Hiking the Azores
- Duration
- 6 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,087
FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: Explore two islands in the Azores on a 6-day small group hiking adventure! Discover the lush and diverse landscapes of the largest island, São Miguel and the southern island of Santa Maria. This program includes full and half day hiking experiences, traditional food and the beauty of natural surroundings.
This 6 Day first-class, small group tour explores the beauty of the exotic Azores. Stay in Ponta Delgada and spend your days hiking the lush, dramatic countryside of these remote, volcanic islands.
After a day of experiencing historic Ponta Delgada, start your hikes with an exploration of Sete Cidades and the Blue and Green Lagoons. Over the week you will continue to experience the remote and beautiful highlights of the Azores with explorations of Lagoa das Furnas and Salto do Prego, one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island. As you hike, you will have the opportunity to stop into small towns and try some of the local delicacies.
Your final day of hiking starts with a ferry from Sao Miguel Island to Santa Maria Island. Santa Maria is the most southerly of the nine islands of the Azores, known for its sandy beaches and stunning views.
- Duration
- 6 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,087
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrive Sao Miguel
Upon arrival to the Ponta Delgada Airport take a private transfer to your hotel. Discover this historic city by foot with its Baroque buildings and monuments dating from the 16th century. A highlight of the city is the Jardim Antonio Borges, a public botanical garden, built in the 19th century. Admire the hundreds of exotic species introduced to the island. Then, continue to the Mercado da Graca, a local market where local products are on display and sold.
Duration | 5 Nights |
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Accommodation |
Azoris Royal Garden Hotel |
Location | View map |
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Azoris Royal Garden Hotel
The Royal Garden Hotel is a modern hotel and has some of the best facilities in Ponta Delgada. It is located just 10 minutes walk from the cathedral and the heart of the old city. The hotel is set around a peaceful Japanese garden with …
The Royal Garden Hotel is a modern hotel and has some of the best facilities in Ponta Delgada. It is located just 10 minutes walk from the cathedral and the heart of the old city.
The hotel is set around a peaceful Japanese garden with water features and rock flowerbeds and offers a luxurious retreat from your city explorations. The oriental theme is carried through into the communal areas of the hotel and there are generous lounge areas with wide screen TV for guests use.
There are 193 en-suite rooms all with telephone, cable TV, hairdryer, internet access, minibar and air conditioning. For families, there are suites and some rooms have interconnecting doors. Most rooms have a private covered balcony.Facilities
- Bar
- Gym
- Laundry facilities
- Parking
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Spa
Photo gallery
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Sete Cidades full day hike
After breakfast, your hike begins vicinity of Muro das Nove Janelas, 15km from Ponta Delgada, a stone aqueduct formerly used to supply water to public fountains in the city. Along this path, it is possible to observe the Green and Blue Lagoons, a natural wonder of Portugal, as well as the expansive views of the north and south coasts of Sao Miguel, including several species of endemic flora. The trail ends in the center of Sete Cidades parish. Sete Cidades or 'Seven Cities' is a small town surrounded by lakes, lagoons and craters offering spectacular viewpoints. Return back to Ponta Delgada.
Category: Linear | Difficulty level: Medium | Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles | Average time: 5 hours
Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
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Furnas full day hike
After breakfast, depart Ponta Delgada for the town of Vila Franca do Campo, the island's first capital, and admire the famous Vila Franca islet and visit the Queijada do Morgado factory that makes the traditional sweet pastry, better known as Queijadas da Vila (optional). Continue to Furnas, located on the banks of the romantic Lagoa das Furnas, where the trail will start. During the hike, you can admire the Lagoon, including several endemic and exotic species introduced on the island. The visit to Parque dos Cozidos (optional) is possible, to watch the making of the famous Furnas stew using only the heat from this volcano. After observing this phenomenon, the trail continues until the Parish of Furnas. Before arriving, stop at the Poça da Dona Beija thermal pools and relax in the waters before proceeding to Furnas to enjoy its famous stew. Enjoy a traditional Cozida das Furnas lunch, before returning to Ponta Delgada. The final stop will be at the factory and tea plantations in Gorreana.
Category: Linear | Difficulty level: Easy | Distance: 9.5 km / 5.9 miles | Average time: 3 hours
Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
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Faial da Terra - Sanguinho - Salto do Prego half-day hike
Today, you will take a small circular hiking route starting from the Faial da Terra bus stop. The trail continues along a dirt track, always referring to the Faial da Terra stream, on the right. After 2.5 km, continue towards Salto do Prego, one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island where you can also bathe in the cold waters of Ribeira do Faial da Terra. Along the trail, the vegetation is dense, with a variety of species. After a refreshing bath, follow the path towards Sanguinho, a picturesque village located in the middle of the vegetation. Then, the return to the Parish of Faial da Terra and return back to Ponta Delgada.
Category: Circular | Difficulty level: Medium | Distance: 5 km / 3 miles | Average time: 2.3 hours
Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
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Sao Miguel - Lagoa do Foa or Quinta da Jardinete
On this day, you have two optional excursions.
Option 1: Half-day Lagoa do Fogo tour and hike (morning). The tour begins with the ascent to Pico da Barrosa, one of the highest peaks on the island, along the south coast, on a road with a panoramic view over the central part of the island. Enjoy one of the most extraordinary views over Lagoa do Fogo. From this point, you will descend by foot to the Lagoa, starting from the viewpoint of the lagoon. Next, you will descend to the edge of the lake, along wild and exciting trails. The trip continues towards the city of Ribeira Grande with a stop in the historic center of the city of Ribeira Grande where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the famous liqueurs produced with fruits of the island. Return to Ponta Delgada.
Category: Circular | Difficulty level: Medium | Distance: 3.5 km / 5.5 miles | Average time: 2.5 hours
Option 2: Half-day tour to Quinta da Jardinete winery (afternoon)
Quinta da Jardinete is a small boutique family property producing classic-style wines that express the qualities of the land, such as the its volcanic soil type, microclimate and vineyard. Learn about how the family produces and harvests the wine. After a visit to the winery, finally, you can enjoy a wine tasting!
Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
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Depart Sao Miguel
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport.
Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Private arrival and departure airport transfers
- 5 nights first-class accommodations in Ponta Delgada
- City tour of Sao Miguel (max 8 guests)
- Small group hiking program with an experienced guide (max 8 guests) including:
- Full day hike: Sete Cidades (12 km / 7.5 miles)
- Full day hike: Furnas (9.5 km / 5.9 miles)
- Half day hike: Faial da Terra - Sanguinho - Salto do Prego (5 km / 3 miles)
- Optional: Half Day Lagoa do Fogo tour (3.5 km / 5.5 miles) or Half-day tour to Quinta da Jardinete winery
- Daily breakfast (excluding day 1), 3 lunches, 4 dinners (drinks not included)
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
20 Mar 2024