Trip Summary Experience an active journey hiking the lakes of the volcanic crater of Sete Cidades, where you can also kayak and paddle board. Bathe in natural thermal pools in the midst of the outdoors and learn about the volcanic formation of the islands in Capelinhos Volcano. Cook your dinner in natural volcanic ovens and sip the wine of the tsars in the UNESCO World Heritage designated Pico Island vineyards. Enjoy a world-class whale watching excursion to discover the marine wildlife of the Azores Islands such as our resident sperm whales, common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. This adventure is an all-encompassing Azorean experience!
Itinerary Day 1: Ponta Delgada / Sete Cidades / Ferraria Arrive and transfer to your hotel for check-in and a welcome breakfast (rooms are booked to guarantee your use immediately) • Meet your companions and guide at noon for a short meeting • Head to Sete Cidades volcanic complex and lake • Hike the crater rim to learn about the fauna, flora, history, and volcanic formation of the island • Enjoy a picnic lunch on the lake shore – complete with a welcome drink and toast • Transfer to Ferraria, to swim in oceanic pools heated by volcanic vents • Transfer back to hotel to rest before dinner • Pre-dinner meeting with guide introductions, schedule review, discussion of weather forecast, necessary gear, meals, etc. • Family-style dinner in the city center, followed by a short walk throughout the Azorean capital • Overnight at Hotel do Colégio (B, L, D)
Day 2: Ponta Delgada / Faial Island Short walk to Ponta Delgada Marina for whale and dolphin watching excursion, where you can spot up to 25 cetacean species, along with turtles, seabirds, and other marine life • A biologist will explain which species you’re observing, how to respect the animals and their ocean habitat, historical facts, and safety procedures • Lunch at local restaurant, followed by a walk to main city attractions such as São Francisco Square, the seafront, city hall, and forts • After you fly to Faial Island and transfer to your hotel, you’ll meet your guide in the hotel lobby and set out for a short walk to dinner at a local restaurant • Overnight at Pousada Forte da Horta (B, L, D)
Day 3: Capelinhos Volcano / Horta City Transfer to Capelinhos Volcano which last erupted in 1956-57 • Visit the volcano’s interpretive center, then hike up to the historic lighthouse for a view of the island • ‘Walk the moon’ across the volcanic area, examine the unique vegetation, then enjoy a picnic lunch in a natural forest reserve • Tour Horta City, their famous marina, and the infamous Peter’s Café for tales of whalers and sailors that called this island home, with a refreshing gin & tonic in hand • Cook your own meal over hot stones at a Horta restaurant using fresh fish, local seafood, and meat • Overnight at Pousada Forte da Horta (B, L, D)
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Day 4: Pico Island / Casa da Montanha After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Pico Island via ferry • Walk through the Vinhas da Criação Velha vineyards (a UNESCO heritage site) where you will learn about this unique style of vineyard and the varietal found here • Visit Gruta das Torres, the Azores’ longest lava cave formed from the flow and cooling of subterranean magma rivers • Lunch outdoors among the beautiful vineyards • After fueling up with lunch, hike up Casa da Montanha (Mountain House) and ascend to the top • Camp at the summit, from sunset to sunrise, and, if the weather is right, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of up to five of the neighboring Azorean Islands • Overnight Casa da Montanha camp (B, L, D)
Day 5: Casa da Montanha / Madalena After you wake from your mountaintop camp to a beautiful sunrise (weather permitting), descend Casa da Montanha to a local restaurant for a well-deserved and invigorating lunch • After lunch, enjoy a drink in Cella Bar while overlooking the mountain views of Faial and São Jorge Islands • Check in at your hotel to rest for the rest of the afternoon • Dinner is at a special restaurant in Madalena that offers a unique atmosphere and panoramic views of the Islands of Pico and Faial • Overnight at Baía da Barca (B, L, D)
Day 6: Fajã dos Cubres This morning we journey to Fajã dos Cubres for a coastal hike towards Caldeira do Santo Cristo • Enjoy the guide’s insights into the story of this magical place where clams grow in a salt water lagoon and surfers rock what are considered some of the longest waves in Europe • Then indulge in a special, local meal on a typical house terrace with ocean views and the sound of nearby waves breaking • Hike back to Fajã dos Cubres and transfer to the hotel to check in before dinner • Enjoy a delicious dinner on your hotel terrace, overlooking the ocean and Pico Mountain • Overnight at Cantinho das Buganvilias (B, L, D)
Day 7: São Jorge / São Miguel Island / Furnas Start the day with a visit to a local cheese factory to learn about São Jorge’s delicious cheeses • Walk to a local coffee plantation in Fajã dos Vimes (a Fajã is a land formation of volcanic origin that are very conductive to plant growth) • Return to Velas to lunch at a local restaurant • Transfer to the airport for flight to São Miguel Island then transfer to Furnas • Savor a traditional barbeque at a site overlooking the sea while enjoying a “Viola da Terra” (traditional Azorean guitar) live music performance • Indulge in a private night bath in the naturally iron-rich hot water that has a temperature of 35-40ºC, an exquisite experience! • Drinks served under the stars complete this perfect moment of relaxation • Overnight at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel (B, L, D)
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Portugal – Active Azores
Day 8: Furnas / Furnas Lake / Salto do Prego This morning we have an early start as we shop for ingredients for tonight’s dinner at the local market • We then head to Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas (Furnas Lake Calderas), where we prepare the famous Portuguese dish “cozido das Furnas” and let it “cook” underground for six hours using only geothermal heat • While we wait for dinner to cook, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and transfer to Faial da Terra for a hiking tour of the island interior • Reach Salto do Prego’s waterfall and enjoy refreshments • After the hike, savor a coffee in town as we mingle with the locals • In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to dip in the amazing tank of iron-rich hot water in front of the hotel • Your dinner will be served at the hotel in the beautiful art-deco restaurant, with views of the iconic botanical park • After dinner, a cocktail workshop with local ingredients awaits • Overnight at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 9: Lagoa do Fogo / Caldeira Velha / Ponta Delgada After breakfast, enjoy a van tour of Lagoa do Fogo • You’ll have awesome views from atop Fogo Mountain of the lake within the volcano’s crater and over the island and ocean (this vivid blue lake is known as one of the most beautiful lakes of the island) • Upon descent, we’ll stop where you can take some time to bathe and relax in Caldeira Velha’s thermal pool which is surrounded by endemic fauna and flora • After lunch, we will transfer to João Paulo II Airport • No overnight (B, L)
*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.
Our Partner – Futurismo Austin Adventures is excited to be offering this trip in conjunction with Futurismo Azores Adventures. Futurismo, a local company based in the heart of Ponta Delgada on the largest of 9 Azorean islands (Sao Miguel), was established in 1990. When the Azores turned away from the whale hunting industry in the 80s, Futurismo led the travel evolution to a holistically sustainable way of using the island's traditions by being the first to introduce whale watching. Since then, Futurismo has been carving out unparalleled active travel experiences from every corner of their wild and beautiful volcanic archipelago. Futurismo supports many local and international projects, including sharing the data collected by their biologists and onshore lookouts with universities and other researchers around the world, contributing to studies which develop policies to better protect whales and the marine environment. Austin Adventures looks forward to partnering with Futurismo to show our guests the best of these beautiful islands!
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Activities
Hiking: Up to 11km with one mountain climb to 7713ft (a climb of 3,776ft), some technical hiking. Please note that the Casa da Montanha trail is technical because most of the way is very steep and rocky. At this time of the year the top of the mountain is unlikely to be covered with ice and snow, but the nights are cold. This hike is not recommended for people with knee or ankle problems. Picnic dinner and camping gear included.
Kayaking: Easy to moderate lake kayaking.
Discovery: Learn about the fauna, flora, history, and volcanic formation of the island. Explore oceanic pools heated by volcanic vents. Spot up to 25 cetacean species, along with turtles, seabirds, and other marine life, during a whale watching excursion. Discover the seafaring history of this island archipelago. Tour Horta City, their famous marina, and the infamous Peter’s Café for tales of whalers and sailors that called this island home. Cook your own meal over hot stones at a Horta restaurant. Learn about the formation of the Azores’ longest lava cave formed from the flow and cooling of subterranean magma rivers. Explore the Vinhas da Criação Velha vineyards to learn about this unique style of vineyard and the varietal found here. Visit a local cheese factory and discover São Jorge’s delicious cheeses. Walk to a coffee plantation in Fajã dos Vimes to learn how volcanic soils are very conductive to plant growth. Savor a traditional barbeque at a site overlooking the sea while enjoying a “Viola da Terra” (traditional Azorean guitar) live music performance. Indulge in an exquisite private night bath in the naturally iron-rich hot water that has a temperature of 35- 40ºC. Shop for dinner ingredients at the local market. Stop at Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas (Furnas Lake Calderas), to cook the famous “cozido das Furnas”, using ingredients you purchased at the market and which will cook underground for six hours using only geothermal heat. Learn how to make specialty cocktails with local ingredients.
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, your guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Meals The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
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Distinctive Accommodation Night 1: Hotel do Colégio Located right in the historical center of the city of Ponta Delgada, Hotel do Colégio exemplifies 19th century Azorean architecture, a result of the riches that came with the golden age of the orange trade with England. The building was once a manor house, then a private school and the first address of Ponta Delgada's Music Conservatory. The Hotel was completely renovated in 2017.
Nights 2 & 3: Pousada Forte da Horta Your hotel for these two nights is a 16th century fort located in the city of Horta on the Azores’ Faial Island. Built along the Bay of Horta, it was registered as a National Monument in 1947. It is eight minutes’ walk from the beach with breathtaking views over the island of Pico and the marina, the fourth-busiest in the world. They have an outdoor pool, games room, restaurant, bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, and most rooms have a balcony with a view of the sea.
Night 4: Casa da Montanha camp Enjoy 360-degree views of up to five Azorean islands (weather permitting), cool breezes, and a ‘digital diet’ (no Wi-Fi).
Night 5: Baía da Barca Boasting panoramic views of the Atlantic, these apartments are tucked away in a quiet bay and provide you with a great base during your time on Pico Island. The units are just 50 feet from the ocean. Wake up to vistas of Ponta de Pico, Portugal’s highest mountain. If you get up early enough you can watch the sunrise from your own balcony or terrace. Amenities include a natural pool, fireplace in each guest room, hot tub and sauna, bar/lounge, and free Wi-Fi.
Night 6: Cantinho das Buganvilias The Cantinho das Buganvílias Resort is located in Carregadouro, near the village of Velas and the local airport. Just 200 meters from the sea, offers guests a fantastic view of Pico and Faial Islands and an immersion with nature. There is a restaurant, gym, both indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzi,
Nights 7 & 8: Terra Nostra Garden Hotel Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, in the heart of São Miguel Island, is often considered to be the best Hotel in the Azores, having won many international accolades. Located in Furnas Valley, it is nestled in one of the world’s best “Green Retreats,” as deemed by Condé Nast Traveler. The hotel’s Art Deco interior also introduces contemporary elements and materials, integrating it with their lush Terra Nostra Garden. The hotel offers reading and game rooms, indoor heated pool, gift shop, outdoor thermal pool, two outdoor jacuzzies, laundry services, room service, babysitting (on request), free admission to Terra Nostra Botanical Park, and free Wi-Fi.
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Arrival & Departures Please plan on arriving early on the day of your trip departure (or, to be safe, at least one day prior to your trip departure). Day one of your itinerary starts at São Miguel airport depending on your arrival time. Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the São Miguel airport or your São Miguel hotel.
Trip Price $4,698 per person $980 single supplement
Trip Length 9 days/8 nights
2020 Dates May 24 – June 1 September 13 – 21
Host City Ponta Delgada, Portugal (PDL)
Reservations & Availability
1-800-575-1540
Experience the unique culture, food, landscape, and hospitality of this fascinating Portuguese archipelago!
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Trip Reservations
Reservations, Deposits and Balances Due To make a reservation, contact Austin Adventures with your choice of trip and dates. A $750 per person deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Some Custom and International programs may require additional deposits. Full payment is required at the time of booking if your trip departs within 90 days. Choose one of the following contact methods: Toll free: 800-575-1540 Phone: 406-655-4591 Online: austinadventures.com Email: [email protected] Mail: Austin Adventures, P.O. Box 81025, Billings, MT 59108 * You may also book your Austin Adventure with your preferred travel professional. ** We accept most major credit cards and personal checks (U.S. funds made payable to Austin Adventures). Please do not send cash.
Included in the Trip Price • Double occupancy rooms with private baths. • All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions. • Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners. • Any necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained. • Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip. • Austin Adventures T-shirt, luggage tags and luggage service. • Pre -departure and packing information.
• Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities
and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in the Trip Price
• Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides. • Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities. • Pre -and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses. • Air and land transportation to/from host cities. • All types of personal insurance. • Personal expenses.
Pre-departure Information After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
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Private Custom Trips Maybe your vacation schedule doesn’t fit our list of trips and dates. Or perhaps you’d prefer a slightly different itinerary or level of luxury and activity. A Custom Adventure is the perfect answer. You pick the date and destination and brief us on the size of your group, what activities you want, your “must haves” and just how you like to relax and unwind. No detail is too small, no idea too outrageous. Our staff of experts will help create a tailor-made vacation that’s just right for you and your group. In short, if you can dream it, we can make it happen.
Room Occupancy, Single Supplements, and Shared Room Assignments All trip prices are based on double occupancy. Single rooms are available for an additional charge, referred to as a “single supplement.” If you’re traveling alone and wish to share a room, make the request at the time of booking. Austin Adventures will attempt to find a suitable roommate for you. If you book 90 days before the trip and we cannot find you a suitable roommate, we will take care of the single supplement. *some restrictions may apply
Minimum Age The minimum age on our non-family designated adult and teen adventures is sixteen years old.
Cancellations and Refunds The following cancellation policies and cancellation fees are in effect: ***As with deposits on some international and custom programs, refund schedule may vary, speak with your Adventure Consultant for details. Cancellation 91 days or more before trip departure – Full trip payment refunded less a $300 per person administration fee Cancellation 61-90 days before trip departure – Full trip payment less 25% per person is refunded Cancellation 31-60 days before trip departure – 50% of the trip payment is refunded Cancellation 0-30 days before trip departure – No refund is given
Our Guarantee
Exceeding your expectations is our number one priority. In the unlikely event that you are dissatisfied with something during your trip, immediately notify your guide(s). If he or she is unable to resolve the issue, call our main office and give us the details of the problem, and a chance to correct it. We will do our best to find a resolution. If we are unable to do so during your trip, we will work with you upon your return home to arrive at a fair and equitable solution, including up to a full refund.
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