EEscape to the lush, volcanic beauty of the Azores, an unforgettable walking vacation in Portugal – in the middle of a vast ocean.
These islands feel worlds away, yet they are easy flights from the US and Europe. Scattered across the Atlantic, these nine islands are a dream for nature lovers, with crater lakes, dramatic coastlines, steaming geysers, and vibrant gardens blooming year-round thanks to the mild ocean climate.
Our home base for this small group adventure is São Miguel, the largest and most diverse island in the Azores. You’ll hike through emerald forests, past cascading waterfalls and volcanic hot springs. One morning, head out by boat on a thrilling dolphin and whale watching tour, where sightings are almost guaranteed.
São Miguel is also home to rare treasures like Europe’s oldest and only tea plantation and pineapple farms. Between hikes, unwind in natural thermal baths, soak in sweeping ocean views, and savor delicious Portuguese island cuisine infused with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and volcanic flavors.
Explore the charming capital, Ponta Delgada, with its cobbled streets, historic churches, and bustling local markets. This is truly an authentic and breathtaking side of Portugal that’s certainly off the beaten path!
We meet at Ponta Delgada – João Paulo II Airport and transfer to our hotel in Furnas. Enjoy a wonderful Welcome cocktail and dinner at the hotel.
Furnas, Octant Furnas Hotel
After breakfast we transfer to the north side of the island and walk through lush forests, spot historic landmarks and enjoy the breathtaking ocean views. The serene Poço Azul is a beautiful blue lake, not far from the marvel that is the Salto da Farinha waterfall. After lunch we transfer to the viewpoint at Pico do Ferro and descend the old stone steps down the steep slope to the crater floor where active fumaroles, small geysers and bubbling mud pots await! We stroll the shore of Lake Furnas and then take time to wander in the charming town before returning to our hotel to relax before dinner in a local restaurant.
Furnas, Octant Furnas Hotel
After our transfer, we enjoy a scenic downhill journey along the Faial da Terra stream, passing an old, abandoned windmill. We discover two stunning waterfalls and continue through orchards and family farms ending in the picturesque village that is known as the “Nativity Scene of the Island”. After a picnic lunch in Outeiro we take a sightseeing tour of the beautiful coastline before returning to our hotel and perhaps taking the opportunity to enjoy the spa and thermal baths.
Furnas, Octant Furnas Hotel
We take a transfer to the top of the Barrosa hill to see the island’s wildest volcanic lake, Fogo, or “Lake of Fire”. We take the enchanting Salto do Cabrito trail, which takes us past the scenic dam and hydroelectric plant. Crossing a lovely stream and an elevated metal walkway we find the imposing Salto do Cabrito cascade.
After lunch in a local restaurant, we travel to the oldest tea plantation on the island which is also Europe’s oldest tea factory. Wandering the lush tea fields, introduced in 1750, we climb to a coastal viewpoint through verdant plantations and Japanese cedar woods. An historic path used by tea-pickers takes us back down – where a refreshing cup of tea is waiting! We transfer to our second hotel in the Azores’ capital, Ponta Delgada and eat dinner in a local restaurant.
Ponta Delgada, Nine Dots Boutique Hotel
This morning we have a wonderful dolphin and whale-watching adventure! A marine biologist or naturalist accompanies us on our boat trip, while spotters on land guide us to where the Atlantic Ocean giants can be seen. This afternoon we visit the Aruda Pineapple Farm, with more than a century of history, where we learn about growing these delicious tropical fruits and taste them too. We conclude a busy day with a cultural and historical walk in the center of Ponta Delgada, strolling the Botanical Garden, exploring the old fortress and visiting the revered church of Santo Cristo dos Milagres before finding a bustling street market and characterful streets and buildings.
Ponta Delgada, Nine Dots Boutique Hotel
A transfer takes us to the Sete Cidades Ridge Trail, a captivating walk that takes us along part of the volcanic ridge of the Caldeira, a protected landscape within the island’s Nature Park. One of Portugal’s seven natural wonders, it encloses four lakes and is perhaps the most iconic landscape in the Azores. We pass the Muro das Nove Janelas aqueduct and ascend to Pico do Cruz for a view of the lakes and a stroll round the gorgeous Blue Lake. After lunch, we return to Ponta Delgada where we have a free afternoon to further explore the city before our Farewell Dinner at our hotel.
Ponta Delgada, Nine Dots Boutique Hotel
We say our goodbyes and transfer you to Ponta Delgada – João Paulo II Airport.
