PORTUGAL
Highlights
- San Miguel and Pico Islands
- Hike to famous caldeiras, hot springs, volcanos, and caves
- Visit Pineapple and Tea Plantations
- Whale watching and wine tasting
The Azores archipelago sparkles like a string of jewels in the Atlantic Ocean, some 900 miles west of Portugal. Blessed with a temperate ocean climate, these islands are a work of art, crafted by mother nature herself with lush forests and volcanic lakes, hot springs, thermal baths, dramatic waterfalls, fertile plantations, ancient vineyards and wonderful locally sourced foods and wines. This is a place that values its old ways and works to preserve its unique way of life. Nature is #1 here. Our visit begins on the island of San Miguel and ends beyond the lava rock walls and vineyards below Mount Pico. We hike in beautiful green landscapes and lush forests, swim in thermal baths and picnic beside jewel-toned caldeiras, with a chance to see a great variety of flowers and birds, maybe even a whale. This wonderful spot, so easily reached by Europe and the eastern US, is slowly on its way to becoming a top vacation destination. Now is the time to savor each moment.
We'll start here
Saturday Overnight: Hotel do Colegio
Meet the group at our hotel in Ponta Delgada, on Sao Miguel island. Enjoy a wonderful welcome cocktail and dinner with the group.
Sunday Overnight: Hotel do Colegio
We begin with a gentle hike along the ridge of the Caldeira das Sete Cidades, a protected landscape dominated by four spectacular lakes. It's one of the most iconic views in the Azores. After lunch we head for an enlightening (and tasty!) visit to the historic Arruda Pineapple Farm, then return to Ponta Delgada to explore its historic center. Dinner tonight is at a nearby restaurant.
Monday Overnight: Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Begin with a visit to Miradouro do Castelo Branco for panoramic views and a short hike to Furnas. We'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant, then walk on to see the geysers and boiling mud springs of Caldeiras das Furnas. It's quite a sight. We'll continue our walk in the stunning green hills of Ribeira do Faial da Terra, then board the shuttle in Outeiro, stopping at the spectacular Achada Waterfall enroute to our Furnas hotel. Dinner tonight is at a favorite local restaurant.
Tuesday Overnight: Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
The day begins with an easygoing loop walk to the hot springs and waterfalls of Salto Do Cabrito. After lunch, we head out for a more challenging hike to the tea factory in Cha Gorreana. After a visit we stop for a well deserved healing hot bath at the lush Caldeira Velha Interpretation Center.
Wednesday Overnight: Hotel Aldeia da Fonte
Our morning walk takes us to the fascinating Fabricas de Luz trail to see remnants of the country's industrial past. After, we walk to the beautiful Lagoa do Congro, where we'll enjoy a picnic lunch before exploring the charcoal cave at Vila Franca do Campo. Later this afternoon, we'll head to the airport for a late-afternoon flight to Pico Island. Enjoy dinner at our Pico Island hotel.
Thursday Overnight: Hotel Aldeia da Fonte
Pico Island is famous for its long history of grape growing and wine making, and home to Mount Pico, the volcano that dominates the skyline. Opt to hike Portugal's tallest mountain with an altitude of 7713 ft, or choose instead to enjoy a wonderful hike among the old vineyards of Pico. This afternoon we'll travel inland to walk in more of the island's beautiful landscapes.
Friday Overnight: Hotel Aldeia da Fonte
This morning if the seas are calm, we hop onto a small boat and head out to sea for an exciting bit of whale watching. After a fun trip and a good lunch we'll hike near the coast in an area designated as a World Heritage Site. We end the day with a wine tasting at the Pico wine cooperative. Dinner tonight is a favorite Azorean restaurant in Madalena.
Saturday
After breakfast The Wayfarers will transport you to the Pico Airport for onward travel.
Walking to the thermal pools and taking a dip .... heaven!
Small dirt roads and paths through forests and valleys. A mix of easy and vigorous walks, sometimes rocky trails. Once challenging day up Portugal's highest mountain. 5-8 miles per day.
TRIP DETAILS
from
US $4,895.00
Per Person, Double Occupancy
(Single Supplement US $695.00)
(Single Supplement US $695.00)
Our Wayfarers friends' Price is US $4,650.00
Dates
Begins: Sao Miguel Island, Azores
Ends: Pico Island, Azores
Ends: Pico Island, Azores
Hotels - Where we stay
Start planning your trip
What Is Included in the Price of My Vacation
- Full-time services of two staff - a Walk Leader and Walk Manager
- A backup vehicle for resting walkers and moving luggage
- Comprehensive Travel Information Package and Reading List
- Diverse itineraries with an emphasis on history, geography, culture, peoples, flora and fauna
- Demonstrations, wine tasting, admissions to museums and historic sites
- All ground transfers (ferries, cable cars, trains, etc.)
- Maps and unique souvenirs to commemorate your trip
- First-class accommodations with cultural and historical interest
- All meals - with choices - (Special dietary requirements? No problem!)
- Wine with dinner
- On-trail snacks and refreshments
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants