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 your local 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 select restaurant.

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. Food will be cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven surrounded by volcanic stones which impart unparalleled flavor. 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 that are surrounded by cliffs with lush greenery. Get your camera out - the scenery is breathtaking! Afterward, immersive 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, a lake so beautiful it is considered one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. It is famous for its iconic twin blue/green lakes and extreme beauty. This is a must-see on any trip to 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 prepared picnic lunch. Later, paddle a kayak on the lake’s still waters. 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 winery tour. Visit Pico’s adegas (wine cellars) where wine is produced, bottled and stored. Enjoy mouth-watering delicacies with wine tastings created especially for visitors. Learn how the history of winemaking on Pico has become its main economic activity. The evening will be at leisure.

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

WED, Aug 26: Pico Island Full Day Tour

Mount 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 learning about the history and culture of the island. The landscape of Pico Island’s vineyards is rare and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dry stone walls cover narrow coastal strips of vineyards that are protect them from wind. The stone walls trap heat from the sun and create a warm microclimate essential for grapes to ripen in a cool maritime climate. Walk through the vineyards of Criacão Velha to take in Pico’s landscapes and vineyards. Along the way, 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 guided visit at the Whaler’s Museum. The evening will be at leisure.

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

THUR, Aug 27: Ferry to São Jorge Island, São Jorge Island Tour, Coffee Plantation, Swim at Faja do Ouvidor, Ferry Back to Pico Island

In the morning, take a ferry ride to São Jorge Island known for landscapes that are pure drama - vertical moss cliffs, waterfalls that fall straight into the ocean and fajas - coastal lava platforms at the base of cliffs created by lava flows or landslides. São Jorge is about constant ‘on the edge of the world’ views. Today, enjoy the island’s breathtaking vistas, take an easy hike and visit a commercial coffee plantation. Enjoy a swim in a magical natural lava pool, Poca do Simão Dias located on Faja do Ouvidor, one of the greatest fajas on São Jorge’s north coast. After a full day on beautiful São Jorge Island, take the ferry back to Pico. Enjoy the evening 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 his morning. In the afternoon, enjoy a whale and dolphin watching boat trip. The Azores is an oasis of sea life for both scientists and visitors. The best season for whale watching in the Azores is spring. 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 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. 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.