Highlights of the Azores

Intrepid Travel · 7 days
Highlights of the Azores
Highlights of the Azores
Highlights of the Azores
Highlights of the Azores
Highlights of the Azores
Highlights of the Azores
Highlights of the Azores
Highlights of the Azores
Highlights of the Azores
Highlights of the Azores
Highlights of the Azores
Highlights of the Azores
Highlights of the Azores
Highlights of the Azores
7 Days
From AUD $3295
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(19 reviews)

Highlights of the Azores

Highlights of the Azores

Intrepid Travel · 7 days
Duration

7 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Explore the Azores with an array of unique experiences, starting on Sao Miguel where you’ll taste fresh pineapple from greenhouses and enjoy a traditional volcanic stew.

Highlights

  • Savour the unique flavours of the Azores, like fresh pineapple straight from a greenhouse, traditional stew cooked underground by volcanic steam and Europe’s only home-grown tea.
  • Cross the stunning waters of the Azores, visiting Lagoa das Sete Cidades, which sits in a volcanic caldera. Discover the beauty of the islands from panoramic viewpoints and spend your free afternoons exploring local museums, biking or paddleboarding.
  • Travel on a ferry to Pico Island, where you’ll learn about the island’s volcanic history at Arcos do Cachorro and taste local spirits at a family-owned distillery.
  • Embrace the island’s natural wonders on a hike through Horta, followed by a visit to the Capelinhos volcano. Learn about its dramatic 1957 eruption at the volcano centre.
  • Wander through the charming streets of Ponta Delgada, Pico and Horta, where you’ll discover a mix of architectural styles and local culture. Unwind with a famous G&T at Cafe Sport – a legendary sailor’s haunt.

Trip Details

Duration

7 days

Transportation

Plane,Ferry,Private vehicle,On foot,Taxi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Sao Miguel Island / Ponta Delgada, Portugal

Finishes

Faial Island / Horta, Portugal

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Sao Miguel Island / Ponta Delgada
Ola! Welcome to Sao Miguel Island, the largest in the Azores. Affectionately nicknamed the ‘Green Island’, you can expect to be greeted by mountainous terrains and lush flora. Your island adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, perhaps wander along the seaside promenade of Ponta Delgada town, pick up a plate of bacalhau (dried and salted cod) at the farmer’s market in Mercado da Graca, or even sample some fresh seafood at the local restaurants.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Sao Miguel Island / Ponta Delgada
Begin your day with a picturesque walk around Lagoa das Furnas, where you'll witness the unique process of preparing Cozido das Furnas—a traditional stew slow-cooked underground using volcanic heat, one of Portugal’s most distinctive dishes. Next, explore Terra Nostra Park, where you can either soak in the warm, mineral-rich hot springs or wander through the lush botanical gardens. For lunch, savor the delicious Cozido with your group before heading to the Caldeiras in Furnas village to sample the naturally carbonated mineral waters. Your guide will then lead you to Miradouro de Santa Iria, a stunning northern viewpoint offering sweeping views of the island’s dramatic coastline. Afterward, learn about tea cultivation at a historic tea plantation, and conclude your tour at the Ananás dos Açores Boa Fruta Plantation, where you'll taste pineapple liqueurs and other pineapple-based delicacies.

Included Activities:

  • Sao Miguel - Island Day Tour
  • Sao Miguel - Ananás dos Açores Boa Fruta Plantation visit
  • Sao Miguel - Cozido das Furnas Lunch
  • Sao Miguel - Tea Plantation Visit & Tasting
  • Sao Miguel - Miradouro do Pico do Ferro & Miradouro de Santa Iria
  • Sao Miguel - Terra Nostra Park visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Sao Miguel Island / Ponta Delgada
This morning, you’ll visit Lagoa das Sete Cidades – a green freshwater lake nestled in a volcanic caldera. After, you’re free to explore the island on your own terms. If you’d like to learn about Azorean natural history then the Museu Carlos Machado is the place for you. The building sits in a 16th-century convent, which is as much of an attraction as the museum itself. If you want to stay outdoors, consider taking in your surroundings from a rented bike or paddleboard. You can also change things up with a visit to Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores. Wander the cobbled streets and admire the various architectural styles, and maybe try some local seafood when you get hungry.

Included Activities:

  • Sao Miguel - Lagoa das Sete Cidades visit

Optional Activities:

  • Sao Miguel - Museu Carlos Machado (2 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Faial Island / Horta
Enjoy a free morning before your early afternoon flight to Horta, Faial Island. This island is sometimes referred to as ‘Blue Island’ because of the iconic blue hydrangeas dotted all around that bloom during summer. When you arrive, your leader will explain all this and more on an orientation walk. The rest of the day is free to explore the port town of Horta. You can chill out on the seafront or perhaps call into Cafe Sport (aka Peter’s Bar) for a famous G&T. This watering hole was once a crucial post office and gossip stop for travelling sailors in a pre-internet era. For some, it still is.

Included Activities:

  • Horta - Leader led orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Pico Island / Faial Island / Horta
Hop on a ferry to Pico Island – the second- largest island in the Azores. Known as 'Black Island’ for its black volcanic earth, Pico is the proud home of UNESCO-designated vineyards that have played a major role in the community’s development. On your tour of the island, visit Arcos do Cachorro (lava tunnels), where you’ll learn more about its volcanic past. Then, call into a family-owned distillery for a tasting and discover their special techniques. Finish your tour at Criacao Velha for a stunning view of Pico's unique vineyards. After, you might like to head out for some optional whale watching. Up until 1980, the island supported a substantial whaling industry due to the deep waters of the surrounding Atlantic. Fortunately, the end of the industry means whale watching has become a popular activity for visitors. In the evening, return to Faial Island.

Included Activities:

  • Pico Island - Criacao Velha Vineyards UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Pico Island - Arcos do Cachorro (Lava tunnels)
  • Pico Island - Liqueur Tasting
  • Pico Island - Day Trip

Optional Activities:

  • Pico Island - Whale Watching Excursion (62 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Faial Island / Horta
Get your hiking boots on as you start the day on a walking trail in Horta. After, visit the island's resident volcano, Capelinhos. You’ll head to the volcano interpretation centre, as climbing up is not considered safe. Capelinhos last erupted in 1957 and changed the island permanently, adding an extra kilometre of land mass and blanketing the surrounding area with five metres of volcanic ash. You’ll learn more about this eruption and the most famous volcanoes in the world at the centre. For the rest of the day, you're free to explore as you wish.

Included Activities:

  • Faial Island - Monte da Guia walk

Optional Activities:

  • Faial Island - Azores Ocean Observatory (7 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Faial Island / Horta
Your trip will come to an end after breakfast. For those who wish to stay in the Azores, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $3,295
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 7 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Explore the Azores with an array of unique experiences, starting on Sao Miguel where you’ll taste fresh pineapple from greenhouses and enjoy a traditional volcanic stew.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 16 May 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Lisa
Traveled, October 2023

10/17/2023

This is a great trip if you're looking for a beautiful location and a wide variety of activities. Monica was full of enthusiasm.

4.5
Jessica
Traveled, September 2023

09/19/2023

Highly recommend this trip. Fast paced and worth every minute. Opt into the optional activities, they’re worth it. Such a great way to tour the Azores without having to think about the logistics, which can be tricky on your own.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989