Azores Island Hoping Portugal Discover the Azores: three islands in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean to be explored on foot and by boat. Faial Island, the island of hydrangeas and precious beaches, was the theater of a great volcanic eruption in 1957. The volcano of Pico Island rises its majestic silhouette over the ocean. Wilder and more secret, the island of Sao Jorge stretches like a ship and offers magnificent landscapes between sea and mountains. Highlights: • Wild and lush landscapes in Sao Jorge • Pico Island, with its impressive Volcano • Spectacular view from the Caldeira, on top of Faial Island Walking Tour Meeting: Airport:   Ponta Delgada Transfer: Ponta Delgada airport Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Please, note that the program might have to be adapted according to availability of accommodation and according to flight and ferry timetables, which can lead to supplements and changes to the itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival on Sao Miguel Island
You will arrive in Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel Island. Transfer from the airport to your hotel located in the city center. If you have enough time, the afternoon can be dedicated to the discovery of Ponta Delgada. Administrative capital of the archipelago, it is home to many historical monuments, typical small streets, and a beautiful marina.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Ponta Delgada

Day 2: Pico Island, South Coast
You will be transferred to the airport 2 hours before your flight to Pico Island, named after its giant volcano. From Madalina, you start a coastal hike between small ports - where you can swim - and vineyards, surrounded by stone walls of black lava. This unique method of cultivating the vine, has allowed this area to be a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
Hiking about 11 km (3h) +/- 150 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Madalena

Day 3: Pico Island, Flank of Pico
This morning, transfer to the western flank of Pico, for a beautiful hike between pastures and farmlands, down to Madalena. The departure point is quite astonishing as it is a lava tube – that was home to a hermit called Brother Matias - that is today draped in the endemic vegetation of this island.
Free afternoon to enjoy Pico. It is possible to rent a bike or book a whale watching tour for an extra fee. 
Hiking about 11 km (3h) +/- 210 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Madalena

Day 4: Sao Jorge Island, Faja do Santo Cristo
Today, you take the ferry to Sao Jorge Island. Wild and steep, São Jorge spreads along the edge of ocean, its "fajas", fertile headlands where hamlets and orchards nest. Once on the island, you are transferred to the peaks. Walk down the pilgrims’ path between hydrangeas and junipers until Faja de Santo Cristo, isolated hamlet overlooking the open ocean lagoon. From this village, accessible only by foot, you will walk along the coast to Faja dos Cubres.
At the end of your hike, transfer to Velas, where you will spend the night.
Hiking about 10 km (3h) + 200 – 880 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Velas

Day 5: Sao Jorge Island, Faja dos Vimes
You start the day with a transfer to the south coast. Discover Faja de São Joao, a small village on the cliff with characteristic cottages, narrow streets… You will follow a cobbled coastal path connecting this Fajã to the one of Vimes, further west. Between vine crops, yam and local vegetation such as pittosporum, this trail offers beautiful views of the south coast and the distant islands of Faial and Pico. After your hike, transfer back to Velas.
Hiking about 10.5 km (4h) + 615 – 595 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Velas

Day 6: Faial Island, Caldeira
Boat transfer to Horta, on Faial Island, which used to be a famous stop for transatlantic sailors. Once on the island, transfer to the central crater. After skirting the edge of the caldera at 1000 meters in altitude, you follow a Levada on a shelf path. Descent through the lava fields and hydrangeas to Praia do Norte. After your hike, you are transferred to Horta for the night.
Hiking about 15 km (4h30) + 260 – 900 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Horta

Day 7: Faial Island, Capelinhos Volcano 
Transfer to the south coast for a short walk to the Capelinhos lighthouse, theater of a tremendous volcanic sea eruption in 1957. The accumulation of lava and ashes formed an almost-island connecting the earth. Swimming possibilities. Back to Horta and time at leisure to discover its colonial architecture, history of American whaling ships and telegraph companies. At the end of the afternoon, flight back to Ponta Delgada, where you spend the night.
Hiking about 5 km (2h) + 75 – 150 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Ponta Delgada

Day 8: Departure  
Trip ends after your transfer back to Ponta Delgada airport (02h30 before your flight).
Meals included: Breakfast

                                           Ponta Delgada area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	62	62	62	63	66	70	75	77	75	71	66	64
Average Low Temperature (°F)	54	53	54	54	57	61	64	66	65	62	58	55
Average High Temperature (°C)	17	16	17	17	19	21	24	25	24	22	19	18
Average Low Temperature (°C)	12	12	12	12	14	16	18	19	18	16	14	13
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	12	10	12	9	7	4	3	4	8	9	11	14

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Located in the temperate area of the Northern Hemisphere, the Azores are characterized by their mild climate throughout the year. Clouds and rain are a possibility any time of the year, although the summer months – between June and September/October – have longer periods of sunshine and higher temperatures. The average air temperature ranges between 13.6°C (minimum) and 22°C (maximum) throughout the whole year - normally quite comfortable for riding

However, be aware that the weather can change quickly and it is not uncommon to experience all four seasons in one day! Pack and dress in layers to be prepared for all types of weather!

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Accommodation
Your package includes accommodation in 3* and 4* hotels along the way.

Accommodations are subject to availability at time of booking. In case they are not available, we will offer accommodation of a similar standard or in a superior category. Any change of accommodation may lead to a price change.
Changes in taxes including VAT may occur at any time forcing us to change our prices accordingly.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel Island)
Night 2-3: Hotel in Madalena (Pico Island)
Night 4-5: Guesthouse in Velas (Sao Jorge Island)
Night 6: Hotel in Horta (Faial Island)
Night 7: Hotel in Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel Island)

Hotel in Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel Island)
This charming 4* boutique hotel offers 22 bedrooms in the historic center of Ponta Delgada. Each room is equipped with free Wi-Fi, TV, air conditioning and private facilities.
The hotel has 2 outdoor pools, a health center, a library and a small store with regional products.

Hotel in Madalena (Pico Island)
This seaside hotel offers nice views over the harbor. All rooms feature a private bathroom, TV, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Hotel guests are welcome to use the outdoor pool.

Guesthouse in Velas (Sao Jorge Island)
This lovely guesthouse near the harbor offers comfortable rooms. The rooms are equipped with ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, cable TV, telephone and a safe.

Hotel in Horta (Faial Island)
This recently renovated 4* hotel offers cozy bedrooms with a nice view. The rooms all feature air conditioning, private facilities, TV and free Wi-Fi. Most rooms also have a balcony.
The hotel has an outdoor pool and a small garden.

Room Occupancy
Solo travelers will need to pay a single supplement fee.


Meals
All breakfasts are included. Lunches and Dinners need to be paid extra.

Tack:		--
Horses:		--
Pace:
Level:		(2 out of 5)    Easy to Moderate

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:

1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Passport Note

(a) Sufficient funds are required for all except EU nationals. (b) Portugal is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for touristic stays of up to 90 days.

Visa Note

Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy/consulate to check visa requirements 

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	1
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No
Return Ticket Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No