The Triangle Islands: 9-Day Slow Pace Guided Adventure

1. Day 1 Arrival in São Jorge Island & Check-in

   Welcome to the Azores Islands! 

   Here's the detailed itinerary for today:

   1. Arrival

   • Arrive at Ponta Delgada airport (São Miguel Island), then hop on the flight to São Jorge Island. 
   • Upon arrival in São Jorge, take the transfer to your hotel.  Your hotel is Cantinho das Buganvilias Resort, 4-star.

   2. Check-in, Rest & Relax

   • Upon arrival at the hotel, proceed with the check-in process.
   • Take some time to rest and relax in your comfortable accommodations.

   3. 7:00 PM - Group Welcome Dinner

   • Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby 
   • Join us for a delightful Group Welcome Dinner (included). A wonderful opportunity to unwind, connect with fellow participants, and savor local cuisine.
2. Day 2 São Jorge Tour & Hike to Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo

   Get ready for an exhilarating day of exploration around São Jorge Island! Here's the itinerary for your day:

   1. Breakfast at the Hotel

   • Enjoy a delicious and energizing breakfast at the hotel to kickstart your day.

   2. 9:00 AM: Half-Day Guided Tour Around the Island & Caldeira da Fajã do Santo Cristo Hiking Trail

   • Embark on a morning tour around the island
     • Visit to the natural reserve Parque of Sete Fontes (Seven Springs)
     • Visit to Fajã dos Vimes with its locally grown coffee and an artisan workshop with weaving looms
     • Historic Santa Barbara church
     • Urzelina church bell tower (remnant of 1808 volcanic eruption)
     • Taste São Jorge’s award-winning cheese at the island’s largest cheese factory
   • Then, Hike to the Caldeira do Santo Cristo. Then, Hike to the Caldeira do Santo Cristo. ‘’Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo Santo Cristo’’ is one of Azorean nature's best masterpieces, so it makes sense that it is the main attraction of this hike. The starting point of the trail is from the adjacent Fajã dos Cubres where you walk along the scenic coastline overlooking the ocean. After enjoying a roughly 3-kilometer walk, you’ll arrive at the Fajã da Caldeira Santo Cristo viewpoint, where you finally start to get an idea of what awaits you at the very bottom of the descent: sheer beauty. Even from a long distance, you will be able to tell how very special this place truly is. Once you get to the fajã, you’ll be rendered speechless and left wondering how such a surreal sight can truly exist: a quiet lagoon and a wavy sea, existing in perfect -- and sublimely picturesque -- harmony. Fajã da Caldeira Santo Cristo is a surprising beauty. Its sparse population consists of friendly locals mostly, who welcome every hiker with a smile and live there very proudly, knowing that their home is a Natural Reserve that is so uniquely special, that tourists travel from all around the world to visit it. This is Nature as it should be enjoyed… unspoiled! (pick up 3-4 hrs later for return transfer to hotel (picnic/box lunch included)
   • Please note: In cases where all participants are capable, the preferred option is the Caldeira do Santo Cristo hike. However, for those unable to participate, alternatives include a moto-quatro (4x4) excursion to Caldeira for an additional 70 Euros, an exploration of Fajã dos Cubres, or a return to the hotel with additional sightseeing stops en route. If the hike/walk to Caldeira is not feasible, LIFE Wellness Azores offers an expanded Full-Day Guided Tour of São Jorge's Top Sites as an alternative.

   3. 6:00 PM: Rest & Dinner at Your Leisure

3. Day 3 Free Day for Personal Activities in São Jorge Island

   Enjoy a leisurely day at your own pace. After breakfast, consider the following options:

   • Option A: Dive into the world of cheese with a 30-minute plant tour (5-7 Euros, paid on-site) at a local cheese factory in the morning. Sample delightful cheeses in the café/shop and then take a taxi to Velas.
   • Option B: Explore the charming port town of Velas. Take a refreshing dip in the natural swimming pools, embark on a scenic walk to the top of Morro of Velas, savor lunch, visit a local museum showcasing early 1900s island life (2-3 Euros pp), stroll through picturesque gardens, and end the day with dinner in Velas.
   • Option C: Opt for a 2.5-hour boat tour along the coast.
   • Option D: Thrill-seekers can try canyoning for 4-5 hours.
   • Option E (Evening): Indulge in a 2-hour Yacht Sunset Cruise with wine (can be shared among up to 6 participants). Depart from the Marina in Velas (São Jorge Sail Center). Subject to local weather conditions.

   7:00 PM: Group Dinner (Included)

   • Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby 
   • Join us for a Group Dinner (included). A wonderful opportunity to unwind, connect with fellow participants, and savor local cuisine.
4. Day 4 Ferry to Pico Island & Check-in

   It's time to discover another Azores Island!

   1. Breakfast at the Hotel

   • Enjoy a delicious and energizing breakfast at the hotel to kickstart your day.

   2. Ferry to Pico Island

   • 10 AM: Transfer to the Ferry Terminal
   • 11 AM: Ferry to Pico Island (departure may vary depending on the ferry schedule)
   • Upon arrival in Pico, take the transfer to your hotel.  Your hotel is Vila Barca, a 3-star ocean-view apartment complex.

   3. Check-in & Free Afternoon at Your Leisure

   • 1:30 PM (OPTIONAL TOUR): Whale & Dolphin Watching Excursion

   4. 7 PM: Group Dinner (included)

   3. 7:00 PM - Group  Dinner

   • Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby 
   • Join us for a Group Dinner (included). A wonderful opportunity to unwind, connect with fellow participants, and savor local cuisine.
5. Day 5 Explore Pico Tour

   1. Breakfast at the Hotel

   • Enjoy a delicious and energizing breakfast at the hotel to kickstart your day.

   2. 9:00 AM: Pico Island Full-Day Guided Tour (lunch included)

   • Discover Pico on a guided tour, complete with a buffet lunch and a visit to UNESCO-designated vineyards for a memorable wine-tasting experience.
     • Historic coastal towns of São Roque, Lajes, and Madalena
     • Volcanic rock formations of Cachorro
     • Lagoa do Capitão, a picturesque crater lake surrounded by lush vegetation
     • Whaling Museum with Pico's rich whaling history, exhibits and artifacts
     • Wine-tasting of some of the local wines
     • The Vineyards of Criação Velha: Early settlers began cultivating wine throughout the rocky shores of Pico Island as early as 1450. Wines were exported through merchants on neighboring Faial Island, allowing the industry to grow and flourish. The vines grow heartily from the mineral-rich lava soil and rock, which absorbs and gives off the heat needed to ripen the grapes. Vintners adapted to the harsh landscape by lining their vineyards with basalt stones to protect the grapes from the fierce winds and salty ocean air. The small plots of land, which are lined with volcanic stones, are known as "currais", and are protected and classified as an official World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Pico's vineyards grow mainly Arinto, Terrantez, and Verdelho grapes to produce a variety of white, sparkling, sweet, red, rosé and fortified wines which you can try on one of the island's many wine and vineyard tours in Pico. 

   3. 6:00 PM: Rest & Dinner at Your Leisure

6. Day 6 Day Trip to Faial Island & Tour

   1. Breakfast at the Hotel

   • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, ensuring you're energized for the adventures ahead.

   2. 7:30 AM: Transfer to the Ferry Terminal & Ferry to Faial Island

   3. Afternoon

   • Discover Faial with a guided island tour in the morning, followed by an afternoon walking tour of Horta.
     • Capelinhos volcano, site of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores (1957-58)
     • Varadouro, a picturesque coastal village known for its natural swimming pools
     • Miradouro da Espalamaca, a scenic viewpoint overlooking Horta and its harbor
     • Horta marina with vibrant murals painted by visiting sailors
   • Stroll around Horta’s historical streets and behold the beauty of the old-world architecture of the Azores. Horta, the capital of Faial Island, offers superb views over the neighboring island of Pico from where Mount Pico magnificently stands out. Horta has many historical buildings including the São Salvador Church and the Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church, easily recognizable by their iconic architectural features.
   • Conclude your day with a late afternoon ferry ride back to Pico Island.

   4. Ferry Back to Pico Island, Rest & Dinner at Your Leisure

   • Enjoy dinner at your leisure, explore local restaurants, or relax as you wish.
7. Day 7 Free Day for Personal Activities (Pico Island)

   Free day at your leisure in Pico Island.

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Visit Gruta das Torres: Gruta das Torres is a significant geological formation formed by the cooling of underground magma flows. Its unique drainage pattern is evidenced by multiple layers on the cave walls, lateral benches, and cornices. Gruta das Torres is one of 17 caves on Pico Island recognized for its natural heritage, with the potential for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
8. Day 8 Flight to São Miguel Island & Check-in

   1. Arrival in São Miguel Island

   • Transfer to your hotel in downtown Ponta Delgada.
   • We recommend booking an early check-in in advance.

   2. Free day for personal activities. Here is our suggestion for the day:

   • Take the afternoon to stroll around Ponta Delgada’s city streets. Ponta Delgada, the main city, is not only the hub of the island but the capital of the Azores. Ponta Delgada evokes all the charms of Europe with cobbled streets, sidewalk cafes, and a thriving culinary scene. 
     • Portas da Cidade
     • Louvre Michaelense
     • Pineapple Plantations
     • Matriz Church
9. Day 9 Return Flight Home

   1. Breakfast, Check-out & Transfer

   • Your last breakfast in the Azores Islands.
   • Transfer to the airport.

   Safe Travels!

   • Wherever your journey takes you next, we wish you safe and pleasant travels. May the memories created during this trip stay with you for a lifetime.
   • Thank you for being a part of this memorable experience. If you have any last-minute questions or require assistance, feel free to reach out.

Available Experiences

Included

Experience Pack: Best of Azores - 8 Day Itinerary