Heart of the Azores: Terceira and São Miguel Islands

Upon arrival from Boston to Terceira Island, your tour guide will meet you at the airport and provide transportation to your hotel.

Check-in to the hotel. Complimentary breakfast will be provided at the hotel restaurant.

Free morning on the island to explore.

Half-day Boat Tour of the Cabras Islets
Afternoon pick-up from hotel for a boat tour of the Cabras Islets, volcanic rock formations along Terceira Island’s southern coast. Learn about these geological formations and the many bird species that nest there.

Complimentary breakfast available at the hotel.

Full-day Tour of Terceira Island

Morning pick-up at hotel for a full-day tour of the island’s historical and geological attractions. Beginning at the Monte Brasil peninsula, view the volcanic formation, which is rich in natural vegetation and continue to the Pico das Cruzinhas Viewpoint for a panoramic view over Angra do Heroísmo city. The tour continues along the island’s glorious East Coast by passing the Serretinha Viewpoint, where you’ll see the Cabral Islets. We’ll continue to Porto Judeu village to visit the brightly-colored Holy Ghost Chapel and pass through Salga Bay, the site of the infamous Battle of Salga that held off Spanish forces from a military conquest of the Azores.  You’ll see attractions including Ponta das Contendas, Mós Bay, and visit the Maria Vieira Chapel, which pays homage to the local Saint.  Then you’ll visit Praia da Vitória city, stopping at the Serra do Facho Viewpoint which offers a panoramic view over the town, followed by the Serra do Cume Viewpoint overlooking the famed “patchwork blanket” landscape created by farming fields surrounded by volcanic rocks.

Then we’ll take a break and enjoy lunch featuring local cuisine.

After lunch, we’ll visit the Algar do Carvão volcano, an ancient volcanic vent and chimney allowing a unique view of the extinct volcano. Visit Biscoitos village, crossing the central area of the island and enjoy the wide vineyard landscape known for its squared walls, surrounded by volcanic rocks. Wade in the waters of the stunning Biscoitos natural swimming pools enclosed by the sea and volcanic rock formations. Return to Angra do Heroísmo, passing through Altares, Raminho, Serreta, Doze Ribeiras, Santa Bárbara and Cinco Ribeiras villages. We will also stop at the Queijo Vaquinha Cheese Factory to taste the oldest cheese produced on the island.

Complimentary breakfast available at the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel

Hiking Trail “Passagem das Bestas”

Enjoy a moderate 2.5 mile (2.3 hrs) hike through protected land, breathe in the fresh air, and admire the amazing biodiversity of the island. This circular trail is embedded within the volcanic geosite Caldeira de Guilherme Moniz.

The trail starts at the parking lot next to the road and continues through an old rocky and irregular lava field.  Here, it is possible to see marked on the ground the so-called “relheiras” of the “Passagem das Bestas”, engraved in the rock due to the rolling of thousands of ox carts that for centuries came to the Caldera to get firewood.

Along this trail, it is possible to find several “relheiras” and on its surroundings several natural species, such as the Japanese Cedar, locally known as “Criptoméria”.

In the afternoon.

Check-out of the hotel. Transportation provided from hotel to airport.

Travel to São Miguel Island and check-in to the hotel.

Thermal Bath in Dona Beija & Volcanic Dinner

Evening pick-up at hotel for an evening tour and visit to the Thermal Baths in Dona Beija. Beginning at the Santa Iria Viewpoint, admire the cliffs on São Miguel Island’s north side and continue to the Pico do Ferro Viewpoint to view the Furnas volcanic crater. Venture towards the interior of Furnas village and take a short walk in the Boilers area, fumaroles, and water springs which are truly impressive.

With a keen appetite for dinner, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the most famous dish on the island, “Cozido das Furnas,” which is cooked in volcanic soil for six hours.  Afterwards, rejuvenate in the hot thermal pools, at more than 30ºC/86ºF in the Dona Beija Hot Springs. This will be, without a doubt, a remarkable and unforgettable experience!

Tour includes: water bottle or soda, umbrella, dinner, and entrance in Dona Beija Hot Springs

Complimentary breakfast available at the hotel.

Full-day Tour of Sete Cidades and Fogo Lakes

Morning pick-up for a full-day tour of Sete Cidades and Fogo Lakes. The tour begins with a visit to a Pineapple Plantation to observe the various stages of this fruit’s growth and taste its liqueur. Continuing towards Pico do Carvão, you’ll view the central part of the island and at the same time see São Miguel’s north and south coast. Upon reaching Sete Cidades village, there will be a stop on the shore of Sete Cidades Lake where you’ll enjoy the beautiful view of a blue lagoon, and on the way up to the Vista do Rei Viewpoint, discover Santiago Lake.  We’ll stop at additional viewpoints of the Sete Cidades volcanic crater with a stop for lunch in a local restaurant.

After lunch, we’ll continue towards Pico da Barrosa with a stop in Fogo Lake Viewpoint. Descending towards the north of the island, you’ll have the opportunity to take a short walk in the historic center of Ribeira Grande city, admire the local architecture, and taste traditional liqueurs.

Complimentary breakfast available at the hotel.

 The Ponta Delgada City Tour

The Ponta Delgada City Tour begins with a short walk along the main avenue to the Graça Market, where you can find regional products from pineapple to cheese. Then you continue to the city center, where you will discover monuments and history that characterize the city and its people. During the city tour, a comfort stop will be made. The tour continues towards Campo de São Francisco, where the festivities of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres take place (the second largest religious festival in Portugal). In this area, you will also find the Fort of São Brás, the statue of the Emigrant, the Church of São José, and the Esperança Convent.

Back to Boston

Complimentary breakfast available at the hotel.

Check-out of the hotel. Transportation provided from hotel to airport.

It includes: English-speaking tour guide; flights, transfers in and out; and accommodation.

Recommendations: On the tours it is recommended to bring sunscreen, a windbreaker, and a bathing suit.

For any free time during the tour, ZeniTravel can provide recommendations for your free day and assist you in booking any additional excursions.