The Azores: Wine, Volcanoes & Hot Springs

Suggestions for the day:

• Walk around the historical vineyards of Criação Velha and visit the Frade windmill. Once you’re in the area, make sure to visit the Pico Wine Museum and the Gruta das Torres. Did you know Pico Island produces one of Europe’s finest wines, and its vineyards have enjoyed being among the official UNESCO Heritage Site family since 2004? 
• Or Book a vineyards tour here.

Suggestions for the day:

• Option 1: Hike Pico’s Mountain, Portugal’s highest peak (book here).
• Option 2: Visit the natural pools of Pico Island (Criação Velha, Cachorro, Poça da Branca, Poça das Mukas, Cais do Pico, Lajes do Pico, Barca, and Furna de Santo António). You can also discover Pico’s lakes along the way: Lagoa do Capitão, Lagoa do Caiado, Lagoa do Paul, and Lagoa Rosada). Other suggestions include visiting the Ponta da Ilha lighthouse (perfect for sunset) and the Whaling Museum. 
• Option 3: Book a full-day tour around the island here. 

P.S: From Pico, you can also visit the neighboring islands of Faial & São Jorge via a short boat trip! Please reach out to our Customer Support to take care of all the details. 

Head to the airport for the Terceira Island flight. It is recommended to book airport transfers to the hotel or to rent a car (both available during the booking process). It is also advised to book an early check-in.

Suggestions for the day:

• Take the day to stroll around Angra do Heroísmo UNESCO city streets. Make sure to include on your list: Sé Cathedral, Capitães-Generals Palace, Garden Duque de Bragança, Alto da Memória Viewpoint, Misericórdia Church, Angra do Heroísmo Archeological Underwater Park (book here your boat tour), Prainha, Monte Brasil, Duque de Bragança Farmers Market, Silveira Natural Pools.
• Or book our Angra do Heroísmo City Tour here. 

Suggestions for the day:

• Visit the Biscoitos natural swimming pools and the Biscoitos Wine Museum. Next, move on to Praia da Vitória and don’t skip a nice walk in its calm-water beaches, along with the Facho Viewpoint and the Império da Caridade. We highly recommend that you head to Serra do Cume for sunset (it is even more magical at this time of the day).
• Or book our full-day guided tour around the island here (and discover this and much more with the help of a certified local guide).

Suggestions for the day:

• Take this day to do something unique: 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. 

Head to the airport for the São Miguel flight. We recommend booking airport transfers in advance or reserving a car rental (both available during the booking process). It is also advised to book an early check-in.

Suggestions for the day:

• Take the day 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.

Not to miss:

• Portas da Cidade
• Louvre Michaelense
• Pineapple Plantations
• Matriz Church
• For part II of the day, we recommend embarking on a whale & dolphin-watching experience (book here).

Suggestions for the day:

• Visit Sete Cidades (Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa de Santiago, Lagoa do Canário and Boca do Inferno Viewpoint) and take this opportunity to visit the neighboring village of Mosteiros - ideal for sunset! Once you’re in the west part of the island you can also indulge in an ocean thermal bath at Ferraria.
• Book here a guided tour around the west part of the island that will have you discovering this and much more in the company of a local guide. 

Suggestions for the day:

• Head to the north side of the island to visit the Protected Natural Reserve of Lagoa do Fogo and take this chance to visit (and maybe bathe) the thermal pools of Caldeira Velha. Once you’re here you can also visit the Salto do Cabrito waterfall! On your way to Furnas, we recommend that you stop at Porto Formoso and Gorreana Tea Plantations (the only ones in Europe). In Furnas there’s just so much to explore, such as the lake, the Pico do Ferro Viewpoint, the Grená Park, the caldeiras, the fumaroles, the Terra Nostra Park, the Dona Beija hot springs and so much more. Make sure to try out the local delicacies: the cozido das Furnas and the bolos lêvedos! 
• On your way back take the south route and enjoy a quick stop at Vila Franca do Campo. Highlights include the Vila Franca do Campo Islet, the Fábrica de Queijadas da Vila, and the Nossa Senhora da Paz Viewpoint.
• Book a Furnas guided tour here. 

Suggestion for the day:

• Take the day for a hiking adventure or for a food & wine experience

Recommended hikes:

• Lagoa do Fogo
• Moinhos do Félix 
• Serra Devassa
• Sanguinho

Recommended food & wine experiences:

• Cook Your Own Cozido (In a Volcano)
• Farm to Table Tasting Experience
• Azorean Gin Masterclass