AESU AlumniWorldTravel

Don't miss out on a visit to this off-the-beaten-path paradise. It won't stay a secret destination for long.

Your Amazing Azores itinerary has been carefully designed and features fantastic experiences:

Discover one of the best kept secrets and a paradise for outdoor adventurers of all ages. The landscape is a wonderland of lush mountain ranges, vibrant crater lakes, waterfalls, and healing pools. Find unexpected treasures, such as an organic tea plantation, explore ‘Sete Cidades’ enormous caldera with its sparkling twin lakes, and wander across the boardwalk at Furnas Lake, known for its bubbling mineral rich geothermal pools. Explore Ponta Delgada, capital of the Azores archipelago, a town of distinctive architecture and colorful character.

 


Eco & Sustainable:

The Azores were awarded top honors as the world’s first leading sustainable tourism destination by the EarthCheck Sustainable Destination program. They have been known for being a visually awe-inspiring destination with priceless natural beauty, and the natural resources, that the Azores are committed to protecting now, and in the future. Your trip has been organized with the assistance of local companies to support the local community.
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Culture & Heritage:

Portuguese navigator Diogo de Silves is believed to have been the first to discover the Azores around 1427, initially landing on the islands of Santa Maria and São Miguel. Over the years, the volcanic archipelago’s culture has been crafted from Portuguese traditions and its own proud regional identity. Azoreans proudly celebrate their individual style of cuisine, music, and politics to this day.
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Culinary:

The Azores are a delight for foodies. Its cuisine is a rich, hearty, rustic style of cooking. Local dairy products including milk, yoghurt and butter are fresh and taste amazing. We will sample the island’s famous dish Cozida, a stew cooked in a hole, dug in the ground near the famous hot geysers, the calderas. Fresh seafood is available in abundance. Bacalhau (cod) as well as octopus can be found on many restaurant menus. Taste desserts made from the locally grown pineapples; and a donut-style sweet bread, massa sovada.
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Educational:

The Azores boast a vibrant culture steeped in a rich, intricate history and countless traditions. Among these old traditions are intriguing artisanal skills such as mosaic tiling, ceramics, cheesemaking and embroidery. Learn about this tiny archipelago’s unique backstory, explore its fascinating coastlines and amazing architecture including little chapels dedicated to the Holy Spirit—which tell stories of this mysterious island’s ancient origins.
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Landscapes & Wildlife:

The Azores’ unique volcanic origins make these islands a thermal paradise with steamy, iron-rich pools tucked away amid lush green vegetation and tropical trees; and natural ocean pools heated by a volcanic vent, cooled by the ebbing tides of the Atlantic. Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers are also looking forward to spotting a wide array of whales and dolphin species.
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Leisure:

The island offers many opportunities to style your leisure time. From scuba diving to horse-back riding, to bird watching, there is so much to do. For a casual day, visit one of the beaches or natural lava rock pools, thermal pools, or take a stroll around the harbor.
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Outdoor & Adventure:

The Azores are a world-class destination for adrenaline seekers and nature lovers alike, and the best way to truly discover all the hidden gems around the islands is on foot. On our planned excursions, we venture out and explore lush forests and ravines, wave hello to friendly cows as we walk across the green patchwork countryside. We admire the reflection of the beautiful lakes and lagoons and hike around volcanic landscapes, appreciate the salty sea breeze as we pass through UNESCO protected vineyards on our way down to the coast for breathtaking views.
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Wellness & Self-Care:

As a volcanic island chain still bubbling with geothermal activity, the Azores – especially São Miguel – have always been known for hot springs and mineral water spas. Locals say that the hot springs at Ponta da Ferraria have special healing powers, so how about taking a dip. Parttake in the nighttime experience at Poca da Dona Beija Thermal Bath and explore the five thermals bath ranging from 82-102F in temperature. The pools are full of water from iron rich springs and are known to hold therapeutic properties to revitalize one’s body. If you want to further indulge, visit one of the many spas offering massages, meditation and sound healing sessions.
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Time Travel:

LOL. Sorry, no time travel.
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