Robin Giddings
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival to Ponta Delgada
Welcome to Ponta Delgada! As you arrive at the airport, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to Senhora da Rosa Tradition and Nature Hotel. On arrival, enjoy a leisurely evening to settle in and unwind.
Overnight Senhora da Rosa
Day 2
Sete Cidades
Today you'll start your Azores adventures with a full-day tour beginning with an E-Bike Experience to see Sete Cidades. The tour will circle the volcanic caldera on slightly uneven but primarily flat terrain. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings as you pedal along at a gentle pace.
Recharge your energy levels with a catered picnic lunch by the lakeshore before setting off for this afternoon's kayaking activity. Once in your kayak, follow your guide along the shoreline as you journey towards Ponte dos Regos, where you'll paddle from the blue lagoon to the green lagoon under the bridge's arches, taking in the serenity of this special location.
Return to your accommodation this afternoon to enjoy a well-deserved restful evening.
Overnight Senhora da Rosa
Day 3
Whale Watching
After an early breakfast, around 8:15 am, your guide will bring you to the marina for your whale and dolphin watching tour. Today you'll have the opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, surrounded by the boundless beauty of the Azores.
Skilled skippers and biologists will guide you on this trip, blending fun, discovery, and scientific facts for the perfect family experience. Sperm whales and playful dolphins call the Azores home year round, and, in the spring, blue, fin, and sei whales enter these waters as part of their migration. Don't forget to look out for sea birds, turtles, and other exciting marine life too!
After the experience, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then, return to your accommodation, with the afternoon free to spend as you wish.
Overnight Senhora da Rosa
Day 4
Hiking with a Rescued Donkey
After breakfast, meet your guide and drive to Agua de Alto, a quaint beachside town with excellent hiking opportunities. Here, you'll meet your second guide for the day, a rescued donkey! Donkeys walk at the same speed as humans, about four miles per hour. Movement is essential to their health and well-being; in the wild, they can travel from 10-20 km per day! By going on a 3 km hiking adventure with your new friend, you are keeping them healthy while exploring the grand views of Aqua de Alto. Along the way, discover a secret path to the beach, enjoy local coffee and a boxed lunch, and brush up on your Portuguese.
After saying goodbye to your new friend, return to your hotel.
Overnight Senhora da Rosa
Day 5
Terceira
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Terceira, a destination brimming with historical significance and cultural splendor. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting to show you the city of Terceira.
Begin at Angra do Heroísmo, a town steeped in maritime history and Portuguese heritage. Throughout the 16th to 18th centuries, Angra stood as a strategic and vital port for ships during the era of Portuguese maritime discoveries. Angra's history spans five centuries and proudly preserves an immense treasure trove of culture, traditions, and architectural wonders. In 1983, UNESCO recognized its significance by classifying Angra as a World Heritage City.
As you stroll through its historic streets, we suggest sampling the delightful Queijada da Dona Amélia, a local pastry named in honor of Queen Amélia, who was gifted these sweets during her first royal visit to the island in 1901.
Your overnight stay at Azores Book Hotel, close to the city center, will allow you to relax for the evening or further see Angra at your leisure.
Overnight Azores Book Hotel
Day 6
Terceira
Today, take the full day to explore the wonders of Terceira. Meet your guide at the hotel and head straight to one of the island's highlights, Algar do Carvão. This ancient volcanic vent is incredibly unique, and you'll learn why as you descend 90-meters below ground to explore it! Next, visit the popular summer destination of Biscoitos. This picturesque town is known for its wine region and beautiful natural pools carved from black lava fields by the waves, creating truly fascinating landscapes.
By noon, arrive at Praia da Vitória. Savor a delicious lunch while enjoying a view of the beach. After time to refuel, visit the Serra do Cume viewpoint, considered the most beautiful in Portugal. Take in the unique view of the island's interior, known as the "patchwork quilt," formed by walls of volcanic stone dividing agricultural fields into square patterns.
Then, head to one of our favorite spots in the Azores, Pico Dona Joana. The volcanic cones with Ilhéu das Cabras in the background offer a unique and special perspective of the Azores. After a full day of exploration, return to your hotel, with the evening at leisure.
Overnight Azores Book Hotel
Day 7
Ponta Delgada
Today you'll say goodbye to Terceira. Transfer back to the airport and take a short flight to Ponta Delgada. From here, meet your guide in the arrivals area and transfer to your hotel, Terra Nostra. This is a special property that you're sure to love!
Find yourself immersed in one of the Azores' most celebrated botanical landscapes, with exclusive access to the garden and its geothermal thermal pool after hours. The hotel's Art Deco design, wellness facilities, and connection to the island's volcanic landscapes create a sense of place that is deeply rooted in São Miguel. Best of all, you'll feel sustainability woven into your experience, with initiatives focused on environmental responsibility, resource conservation, and support for the local community.
Overnight at Terra Nostra Hotel
Day 8
Furnas
Discover how the people of Furnas have harnessed the power of the earth for generations during an immersive geothermal experience. As you explore the steaming Caldeiras, you'll learn about the history and traditional uses of the region's volcanic activity and mineral-rich waters. A qualified water taster will introduce you to the different natural springs, explaining their unique characteristics and origins.
After, take part in a local tradition by cooking your own meal using the natural heat of the hot springs! When it's ready, enjoy it alongside a cup of thermal tea. Interactive and hands-on throughout, this experience is especially well-suited for families and curious travelers who enjoy learning by doing.
Overnight at Terra Nostra Hotel
Day 9
An Afternoon on the Farm
Take the morning at leisure to enjoy your hotel. Then, meet your guide for and head to a farm in Achadinha.
Sao Miguel has earned the nickname "Green Island" because of its verdant landscapes and longstanding farming traditions. Today, you'll experience these deep roots first hand. Meet local farmers who will teach you about regenerative farming practices. During the tour, you'll be able to milk a cow, pet the cute calves, and try your hand at moving the herd. Enjoy a picnic-style tasting of milk, artisanal cheeses, and homemade jams while gazing over coastal pastures located far from the tourist trail.
Take a final night to enjoy Terra Nostra at leisure before tomorrow's departure.
Overnight at Terra Nostra Hotel
Day 10
Departure Day
Enjoy one last breakfast in the Azores before your transfer to the airport for your international flight home.
