The Essential Azores

The coastal city of Ponta Delgada stands on the southern coastline of São Miguel Island, in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. On your way to the town center from the port, you'll pass through the Doors to the Sea, a contemporary architectural complex bordering the Atlantic. The historic district features a beautiful square framed by the three Baroque arches of the City Gates. A few steps from the shore you'll find the Gothic church of São Sebastião and the Renaissance fortress, Fortaleza de São Brásainsi.

With its 10,000 inhabitants, Praia da Vitória is one of the most modern towns in the Azores archipelago. It is located on the far east of the island of Terceira. From 1456 to 1474, Praia da Vitória was the seat of the captaincy of Terceira and the capital of the region before being replaced by Angra. Its bay shelters the largest sandy beach in the Azores. Its historic center is a charming maze of streets and alleys whose old houses have double-hung barred windows or interesting mashrabiyas.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Panoramic Tour Of Terceira, Walking Tour Of Angra Do Heroismo.

Arriving on “graceful” Graciosa Island, you’ll admire its stunning landscapes with its vines surrounded by walls of black basalt, its steep shores, and transparent sea beds. Declared a “World Biosphere Reserve” by UNESCO, the northernmost of the islands forming the Azores archipelago, often designated by the term “eighth Canary Island”, has thus been protected from mass tourism. You’ll be able to visit the St Matthew Church, which has one of the finest pipe organs in the Azores, dating back to 1793. The island will charm you with its deserted volcanic landscapes embellished with beaches of immaculate sand.

The port of Velas is on the southern coast of the island of São Jorge. You’ll be surprised by its cliffs that drop right into the sea and its many fajãs that punctuate the island’s shores. These curious geological formations come from lava flows that have entered the sea, landslides due to seismic shocks or erosion. Protected by the wind, the fajãs, flat land surfaces on the sea edge at the foot of imposing cliffs, enjoy fertile soil and a favorable microclimate. Their natural pools (and, in particular, the natural pool of Fajã do Ouvidor) with clear water are an invitation to bathe in an exceptional natural setting.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Panoramic Tour Of Velas, Fajã Dos Vimes Hiking Tour.

The main town on Faial Island, in the Azores, Horta has preserved a real authenticity and picturesque charm. The main marina in the archipelago, the town boasts a number of frescos painted by sailors who dropped anchor there from around the world. Also do not miss a visit to the many churches, the Santa Cruz fort dating from the 16th Century and the Scrimshaw Museum, dedicated to the local craft of sculpting on whale teeth. In the south-east of the city is Monte Da Guia, a volcanic cone classified as a Special Protection Area, which will offer you breathtaking views over Porto Pim Bay and the ocean.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Panoramic Faial, Walking Tour Of Horta, Volcanic Hiking To Capelinhos.

In the Azores archipelago, Lajes Do Pico is a small Portuguese town of fewer than 5,000 inhabitants nestling on the southern coast of Pico Island. You’ll be charmed by its colorful little houses and its superb landscapes bearing rich history linked to the whaling period which made its reputation. It is dominated by its enormous and majestic volcano, the highest in Portugal, which culminates at 2,531 meters. You’ll be able to discover its small museum dedicated to the whaling industry and the island’s vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on one of the most beautiful paths in the Azores. If conditions allow it, you’ll perhaps have the chance to observe whales.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Panoramic Tour & Whaler's Museum, Hiking Tour Of Criação Velha.

The coastal city of Ponta Delgada stands on the southern coastline of São Miguel Island, in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. On your way to the town center from the port, you'll pass through the Doors to the Sea, a contemporary architectural complex bordering the Atlantic. The historic district features a beautiful square framed by the three Baroque arches of the City Gates. A few steps from the shore youﾒll find the Gothic church of São Sebastião and the Renaissance fortress, Fortaleza de São Brásainsi.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Fire Lake And Ribeira Grande, Island Tour On 4wd Vehicles.

Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your journey home.