São Miguel: Solo Trip with Guided Small Group Tour

Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo Tour (9 AM - 6 PM)

A full-day tour that takes you to the two most famous lakes of São Miguel Island. 

Sete Cidades: One of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal, this show-stopping, lake-filled crater has become one of the signature and most famous images of the Azores. There are (amazingly) 11 lakes in total scattered around Sete Cidades, but they can only be seen from certain angles from the various miradouros (viewpoints in Portuguese) in the area. 

Lagoa do Fogo: Lagoa do Fogo, which translates roughly into "Lagoon of Fire", is a breathtaking crater lake located in the center of São Miguel Island. This protected nature reserve sits tucked away atop the impressive Pico da Barrosa, far above the whir, hum, and hurry of civilization below. 

Highlights of this tour include:

• Pineapple plantations (* if already visited during the City Tour, it will be substituted for a different point of interest)
• Escalvado viewpoint (offering a magical view to Mosteiros)
• Sete Cidades parish
• Santiago lagoon
• Vista do Rei viewpoint (overlooking the most famous lake of Sete Cidades) 
• Pico do Carvão
• Lunch at a local restaurant 
• Local ceramics factory (Cerâmica Vieira)
• Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint
• Ribeira Grande city center, with a visit to the local liquor shop

Furnas Tour & Hot Springs (9 AM - 6 PM)

Furnas Valley is famous worldwide for its bubbling calderas 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!

Highlights of this tour include: 

• Vila Franca do Campo (offering a viewpoint of the iconic islet)
• Furnas Lake (here, learn how the famous "cozido" dish is cooked underground by heat from the actual volcanic vents!)
• Furnas parish (you will have free time to bathe in the thermal waters here, or visit the Terra Nostra Garden)
• Cozido lunch 
• Visit Furnas "calderas" to see the volcanic activity
• Pico do Ferro viewpoint
• Tea Factory
• Santa Iria Viewpoint

Please note: Please note that entrance fees for Terra Nostra Park and Dona Beija are not included in our package and cost between €8 and €16 per person. To fully enjoy your experience, consider bringing a dark swimsuit and pulling your hair up (the thermal waters may stain fabrics and dyed hair), a towel, and a change of clothes.

Whale & Dolphin Watching Excursion (8:30 AM - 12:30 PM)

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 also have the opportunity to observe turtles, birds, and other marine species. Before you embark on the boat trip, expert biologists hold a small informative talk to explain which cetacean species can be observed, the safety measures and protocols for behavior on board – including how we respect animals and what the rules for observation at sea are. You will even learn some fascinating historical facts.

Suggestion for the day: The Wonders of Nordeste

Immerse yourself in the beauty of São Miguel Island's northeast region with a captivating day trip to Nordeste! This haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers boasts breathtaking scenery, charming villages, and a wealth of outdoor activities.

Don’t Miss:

• Ponta do Sossego Viewpoint: Embrace panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
• Ponta da Madrugada Viewpoint: Witness the magical spectacle of the sunrise, a moment of pure tranquility.
• Arnel Lighthouse: Discover the majestic Arnel Lighthouse, a towering sentinel guiding ships for centuries.
• Poço Azul Hiking Trail: Embark on an invigorating hike through lush forests and cascading waterfalls, culminating at the breathtaking Poço Azul, a natural swimming basin.

Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park: Explore a paradise of cascading waterfalls, lush vegetation, and ancient watermills. Hike the park's trails and immerse yourself in the natural beauty.

Suggestion for the day: Unforgettable Hikes

One of the best ways to discover São Miguel Island is through its stunning and well-preserved hiking trails. Here are our top picks:

Sanguinho/Salto do Prego Hike

• Highlights: Discover the hidden gem of Salto do Prego waterfall on this captivating hike and a secluded hidden village. Immerse yourself in lush forests, refreshing waterfalls, and the charming civil parish of Faial da Terra, known locally as "The Nativity Scene of the Island" for its picturesque houses.
• Distance: 4.5 km (2.7 miles)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Trail Type: Circular

Moinho do Félix Hike

• Highlights: Explore the charm of the Moinho do Félix trail. This coastal walk takes you through lush landscapes, past a historic windmill, and several stunning waterfalls. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty and capture unforgettable memories on this beautiful hike.
• Distance: 5.5 km (3.4 miles)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Trail Type: Circular

Serra Devassa

• Highlights: Uncover the enchanting beauty of Serra Devassa, a hiker's paradise in São Miguel. This stunning landscape boasts a collection of pristine lakes, including the iconic Lagoa do Canário. Immerse yourself in nature as you traverse through lush forests and volcanic terrain, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the trail's highest point, Pico da Éguas.
• Distance: 4.9 km (3 miles)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Trail Type: Circular

Then, take some time for some souvenirs shopping & Say goodbye to the Azores with a delicious farewell dinner. Don't leave the Azores empty-handed! From gourmet delights to handcrafted treasures, there's a perfect souvenir for everyone on your list.

We've arranged your hotel transfer to ensure a smooth journey to the airport.

Thank you for choosing us to be your travel companions on this adventure! It's been a pleasure assisting you in creating unforgettable memories. We wish you happy travels and until next time!