The Azores – Jewls of Portugal

We recommend travel in either the spring or fall
12 Days / 17 Meals / Activity Level = 3

Are you ready to go?  Enter an untouched paradise on an adventure through the Azores, the archipelago gems of Portugal. Explore the entire rim of the Sete Cidades Caldera. Indulge in a traditional cozido das furnas meal, cooked by the heat of the volcanic earth. Descend into the “Cavern of Coal” lava tube, with an expert guide. Enjoy a light home-hosted lunch featuring local meats and cheeses. Spend 3 nights in a lava stone house. From thermal pools and lush craters to local farms and volcanic cuisine, delve into the culture of island life.

The Azores Jewels of Portugal

We recommend travel in either the spring or fall
12 Days / 17 Meals / Activity Level = 3 – You’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (1-2 hours) isn’t a big deal. You can navigate hills and uneven ground, climb into various modes of transportation, and possibly anticipate changes in elevation. You can expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure.

Are you ready to go?  Enter an untouched paradise on an adventure through the Azores, the archipelago gems of Portugal. Explore the entire rim of the Sete Cidades Caldera. Indulge in a traditional cozido das furnas meal, cooked by the heat of the volcanic earth. Descend into the “Cavern of Coal” lava tube, with an expert guide. Enjoy a light home-hosted lunch featuring local meats and cheeses. Spend 3 nights in a lava stone house. From thermal pools and lush craters to local farms and volcanic cuisine, delve into the culture of island life.

The Itinerary…

Pre Night – Grand Hotel Acores Atlantico

Would you like to begin your vacation with an additional Hotel in Ponta Delgada, Azores?

Day 1 – Overnight Flight – From volcanic craters and thermal waters to lush vegetation and picturesque coasts, enjoy the natural splendor of this Portuguese archipelago and see why the Azores are commonly referred to as “the Hawaii of Europe.”

Day 2, 3 & 4 – São Miguel, Açores, Portugal – Tour Begins – Grand Hotel Acores Atlantico

This is the Azores. A set of islands virtually untouched by urban development. Your adventure begins on São Miguel, the largest of the nine volcanic islands. Relax and explore as you wish – perhaps sit along the seaside promenade and breathe in the mild air of the Atlantic.

Get to know Ponta Delgada, the capital city of São Miguel, on a morning walking tour of the area. This afternoon travel the dirt paths to the island’s highest point on an off-road adventure. Venture to Sete Cidades, the blue and green mirror lakes, where you’ll navigate the rim of the entire crater. On your way, gaze down upon the blue lake (reflecting the sky) and the adjacent green lake (reflecting the earth). Take a short hike to the viewpoint of Lagoa do Canario. This evening, celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Glimpse into Portugal’s sweet side at a family run pastry bakery. After sampling treats, head to the organic paradise of Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. Embark on a guided tour before relaxing in the park’s rejuvenating thermal waters. For lunch, enjoy a traditional cozido das furnas meal, where your food is cooked in the earth’s volcanic heat. Continue on to the green pastures of a nearby tea plantation before an evening of leisure in São Miguel.

Day 5 & 6 – Terceira – Zenite Boutique Hotel & Spa

From São Miguel, say hello to the colorful island of Terceira. Stand along the edge of the crater at Serra do Cume viewpoint and take in the patchwork of infinite green. Swap the grassy fields for sandy shores at the “Beach of Victory.” Get to know Angra do Heroismo (UNESCO) with a local guide. Restored in traditional style, the city features white facades and vibrant trims. Tonight, taste the culture at a local restaurant.

The morning is yours. Perhaps you’ll take an optional off-road tour on a lively buggy ride, or maybe you’ll strap on your hiking boots for an optional hike along two volcanoes at Misterios Negros Nature Reserve. Gather later and head underground with an expert guide to the “Cavern of Coal.” Feel the quiet stillness as you descend into this ancient lava tube. Then, it’s your choice! Swim in the natural volcanic pools of Biscoitos -OR- hike along lava fields. Enjoy a free evening, entice your taste buds at a local restaurant.

Day 7 – Faial – Hotel Do Canal

Say good morning to Faial, the “Blue Island” of the Azores. Encounter the volcanic vitality when you take in the rocky landscapes and the ash hills of the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Center. Peek into the daily life as you mingle amongst the locals, sample locally produced cheese, and enjoy a leisurely evening.

Day 8, 9 & 10 – Pico – Aldeia Da Fonte Nature Hotel

Your exploration continues with a ferry to the nearby island of Pico. Get acquainted with the area on a brief walking tour before settling in for a light home-hosted lunch. Sample local cheeses and meats. Make a stop at Lagoa do Capitao and spy Sao Jorge Island in the distance. End the day at the rustic lava stone houses of Aldeia da Fonte, your home for the next 3 nights. Dine at this cliff-side abode, overlooking the ocean.

Explore Pico vineyards (UNESCO) and wander along grapes and rocky stone walls. Climb the windmill and take in a new perspective of the stretching fields and lava rocks. Visit the Pico Wine Museum before tasting these exclusive wines. Then, it’s your choice! In Lajes, visit the whaling museum highlighting the historical ties of the industry to the culture of the islands -OR- take your free time in town to explore.

The day is yours. Perhaps you will take to the waves on an optional ocean excursion, where you will watch for whales and dolphins before enjoying lunch back on land.  Celebrate your Azorean adventure in the evening with a dinner of local flavors, folklore music, and captivating energy.

Day 11 & 12 – Lisbon – Iberostar Selection Lisbon

Depart Pico for Lisbon and enjoy some time at leisure. Whether you want to relax, wander the streets of the capital city, or take the historic tram to the vibrant Alfama district, spend the day however you please. Tonight, toast to the end of your trip with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Your tour ends with you saying adeus (goodbye) to Portugal and the Azores as you depart this coastal paradise and return to the USA.

– OR – Post Tour: 3-Night Lisbon Extension

Day 1, 2 & 3 – Lisbon – Iberostar Selection Lisbon

Experience Portugal’s capital city where old traditions intermingle with modern twists. See the city on a lively tour, zooming through the urban energy from the back seat of an open-air vehicle. Venture through the city’s beloved neighborhoods. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure to explore on your own.

See the city from a different perspective – via tram! With a local guide, hop on and learn to navigate this widespread trolley system! Your guide will take you to Lisbon’s famous sights, including Jeronimo’s Monastery (UNESCO), the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Tower of Belem (UNESCO). Make the most of an afternoon, perhaps taking the historic tram to the vibrant Alfama district. Gather in the evening for dinner in a local restaurant, getting a taste of some of Portugal’s favorite flavors.

The day is yours! Take advantage at leisure; maybe stroll along Praça do Comércio, try some tasty pastries, or even make your way to the São Jorge Castle for a sprawling panorama of the city.

Day 4 – Lisbon – Wish Lisbon goodbye as you depart for the United States.

TravelKatz hopes you enjoy this vacation package enough to call us at 352-277-7300 – we will help you make the necessary arrangements and take care of your flight schedule, hotels, tours, and optional experiences.