Atlantic Azores
6 Days Starting and ending in Ponta Delgada, Portugal
Visiting: Ponta Delgada, Sete Cidades, Cascata do Salto do Cabrito, Furnas, Ribeira dos Caldeirões
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AZS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 11
Age range:
25-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Photography, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Discover mythical landscapes, spectacular wildlife and delicious food and wine on this six-day adventure in the Azores – the remote Portuguese archipelago at the mid-Atlantic juncture between the Eurasian, African and North American tectonic plates. You’ll be based on São Miguel, the largest island, renowned for having fiery volcanic features and abundant marine life. After exploring the capital, Ponta Delgada, get ready for a series of exhilarating experiences, including kayaking around a crater lake, whale-watching and abseiling down waterfalls. Round off your trip by soaking in hot springs and making 'cozido', a hearty Azorean stew, slow-cooked underground using geothermal energy. All of our trips are flightless in destination, with 100% of all carbon emissions offset. It's just part of how we see the world while being good to it.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In The Azores
Location: Ponta Delgada
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Marina Atlântico
Meals Included: Dinner
Touch down on São Miguel island and make your way to the hotel. You’ll be greeted by our Local Insider, who will accompany the group throughout the trip. In the afternoon, you’ll set off on a walking tour of Ponta Delgada – a small but lively capital city with whitewashed Baroque architecture, a bar-lined harbourfront and a thriving culinary scene. After checking out the sights, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers at a local restaurant.
Activities included:
Ponta Delgada walking tour
Welcome dinner
Day 2 : Explore The Sete Cidades Volcanic Complex By Bike And Kayak
Location: Ponta Delgada, Sete Cidades
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Marina Atlântico
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, you’ll venture to the far west of São Miguel to explore the scenic Sete Cidades area – two shimmering crater lakes (one blue, one green), surrounded by Japanese cedar, laurel and juniper forests. A Jeep tour is the perfect way to take in the unspoiled volcanic scenery before tucking into a delicious lunch of Portuguese petiscos (small plates) and wine. Spend the afternoon cycling around the lakes and descending into the crater itself to kayak, before returning to Ponta Delgada.
Activities included:
Sete Cidades Jeep tour
Sete Cidades cycling
Sete Cidades kayaking
Day 3 : Go Whale Watching And Hike To Salto Do Cabrito Waterfall
Location: Ponta Delgada, Cascata do Salto do Cabrito
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wildlife enthusiast? The waters around the Azores are teeming with life, home to some 28 species of whale and dolphin, including blue whales – the largest animals on Earth. Go looking for cetaceans of all sizes on an optional marine safari, or use the time to explore Ponta Delgada further before an afternoon hike through to the Salto do Cabrito waterfall in the Ribeira Grande region. Here, you’ll learn all about the geology of the Azores and how the islands harness their natural resources to generate sustainable energy. Don’t forget swimming gear – the rock pools at the bottom of the waterfall are a prime spot for a refreshing dip.
Activities included:
Salto do Cabrito waterfall hike
Optional activities:
Whale watching
Day 4 : Canyon Down Mountain Streams And Abseil Across Waterfalls
Location: Furnas, Ribeira dos Caldeirões
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
If the idea of rappelling across cascading waterfalls and sliding down rocky ravines gets your adrenaline pumping, you’ll be in your element at Ribeira dos Caldeirões – a protected area in the northeast of São Miguel, carpeted in thick, subtropical forest. It’s an exhilarating experience which allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature as you grapple with the elements. Next, you’ll head to Furnas – one of the most geothermally active areas in the Azores, and your base for the rest of the trip. Come nightfall, enjoy a cocktail-making class and a soothing soak in the area’s natural hot springs.
Activities:
Canyoning
Cocktail making
Day 5 : Cook Your Own Cozido Stew And Hike Around Furnas Lake
Location: Furnas
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Now you’re familiar with the volcanic makeup of the Azores, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test by preparing cozido das Furnas. This hearty meat-and-vegetable stew, cooked in an underground pot using nothing but geothermal heat, is an integral part of São Miguel’s food heritage, which takes around six hours to perfect. While it bubbles away, head out on a hike around the Furnas crater lake to work up an appetite. Later, relax and enjoy your geothermally-cooked feast for dinner – a quintessentially Azorean way to round off your trip.
Activities included:
Cozido stew making
Furnas Lake hike
Farewell dinner
Day 6 : Depart From The Azores
Location: Furnas
Meals Included: Breakfast
After one final breakfast, it’s time to check out of the hotel and bid farewell to your new friends as you return to the airport to catch your flight home. Alternatively, extend your stay and explore what else the Azores has to offer.
What's Included
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Local Insider
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Accommodation
Two nights premium hotel accommodation, Three nights botanical gardens hotel accommodation
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Private and local transport
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Airport transfers
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5 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches & 2 Dinners
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Ponta Delgada walking tour
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Sete Cidades Jeep tour
Sete Cidades kayaking
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Sete Cidades cycling
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Salto do Cabrito waterfall hike
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Canyoning
What's Not Included
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International flights
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Meals not in the itinerary
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Visas (if required)
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Optional activities
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Resort Taxes (If applicable)
Accommodation
Hotel Marina Atlântico
This sleek waterfront hotel is just a short walk along the promenade from the Old Town of Ponta Delgada. Along with spacious, airy rooms with marble-tiled bathrooms, you’ll have access to a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and Turkish bath – perfect for unwinding and recharging after an action-packed day exploring.
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Soothe aching limbs as you soak in steaming, mineral-rich hot springs surrounded by botanical gardens at this tranquil boutique hideaway in the Furnas area. Inside, expect elegant art-deco touches throughout, luxurious beds, a fabulously fresh buffet breakfast, plus innovative cocktails and Azorean fine wines at The Gardener bar.
Please note that, while unlikely, the accommodation indicated may be subject to change (see T&C’s). On a rare occasion, alternative arrangements may be necessary – this may be due to a lack of availability at our preferred accommodation, or other reasons outside our control. We’ll do everything we can to prevent this from happening; however, in cases where it is unavoidable, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Check out our Q&As
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What is not included in the trip?
We don’t include the following in our trips: insurance (however you must have insurance to travel on one of our trips), flights, tips for local guides, optional activities and other meals and services not mentioned in your itinerary.
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How much money should I bring?
This will depend on how long your trip is, your destination and how much you intend to spend on personal expenses and any meals that aren’t included. It is a good idea to check out the cost of a local lunch and dinner in your destination before you travel.
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Are flights / transport to the destination included?
No - our travellers come from all over the world so flights and / or transport to the start destination are not included.
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Will there always be a guide on the trip?
Absolutely yes. We pride ourselves on our expert Local Insiders - they are an integral part of what makes our trips so special. Your Local Insider will accompany you throughout the trip and is there to help and assist in any way possible as well as ensure everything works to time.
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What kind of transport do you use on your trips?
We use a mix of public and private transport on our trips, but usually a small and comfortable minibus, so we can access more remote destinations that larger groups can’t get to.
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What visas do I need?
Depending on your passport and your destination, you may need a visa to travel on one of our trips. It is up to you to ensure you have any and all necessary visas before you travel. We recommend you check with a specialist visa agency at least 6 weeks before you travel.
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How many meals are included?
Breakfast is included daily and then depending on your itinerary, some lunches and dinners. This is clearly indicated in the trip details or ask your Travel Expert to confirm.
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What happens if I need to amend or cancel my booking?
You can change the date of your tour up to 60 days prior to departure and cancel at any time, although cancellation conditions may apply.
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What is the group size?
Our maximum group size is 8, although our average group size is 10-12 people. Group travel is a great way to meet other people, and you will have the safety of travelling with a group, but you can also decide how much time you want to spend by yourself.
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Are airport transfers included?
Your arrival transfer from Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) to your hotel is included. Please ensure you provide your flight details to your Culture Trip Travel Expert at least 30 days prior to your trip departure date. Your departure airport transfer from Furnas to the airport is also included. Please again ensure you provide your flight details to your Culture Trip Travel Expert at least 30 days prior to your trip departure date. Your Local Insider will be able to provide more information regarding your departure time from the hotel based on your flight schedule.
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When will I know if my trip is guaranteed?
We usually wait until we have a few travellers booked on a trip before we guarantee it will run. The latest we will guarantee a trip is 60 days ahead of departure, often it will be long before.
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Is there any age limit on the Trips?
You must be 25 or over to travel on our trips, however there is no upper age limit. You just need a sense of adventure.
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What kind of luggage should I bring?
It depends on the type of trip you have booked, but we usually recommend a soft sided bag or case as they are easier to handle on a trip.
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Why should I travel with Culture Trip?
We know the world's best bits – our award-winning content proves it. Now we’re using that expertise to bring you curated trips that combine thoughtful planning with authentic experiences and hand-picked accommodation. Led by Local Insiders, our trips bring together small groups of curious travellers who embrace the value of shared experiences, cultural immersion and travel that never feels rushed.
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Can I travel in my own private group?
Yes you can. Our team of Travel Experts can put together a bespoke trip to suit all group sizes in most destinations around the world. Please contact us for more details.
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Do I need to tip?
Tips are not included in the price of your trip but are entirely optional and at your discretion.
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What happens if I am travelling on my own?
Most accommodations on our trips are reserved on a twin share basis. Therefore, if you are travelling on your own you will be sharing a room with another Culture Trip traveller of the same sex. However, most of the time it is possible to pay a supplement for your own room. Please ask your Travel Expert for more information.
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How fit do I need to be to take one of your trips?
We offer a variety of different trips, most of which do not require a specific level of fitness. Some of our trips are more active, but we include details on each specific trip information page. If you are unsure please don’t hesitate to ask one of our Travel Experts.
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Can I book extra nights accommodation before or after my trip?
Yes, call or email one of our Travel Experts who will be able to add accommodation to your booking.
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Do I need any vaccinations?
As a tour operator we are unable to give medical advice, however we suggest you contact your doctor, a professional medical travel clinic or check out the World Health Organisation website for more details.
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Do I need to buy travel insurance?
Yes - all travellers must have travel insurance before they join one of our trips. You are strongly advised to take out your policy at the time of booking to protect your holiday payments in the event of cancellation.
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I booked but cannot travel anymore. What are the amendments and cancellation options?
We understand plans can change and that’s why we offer flexible booking conditions. You can change or cancel your booking at any time up to 56 days prior to departure and receive a full refund of any funds you have already paid towards your trip.
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Do I have to make full payment at the time of booking?
You do not have to make full payment at the time of booking. We only require a small, fully refundable deposit of $100 to secure your spot on the trip. Full payment is due at the latest 56 days prior to departure.
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Do I have to take part in all the activities? Will there be free time on my trip?
The amount of free time varies per trip. Please enquire with our travel experts to get a proper understanding on the amount of free time on the trips you are interested in. You do not have to take part in all activities but we strongly encourage you to do so! We have carefully crafted each trip to show you the best of every destination, so you’d be missing out! Also taking part in activities is a great way to get to know your travel companions and make new friends. Nothing like a positive and supportive group environment to venture outside of your comfort zone and surprise yourself!
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What is a Local Insider?
We believe there’s no better way to discover a new place and a new culture than by experiencing it through the eyes and experience of a local. That’s why we only work with local guides - whom we name our Local Insiders. They know their region inside out and have a passion for sharing it with travellers. All our Local Insiders have years of experience guiding and speak English. Importantly, they like to travel the way we like it too: away from crowds, tourist traps and queues. Focussing on the true essence of a destination, teaching you all about the local culture and profusely sharing local hidden gems and insights.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Culture Trip allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 55 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Culture Trip allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform culture trip, 55 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Culture Trip requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 55 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of culture trip charges.
At 54 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.