Trips to the Azores
A hidden gem with untouched nature off the coast of Portugal
From £789
Surrounded by the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean, the volcanic born archipelago of the Azores sits pristine, begging for exploration. Trips to the largest island of the 9, Ilha de São Miguel nicknamed “The Green Island” or “Ilha Verde” are perfect for smaller groups looking for endless outdoor adventure. The island is beautiful and lush, with volcanic peaks, balconied palaces, azure lakes, and calderas. A truly unique landscape and culture with jaw-dropping scenery at every turn. Kayak on the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades to the northwest, one green and one blue. Or head east to Furnas Valley with its fumaroles (volcanic openings in the earth’s surface emitting steam and volcanic gasses) and take a dip in the natural hot springs.
Activities
Walking, hiking, swimming, cycling, kayaking, canoeing, exploring are very much on the agenda with a trip to the Azores. But we have some special activities that we know you’ll love…
- Whale & dolphin watching
- Geothermal bathing pools
- Sete Cidades kayaking & canoeing
- Ribeira Natural Park canyoning
- Caldeira Velha
- Furnas Hot Springs
- Arruda Pineapple Plantation
- Ponta Delgada city tour
- Fumarole exploration & cozido cooking
- Gruta do Carvão Lava Tube
- Bike hire
- Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens
- Gorreana Tea Plantation
Whale & Dolphin Watching
This archipelago is one of the greatest sites in the world to see whales and dolphins up close, with reported sightings on 99 per cent of whale watching cruises to sea.
Sete Cidades Kayaking & Canoeing
Kayak on the twin lakes of Sete Cideades, one blue and one green. Both volcanic calderas (large cauldron-like craters formed shortly after the emptying of a magma chamber in a volcanic eruption).
Fumarole Exploration & Cozido Cooking
Discover the hissing volcanic fumarole openings in the village of Furnas. Peer over the edge of the volcanic fumaroles along wooden walkways and take part in a local tradition of cooking some authentic ‘Cozido’. A meat and vegetable medley stew slowly steamed under the surface by volcanic soil.
- Click here to see more amazing activities
Geothermal Bathing Pools
Because of their volcanic origins, The Azores are a thermal paradise, with steaming, iron-rich pools buried among lush green flora and tropical trees. You can find a natural ocean pool heated by a volcanic vent and chilled by the Atlantic’s ebbing tides.
Gruta do Carvão Lava Tube
Grab a protective helmet and delve into the volcanic caves of Gruta do Carvão, an ancient lava tube on the outskirts of Ponta Delgada. Well lit and full of geological detail, see first hand the power of volcanoes and the wonders they leave behind.
Ribeira Natural Park Canyoning
Ribeira dos Caldeires Natural Park is a canyoning paradise with towering waterfalls, natural ponds, and lush green surroundings. Wander through the park, abseil from as high as 30 feet, jump and swim in clear streams whilst surrounded by beautiful forests.
Ponta Delgada City Tour
Explore the capital of the Azores, Ponta Delgada. Once a modest fishing village whose fisherman took shelter in its safe coves soon became the main port of São Miguel. Enjoy a city tour, swimming, Parque Atlantico Shopping Centre with designer shopping outlets, food courts and cinemas.
Gorreana Tea Plantation
Take a quick visit or guided tour to the oldest and currently only tea plantation in Europe. Prepare and taste some Island tea on your way to the Gorreana Tea Plantation. Built in 1883 after a mid-19th century blight forced the island to diversify from its usual orange production.
Sample Itinerary
How your adventure is mapped out day to day…
Day 1
- Fly from the UK to Ponta Delgada, São Miguel.
- Transfer to accommodation at Pousada Youth Hostel.
Day 2
- Head out to Sete Cidades where you’ll start at Vista Rei Belvedere and hike the crater rim down to the village.
- Take in the sights at the Ponta do Escalvado viewpoint.
- Explore Ferraria and take a swim in a natural rock pool.
- Head back to your accommodation for the evening.
Day 3
- Walk to the harbour for a half-day whale & dolphin watching excursion.
- Spend the afternoon at the seafront lido soaking up the sun.
- Walk back to the accommodation.
Day 4
- Visit Ribeira Grande Caldeiras and trek along the Salto do Cabrito trail.
- Discover Caldeira Velha where you can bathe in a warm waterfall and pool.
- On to Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint than a trek down to the lake.
- Transfer back to accommodation.
Day 5
- Explore the Gruta do Carvao lava tube on a guided tour.
- Explore Sete Cidades on bikes and kayak on the twin lakes.
- See the inner workings of Arruda Pineapple Plantation.
- Back to the accommodation for the evening.
Day 6
- Visit the Furnas hot springs.
- Continue on foot to Lagoa das Furnas for a trek around the lake and to see the cozido cooking area.
- Head out to the Botanical Gardens for a swim in a geothermal pool.
- Spot of tea at Gorreana Tea Plantation and a trek around its fields.
- Back to your accommodation for the evening.
Day 7
- Transfer to airport for a return flight home.
What’s Included
5 days, 4 nights including:
- Whale watching
- Biking
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Thermal pool visits
- Terra Nostra botanical & pool visit
- Return flights from London or Manchester
- BB accommodation
- On-site Venture Abroad representative
- Full tour and itinerary planning
- 1 x drawstring bag per passenger
- Luggage labels for the group
- Travel Insurance
Prices from £789pp
Example prices based on a minimum of 30 passengers departing July 2023. Contact us for a bespoke quote for alternative group sizes and dates.
Accommodation 1
Pousada de Juventude Hostel Ponta Delgada
Modern, recently refurbished, referred to as the 1st hotel in the Azores, on an old orange plantation, typical Azorean architecture brought into the 21st century.
- Rooms are with shared facilities (separate for boys and girls).
- Dorms are with 4-10 people per room and are bunk beds (exact details nearer the time).
- Adults can stay in twin rooms with a private bathroom – limited availability.
- Hairdryers are available in the bathrooms.
- Towels and padlocks for lockers in rooms can be rented at reception for a small deposit payment.
- There is a vending machine in the hostel as well as a games room with table football and sofas.
- Wi-Fi available.
- Coach stops at bottom of the driveway below hostel- very short walk up to the hostel
- Buffet continental breakfast – packed lunches and evening meals can be provided by outside catering and brought into the hostel.
Accommodation 2
Park Hotel Ponta Delgada
São Miguel Park Hotel is located near the centre of Ponta Delgad with ensuite facilities, warm decor, and a cozy ambience.
- Twin or triple rooms.
- Hairdryers are available in the bathrooms.
- Towels and soap in rooms.
- Can request towels at reception to take swimming inside/outside the hotel.
- Wi-Fi throughout.
- Indoor heated pool with Jacuzzi, outdoor pool (not heated), gym & sauna.
- Space for a coach to park right in front of the hotel.
- Buffet breakfast and evening meal at the hotel restaurant.
- Packed lunches available.
Venture Abroad Covid Guarantee
We understand that when planning your next trip, you’ll want to tread carefully and work with a company you can trust. This is why we want to assure you that, even in these uncertain times, we’ve got you covered with our Covid Guarantee
For your financial security, you must have insurance when travelling with us, whether it be your own or the insurance we provide through Aviva. We highly recommend our insurance because it’s tailored specifically for group travel and offers cover for Covid related cancellation and curtailment.
