São Miguel & Terceira: 15-Day Guided Adventure

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

2PM - 6PM

• Immerse yourself in the traditional artistic culture of this region on an unforgettable tour. Dive into the world of traditional arts as you tour São Bento Pottery, explore a local coffee farm, and visit an embroidery house. Witness the intricate art of ceramics painting and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Azores.

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.

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.

Suggestion for the day:

• Uncover hidden gems and explore the breathtaking views of Terceira Island on a spectacular hiking journey! 
  • Baías da Agualva 
  • Mistérios Negros 
  • Monte Brasil

Enjoy included airport transfers for your arrival and departure. For your comfort, consider booking an early check-in in advance.

Suggestion for the day:

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

09:30AM - 12:00PM: Ponta Delgada City Tour 

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: Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo Tour

A full-day tour that takes you to the two most famous lagoons 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 crater lake located at 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 lagoons 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

9AM - 5PM: Furnas Tour

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. 

Highlights of this tour include: 

• Vila Franca do Campo (offering a viewpoint to 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: Terra Nostra Park and/or Dona Beija entrance fees (8€-10€ each) are not included. Also, it is advised that you bring dark-colored bathing suits, an old towel, and a change of clothes (bathing in the thermal waters is known to stain fabrics). And blondes who dye their hair are cautioned to close pay attention as well, as the waters here contain iron and can stain hair the lighter hair pigments.

08:30AM - 12:30PM: Whale & Dolphin Watching Excursion

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. 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.

Suggestions 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. 

Suggestion for the day:

• Salto do Prego Hiking Trail (Faial da Terra) + Furnas: You can combine the adventure of one of the most beautiful hikes in São Miguel Island with a comfortable van tour to Furnas – all in one experience! After enjoying the wonderful hike of Salto do Prego, the tour stops in the center of Furnas village to relax in the hot springs and explore.

Wishing you a safe and cozy flight back, and looking forward to exploring more adventures with you in the near future!