Walking in the Azores
Walking in the Azores
Walking in the Azores
8 Days Starting and ending in Ponta Delgada
Visiting: Ponta Delgada, Furnas, Parque Terra Nostra, Faial, Pico do Arieiro, Santa Luzia Funchal View 3Y, Fajã dos Cubres, Sao Jorge, São Miguel, Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Miradouro da Vista do Rei, Praia da Rocha
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TSZ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
It is hard to believe that the Azores are part of Europe. Born from the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, this lush green archipelago of volcanic islands is a far cry from continental Portugal. Each of the nine islands has its own characteristics, from steep craters to abundant wildlife to sites of historical interest. All, however, are best explored on foot. We visit four of the most interesting islands, walking through UNESCO vineyards, lava plateaux (or 'fajas') and sunken volcanoes to showcase the Azores at their best.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Ponta Delgada.
Location: Ponta Delgada
Start Ponta Delgada.
Day 2 : Walk Around Lake Furnas; Afternoon Visit To Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens And Tea Plantations.
Location: Furnas, Parque Terra Nostra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We start the week with a transfer to Furnas where we walk around the crater
lake. Here food is sometimes cooked by the heat of vents after it has been
buried in sealed pots in the baking earth. This traditional Azorian way of
cooking is known as 'Cozido das Caldeiras' and will be served for lunch. In
the afternoon we head into the Terra Nostra botanical gardens where we have
time to admire exotic flowers and trees from all over the globe. Amongst the
trees and bushes a series of aqueducts leads thermal spring water to a pool
in the centre of the gardens, where for centuries people have been bathing in
its medicinal waters. On the return to Ponta Delgada we stop off at the tea
plantations of Gorreana where we observe the plantation, the factory and
taste some of the local teas.
Day 3 : Morning Flight To Faial; Visit To Scrimshaw Museum And Trek From Trupes Do Capelo To The Capelinhos Volcano.
Location: Faial
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Faial
Island, known as the 'blue island' because of the large quantity of
hydrangeas that bloom during the summer months. After landing, we transfer to
Peter's Café Sport, a traditional resting point for many sailors braving the
Atlantic crossing. Here we will be guided round one of the largest Scrimshaw
(carvings done on bone or ivory) collections in the world. The variation in
designs of this 19th century art form, so synonymous with the Azores due to
their whaling heritage, provide a varied and interesting experience.
After lunch, we take a short transfer to 'Trupes do Capelo', the start of
today’s short hike. This trail is a wonderful example of the great
ecological and geological diversity that characterizes this Natural Park. The
trail finishes at the dramatic Capelinhos Volcano that rises steeply from the
sea and features a number of unique formations. It was these that resulted in
the construction of the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre. This is
essentially a museum and study centre set up to show visitors how the
volcano, and indeed the whole archipelago, was formed. In the late afternoon
we transfer to our comfortable hotel, our base for the next three nights.
Day Trip To Pico; Walk Through Unesco Heritage Site Of The Santa Luzia Vineyards Or Take An Optional Climb To The Summit.
Location: Pico do Arieiro, Santa Luzia Funchal View 3Y
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Taking the ferry to Pico offers us a chance to take in the size and scale of
Mount Pico. At 2,351m it is Portugal’s highest peak and dominates the
horizon on our approach. Pico is also known as the ‘black island’ thanks
to the black volcanic earth used in the construction of the walls of many of
the UNESCO-listed vineyards for which it is known.
Once on the island, we head out on our first walking tour of the Santa Luzia
Vineyards. Azorean vineyards are a sight to behold. Built to protect the
vines from the harsh sea winds, they amount to row after row of black
horseshoe shapes that score the lush green coastline. What is more impressive
is how the vine grows on the ground and through volcanic rock, rather than
supported by a trellis through soil.
Alternatively, if you prefer to use your time in Pico to join an optional
challenging summit trek to the top of Portugal's largest mountain, then today
is the perfect opportunity to attempt this! This is a very strenuous 6-7 hour
climb which will be led by a local mountain guide and is always subject to
availability and weather conditions (for further information please check the
Extra Expenses & Spending Money section in the Trip Notes).
Day 5 : Ferry To Sao Jorge; Trek To Explore The Faja Dos Cubres; Evening Return To Faial.
Location: Fajã dos Cubres, Sao Jorge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
From the harbour on Horta we take a ferry to Sao Jorge Island or the 'brown
island'. Crossing times can vary between 1.5hrs and 2hrs 20 minutes depending
on the time of year, and last minute schedule changes are not uncommon. This
is by far the longest day in the itinerary but is well worth it to visit the
fourth island of the trip. Sao Jorge is fascinating visually. Its steep sided
cliffs seem to slice through the ocean, however it is the Fajas (low-lying
areas of lava that were formed from the subsidence of the cliffs) that it is
most famed for. Sao Jorge is also well known throughout the Azores for
producing delicious cheese, one of its main exports. Shortly after arrival in
Velas we transfer to the start of the walking tour from Caldeira do Santo
Cristo to Faja dos Cubres. After arriving at Faja dos Cubres we then take a
transfer back to Velas and across the channel back to Faial. (approx. 2.5
hours walking, distance 10km).
Day 6 : Free Time For Optional Whale Watching Excursion; Evening Flight To Sao Miguel.
Location: São Miguel
Meals Included: Breakfast
As today is a free day you have the chance to try out many of the other
activities that the Azores have to offer. Apart from offering some unique
walking opportunities, the Azores is perhaps one of the best places on the
planet to spot whales and dolphins. There are 80 species of whale and dolphin
and 25 of them have been sighted off the coast of the Azores, with the most
common being the Sperm Whale. There is also the chance to spot Bottlenose
dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales, Sei whales, Atlantic spotted dolphins
and the holy grail - the Blue Whale.
If you choose to go on an excursion, you will have the chance to observe the
behaviour of these wonderful creatures and learn more about their habitat
with the help of the knowledgeable local experts on board. We observe strict
protocols regarding interaction, maintaining the appropriate distance at all
times. Moreover during feeding and resting times we avoid any interference
with the whales’ natural habitat. This afternoon or evening we will take a
flight back to Ponta Delgada.
Day 7 : Morning Transfer To Praia; Trek To Lagoa Do Fogo; Afternoon Visit To Sete Cidades To The Vista Do Rei.
Location: Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Miradouro da Vista do Rei, Praia da Rocha
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we head into the lush centre of Sao Miguel to Barrosa's
mountain where we get a sense of why this island has earned its nickname the
'green island'. Today's final walk begins with a short but steep uphill
section and continues following a 'levada' (small water channel) close to
which you will find some well preserved species of endemic Azorian flora. The
highlight of this walk is arriving at the viewpoint over the Lagoa do Fogo,
one of the most beautiful volcanic lakes in the entire Azores network. We
stop at Caldeira Velha waterfall for a well earned dip in its warm waters, in
the afternoon we drive to Sete Cidades, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of
Portugal. From Vista do Rei we are rewarded with breathtaking views of
tranquil lakes, blue hydrangeas bordering the crater rim that contrast with
the steep sides of the crater.
Day 8 : End Ponta Delgada.
Location: Ponta Delgada
Meals Included: Breakfast
End Ponta Delgada
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What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 0 dinners.
* All breakfasts and 5 lunches
* All accommodation
* All transport (incl. internal flights) and listed activities
* Internal flights (for all bookings, land only and flight inclusive)
* Arrival & departure transfers for group flights
What's Not Included
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Visas or vaccinations
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Accommodation
During the week, our nights are split between three fantastic three- and four-star hotels.
Pico: In the heart of Madalena town is Hotel Caravelas. It’s a short walk to the bustling marina and has a pool, sauna and gym.
São Jorge: We use a beautiful oceanfront property, Hotel São Jorge Garden. Affording spectacular views towards the ocean, this hotel has a seawater swimming pool.
Faial: Hotel Faial Garden is a tranquil haven in the coastal city of Horta. Offering an outdoor pool and a comprehensive wellness centre that includes a Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath and gym, the property is the perfect spot to end our week in the Azores.
Please note that, as standard, double rooms at the first two hotels have twin beds pushed together. There is a limited number of 'true' double rooms available for a supplement. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to secure a true double room.
Food
All breakfasts and 5 lunches are included.
Breakfasts are buffet style with a variety on offer including bread, jams,
cereals, and tea and coffee. Some of the lunches provided are picnic style,
whilst others are taken at traditional restaurants where we can sample some
traditional dishes such as the Cozido das Coldeiras. In the evening, the
leader will recommend local restaurants that serve traditional Azores food,
which can be a selection of meat or fish with vegetables and potatoes or
rice. Vegetarians are well catered for in Azores as long as the hotels are
advised in advance.
Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.