The Azores: Portugal’s Unspoiled Archipelago

SAT, Aug 22: Arrive São Miguel Island, Transfer to the Hotel, Tour Orientation, Introduction to Ponta Delgada, Welcome Dinner

Welcome to the beautiful Azores Islands! Upon arrival you will be transferred from the Ponta Delgada airport to your hotel located on the port with views out to the sea. Take time to relax at the hotel or go out on your own. Join the Tour Orientation in the later afternoon to meet your fellow travelers, PAF staff and the guide. Then, join the guide for a walking introduction to Ponta Delgada - the colorful heart of São Miguel Island. It is the largest city in the Azores with its own rich history and culture. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner in Ponta Delgada at a contemporary restaurant that highlights fresh Azorean ingredients.

Accommodations: Octant Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island
Meals: D

SUN, Aug 23: Azorean Cooking Class with Lunch, Lagoa do Fogo, Caldeira Velha Hot Springs, Free Evening

This morning, experience the true essence of the islands - the feeling of friendship and sharing. Participate in a hands-on cooking class with a local chef. Azorean cuisine combines Portuguese, Mediterranean and North African influences in rustic, hearty dishes. The cooking class combines gastronomy and culture in a relaxed atmosphere. After lunch, experience one of the island’s crown jewels, Lagoa do Fogo/Lake of Fire. Located in the interior of São Miguel Island, this natural wonder is a crater lake known for its vivid blue waters surrounded by cliffs and lush greenery. You'll take in sweeping views of the volcanic crater and the lake against the backdrop of the ocean. Get your camera out - the scenery is breathtaking! Afterward, immerse yourself in the mineral-rich waters of Caldeira Velha Hot Springs, a natural thermal pool surrounded by endemic fauna, flora and a natural waterfall. The evening will be at leisure.

Accommodations: Octant Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island
Meals: B, L

MON, Aug 24: Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Picnic Lunch, Kayaking, Free Evening

This morning, head to Sete Cidades, famous for its iconic twin blue/green lakes and extreme beauty. Located on São Migual Island, it is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Azores.  Spend a full day at Sete Cidades. Take an easy hike with the guide to learn about the the geological formation of the caldera. Enjoy scenic viewpoints around the lake and end with a regional picnic lunch. In the afternoon, paddle a kayak on the lake's still waters. The guide will share insights about the caldera as you kayak. Enjoy the serenity of being on an emerald crater lake surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The evening will be at leisure.

Accommodations: Octant Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island
Meals: B, L

TUES, Aug 25: Transfer to the Airport, Fly to Pico Island, Wine & Tapas Tour, Free Evening

This morning, take an inner-island flight from São Miguel to Pico Island. Pico Island has a rich history of winemaking which has been shaped by its volcanic terrain, Atlantic winds and centuries of adaptation. Pico has some of the most extraordinary white wines in Portugal. After arrival, take a Wine & Tapas tour. Visit Pico’s adegas (wine cellars) where wine is produced, bottled and stored. Enjoy regional tapas with the wine tastings. Learn about Pico's wine culture, history and hear stories from the people who keep this tradition alive. The evening will be at leisure.

Accommodations: Alma do Pico, Pico Island
Meals: B, L

WED, Aug 26: Ferry to Faial Island, Discover Faial, Lunch, Ferry Back to Pico Island

In the morning, take a short ferry ride to Faial Island from Pico. Faial is often called the 'Blue Island' because of its abundance of hydrangeas that bloom in the summer. Spend the day and discover the best of this island. You'll visit Capelinhos Volcano, one of Faial's most dramatic sites. The volcano erupted in 1958 and created a lunar-type landscape on one side of the island. The guide will share the island's history and culture along the way. Stop for a swim in the ocean and take an easy hike. In the later afternoon, take the ferry back to Pico. The evening will be at leisure.

Accommodations: Alma do Pico, Pico Island
Meals: B, L

THUR, Aug 27: Pico Island Full Day Tour, Lunch

Mt. Pico dominates Pico Island - it is a showstopper and sits right in the middle of the island, rising almost symmetrically from the Atlantic. You can see the volcano from most places on Pico Island. Today, take in its many views. This is a full-day on Pico Island that blends nature, history and culture with stops in traditional villages. Pico Island’s vineyard landscape is a unique 15th-century agricultural environment that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features thousands of stone-walled, rectangular enclosures built on black volcanic soil to protect the vines from wind. The stone walls also trap heat from the sun and create a warm microclimate essential for grapes to ripen in the cool maritime climate. Walk through the vineyards of Criacão Velha to take in Pico’s stone wall landscapes and vineyards. Visit Lagoa do Capitão, a beautiful lake on Pico and a good place to observe resident migratory birds. After lunch, visit the village of Lajes do Pico. It was the first settlement on the island and is considered the Azorean whaling capital. Besides wine, whaling played a big role in the history of Pico and the Azores. Enjoy a walk through the village and a visit to the Whaler’s Museum. The evening will be at leisure.

Accommodations: Alma do Pico, Pico Island
Meals: B, L

FRI, Aug 28, Fly from Pico to São Miguel, Whale & Dolphin Watching

Fly from Pico back to São Miguel Island this morning. In the afternoon, enjoy a whale and dolphin watching boat trip. The Azores is an oasis of sea life. The best season for whale watching in the Azores is spring and summer. You could spot blue whales, fin whales and sei whales. Dolphins and sperm whales are residents in the area and are often seen year-round. This trip is led by marine biologists who will introduce you to the species you see from the boat. You can also observe sea birds, turtles and other marine life in the deep blue waters off Ponta Delgada. Prepare for awe-inspiring moments where time suddenly freezes and the natural magic happens in front of your eyes. Enjoy dinner in a select restaurant in Ponta Delgada this evening.

Accommodations: Hotel Vila Galé, São Miguel
Meals: B, D

SAT, Aug 29: Full Day at Furnas on São Miguel Island

Steamy, lush and a little surreal is the best way to describe Furnas. The Valley of Furnas is one of the largest thermal regions in the world. It is famous for its geothermal activity, hot springs, volcanic landscapes and crater lakes. Everything in Furnas feels alive: bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, dense gardens and mist in the air. Visit the famous fumaroles, calderas and hot springs. Visit the Gorreana Tea Factory along the way.  Enjoy cozido for lunch - a mixture of regional vegetables and spiced meats cooked from the steam of the earth. After lunch, visit Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens, known for its extraordinary Azorean native plants and trees. At the end of the day, take a dip in the therapeutic, mineral-rich hot water pool at Terra Nostra Park. You’ll return at the end of the day in a very relaxed state! The evening is at leisure.

Accommodations: Hotel Vila Galé, São Miguel
Meals: B, L

SUN, Aug 30: Transfer to the Sao Miguel Airport, Fly Home

Today, transfer to the São Miguel airport and fly home.

PRICE: $7220 per person based on occupancy in a single room; ask us about double occupancy rooms  

INCLUDED:

• 9-day guided tour of São Miguel, Pico & Faial Islands
• 8 nights' accommodations in superb sea view, forest & city properties
• Service of a certified Azores guide who will travel with the group + specialist guides
• Airport transfers
• Breakfast in the hotel daily
• Meals, per the Daily Itinerary
• Inner-island flights
• Ferry transfers
• Private transportation on each island
• All site tours, activities & admission fees
• All excursions & outdoor activities
• Free evenings built into the itinerary to relax, go out on your own or with others from the tour

NOT INCLUDED:

• International airfare
• Third meal of the day
• Gratuity for the guide
• Travel insurance
• Alcoholic drinks (some wine included during tastings)

TOUR REGISTRATION:

Register on the website for this tour.  Click on the red Register Now! tab to complete the registration paperwork.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:   May 22, 2026

 

TOUR DEPOSIT:

You will be asked for a deposit of $2500 as part of the registration process. This can be paid by check or by bank transfer.  Please contact the office.

PAYMENT:

You will be sent an invoice for the balance payment. It will be due May 22, 2026.  After that date, registration requires full payment.  Tour payment must be made by bank transfer or check.

PROMOTIONS/DISCOUNTS

If you register with a promotion, the discount will be taken off the final invoice, which will be sent to you.

TOUR RESCHEDULING/CANCELLATION:

If you cancel the tour before the final payment, you will receive a refund less a $500 service charge per person. If you cancel the tour after the final payment, the payment is non-refundable. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to offset tour cancellation costs.

If Pack A Fork cancels the tour, a full refund will be sent.

AIR RESERVATIONS:

Pack A Fork! has partnered with Exito Travel for air reservations. Our agent is Leanne Reuss, International Airfare Specialist. She can be contacted at 800-655-4053, x8528 -OR - leanne@exitotravel.com.

Alternatively, you can book your own airline reservations. Please forward a copy of your airline reservation to the office.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

Travel insurance will help protect you from trip cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruptions and lost or damaged baggage. Travel insurance may also give you medical protection during your trip. Recommended companies include: Travel Guard, Allianz and World Nomads (if under 70).  Or, visit the website Square Mouth or InsureMyTrip to compare policies.

It is important to purchase travel insurance at the time of tour payment for more comprehensive coverage.