Azores: An Island Adventure with a Stay in Lisbon

Depart gateway city | In transit | Lisbon, Portugal

Arrive at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport. Proceed through immigration to the baggage claim area and retrieve your luggage. After completing customs, passengers traveling on flights that qualify for the group arrival transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased seats on the group transfer should exit the baggage claim area and proceed to the designated meeting spot, where an AHI Travel representative will meet you. The meeting location will be provided with your final documents.

Transfer to the first-class Dom Pedro Lisboa in Lisbon for check-in. Please note that if you arrive before check-in time, your room may not be immediately available.

Welcome Reception. Meet and mingle with your fellow travelers at this evening’s Welcome Reception, including canapés, at the hotel.

Lisbon

Breakfast will be served at every hotel each morning.

Lisbon City Tour. Set out on a half-day panoramic city tour to see some of Lisbon’s highlights, including the famous 16th-century Tower of Belem and the Monument to the Discoveries, shaped like a ship, and step inside the Church of Santa Maria. Visit the iconic Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture and a symbol of Portugal’s golden age of exploration. Make a photo stop at the famous Praça do Comércio square, featuring stunning waterfront views of the Tagus River.

Free Time: After the tour concludes, the balance of your day and evening are at your leisure, including lunch and dinner on your own. You may return to the hotel by coach or choose to explore independently from here. Consider exploring the historic Alfama neighborhood, the oldest in Lisbon, and other lively neighborhoods. Your Travel Director can assist you in making recommendations.

Lisbon | Terceira Island, Azores

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Terceira Island. Arrive and transfer to the first-class Azoris Angra Garden in Angra do Heroísmo. Check in and find a nearby spot for lunch at leisure.

Enrichment: History of the Azores & Angra do Heroísmo. Join a discussion to gain insight into the history and importance of this UNESCO World Heritage city founded in 1478.

Angra do Heroísmo. Set out for a guided walk to the historic center of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its rich history, well-preserved architecture and stunning coastal views. Visit the elegant, neoclassical 19th-century City Hall in the lively Praça Velha square. You’ll gain valuable insight into the city’s civic heritage and role in Portugal’s maritime history.

 Experiential Azorean Dinner: Depart the hotel for a unique experience to learn first-hand about the gastronomic evolution of Terceira and the Azores. You’ll begin with a visit to a venda, a local grocery store, to see and learn about traditional Azorean ingredients and products while sampling some local snacks. Continue to the rustic Quinta do Martelo farmhouse and sit down to savor a traditional Azorean dinner together.

Terceira Island

Terceira Island Tour. Today, set out on a panoramic tour of Terceira, stopping at Monte Brasil to appreciate Angra do Heroísmo from this vantage point. Then, stop in the traditional village of São Sebastião and see the 15th-century church. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and continue your exploration of the island, making stops at the Praia da Vitória and the Serra do Cume viewpoints to witness breathtaking, panoramic island views. Next, visit Algar do Carvão, a prime example of the archipelago’s volcanic origin. You’ll descend into and tour the volcanic cave and lava tube here. Conclude your day with a visit to the village of Biscoitos and see the charming 15th-century Igreja de São Pedro church and cultural landmark showcasing classic Azorean religious architecture. You’ll also have the option of taking a dip in one of the island’s best natural mineral pools or meander through town. Note: the excursion into the volcanic cave requires descending and ascending 380 steps. A more moderate option will be available.

Savor the flavors of the Azores during dinner at your leisure this evening.

Terceira Island | Faial Island

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for a short morning flight to Faial Island. Arrive in Castelo Branco and begin your island tour.

Faial Panoramic Tour. Set out to tour some of the island’s highlights. Begin at Capelinhos Volcano, an otherworldly volcanic terrain resulting from the 1957 eruption, and visit the fascinating underground Interpretation Center. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and then continue to the Caldeira nature reserve, where you’ll be awed by the stunning, massive crater. Continue toward Horta, stopping en route at the Ponta da Espalamaca to admire the unique view of Horta Bay and the majestic Pico Mountain.

Arrive and check in to the first-class Azoris Faial Garden in Horta.

Free Time: Enjoy the rest of the day and evening at leisure. You may wish to meander through the small center of Horta, stopping for the famous gin and tonic at Peter Café Sport, a sailors’ bar.

Faial Island | Pico Island

After an early breakfast, take a ferry to Madalena on Pico Island for a day of discovery amid stunning landscapes and volcanic vineyards! Mount Pico, at a height of 7,713 feet, is Portugal’s highest peak.

Vineyards of Pico Island. Once on the island, you’ll visit the Vinhas da Criação Velha — the amazing Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, vineyards miraculously grow in the rocky, volcanic ground. The vineyards are planted in small, enclosed plots called currais, which are protected by black volcanic basalt walls that shield the vines from harsh ocean winds and help retain heat. This results in a distinct microclimate ideal for growing grapes. As you stroll through the vineyards, gain more insight into the viticulture techniques of Pico, where vineyards have been cultivated for more than 500 years. You’ll also learn about the famed Verdelho wine, a dry and aromatic white wine with a strong mineral character. Be sure and pause to take in the stunning contrast between the black lava rock, green vines and blue ocean— a perfect photo opportunity!

Take a break for lunch at a local winery to taste some of the island’s traditional cuisine.

Whaler’s Museum. Continue to the village of Lajes to visit the fascinating Museu dos Baleeiros, Whaler’s Museum, and gain insight into the island’s rich and complex whaling history. Pico was a major whaling hub, with Lajes do Pico serving as the island’s whaling capital. Whaling in the Azores lasted from the 18th century until 1984, when whaling was officially banned. As you tour the museum, which is housed in an authentic whalers’ boathouse, view original hand-crafted wooden whaling boats, harpoons, spears and whale bone carvings called scrimshaw. Other exhibits feature historical photos, videos and documents that illustrate the daily lives of whalers. You’ll also learn about the museum’s emphasis and dedication to whale conservation and marine life protection.

After your full and enriching day, take the ferry back to Faial Island and return to the hotel in Horta. This evening, relax over dinner on your own.

Faial Island | Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island

Enrichment: Contemporary Azores: Enjoy a discussion of Azorean and Portuguese life today, its current political status and economic future within Portugal and as part of the Economic Union.

After the lecture, check out and transfer to the airport for a midday flight to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island. Arrive, enjoy lunch together at a local restaurant and then begin your half-day city tour.

Ponta Delgada & Carlos Machado Museum. Take an enjoyable guided walk through vibrant, cultural Ponta Delgada. See the 17th-century City Hall of Ponta Delgada and other notable sites while tasting delicious local cheeses and liqueurs while you stroll. Then, visit the Carlos Machado Museum for a journey through the region’s natural history, art and cultural heritage. Founded in 1876, the museum is housed in the former Convent of Santo André, where the original and beautiful baroque chapel still exists. View the museum’s interesting collections of taxidermy animals, Azorean paintings, sculptures, contemporary art, traditional crafts, farming tools, and much more.

Continue to the first-class Octant Ponta Delgada hotel to check in and settle in for the next four nights.

This evening, choose a restaurant in Ponta Delgada for dinner on your own.

São Miguel Island

After breakfast, drive to the eastern part of the island toward the village of Furnas, passing by Vila Franca do Campo, the first capital of São Miguel.

Furnas Crater Visit. Begin today with a visit to the breathtaking Furnas Crater, one of the island’s most famous volcanic calderas, to witness geothermal wonders up close. You’ll be awed by the stunning Lagoa das Furnas volcanic lake, surrounded by green hills and misty landscapes and dotted with boiling fumaroles and mud pots along the shores. Marvel at the otherworldly landscape created by nearby steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools and sulfur vents. Watch locals prepare Cozido das Furnas, a hearty, traditional stew buried in the geothermal ground for several hours to cook by volcanic heat. Then, savor this uniquely prepared dish for lunch at a nearby restaurant!

Botanical Gardens & Geothermal Water Pool. After lunch, enjoy a leisurely walk through the Furnas village center to visit the Parque Terra Nostra, one of the Azores’ most beautiful and diverse botanical gardens. Originally designed in the 18th century, the park is renowned for its blend of European landscaping styles with tropical elements and its geothermal thermal pools. Take a guided walk through the gardens along winding walking paths amid an idyllic labyrinth of serpentine canals and ponds, some filled with koi fish and aquatic plants. Discover hidden groves, flower tunnels and open lawns and admire the historic stone bridges, fountains and ancient trees that create an enchanting atmosphere. Stop at the park’s iconic large orange-hued thermal pool, naturally heated to 95-104°F and rich in iron and minerals. Time and weather permitting, you may take a dip in the geothermal water pool or continue exploring the stunning gardens. Note: Remember to bring an old or black bathing suit and towel if you plan to soak in the geothermal water pool; the water’s color may stain your suit.

Gorreana Tea Factory. Head back toward Ponta Delgada and stop en route to visit the Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s oldest tea plantation still in operation. Founded in 1883 by Ermelinda Pacheco Gago da Câmara, the company remains a family-owned and operated business. During your visit, meander through the tea fields and tour the factory to learn about the production process and plantation history.

This evening, relax after your full day and have dinner at leisure.

São Miguel Island

Whale Watching. The Azores are home to one of the world’s largest and premier whale sanctuaries because of the archipelago’s unique location, nutrient-rich waters and diverse population of marine mammals. This morning, embark on a thrilling, 3-hour boat expedition, looking for sightings of majestic, graceful whales and playful dolphins.

Talk about your marine life sightings over lunch at a local restaurant.

Logo do Fogo & Caldeira Velha. After lunch, visit the Lagoa do Fogo volcanic crater lake, one of the archipelago’s most breathtaking natural wonders. The lake is part of a nature reserve and one of the least developed lakes in the Azores. From the crater’s rim, witness the surrounding dramatic scenery and the various bird species and endemic plants. Continue to the Caldeira Velha, natural mineral hot springs enveloped by a lush forest of giant ferns, moss-covered rocks and tropical plants. See the famed warm iron waterfall that flows into one of the pools, creating a magical atmosphere.

Historic Ribeira Grande. Conclude this awe-inspiring day with a visit to Sao Miguel’s second-largest town, Ribeira Grande, known for its old-world charm, volcanic landscapes and coastal beauty. Founded in the 16th century, the town retains its Portuguese character, with cobblestone streets, baroque churches and historic bridges. The main square features beautiful traditional Portuguese paving, a striking 17th-century Town Hall with its iconic clock tower, and a stunning 19th-century stone bridge spanning the Ribeira Grande river.

Return to the hotel and enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choosing.

São Miguel Island

Jeep Tour to Sete Cidades. Take a morning Jeep excursion to the hard-to-reach Sete Cidades volcanic crater region. Visit Lagoa do Canário, a beautiful, serene volcanic lake. Continue to the Boca do Inferno Viewpoint to witness one of the most breathtaking views in the Azores. Take in the vastness and panoramic vista of dramatic volcanic landscapes and marvel at Sete Cidade’s famous blue and green twin lakes and vast caldera framed by vast forests from this vantage point.

Farewell Reception, Dinner & Folklore Performance. At this evening’s Farewell Reception, raise a toast to your unforgettable Portuguese and Azorean adventure, followed by a Farewell Dinner and a delightful traditional folklore performance.

Depart for gateway city

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your return flights home. AHI FlexAir passengers traveling on flights that qualify for a group transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased seats on the group transfer depart for Ponta Delgada International Airport for your return flights home. Your Travel Director will provide the details.