Experience grand exploits in one of the world’s most exciting destinations during your custom-tailored Azores adventure tour. The Atlantic archipelago boasts a distinctive culture influenced by a history of Portuguese rule. Fantastical caverns carved by slow-moving lava and crater lakes filled with glassy reflective waters reflect the volcanic origins. Jade forestry and a close connection with friendly passing dolphins speak of a longstanding relationship with land and sea. Abseil down breathtaking...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Sao Miguel – Enjoy a Warm Welcome on the Largest of the Azores Islands
The Azores archipelago has remote setting brimming with tropical beauty emanating from lush, verdant landscapes and the turquoise blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The islands have a historical connection to Portugal dating back to the Golden Age of Exploration and host two of Portugal’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. You arrive on the main island of Sao Miguel where your private transfer greets you at João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada.
The secluded destination on the largest island of the chain highlights distinct charms with whitewash walls from the architecture punctuated by features built with black basalt. The historical center has a colorful charisma driving from the cobbled lanes, manicured gardens, and preserved museums remarking on the importance of Sao Miguel as a center for trade during the 18th and 19th centuries. The illustrious promenade rounds around the antique harbor leading into the Historical Quarter.
The 16th-century Forte de Sao Bras houses the archipelago’s Military Museum opposite the Convento e Capela de Nossa Senhora da Esperança. Three arches from the 18th century represent the former city gates and feature a timeless design capturing the elegant essence of Ponta Delgada and the greater island of Sao Miguel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to indulge in the comforts of your luxury hotel, bask in the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean lapping at the Praia do Populo beach, or stroll along the serene cobbled squares at the center of the historic city.
What's Included:
Day 2
Sao Miguel – Relish Exciting Thermal Waters and Panoramas at Furnas
Day 3
Sao Miguel – Scour the Ocean on a Whale and Dolphin Watching Excursion
Day 4
Sao Miguel – Have a Kayaking and Biking Adventure at Sete Cidades
Day 5
Sao Miguel – Snorkel and Swim with Dolphins in the Atlantic Ocean
Day 6
Sao Miguel – Traverse a Lava Tunnel and Visit Lagoa do Fogo Crater Lake
Day 7
Sao Miguel – Discover the Nature of Sao Miguel on a Canyoning Adventure
Day 8
Sao Miguel – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Experience the thrill of viewing dolphins in their natural habitat while underneath the water when snorkeling in the Atlantic as the pod passes
- Discover the contrasting landscape of steaming fumaroles and verdant tropical forest when relaxing in fantastic natural thermal pools
- Kayak in the calm reflective waters of the Blue and Green lagoons when uncovering the serene and gorgeous scenery of Sete Cidades
- Abseil down a hidden cliff on a small islet off the coast of Sao Miguel known as Vila Franca during a guided canyoning excursion
- Wander the depths of a staggering lava tube divided into three monstrous parts when learning about the subterranean volcanic history of the island
- Search for one of the 28 types of cetaceans passing by Sao Miguel island in summer during a remarkable whale watching excursion
- Enjoy the unique blend of tropical paradise and Portuguese culture on Sao Miguel active in the local market and prevalent on the island since the 1400s
Detailed Description
The Azores remains Europe’s best kept secret and ready for a spectacular discover during your 8-day adventure tour uncovering the exhilarating tours only experienced when traveling the Atlantic archipelago. Whether a nature lover, beach fan, hiker, cyclist, or swimmer, the Azores expose the thrills of the natural scenery with fumaroles, mud pots, boiling springs, and sensational tunnels carved by lava. Blue lakes ring the edges of elegant forests and reflect the ascending cliffs of encompassing calderas. The Azores are a collection of islands preserving their treasures for future generations of Azoreans and visitors traveling from around the world eager to experience the adventures both on or in the land and sea.
Your adventure in the Azores takes place on Sao Miguel, the largest island of the archipelago and capital of the autonomous region connected to Portugal. The dramatic volcanic scenery creates powerful images decorating the island’s expanse accentuated by the contrasting colors of the emerald trees and turquoise Atlantic waters. The hot springs in the mountains hiss and the placid crater lakes host a variety of freshwater fish. Adventures travel to the secluded islands to scuba, surf, sail, fish, hike, or even paraglide. You have seven nights in the comforts of Sao Miguel, which provides easy access to the farther corners of the island, as well as the small islet of Vila Franca.
The thrills are at your enthusiastic exploration of the island is as thrilling or relaxed as you prefer taking you deep into the subterranean tunnel network craved by volcanic activity or on a mountain bike excursion tearing through the trees while descending one of the island’s spectacular calderas. Viewing wildlife becomes interactive during a snorkeling and dolphin viewing tour, which takes you into the water while pods of different dolphin species pass. Participate in the culture at the market or when viewing locals make a traditional stew in the boiling pools hidden in the mountains and embrace the captivating moment when you descend a steep cliff during a canyoning expedition for a full sense of the Azores Island’s true adventures.
Starting Price
$2,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.92 stars based on 1326 reviews.
We had an excellent trip! We loved the tours and how the Zicasso travel company was accessible during the duration of the trip. We encountered one issue, but the team responded and worked with us to resolve it.
Reviewed By Nicole M.
This trip was fantastic! My husband and I, along with my three daughters in their 20s, had the best time. Planning with Zicasso's travel expert was easy. She was quick to respond to emails, texts and calls before and during the trip.
We wanted some unique experiences, like making Portuguese filigree jewelry, and she found a great place for us! The hotels she selected were perfect for our larger group.
Reviewed By Lisa P.
It was an incredible trip and the Zicasso travel company did an excellent job, from preparing the itinerary to being available practically 24/7 to answer questions and provide assistance, including anticipating our needs. I was very impressed with the company.
Reviewed By Lynne V.
The trip was a fantastic introduction to Portugal and a great mix of history, activities, and relaxing.
We had three generations of family members on the trip, with a wide range of interests and dietary needs. Zicasso's travel company did an amazing job guiding us every day and accommodating last-minute changes. Each of the guides were very knowledgeable about the area and history, and flexible to our needs.
Reviewed By Jay B.
The planning experience was wonderful overall. From the initial conversation about what my family was looking for to the final touches to the itinerary, Zicasso's travel expert was engaging, responsive, and helpful.
The accommodations he selected for us exceeded expectations; they were spacious, beautiful, and well-located. The tours/activities suggested were really fun and gave us a sense of the locale in a unique and memorable way that fit our family well. Once we were in-country, communications were easy and helpful. We felt very well cared for.
Payment to our travel company was easy and it was a real pleasure once we were in-country to have all the identified items already paid for. I would definitely book a trip with them again.
Reviewed By Olivia L.
Zicasso's travel company, especially our agent, did a fantastic job! They listened to our preferences and planned an unforgettable itinerary. We would absolutely use them again.
Reviewed By Kate O.