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The Azores Jewels of Portugal
Enter an untouched paradise on an adventure through the Azores, the archipelago gems of Portugal. Explore the rim of the Sete Cidades Caldera. Indulge in a traditional cozido das furnas meal, cooked by the heat of the volcanic earth. Descend into Algar do Carvao, the "Cavern of Coal" lava tube, with an expert guide. Enjoy a home-hosted meal during your stay in Sao Miguel Island. From thermal pools and lush craters to local farms and volcanic cuisine, delve into the culture of Portuguese island life.
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From volcanic craters and thermal waters to lush vegetation and picturesque coasts, enjoy the natural splendor of this Portuguese archipelago and see why the Azores are commonly referred to as "the Hawaii of Europe."
Sao Miguel, Acores, Portugal - Tour Begins
This is the Azores. A set of islands virtually untouched by urban development. Your adventure begins on Sao Miguel, the largest of the nine volcanic islands. Relax and explore as you wish, perhaps sit along the seaside promenade and breathe in the mild air of the Atlantic.
Ponta Delgada
Get to know Ponta Delgada, the capital city of Sao Miguel, on a morning walking tour of the area. This afternoon, traverse the dirt paths to the Sete Cidades caldera's highest point on an off-road adventure. On your way, gaze down upon the blue lake (reflecting the sky) and the adjacent green lake (reflecting the lush vegetation). As you take in the greenery around you, an Impact Moment introduces how our partnership with a local company is supporting reforestation efforts on the island. Celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Sao Miguel
Start the day with a visit to one of the few remaining basket weavers on the island. Learn how willow basket making has evolved and how this father-son enterprise has kept this traditional craft alive. Then, it's your choice! Enjoy the thermal waters at the Terra Nostra pool,* built in the 18th century by the American consul to the Azores -OR- embark on a guided visit to the organic paradise that is the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. For lunch, enjoy a traditional cozido das furnas meal, where your food is cooked in the earth's volcanic heat. Later, continue on to the green fields of a nearby tea plantation where we will learn about this unique crop before an evening of leisure in Sao Miguel.
Sao Miguel
Today enjoy a full free day to explore Sao Miguel at your own pace. Or you may choose to join a Flavors of Sao Miguel optional tour where you will taste your way through some of the unique products this island has to offer. At a local quinta, taste Azorean gin, blended with botanicals and seaweed and learn how a local foundation supports local marine conservation. End this optional excursion with a light lunch of locally-sourced ingredients. Regardless of how you choose to spend your day, gather tonight for a home-hosted dinner at a local village.
Sao Miguel - Madalena, Pico
Board your flight to Pico, one of the most unique Azorean islands. Start with a visit to the Pico Wine Museum, where you will learn about the uniqueness and adaptability of the wine production on the island. See firsthand why the vineyard landscape is labeled as a UNESCO Heritage site. Check-in to your hotel for the next two nights. End your day with an included dinner at a local restaurant.
Pico
We will start your day by visiting the whaling museum that highlights the historical ties of the industry to the culture of the islands. Learn about the importance of whaling to Pico through the 1980s and the transition from hunting to protecting these giants of the oceans. Bring your walking shoes today to visit the Lagoa do Capitao and look out over Sao Jorge Island in the distance. Travel to one of the most prestigious wine producers in the archipelago for a tasting. End your day with an included dinner at a local restaurant.
Pico - Angra do Heroismo, Terceira
Board your flight to Terceira and say hello to the colorful capital of Angra do Heroismo (UNESCO) with a local guide. Restored in traditional style, the city features white facades and vibrant trims. Learn about the Holy Ghost Chapels, known locally as Imperios, and customs surrounding this tradition. Tonight, get a taste of the culture at a local restaurant.
Terceira
Start your day with a swim* in the natural volcanic pools of Biscoitos. Later, on your way to Algar do Carvao, stop at Serra do Cume viewpoint where views of the agricultural fields and their neat orderly stone walls will take your breath away. At Algar do Carvao, the "Cavern of Coal," feel the quiet stillness as you descend into this ancient lava tube. Enjoy the evening to explore Angra do Heroismo as you wish.
Terceira
Today, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may choose to join an optional tour to the western side of Terceira in the morning, sipping coffee at an organic coffee plantation and tasting locally grown bananas along the way and ending at a family-owned cheese factory for a light lunch made up of local products. End the day at a tapas home-hosted dining experience.
Terceira - Lisbon
Say farewell to the Azores archipelago as you head to Lisbon in continental Europe. Lisbon, known as the city of the seven hills, and the starting point of many of its 15th century explorations, was also the departure point of many of its immigrants that crossed the Atlantic searching for a better life. Check in to your hotel after your flight and enjoy a free night.
Lisbon
Start your morning with a panoramic tour of Belem. See the imposing 16th century Jeronimos Monastery and the Belem Tower, a fortress built to protect Lisbon and later used as a prison. Return to downtown Lisbon and join a walking food tour in one of the historical neighborhoods of Lisbon. Every corner of the city seems to be about to tell you a story, with a unique character and "tascas" with delicious "petiscos". Enjoy free time for the rest of the afternoon before you gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Lisbon - Tour Ends
Say adeus (goodbye) to Portugal and the Azores as you depart this coastal paradise.
Departure Dates
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Start: March 27, 2025 End: April 8, 2025 Price: $3,249 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: April 3, 2025 End: April 15, 2025 Price: $3,449 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: May 1, 2025 End: May 13, 2025 Price: $3,549 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
Price My Trip
Product Code: Member Choice Vacations-648
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