Walking in the Azores!

This 6 day private guided tour explores the beauty of the exotic Azores. Stay in Ponta Delgada and spend your days doing easy to moderate walks in the lush, dramatic countryside of this remote, volcanic island. After a day of experiencing historic Ponta Delgada, start your walks with an exploration of Sete Cidades and the Blue and Green Lagoons. Over the week you will continue to experience the remote and beautiful highlights of the Azores with explorations of Lagoa das Furnas and Salto do Prego, one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island. As you walk, you will have the opportunity to stop in small towns and try some of the local delicacies.

Itinerary Sept. 10 to 16, 2023

Sept 10 Depart the U.S. for your overnight flight to Ponta Delgado on Sao Miguel Island in the Azores. Sept 11 Arrive in Ponta Delgado with a private transfer to Hotel. The program begins with a walking visit to the center of Ponta Delgado, where you can see its historic center and all its buildings dating from the 16th century, in which the Baroque style is predominant. Then stop at Jardim Antonio Borges, a public botanical garden, built in the 19th century, where you can admire hundreds of exotic species introduced to the island. Next we visit Mercado da Graca, a local market where products produced on the island are displayed and sold. Free time until check-in at 2pm. Overnight: Hotel Lince Azores (or similar) 5 nights Breakfast. lunch and dinner on your own. Sept 12 Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then begin the Sete Cidades Hike. This trail starts in the vicinity of "Muro das Nove Janelas", a stone aquaduct formerly used to supply water to the public fountains in Ponta Delgado. Along the path it is possible to observe both green and blue lagoons, the first Natural Wonder of Portugal, as well as wide views of the north and south coasts of Sao Miguel and several species of endemic flora. The trail ends in the center of Sete Cidades parish. During our hike we will enjoy a picnic lunch (included), then return to Ponta Delgada. This hike averages 5 hours and is rated medium. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hotel included Sept 13 After breakfast, the day begins with a stop in Vila Franca do Campo, the island's first capital, where you can see the famous Vila Franca islet, next visit the Queljada do Morgado factory, where they make "conventual", which is a Portuguese sweet. Continuing the route, we journey to Furnas, where on the banks of the romantic Lagoa das Furnas, the trail will start. In the middle of the trail it is possible to admire the Lagoon and several endemic and exotic species of plants. Next we visit Parque dos Cozidos, a place used to make the famous Furnas stew using only the heat from the volcano. After observing this phenomenon, the trail continues to the parish of Furnas where we will have lunch in a local restaurant (included). After lunch, we take time to visit the beautiful Terra Nostra Park, where you can bathe in its hot water pool. Then we head to the northeast coast of the island towards Gorreana with a stop at a Gorreana tea plantation. Then, back to the hotel. This hike averages 3 hours and is rated easy. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hotel included Sept 14 Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today's hike is a small circular route in Faial da Terra starting at the bus stop. The trail continues along a dirt track following the Faial da Terra stream, always on the right. After 2.5 km, continue towards Salto do Prego, one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island where you can bathe in the cold waters of Ribeira do Faial da Terra. Along the trail the vegetation is more tight, with incense and acacia the predominant species. A picnic lunch will be provided. After bathing, follow the path towards the picturesque village of Sanguinto. Then return to the parish of Faial da Terra and to your hotel thereafter. This hike is rated medium and averages 2.5 hours. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hotel included. Sept 15 After breakfast, today's tour begins with the ascent to Pico da Barrosa, (one of the highest peaks on the island) also on the south coast, on a road with a panoramic view over the central part of the island. The first stop provides one the most extraordinary views over Lagoa do Fogo. Here we will make the descent to the Lagoa. It is recommended to wear appropriate footwear and pay attention to wet areas. We will descend to the edge of the lake along wild and exciting trails. The trip continues to the city of Ribeira Grande with a stop in the historic center of the city where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the famous liquors produced with fruits of the island (included). Return to Ponta Delgada. Lunch is on our own today. This hike is rated easy and averages 2.5 hours. Breakfast included. Lunch and dinner on your own. Sept 16 After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to Ponta Delgada airport for your flight home. Breakfast included

$1,500 per person double occupancy, land only $2,060 single occupancy, land only

Price includes tour, accommodations, meals as listed. Does not include trip insurance or gratuities. If paying by check, cost is $1,450 per person for double occupancy and $1,990 for single occupancy. DEPOSIT IS $200 PER PERSON. FINAL PAYMENT DUE JUNE 5. Group airfare is available from Washington Dulles. See the schedule below.
Vila Franca do Campo
Terra Nostra Park
Salto do Prego Waterfall
Group Airfare Available from Washington Dulles
Sept 10 United 2032 departs IAD 7:22pm, arrives Newark 9:00pm, 1 hr 38 min. Sept 10. United 216 departs Newark 10:55pm, arrives Ponta Delgado Sept 11 8:45am, 5 hrs 50 min. Sept 16 TAP 1864 departs Ponta Delgado 6:30am, arrives Lisbon 9:45am, 2 hrs 15 min. Sept 16 TAP 231 departs Lisbon 11:25am, arrives Dulles 2:45pm, 8 hr 20 min $955 per person credit card, $923 if paying by check Deposit $100 per person, balance due August 1, 2023.
Double/Twin rooms in hotel with indoor/outdoor pool, spa, turkish bath, jacuzzi, restaurant, bar
insurance is available that will remimburse your cancellation penalties should you cancel for a covered reason. It also covers trip delays and trip interruption costs and emergency medical while traveling.
Register Here! This group will be limited to 20 people.
Every person must register separately
Registration form
Your Best Connection Travel Advisor: Ruby Degenhard, 410-224-4555, ruby@bestconnectiontravel.com
Traveling with family and friends just got easier! Whether cruising with friends, planning a school trip or a family reunion, Best Connection Travel will pull it all together for you. We'll provide you with a personalized webpage including a registration form to make it easier for you to promote your trip. We do the work and you earn the rewards, such as group amenities or tour conductor credits!
1125 West Street, Annapolis MD 21401 410-224-4555 admin@bestconnectiontravel.com Our office is open by appointment only.
Copyright © 2023 Best Connection Travel Inc. All rights reserved.