- Sightseeing programme combined with light hiking
- São Miguel Island – green island with lush vegetation, thermal springs
- Terceira Island – capital of Angra do Heroísmo (UNESCO)
- Faial Island – the famous yacht harbour in Horta
- Pico Island – UNESCO vineyards, Ponta do Pico – the highest peak of Portugal
Day 1-4: TERCEIRA ISLAND
Day 1-2: Flight Prague – Lisbon (overnight in Lisbon), morning flight Lisbon – Terceira, transfer to accommodation. Sightseeing of the historic capital Angra do Heroísmo (UNESCO) – Sé Cathedral, Praça Velha (Town Hall Square), Igreja da Misericórdia. Ascent to the historic fortress of São João Baptista and to the crater of Monte Brasil volcano, towering over the capital.
Day 3: Departure to the western part of the island to the viewpoint of Serra do Cume (view to the sea and the interior of the island on the typically divided fields, walls of lava stones), passage through the caldera of Guilherme Moniz (nature reserve, one of the largest calderas on the island). Hike up the slopes of the Pico Alto volcano to the interior of the island (9.5 km), through a varied landscape (lava fields, cryptomere forest, native vegetation) to the Rocha dos Chambres viewpoint. In the afternoon, visit the volcanic cave of Algar de Carvão.
Day 4: Transfer to Furnas do Exonfre (fumaroles, which are evidence of still active volcanic activity) and then drive to the highest peak of Santa Barbara (1021 m) in the eastern part of the island. Follow the Doza Ribeiras road, lined with hydrangea beds, along the northern coast to the wine-growing area and the village of Biscoitos (visit to the winery museum, swimming in the sea lava pools). Hike along the rugged northern coast in the Baías da Agualva area (3.5 km). In the afternoon transfer to Lajes airport, flight to Faial Island.
5.-6. FAIAL ISLAND
Day 5: Drive to the crater of the extinct Caldeira volcano to the Miradouro do Cabouco viewpoint, a green crater covered with junipers and hydrangeas. Hike (8 km) in the eastern part of the island to the small volcanic cones of Cabeco Verde and Caldeirão, views of the impressive young Volcão dos Capelinhos. Visit to the volcanic centre on Capelinhos. Northern part of the island, Praia do Norte, possibility of swimming at Baia da Ribeira das Cabras.
Day 6 : Visit the capital and the famous yachting port of Horta (Santa Cruz Fortress, Whaling Museum and Marine Centre), climb Monte da Guia with views of Horta and the surrounding blue lagoons. In the afternoon transfer to the port, ferry to Pico Island.
7.-8. PICO ISLAND
Day 7: Hike among the vineyards near the town of Criação Velha (9 km), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Crossing the central part of the island around the Lagoa do Capitão with ascent to the viewpoint of Cabeço do Piquinho, Lagoa da Rosada, Lagoa do Peixinho. The town of Santo Amaro with its traditional whaling boat production and the town of São Roque do Pico with a visit to the old whale processing factory.
Day 8: Option to climb to the highest peak of Portugal, the Ponta do Pico volcano (2350 m) for sunrise (7,5 km, 1100 m ascent). Visit to the Gruta das Torres lava tunnel and the São João Nature Reserve (cost of the climb approx. 45 Euros). For those of you who don’t want to go to Pico, a boat trip for whale watching is an option (price approx. 55 Eur). Transfer to the airport, stop at the Cultural Wine Centre in Santa Luzia, fly to São Miguel Island.
9.-12. SÃO MIGUEL ISLAND
Day 9: Western part of the island – drive past the old aqueduct to the Boca do Inferno viewpoint to the impressive caldera of Sete Citades, where the Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde (blue and green lakes) are located. Hike along the caldera to the town of the same name, Sete Citades, or along Lake Azul (6-11.5 km). Moving to the east coast to Ponta da Ferraria (bathing in thermal springs rising into the sea). Evening tour of Ponta Delgada (St. Sebastian Church, entrance gate and Gonçalo V. Cabral, harbour and São Brás fortress).
Day 10: North coast of the island, tour of the tea plantation and the Chá Gorreana factory (the only tea plantation in Europe), tea tasting. Transfer to Lake Furnas (boiling mud pots, sulphurous fumaroles), famous for the local gastronomic speciality “Kozído” (cooked in the ground, in pots, with the help of warm volcanic vapours). Visit to the thermal baths and the Terra Nostra Garden botanical garden.
Day 11: Along the south coast to the town of Vila Franca de Campo, from here a hike (11 km) through the lush vegetation along the lava to Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire). Trip to Pico da Barrosa, breathtaking views of the vegetated basin with Lago do Fogo. Visit to the Caldeira Velha Biosphere Reserve with a large number of tree ferns, relaxation in the thermal pools. At the end of the day, a visit to the pineapple plantations on the outskirts of the capital, in Fajã de Baixo.
Day 12: By air São Miguel – Lisbon – Prague.
Included in the tour price:
- international airfare
- 2x domestic flight Terceira – Faial, Pico – São Miguel
- 1x ferry Faial – Pico
- accommodation – 11x hotel, 3*** level with breakfast in double room (1x Lisbon, 2x Terceira, 2x Faial, 2x Pico, 4x Ponta Delgada)
- transport by private minibus around the islands/rented car
- transfer from airport to hotel and back in Lisbon
- information materials
- TA’s insurance against bankruptcy
Not included:
- other meals
- insurance for medical expenses or cancellation fees (we will be happy to arrange)
- everything not listed in the programme
- optional activities (whale watching, climbing Pico)
- single room – extra charge on request
- entrance to monuments
Optional services/excursions:
- Whale and dolphin watching – 55 EUR/3 hours
- traditional meal in the area of Lake Furnas, “Kozído” – 12,5 EUR
- climbing Pico – 45 Eur
Tour organizer: Enjoy Travel s.r.o.
