São Miguel: Local Gin, Food & Eco Fun

Help preserve the Azores' natural beauty while enjoying local gin and food! It's that simple.

What's Included?

Why we love this deal:

• A Sensory Adventure Awaits: Immerse yourself in an eco-hotel that embodies a love for nature, the ocean, and animals. Plus, enjoy a walking tour of Ponta Delgada to savor the city's main delights;
• Your Oasis of Eco-Luxury: We're sure you'll fall in love with the serene ambiance of the Solar Branco Eco Estate. Tucked away amidst verdant landscapes, this enchanting eco-accommodation offers a haven of tranquility for the duration of your stay.
• Local Flavors Each Morning: Start your days the right way with a complimentary breakfast, ensuring you're energized for your daily adventures.
• It's Gin & Tonic Time Here: Immerse yourself in an exclusive Azorean Gin Masterclass and let your taste buds dance with excitement amidst Europe's largest gin collection. Plus, enjoy some extra fun with the included Ponta Delgada walking tour, exploring the city's best eateries with Azorean wine pairings, while delving into the local drinking culture with entertaining guides and a blend of taste, tradition, and camaraderie.
• Hidden Gems at Each Corner: Enjoy the freedom of a rental car to explore São Miguel at your own pace. 
• Customizable: Add more nights to your stay, or even some more local excursions!

Itinerary

1

Day 1

Arrival in São Miguel Island

Welcome to the Azores! Collect your rental car conveniently at the airport and embark on your exciting journey. For a seamless beginning, consider reserving an early check-in ahead of time to set the perfect pace for your adventure.

Suggestion 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. 
  • Portas da Cidade
  • Louvre Michaelense
  • Pineapple Plantations
  • Matriz Church

Day 2

Azorean Gin Masterclass (Included)

• The Azores may be a tiny archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, but that hasn't stopped it from producing several excellent gins. You will try 3 gin and tonics with selected tonics and garnishes matched for each. Light snacks will also be served during the tasting.

Day 3

Ponta Delgada Wine & Food Tour (Included)

• Embark on a 3-hour evening walking tour in Ponta Delgada, exploring the city's best eateries with an array of Azorean wines paired with delicious snacks. Dive into the local drinking culture, from historic Pico wines to artisanal beers. Your guides will share entertaining stories and insider insights, making it a fun and informative experience for both serious enthusiasts and beginners. Feel more than welcome to join us for a delightful blend of taste, tradition, and camaraderie in Ponta Delgada's vibrant culinary landscape.

Day 4

Free Day for Personal Activities

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.

Day 5

Free Day for Personal Activities

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.

Day 6

Free Day for Personal Activities

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.

Day 7

Return Flight Home

We hope you had an incredible time. While it's time to head back home, we're looking forward to the chance to travel with you again in the future!

*itinerary presented is a suggestion and the length of stay may vary. All tours are suggestions unless specifically stated.

Flexibility Policy

No Amendment Fees on Our End

We don’t charge for our work in changing the initial itinerary.

Full flexibility on Land Arrangements

Change the initial itinerary or cancel your land arrangements for any reason until 14 days before the trip, without penalty*.

Travel Support Anytime, Anywhere

Our experienced travel agents are available 7 days a week to help with any questions, requests, or issues from when you book until after you return from your trip.

More than a Hotel:

The Solar Branco Eco Estate is a breathtaking eco-hotel where you can surrender to blissful slumber in luxurious, dream-inducing beds. Explore, meditate, and lose yourself in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding nature. Disconnect from the digital world, laugh wholeheartedly, and let your imagination soar. Indulge in the sensory delight of Baleia Azorean Gin, surrounded by the world's largest private collection of gin (with over 1000 bottles) at The Gin Library. Ali, the visionary owner, not only brings this extraordinary haven to life but also champions the preservation of the Azores, one of the biggest whale sanctuaries in the world, through the Ocean Azores Foundation.

About the Destination:

Welcome to São Miguel Island! Discover the jewel of the Azores, a place where lush natural beauty and vibrant culture merge seamlessly.

• The 'Green Island': Known for its breathtaking landscapes such as the Sete Cidades and Fogo Lakes, São Miguel is often referred to as the 'Green Island'.
• A Unique Volcanic Heritage: The island's fascinating volcanic history has created an environment that is truly one-of-a-kind.
• Rich Biodiversity and Historical Settlements: As you explore its verdant pastures and striking coastlines, you'll be captivated by the blend of rich biodiversity and historical settlements, making your experience on São Miguel Island genuinely unforgettable.

Check out our Azores Travel Guide for more information and tips.