São Miguel & Terceira: Extended Vacation

1. Day 1 Arrival in Terceira Island

   Welcome to the Azores! Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon your arrival and departure, and for a seamless start to your journey, we recommend booking an early hotel check-in.

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Take the day to explore your hotel and enjoy its facilities!
2. Day 2 Free Day for Personal Activities (Terceira Island)

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Take the day to stroll around Angra do Heroísmo UNESCO city streets. While walking in this historical hub, its picturesque and joyful vibe will instantly steal your heart. Surrounded by such beauty and vibrance, you’d never imagine that just 40 years ago, on January 1, 1980, a huge earthquake destroyed a large part of this idyllic enclave, leaving more than 70 locals dead. But true to the Azorean spirit, the Terceirenses did not let this natural disaster destroy them. Instead, they rose from the rubble and immediately started rebuilding, soon creating their own unique island legacy. As they rebuilt, the islanders paid extra attention to Angra do Heroísmo’s historical center, carefully preserving the majority of its original architectural features. 
     • Sé Cathedral
     • Capitães-Generais Palace
     • Garden Duque de Bragança
     • Alto da Memória Viewpoint
     • Misericórdia Church
     • Prainha Monte Brasil
     • Duque de Bragança Farmers Market
3. Day 3 Volcano Experience (Included)

   • Get Inside a Volcano: Make sure you don’t skip a visit to Gruta do Natal, Furnas do Enxofre, and last but not least, the famous Algar do Carvão! Descend 90 m (300 ft) down into one of the only volcanoes in the world that you can actually enter and explore! Algar do Carvão is an ancient lava tube and volcanic chimney that was formed approximately 3,200 years ago, making it quite a sight to behold. For the ultimate geo-tourism itinerary make sure you don’t skip a visit to Gruta do Natal and Furnas do Enxofre. 
4. Day 4 Free Day for Personal Activities (Terceira Island)

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Full-day Tour Around the Island with Traditional Lunch: Explore the rich culture and history of Terceira on this full-day island tour! See Monte Brasil, Baía da Salga, Igreja de São Sebastião, Miradouro da Serra do Cume & Praia da Vitória. Enjoy an authentic lunch with Alcatra de Carne in a local restaurant before heading to Biscoitos & the West Coast.
     • Monte Brasil
     • Serretinha Viewpoint
     • Praia da Vitória city
     • Serra do Cume
     • São Sebastião Church
     • Wine Museum
5. Day 5 Free Day for Personal Activities (Terceira Island)

   Suggestions for the day:

   • Explore the Lajes Air Base: Explore Terceira Island's striking landscapes while delving into its pivotal role in World War II and the Cold War. From troops landing areas to fuel depots, and communication stations to housing areas, this journey unveils the island's multifaceted military history. Witness the impact on the local population and their evolving relationship with foreign forces, navigating the economic, social, and political disparities between Terceira and the soldiers' homelands. This experience offers a rich blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, all woven into the tapestry of Terceira's past and present.
   • Taste of the Azores Dining Experience: Indulge in the captivating tastes of Azorean cuisine through a meticulously crafted four-course tasting menu, thoughtfully paired with exquisite wines and regional liquors. Each aspect of this culinary journey has been artfully selected by the resident chefs, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the rich local flavors. Begin with a tantalizing appetizer, followed by a delectable fish course, and a sumptuous meat course, and conclude with a delightful dessert.
6. Day 6 Free Day for Personal Activities (Terceira Island)

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Alagoa Bay Hiking Trail: In this pristine region, Alagoa da Fajãzinha reigns supreme as a natural wonder, drawing adventurers far and wide. Yet, that's just the beginning. Explore expansive cliffs adorned with prismatic basalt disjunction, a jaw-dropping geological phenomenon that's as fascinating as it is captivating.
     • Category - Linear
     • Difficulty - Easy
     • Extension - 3.8 km (2mi 63)
     • Time average - 2h00
7. Day 7 Free Day for Personal Activities (Terceira Island)

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience: The Azores are a year-round haven for Sperm Whales, Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, and Risso's Dolphins. In spring, Pilot Whales and Striped Dolphins make appearances, while summer brings the majestic Blue Whales, Minke Whales, Fin Whales, and Sei Whales during their migration. Beyond these marine wonders, the Azores also teem with diverse wildlife, including sea turtles, Manta rays, ocean sunfish, whale sharks, and the unmistakable Cory's shearwater, the Azores' most abundant seabird, known for its distinctive call.
8. Day 8 Arrival in São Miguel Island

   For your convenience, we recommend booking airport transfers or securing a rental car, both of which can be arranged during the booking process.

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Visit a Pineapple Plantation: The Azorean/São Miguel Pineapple is cultivated in greenhouses using traditional techniques, including the use of vapor/smoke and vegetable biomass "hot beds." This careful process spans two years, from planting to harvest, resulting in pineapples with a distinctive and aromatic flavor profile that is truly exceptional.
9. Day 9 Ponta Delgada Wine & Food Tour (Included)

   • Unleash your taste buds on a 3-hour evening walking tour through Ponta Delgada's culinary scene. Sample Azorean wines, local brews, and delicious dishes at some of the city's top eateries. As you savor each bite and sip, we'll immerse you in local traditions and the vibrant drinking culture. This tour is perfect for both seasoned enthusiasts and beginners looking to expand their knowledge. Whether you're a small group or a large one, prepare for a fun, informative, and utterly enjoyable experience. Along the way, we'll discuss local wines, delve into Azorean culture, explore key landmarks, and share intriguing fun facts.
10. Day 10 Free Day for Personal Activities (São Miguel Island)

    Suggestion for the day:

    • Explore the wonders of Sete Cidades, including Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa de Santiago, Lagoa do Canário, and the captivating Boca do Inferno Viewpoint. Don't miss the chance to venture to the neighboring village of Mosteiros, a perfect spot for a picturesque sunset. While in the western part of the island, treat yourself to the rejuvenating experience of an ocean thermal bath at Ferraria.
11. Day 11 Free Day for Personal Activities (São Miguel Island)

    Suggestion for the day:

    • Visit Lagoa do Fogo & Furnas: Venture to the island's northern expanse, where you'll encounter the untouched charm of the Protected Natural Reserve of Lagoa do Fogo. Relax in the rejuvenating thermal pools of Caldeira Velha, then marvel at the Salto do Cabrito waterfall. Journey to Furnas and immerse yourself in its myriad attractions, from the serene lake and Pico do Ferro Viewpoint to the unique caldeiras and Terra Nostra Park. Relish local flavors like cozido das Furnas and bolos lêvedos, and experience a fusion of nature and culture that's truly Azorean.
12. Day 12 Free Day for Personal Activities (São Miguel Island)

    Suggestion for the day:

    • Embark on a Whale and Dolphin-watching Experience: The Azores Islands are known for their unparalleled beauty and biodiversity, adored by outdoor adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. But what people may not know is that the Azores is also one of the fastest-growing whale-watching destinations in the world. Located in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and North America, the Azores are a permanent home and natural point of passage to more than 20 different types of whale and dolphin species, making the islands one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries.
13. Day 13 Free Day for Personal Activities (São Miguel Island)

    Suggestion for the day:

    • Moinho do Félix Hiking Trail & Tea Plantations: This magical hiking trail leads to some magical waterfalls located deep in the forests of São Miguel Island. As you traverse through winding trails surrounded by lush vegetation, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls tumbling down into a serene pool below.
    • Though tea has been grown here for almost 200 years, the Azores have quietly reigned as Europe's secret tea capital. In the middle of the Atlantic, roughly 900 miles from the coast of mainland Portugal, you'll find Europe's only two commercial tea plantations sprawling along the hillsides of São Miguel Island's north coast. 
14. Day 14 Free Day for Personal Activities (São Miguel Island)

    Suggestion for the day:

    • Say Goodbye to the Azores with a Fado Dinner: A captivating and deeply emotional experience that combines the soulful melodies of Fado music with delicious Azorean cuisine. As you enter a cozy, dimly lit restaurant, you'll be enveloped in an atmosphere of nostalgia and tradition. The hauntingly beautiful strains of Fado, performed by local musicians, fill the air, evoking a profound sense of saudade—the Portuguese longing for something lost.
15. Day 15 Return Flight Home

    We hope you had a fantastic time in the Azores and look forward to traveling with you again in the future!

Available Experiences

Included

Excursions: Best of Terceira Volcano Experience (Entrance Tickets Included) - Small group

Included

Walking Tour: Ponta Delgada Food Tour - Azores for Foodies

Optional

Whale watching: Half day - Catamaran

Additional cost applies

Optional

Van Tours: Furnas (full day)

Additional cost applies

Optional

Van Tours: Sete Cidades (half-day)

Additional cost applies

Optional

Van Tours: Northeast (full day)

Additional cost applies

Optional

Thematic Tour: Ponta Delgada City Tour - Half Day

Additional cost applies

Optional

Boat Tours: Sunset Monte Brasil

Additional cost applies

Optional

Excursions: All the Best of Terceira Island - Full Day (Lunch and drinks included) - Small group

Additional cost applies

Optional

Excursions: Terceira Island - Half Day

Additional cost applies

Optional

Walking Tour: Angra do Heroísmo City Tour

Additional cost applies

Optional

Hikes: Salto do Cabrito + Lagoa do Fogo

Additional cost applies

Optional

Special Offer: Azorean Gin Masterclass

Additional cost applies

Optional

Thematic Tours: Escape to a Dairy Farm - Half-Day

Additional cost applies

Optional

Thematic Tours: Island Dinner Experience with Locals in Praia da Vitória

Additional cost applies

Optional

Walking Trails: Baías da Agualva

Additional cost applies

Optional

Food & Wine: Dinner with Live Fado Show

Additional cost applies