on an off-road adventure. On your way, gaze down upon the blue lake (reflecting the sky) and the adjacent green lake (reflecting the lush vegetation). As you take in the greenery around you, an Impact Moment introduces how our partnership with a local company is supporting reforestation efforts on the island. Celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4 : São Miguel
Location: São Miguel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Start the day with a visit to one of the few remaining basket weavers on the island. Learn how willow basket making has evolved and how this father-son enterprise has kept this traditional craft alive. Then, it’s your choice! Enjoy the thermal waters at the Terra Nostra pool,* built in the 18th century by the American consul to the Azores -OR- embark on a guided visit to the organic paradise that is the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. For lunch, enjoy a traditional cozido das furnas meal, where your food is cooked in the earth’s volcanic heat. Later, continue on to the green fields of a nearby tea plantation where we will learn about this unique crop before an evening of leisure in São Miguel.
Day 5 : São Miguel
Location: São Miguel
Accommodation Name: Pico Terramar Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Today enjoy a full free day to explore Sao Miguel at your own pace. Or you may choose to join a Flavors of Sao Miguel optional tour where you will taste your way through some of the unique products this island has to offer. At a local quinta, taste Azorean gin, blended with botanicals and seaweed and learn how a local foundation supports local marine conservation. End this optional excursion with a light lunch of locally-sourced ingredients. Regardless of how you choose to spend your day, gather tonight for a home-hosted dinner at a local village.
Day 6 : São Miguel - Madalena, Pico
Location: Pico
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Board your flight to Pico, one of the most unique Azorean islands. Start with a visit to the Pico Wine Museum, where you will learn about the uniqueness and adaptability of the wine production on the island. See firsthand why the vineyard landscape is labeled as a UNESCO Heritage site. Check-in to your hotel for the next two nights. End your day with an included dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7 : Pico
Location: Pico
Accommodation Name: Zenite Boutique Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Dinner
We will start your day by visiting the whaling museum that highlights the historical ties of the industry to the culture of the islands. Learn about the importance of whaling to Pico through the 1980s and the transition from hunting to protecting these giants of the oceans. Bring your walking shoes today to visit the Lagoa do Capitao and look out over Sao Jorge Island in the distance. Travel to one of the most prestigious wine producers in the archipelago for a tasting. End your day with an included dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8 : Pico - Angra Do Heroismo, Terceira
Location: Angra do Heroismo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Board your flight to Terceira and say hello to the colorful capital of Angra do Heroismo (UNESCO) with a local guide. Restored in traditional style, the city features white facades and vibrant trims. Learn about the Holy Ghost Chapels, known locally as Imperios, and customs surrounding this tradition. Tonight, get a taste of the culture at a local restaurant.
Day 9 : Terceira
Location: Terceira
Accommodation Name: hotel
Start your day with a swim* in the natural volcanic pools of Biscoitos. Later, on your way to Algar do Carvao, stop at Serra do Cume viewpoint where views of the agricultural fields and their neat orderly stone walls will take your breath away. At Algar do Carvao, the “Cavern of Coal,” feel the quiet stillness as you descend into this ancient lava tube. Enjoy the evening to explore Angra do Heroismo as you wish.
Day 10 : Terceira
Location: Terceira
Accommodation Name: Bessa Hotel Liberdade
Meals Included: Dinner
Today, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may choose to join an optional tour to the western side of Terceira in the morning, sipping coffee at an organic coffee plantation and tasting locally grown bananas along the way and ending at a family-owned cheese factory for a light lunch made up of local products. End the day at a tapas home-hosted dining experience.
Day 11 : Terceira - Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation Name: hotel
Say farewell to the Azores archipelago as you head to Lisbon in continental Europe. Lisbon, known as the city of the seven hills, and the starting point of many of its 15th century explorations, was also the departure point of many of its immigrants that crossed the Atlantic searching for a better life. Check in to your hotel after your flight and enjoy a free night.
Day 12 : Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Start your morning with a panoramic tour of Belem. See the imposing 16th century Jeronimos Monastery and the Belem Tower, a fortress built to protect Lisbon and later used as a prison. Return to downtown Lisbon and join a walking food tour in one of the historical neighborhoods of Lisbon. Every corner of the city seems to be about to tell you a story, with a unique character and "tascas" with delicious "petiscos". Enjoy free time for the rest of the afternoon before you gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 13 : Lisbon - Tour Ends
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation Name: hotel
Say adeus (goodbye) to Portugal and the Azores as you depart this coastal paradise.
What's Included
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Welcome Dinner
Celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
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Home-Hosted Dinner
Gather for a home-hosted dinner at a local village.
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Included Dinner at Local Restaurant
End your day with an included dinner at a local restaurant.
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Walking Food Tour in Lisbon
Experience one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods with a walking food tour.
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Farewell Dinner
Gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
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Pico Wine Museum Visit
Visit the Pico Wine Museum to learn about the uniqueness and adaptability of wine production on the island.
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Whaling Museum Visit
Visit the whaling museum to learn about the historical ties of the industry to the culture of the islands.
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Algar do Carvao Visit
Descend into Algar do Carvao, an ancient lava tube, with a local expert.
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Natural Volcanic Pools
Swim in natural volcanic pools.
What's Not Included
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Optional Tours
Optional tours such as the Flavors of Sao Miguel and Western Island Tour are not included and require additional payment.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights to and from Portugal
International flights to and from Portugal are not included in the tour package.
Experiences
Traverse the dirt paths of the Sete Cidades caldera and gaze upon the twin lakes.Swim in natural volcanic pools.
Options
Ponta Delgada, Azores: Flavors of Sao Miguel Taste your way through the unique, natural flavors of São Miguel. This afternoon, stop at a local gin production facility, where traditional botanical ingredients like rosemary and juniper are blended with local, sustainably sourced seaweed. Drinks and bottles of gin sold here support marine conservation locally, through a donation to the Ocean Azores Foundation. Enjoy a light, farmhouse-style lunch on the beautiful grounds of the facility. Cap off this afternoon excursion with a visit to a pineapple plantation that is more than 100 years old. You’ll see the plantation and where the pineapples grow before getting the chance to sip on an expertly prepared pineapple cocktail. Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 8 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Terceira, Azores: Western Island Tour: Monte Brasil, Coffee & Banana Plantation & Lunch This morning, see what lies on the western side of Terceira Island. Take in the beautiful coastal views along the way before visiting a banana plantation, where bright green banana leaves and blue skies meet. After sipping on coffee and sampling some bananas or other seasonal fruits, you’ll visit a family-owned cheese factory. The family owns cows that roam freely with plenty of space and grass at a nearby farm, and many say the milk of these “happy cows” leads to a tastier cheese. After learning about the production process and the family history, gather for a light lunch of local products. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 8 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Culinaries
Experience a truly unique cozido das furnas lunch in Furnas valley.Enjoy a home-hosted meal at a village in the Sao Miguel Island.Experience one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods with a walking food tour.
Must See
Discover Pico’s exclusive wines.Descend into Algar do Carvao, an ancient lava tube, with a local expert.Admire views of Pico Volcano, the highest point in Portugal.
Choice Highlights
Off-Road Sete Cidades Experience Navigate the rim of Sete Cidades, a civil parish on the island of Sao Miguel as you discover its massive caldera and dazzling twin lakes. According to Azorean legend, the lakes’ brilliant colors of green and blue were formed from the tears of a lovesick shepherd and princess engaged in a forbidden affair.
Choice on Tour: Terra Nostra Botanical Garden or Thermal Pool Experience Choose between a visit to a gorgeous botanical garden or a dip in relaxing waters. For the first choice, embark on a guided visit to the organic paradise that is the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. From colorful flowers to palm trees, aquatic plants, bamboo, azaleas, and more, stroll through the garden alongside your guide to see what’s in bloom. Your second choice is to take a dip into the warm, mineral-enriched waters of the Terra Nostra pool. While you soak in the thermal spring waters, take in the gorgeous surrounding views of Terra Nostra Park and the Valley of Furnas. Savor the views in addition to appreciating the history; the pool was built in the 18th century by the American consul to the Azores.
Walk in Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens - NEO Day 3
Activity Level: 2
Tour Manager or a local guide will guide the walk.
Swim in the Terra Nostra Pools - NEO Day 3
Activity Level: 1
Travelers need to bring their own bathing suit and water shoes or flip flops.
Furnas Valley Furnas Valley is a civil parish whose name originates from the Portuguese word for caverns. One of the earliest references to Furnas came from the harvesting of the trees in the valley in order to assist the construction of many of the homes destroyed by the 1522 earthquake and landslides in Vila Franca do Campo. After being deforested and isolated, the English Consul-General constructed a home in 1855, which eventually started renting out rooms to summer tourists.
Home-Hosted Dinner
Angra do Heroismo During the pioneering Age of Discovery, this UNESCO World Heritage site served as the major port of call between Europe, Africa and the Americas. Today, the vestige of trade and commerce on the waterfront can still be seen with its maritime forts, manors and city squares.
Algar do Carvao One of the few places in the world where you can actually explore and descend into the depths of a volcano. Known as the “Cavern of Coal,” this ancient lava tube formed about 3,200 years ago and contains stunning stalagmites and stalactites, an underground lake and otherworldly grottos.
Natural Volcanic Pools
Volcanic Stone House Stay
Pico Wine Museum Found in a Carmelite convent, this winery and museum offers oenophiles a chance to trace the rich history of wine in the Azores. Tour the old distillery and learn how Pico’s vinho became famous across the seas with Russian royalty.
Mode of Transport
Travel between the Azorean islands and Lisbon via flights, with local transportation provided for excursions and tours, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey across Portugal's stunning landscapes.
Accommodation
Stay at the Grand Hotel Acores Atlântico, Pico Terramar Hotel, Zenite Boutique Hotel & Spa, and Bessa Hotel Liberdade, offering comfort and local charm throughout your journey in the Azores and Lisbon.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique culinary experience can I expect in Furnas valley?
In Furnas valley, you can enjoy a traditional cozido das furnas meal, where your food is cooked using the earth's volcanic heat, providing a truly unique culinary experience.
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What is special about the Sete Cidades caldera?
The Sete Cidades caldera is known for its twin lakes, one blue and one green, which are said to reflect the sky and the lush vegetation, respectively. According to Azorean legend, the lakes' colors were formed from the tears of a lovesick shepherd and princess.
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What can I learn at the Pico Wine Museum?
At the Pico Wine Museum, you will learn about the unique and adaptable wine production on the island, and see why the vineyard landscape is labeled as a UNESCO Heritage site.
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What historical insights does the whaling museum on Pico offer?
The whaling museum on Pico highlights the historical ties of the whaling industry to the culture of the islands, explaining its importance through the 1980s and the transition from hunting to protecting whales.
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What can I expect when visiting Algar do Carvao?
At Algar do Carvao, you can descend into an ancient lava tube known as the 'Cavern of Coal,' where you will experience the quiet stillness and see stunning stalagmites, stalactites, and an underground lake.
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What is the significance of Angra do Heroismo?
Angra do Heroismo is a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as a major port of call during the Age of Discovery, with its maritime forts, manors, and city squares reflecting its historical significance in trade and commerce.
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What activities are available in the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden?
In the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, you can choose between a guided visit to explore the organic paradise with its diverse plant life or take a dip in the warm, mineral-enriched waters of the Terra Nostra pool.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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