The Azores are a collection of 9 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, 948 miles from the coast of Portugal. These gorgeous islands are under 5 hours from the east coast of the United States. The Azores are often compared to the natural beauty of Hawaii and Iceland. Each island has its own unique characteristics. Experience the magnificent volcanic lakes, hot thermal waters and vineyards planted in black lava fields. It is impossible to see all of the islands in one trip, so we will focus on Sao Miguel and Terceira Islands.
Sustainable Tourism in the Azores
While the Azores are starting to become a hot spot for European travelers, they are still considered a well-kept secret. They have become well known, however, for their sustainable tourism. In fact, they were selected by National Geographic as the 2nd best islands in the world for sustainable tourism. The Global Sustainable Tourism Council has held the Global Conference award in the Azores. As sustainable travelers, we will all do our part to help protect the islands while we are there. We will keep paper usage to a minimum at the villa, reusable lunch bags will be provided, travelers will bring a water bottle, etc.
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Initial Itinerary
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The beauty of small-group travel is that our itinerary can be somewhat flexible (with the exception of days involving air travel). It allows for hiking enthusiasts to truly explore the island and for others to just soak in the beauty. It also allows for changing plans based on weather conditions, which can be rather unpredictable in the Azores.
Activity level for this trip: Flexible - you decide how much activity you want, but you must be able to climb stairs, get in and out of a van or jeep, get on and off ferries, and walk up to a mile. The terrain may be rough at times so women with back problems should consult their physicians.
FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2025
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
Our day will begin with a relaxing breakfast at a reasonable hour. Groceries will be purchased for breakfast each morning. We will then be picked up by our private tour guide, starting around 10am. We'll tour the eastern side of the island. The day will be customized to the group's preferences. We'll stop for lunch at a sea-side restaurant with the best fish on the island. Our guide will provide transportation to the restaurant of your choice for dinner.
(Meals: B,L,D)
SUNDAY, JUNE 22
Today we have a half-day tour with our tour guide, visiting the beautiful hot springs. For lunch, we will have a wonderful picnic in a gorgeous setting with fresh fruits, meats and cheeses! You are free to explore on your own for the rest of the day.
(Meals: B,L,D)
MONDAY, JUNE 23
Late morning, we check out of our home and fly to Terceira Island. Our new home, where we will spend 3 nights, has 7 bedrooms, 18 beds, and 7 baths. Click here for photos. You'll have time to settle in and explore the area before having (and help preparing) a wonderful meal with a local family. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with authentic Azorean cuisine, lovingly crafted in a traditional wood-fired oven adorned with volcanic stones.
(Meals: B, L,D)
TUESDAY, JUNE 24
We have planned this trip around the annual Sanjoaninas Festival, the festival of Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of the island. The streets come alive with a burst of colors, music, and dance! Parades wind through the streets, especially in their city capital, Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can spend the day soaking up the culture and enjoying the celebration.​
(Meals: B,L,D)
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25
We'll start the day with a 3-hour van tour enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the West zone, followed by a cheese tasting in Queijo Vaquinha. After the tour, you are on your own to explore and enjoy more of the festival.
(Meals: B,L,D)
THURSDAY, JUNE 26
We say goodbye to Terceira and head to Pico Island. Whether we go by plane or ferry is yet to be determined as the ferry schedule for June has not yet been posted. This is the perfect island to stay on, with ferry access to three other islands! We'll check into the Pink House in Madelena. This is a 6 bedroom, 8 bed, 3 bath home that some of you have stayed at on our previous trip. Click here for photos. ​
(Meals: B,L,D)
FRIDAY, JUNE 27
This is the perfect day to explore Pico and/or the other islands! Pico is in close proximity to Faial (which we will be visiting tomorrow), Sao Jorge, and Graciosa. You could island hop, go hiking, relax at a swimming hole...the choice is yours. Ferry tickets will be provided if you choose to explore other islands. Any additional tours you select are not included in the cost of the trip.
(Meals: B,L,D)
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
Today we take a ferry ride to Faial Island where we'll meet up with our tour guide, a biologist with a wealth of knowlege. Our guide will take us around the best of Faial Island to show us unique sceneries and cultural delicacies. We will go through forests and volcanoes, including the Capelinhos with a visit to the Museum, the central Caldeira and other typical spots that only locals know about. (The stops can be customized to add different spots for travelers who have already been on our Azores trip.)
(Meals: B,L,D)
SUNDAY, JUNE 29
On our final day together there are many options: ​
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Swimming
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Hiking
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Wine Vineyards
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Visiting an island you may have missed
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Snorkeling
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Whale Watching
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Etc.
You choose as a group, small groups, or individually. (Tour costs, if desired, are not included in price of trip.)
(Meals: B,L,D)
MONDAY, JUNE 30
Sadly, our trip comes to an end. We will fly back to Ponta Delgada where we say goodbye to new friends, and head home.
(Meals: B)
