Azores Paradise Found<br>8 days

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: Dinner This morning we pass green pastures, dotted with grazing cows busy mowing the grass on our way to Sete Cidades. The first glimpse of this enormous caldera with its sparkling twin lakes might just take your breath away. 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. Our professional guide will take us on a 5-mile, 3.5-hour hike around the lakes with stunning panoramic views of Sete Cidades Lake, Canário Lake, Empadadas and more. Learn about local geology, history, culture, and discover the hydrographic basin of Sete Cidades volcanic complex. At 2800 feet, the highest point on our hike is Pico das Éguas. If you prefer to opt out of this experience, consider a kayak or SUP rental or take in the views at the Sete Cidades lakes until the hikers return. We continue to the westernmost point of São Miguel where the therapeutic hot springs have enticed swimmers and wellness seekers since the Portuguese first populated the archipelago in the 15th century. As a volcanic island chain still bubbling with geothermal activity, the Azores - especially São Miguel - have always been known for their 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? Before returning to Ponta Delgada, we visit 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. Enjoy a free evening in Ponta Delgada with new-found friends. Inclusions: Guided tour of a local pineapple plantation Nature hike of Sete Cidades, guided by a local expert Ferraria, geothermal hot springs Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (box) Optional activity: 1 hour bike or kayak (or paddle board) rental at Sete Cidades Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Ponta Delgada on your own. Consider visiting 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. 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. hikes and lunch 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 cedars. You might even spot the endangered Azorean bullfinch, an endemic passerine bird. We continue to the airport to check in for our flight to Terceira Island. Join us for an island dinner at a local restaurant in Angra do Heroismo tonight. Inclusions: Gorreana tea factory and plantation tour Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park Flight to Terceira Island Terceira Island dinner Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Enjoy a walking tour with a local expert this morning and explore the downtown area of Angra do Heroismo, a UNESCO World Heritage city since 1983. Sights include the Convento São Gonçalo Palacio dos Bettencourt, Azores Cathedral, the Old Square, Marina de Angra do Heroismo with a view to the Fortress of St. John the Baptist, and a stop at an Embroidery House. This afternoon consider joining us on a 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. Inclusions: Guided walking tour of Angra do Heroismo, led by a local expert Meals: Breakfast Optional activity: Whale & Dolphin watching excursion The Casa Agrícola Brum represents the history of five generations of an Azorean family. For 130 years this family has been dedicated to wine production in the Biscoitos Region and to the management of the Biscoitos Wine Museum, an ethnographic space dedicated to culture of the Vine and Wine in the Azores. The Verdelho grape comes from the typical volcanic soil of the islands. It is rich and perfumed, with a great balance of acidity and soft pear and spice. After a tour the vineyard and the museum, showcasing the old wine press, ancient utensils and tools used in winemaking, we enter the large tasting room, filled with old barrels. After savoring these samples, we go for a dip in the natural swimming pools of Biscoitos, formed along the black rocks created by ancient volcanic eruptions. We return to town with free time for explorations on our own. Consider climbing Mount Brasil or relax on the beach located next to the town's marina. Enjoy tasty treats at our farewell Azores dinner while exchanging contact information and bidding a fond farewell to new-found friends. Inclusions: Biscoitos Wine Museum Casa Agricola Brum vinery visit and tasting Biscoitos natural swimming pools Farewell Azores treats Meals: Breakfast Our land travel ends with breakfast this morning. Adeus Azores. With memories to last a lifetime, board your flight bound for home. Inclusions: Transfer from hotel to airport included with purchased AESU group airfare Meals: Breakfast, In-flight