Departures: Tuesday & Saturday (07 Apr - 20 Oct)
Duration: 15 days / 14 nights
(details below based on Tuesday departure)
Grand tour price includes:
• Direct scheduled flight with SATA International from London Gatwick to Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel)
• All inter-island flights, transfers, entrance tickets for the botanical garden and museums as detailed
• 14-night accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis as detailed
• Guided excursions (minibus and guide or taxi with English speaking driver) as detailed below.
The Grand Tour itinerary:
Tuesday – SAO MIGUEL
Arrive at Ponta Delgada airport. Transfer to the Hotel Vila Nova.
Wednesday - Depart from Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades lakes by the mountain road. According to local myth, the two lakes at Sete Cidades were formed after a love affair between a princess and a shepherd boy was abruptly ended on the orders of her father, the king. The myth states that the two lakes, one blue in colour the other green were formed from the tears of the pair as they separated. After visiting the lakes, you will stop at the ‘Vista do Rei’ belvedere from where there is a panoramic view over the lakes and the surrounding area. Return to Ponta Delgada, stopping en route at a pineapple plantation. Free afternoon.
Thursday – FLORES
Transfer to Ponta Delgada airport for flight to Flores (90-minutes). Transfer to the Argonauta.
Friday - Departure from Faja Grande towards the East Coast of Flores and to the most western point of Europe. En route you will stop at the Ribeira da Cruz belvedere and visit several of the island’s picturesque crater lakes. This excursion includes many of the highlights of Flores (the island of Flowers) including the lush green pastures bordered with hydrangeas (June to August), the impressive waterfalls and the unique ‘organ pipe’ rock formation of Rocha dos Bordoes. Free afternoon.
Saturday – FAIAL
Transfer to Flores airport for flight to Faial (50-minutes). Transfer to the Hotel do Canal.
Sunday - Depart from Horta via the mountain road in the direction of Espalamaca. You will visit the vast Caldeira, which dominates the island’s landscape before continuing to Capelinhos. Capelinhos is the site of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores (1957) and even today very little vegetation has regrown. The museum in the nearby village of Capelo (visited on the tour) retells the drama. Free afternoon.
Monday - Free time in Horta. Opportunity to explore Horta, the capital of Faial, and to visit the renowned Peter’s Café (also known as Café Sport). A walk along the harbour front to admire the painted yacht emblems and numerous messages is also highly recommended.
Tuesday – PICO (Day trip)
Depart from Horta harbour, for a 30-minute boat trip to Pico Island. From Madalena harbour you will take the mountain road across the island towards the village of Lajes do Pico. This journey will include the beautiful south coast of the island, with its vineyards bordered by black volcanic rock and Mount Pico towering above. At Lajes do Pico you will visit the whaler’s museum with its fascinating exhibition illustrating whaling in the Azores which, until its ban in 1987, was the main industry on the islands. Continue to Sao Roque with a brief stop (lunch not included) before returning to Madalena port, visiting the black rocks of Cachorro en route. Return to Faial by boat.
Wednesday – SAO JORGE
Transfer to Horta harbour for boat crossing to the island of Sao Jorge (2 ½ hours). Transfer to the Hotel Sao Jorge Garden.
Thursday - Depart from Velas towards Beira where you will visit a cheese factory. Continue to Calheta and Manadas, stopping at several breathtaking viewpoints en route. In Manadas you will visit the beautiful baroque parish church dedicated to Santa Barbara. Continue to Urzelina before returning to Velas. Free afternoon.
Friday – TERCEIRA
Transfer to Sao Jorge airport for flight to Terceira (35-minutes). Transfer to the Hotel Terceira Mar.
Saturday - Free morning. Afternoon departure from Angra do Heroismo to Monte Brasil, from where you can enjoy fabulous views over the historic city. From Monte Brasil you will travel on the interior road to Biscoitos on the north coast visiting the Serra do Cume viewpoint en route. In Biscoitos you will visit the wine museum and the natural black volcanic pools. Return to Angra do Heroismo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, passing by the villages of Doze Ribeiras and Sao Mateus.
Sunday – SAO MIGUEL
Transfer to Terceira airport for flight to Sao Miguel (40-minutes). Transfer to the Hotel Sao Miguel Park.
Monday - Depart from Ponta Delgada to the village of Furnas by the south road, stopping at the town of Vila Franca do Campo en route. In Furnas you will have time to visit the beautiful 30-acre botanical gardens and the hot springs before continuing to the town of Ribeira Grande, visiting a tea plantation en route. Return to Ponta Delgada.
Tuesday - Transfer to Ponta Delgada airport for return flight home.
Download Azores grand tour prices here >
or Call us on 020 758 4722 for advice and availability.
