The Azores Guided Adventure | São Miguel & Terceira

9:30AM - 1PM

• Journey through centuries-old Angra do Heroísmo, a city of timeless beauty. Nourish your imagination with the scent of salty sea air and exotic aromas wafting from pastry shops. Revel in its unique character enriched by stories and legends while strolling harmonious streets boasting stunning cultural heritage - all starting at Alto das Covas.

9:30AM - 5PM

• 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.

2PM - 6PM

• Explore Terceira's incredible geological past, with a tour of lava tubes, craters, and fumaroles! See the majestic Algar do Carvão volcano. Descend into Gruta do Natal for its ancient wonders hidden deep within. Marvel at Furnas do Enxofre as you gaze upon bubbling sulfuric pits and steamy fumaroles. Take in stunning views over terraced landscapes from Serra da Ribeirinha viewpoint - it is an unforgettable half-day experience not to be missed.

2PM - 6PM

• Immerse yourself in the traditional artistic culture of this region on an unforgettable tour. Take a guided visit to witness production processes, observe artisans at work, and even have a go at creating something unique. Marvel over beautiful pieces created by hand during visits to pottery studios; embroidery houses with fabulous works of entertainment value; followed by painting your very own tile while visiting ceramic units.

Suggestion for the day:

• Uncover hidden gems and explore the breathtaking views of Terceira Island on a spectacular outdoor journey! 

Recommended Hikes:

• Baías da Agualva 
• Mistérios Negros 
• Monte Brasil

Suggestion for the day:

• Take the day for a food and wine experience: from its traditional cuisine to innovative dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients - there's something for everyone here. So take a break and explore all that this foodie paradise has to offer!

Recommended Food Experiences:

• Tasting of the Azores
• Historical Food Tour 
• Volcanic Wine Tasting Party

Arrival in São Miguel and transfer to the hotel. We recommend booking an early check-in in advance for your comfort. 

Suggestion for the day:

• Take some time to explore your hotel, facilities, and surrounding areas.

9:30AM - 12PM

This tour takes place in what is considered the "capital" of São Miguel Island – the city of Ponta Delgada. During this tour, we will discover the main historical, cultural, and noteworthy sites of this wonderful city.

Highlights of this tour include:

• Old churches and convents
• Monument of Portas da Cidade 
• Pineapple plantations (* if not possible during the City Tour, this visit will take place during the Full-Day Tour of Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo)
• Historical Beautiful gardens
• São Brás Fortress and São Francisco square

9AM - 5PM 

• Embark on a captivating journey through one of Portugal’s 7 Natural Wonders. Sete Cidades is an awe-inspiring crater with 11 picturesque lakes that can be admired from any number of viewpoints in the area. Then, take your exploration further and ascend to Pico da Barrosa where you will discover Lagoa do Fogo which lives up to its name as it sits nestled away at the center of one of São Miguel Island's protected nature reserves.

9AM - 5PM

• Furnas Valley is famous worldwide for its bubbling caldeiras and hot springs, where visitors can relax while soaking in a thermal bath any time of year, but this mystical volcanic valley is full of many more interesting surprises. 

8:30AM - 12:30PM

• Take the opportunity to observe some of the dozens of cetacean species that are usually seen in the Azores. While nature is indeed wild, and offers no guarantees, whales and dolphins are regularly seen during our half-day tours. During this tour, you will have the opportunity to observe turtles, birds, and other marine species.

Suggestion for the day:

• Azorean & Portuguese Gin Masterclass: 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. Botanicals and ingredients grown on the islands are also used in several gins made in mainland Portugal. Baleia, which means “Whale” in English, is one of the gins you will try and is created by your host and gin curator here at the Solar Branco Eco Estate, Ali Bullock. 

or

• Dinner with Live Fado Show:  An immersive cultural experience that combines two of Portugal's most cherished traditions: its culinary delights and the hauntingly beautiful music genre known as fado. 

Suggestion for the day:

• Salto do Prego Hiking Trail (Faial da Terra)  & Van Tour to Nordeste: You can combine the adventure of one of the most beautiful hikes in São Miguel Island with a comfortable van tour to Nordeste – all in one experience! After enjoying the wonderful hike of Salto do Prego, the tour stops in the center of Faial da Terra village to relax and explore the old Whalers' harbor. In the second half of the day, the road will take you to various viewpoints along the coastline of Nordeste, one of the most beautiful parts of São Miguel Island! Among these amazing viewpoints are two favorites: Ponta do Sossego and Vista dos Barcos. Our last stop of the day will be the Park of Ribeira dos Caldeirões, where you will enjoy the sighting of another breathtaking waterfall before returning to Ponta Delgada.