Amazing Azores for Multi-Generational Travelers from $2465

Board your overnight flight to Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel Island today.

Meals: In-flight

Welcome to Sao Miguel Island in the Azores, nicknamed "The Green Island" because of its lush environment with beautiful lakes, sparkling beaches, and mountains. Transfer to your hotel upon arrival and enjoy leisure time before our walking tour of Ponta Delgada. See historic sites like the Matriz Church, Portas da Cidade town hall and Fort Sao Bras. Tonight, meet fellow travelers and your tour director for a welcome orientation followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

• Inclusions:
  • Airport transfer included with purchased AESU group airfare
  • Guided walking tour of Ponta Delgada, led by a local expert
  • Tour orientation and welcome dinner

Meals: In-flight, Dinner

This morning we pass green pastures, dotted with grazing cows busy mowing, en route to a traditional greenhouse where the Azorean pineapple has been cultivated for more than 150 years. Consider tasting some local delicacies made from pineapple, such as delicious natural juices, cocktails, chocolate fondue or artisan ice cream. As we continue our journey, plan to encounter many places that just take your breath away, but the first glimpse of Sete Cidades' enormous caldera with its sparkling twin lakes may be one of the most stunning sights ever. The landscape seems to have been taken straight out of a fairy tale, so it comes as no surprise that Sete Cidades (Mythical kingdom of Seven Cities) is the source of an Azorean legend in which the blue and the green lakes were formed from the tears of a green-eyed shepherd and a blue-eyed princess who shared a forbidden love. These lakes are considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. After lunch, we return to Ponta Delgada. During free time, consider climbing the Ponta Delgada city tower for a birds-eye view of the city or take a dip into the waters of the natural pool at the Complexo Municipal de Piscinas.

• Inclusions:
  • Guided tour of a local pineapple plantation
  • Exploration of Sete Cidades with a local expert
  • Lunch at a local restaurant

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Optional activity:
  • Kayak experience on Lake Cidades

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Ponta Delgada on your own. Our optional excursion takes us along the southern coastline to Furnas, home to more volcanic landscapes and geothermal wonders. 'Lagoa do Fogo' or 'Lake of Fire,' is a crater lake within the volcanic complex of Água de Pau Massif and is a protected natural reserve. We start our hike at Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo and walk down a steep trail taking us to the lake. This circular 2.5-mile trail with a difficulty level of easy to moderate takes us to the edge of the lake. Take some time to explore the accessible parts of the lake, sit and take in the scenery before we climb back to the top and continue to Furnas Village to enjoy a traditional 'Cozido das Furnas' lunch--a traditional stew placed in a pot and slow-cooked in a hole in the ground heated by volcanic activity. In the afternoon we visit Furnas Lake, known for its bubbling mineral rich geothermal pools and the island's most ancient volcanic crater. The Fumarolas da Lagoa das Furnas are located on the northern tip of Furnas Lake and are easily the lake's biggest attraction. While Furnas has plenty of geothermal activity, the fumaroles on the water's edge are one of the most impressive examples of just how active the area really is. A series of boardwalks lead visitors through the billowing clouds of sulfuric smoke emanating from the mud pools and fumaroles. We return to Ponta Delgada for an evening at leisure.

• Inclusions:
  • Today is free to explore at your leisure

Meals: Breakfast

• Optional activity:
  • Excursion to Lagoa Do Fogo and Furnas, incl. hiking and lunch

This morning we walk to the marina and board a boat for our whale and dolphin-watching trip, led by a marine biologist. We will be briefed on the whale-watching code of ethics and hear which species of the Atlantic Ocean's most magnificent mammals we expect to see in their natural habitat based on their location and current weather conditions. We return to the marina in time for lunch at your leisure. Later in the afternoon join us on an optional exploration of the Gruta do Carvao, Sao Miguel's longest ancient lava tube and geological marvel. At almost one mile in length, exploring it is a fantastic way to see how the Azores main island was created and shaped.

• Inclusions:
  • Whale and dolphin watching trip by boat

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Optional activity:
  • Gruta do Carvao, Sao Miguel's longest ancient lava tube

Located in the eastern-most part of the island, Nordeste is considered to be the most beautiful area on the island with towering sea cliffs and is the most exotic, flower-rich region in Europe. For almost 200 years, tea has been grown on Sao Miguel Island, making the Azores Europe's secret tea capital. We visit the Gorreana tea factory, a family run business since 1883, producing a world class tea brand that includes a variety of 100% organic green and black teas and tea infusions. The facilities are located on a sloping mountain ridge on the north side of the island, with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. We continue to Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, a large expanse of varying vegetation, a number of waterfalls and watermills (some still functional), fountains and walking trails. Observe an abundance of various Macaronesian flora, highlighted by the large-sized tree ferns, massive Hortensia and large-sized cedars. You might even spot the endangered Azorean bullfinch, an endemic passerine bird. After lunch, enjoy free time at the black sand beaches of Praia de Santa Bárbara before returning to Ponta Delgada. Tonight, join fellow travelers tonight for our Amazing Azores farewell dinner.

• Inclusions:
  • Visit to Gorreana tea factory incl. tasting
  • Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Natural Park with waterfalls, windmills, flora and fauna
  • Black beaches of Praia de Santa Barbara

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, travel home with fond memories of an amazing outdoor adventure with family and friends.

• Inclusions:
  • Transfer from hotel to airport included with purchased AESU group airfare

Meals: Breakfast, In-flight