Thirteen days through the Azores and Lisbon, twin blue and green lagoons, home-hosted dinners, volcanic pools, and coastline that looks nothing like anywhere else. We would love to have you with us.
Every so often a trip comes along that we can't stop thinking about, and this one is it.
Full trip itinerary — from volcanic craters and thermal waters to lush vegetation and picturesque coasts, this is the Azores, commonly called “the Hawaii of Europe,” followed by two nights in Lisbon. Small group travel, 12–24 travellers, with plenty of free time built in to explore at your own pace.
Experience It! Sete Cidades
Sete Cidades is a parish on the island of São Miguel and encompasses a colossal volcanic crater. Within the crater lies two picturesque lakes adjacent to each other and connected by a miniscule strait. Despite their close proximity, one lake appears blue and the other green. Legend claims that the lakes were formed from the tears of a forlorn princess and shepherd that could not be together. The different colours of the lakes represent the hues of the lovers' eyes – green and blue respectively. However, despite the folklore romanticism, the varying colours of the water are actually a result of reflection; the blue lake reflects the sky and the green lake reflects the surrounding earth. Regardless of its origin, the basin contains lush greenery, abundant hydrangeas, and scenic lookouts. The caldera is best explored from the outer rim, where you'll be able to see the entirety of Lagoa das Sete Cidades.
Trip Highlights
- São Miguel Island & Ponta Delgada
- Lagoa das Sete Cidades, the Blue & Green Lagoons
- Furnas Valley & a traditional cozido das furnas meal
- Home-hosted dinners in a local village
- Faial Island & the Capelinhos Volcano Centre
- Terceira Island & Angra do Heroísmo (UNESCO)
- Natural volcanic pools at Biscoitos
- Two nights in Lisbon, including Belém
Trip Facts
- Group size: Small group, average 19 (max 24)
- Meals: 18 included – 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 dinners
- Activity level: Level 3, on-the-go traveller
- Hotels: Ponta Delgada, Horta, Terceira, Lisbon
Per Person Rates
- Double: $7,349 | Single: $9,099
Included:
- Round-trip air from Toronto
- Inter-island flights
- Air taxes & fees of $170pp
- Hotel transfers.
Not included:
- Cancellation Waiver & Insurance ($699pp).
Optional Excursions
- Whale Watching Adventure & Lunch – $206
- Western Terceira: Coffee & Banana Plantation – $117
- Exploring the Landscapes of Pico – $261
Itinerary
OVERNIGHT FLIGHT
Thu, Apr 08
From volcanic craters and thermal waters to lush vegetation and picturesque coasts, enjoy the natural splendour of this Portuguese archipelago and see why the Azores are commonly referred to as “the Hawaii of Europe.”
PONTA DELGADA, SÃO MIGUEL, AZORES
Fri, Apr 09
This is the Azores. A set of islands virtually untouched by urban development. Your adventure begins on São Miguel, the largest of the nine volcanic islands. With no scheduled sightseeing today, spend the day as you wish, exploring Ponta Delgada independently, perhaps strolling along the seaside promenade and breathing in the mild air of the Atlantic.
PONTA DELGADA – SETE CIDADES – PONTA DELGADA
Sat, Apr 10
Get to know Ponta Delgada, the capital city of São Miguel, on a morning walking tour of the area. Discover the city's rich history, culture, and beauty alongside your Tour Manager, seeing highlights like the iconic 18th-century Portas da Cidade and the stunning Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, and perhaps even catching the farmers market, the vibrant Mercado da Graça. This afternoon, take a ride up to Sete Cidades caldera's highest point and discover some of Mother Nature's finest work: the twin blue and green lakes that make up this caldera and are explained by local legend! On the way back, visit a pineapple plantation and learn about unique cultivation methods on the island, producing pineapples renowned for their weetness and flavour. This evening, celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
PONTA DELGADA – FURNAS – PONTA DELGADA
Sun, Apr 11
Start the day with a visit to one of the few remaining basket weavers on the island. Learn how willow basket making has evolved and how this father-son enterprise has kept this traditional craft alive. Then, it's your choice! Enjoy the thermal waters at the Terra Nostra pool, built in the 18th century by the American consul to the Azores, OR embark on a guided visit to the organic paradise that is the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. For lunch, enjoy a traditional cozido das furnas meal, where your food is cooked in the earth's volcanic heat. Later, continue to the green fields of a nearby tea plantation to learn about this unique crop with a hands-on experience before an evening of leisure in São Miguel. (B,L)
PONTA DELGADA
Mon, Apr 12
Today, enjoy a full free day to explore São Miguel at your own pace. Perhaps you will take to the waves on an optional ocean excursion to watch for whales and dolphins, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Regardless of how you choose to spend your day, gather tonight for a home-hosted dinner in a local village. (B, D)
PONTA DELGADA – HORTA, FAIAL
Tue, Apr 13
Say bom dia (good morning) to Faial with a walking tour of Horta. Its marina and painted murals are a testament to the island's importance to the sailors who have visited the island on voyages crossing the Atlantic. Later, encounter the volcanic vitality of Faial when you take in the surrounding rocky landscape and ash hills with a fascinating visit to the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre. (B, D)
HORTA
Wed, Apr 14
The day is yours to enjoy on your own and relax on Faial Island! You may also consider joining an optional tour to Pico to encounter the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture (UNESCO) and explore this scarcely populated island's scenery, a sublime mixture of lava rock and exotic vegetation. (B)
HORTA – ANGRA DO HEROÍSMO, TERCEIRA
Thu, Apr 15
Board your flight to Terceira and say hello to the colourful capital of Angra do Heroísmo (UNESCO) with a local guide.Restored in traditional style, the city features white facades and vibrant trims. Learn about the Holy Ghost Chapels, known locally as Imperios, and customs surrounding this tradition. Tonight, get a taste of the culture at a local restaurant. (B, D)
ANGRA DO HEROÍSMO – BISCOITOS – ALGAR DO CARVAO – ANGRA DO HEROÍSMO
Fri, Apr 16
Start your day with a swim in the natural volcanic pools of Biscoitos. Later, on your way to Algar do Carvao, stop at Serra do Cume viewpoint where views of the agricultural fields and their neat, orderly stone walls will take your breath away. At Algar do Carvao, the “Cavern of Coal,” feel the quiet stillness as you descend into this ancient lava tube. Enjoy the evening exploring Angra do Heroísmo as you wish. (B)
ANGRA DO HEROÍSMO
Sat, Apr 17
Today, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may choose to join an optional tour to the western side of Terceira in the morning, sipping coffee at an organic coffee plantation and tasting locally grown bananas along the way and ending at a family-owned cheese factory for a light lunch made up of local products. End the day at a petiscos home-hosted dining experience. (B, D)
ANGRA DO HEROÍSMO – LISBON
Sun, Apr 18
Say farewell to the Azores archipelago as you head to Lisbon in continental Europe. Lisbon, known as the city of the seven hills, and the starting point of many of its 15th century explorations, was also the departure point of many of its immigrants that crossed the Atlantic searching for a better life. (B)
LISBON
Mon, Apr 19
Start your morning with a panoramic tour of Belém. View the imposing 16th-century Jerónimo's Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline and Gothic architecture, its facade adorned with intricate carvings, maritime motifs, and religious symbols. Then, visit the Ajuda National Palace, a former royal residence showcasing elegant neoclassical design and richly decorated rooms that reflect Portugal's royal heritage. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon as you wish before gathering tonight for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)
LISBON – TOUR ENDS
Tue, Apr 20
Say adeus (goodbye) to Portugal and the Azores as you depart this coastal paradise. (B)
Deposit of $ 698 per person due upon reservation. Final payment due January 8, 2027. Reservations are first come, first served. Rates are per person and subject to change.
*All prices quoted in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise stated. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
