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Azores

The Amazing Azores: From Volcanoes to Vineyards

Program No. 22755RJ
Venture to the extraordinary volcanoes of the Azores, and explore the islands’ dramatic lakes and craters. Join experts to learn the islands’ fascinating history of wine and whaling.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
13 days
Program Begins
Horta
Program Concludes
Furnas de Sao MIguel
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
28 ( 11B, 10L, 7D )
Activity Level
Join local experts and fellow explorers as you discover the striking landscapes of the Azores — a stunning Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Hear of its strategic importance in world communications and navigation between North America and Europe. Venture to the islands’ enormous volcanos and vast craters, and marvel at shimmering crater lakes and dramatic coastlines. Along the way, learn about the island’s exquisite vineyards, and trace the history of Azorean whaling. Finally, survey the centuries-old churches and bustling markets that form the lifeblood of the Azores.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Learn about the extraordinary volcano on Pico Island, the highest mountain in Portugal.
  • Explore the magnificent natural wonders of the legendary Sete Cidades — the “Seven Cities.”
  • Marvel at Azorean flora at the Faial Botanical Garden.
Profile Image
Maria Gabriela Teves
Maria Gabriela Teves is a native of São Miguel in the Azores. She graduated as a professional leader in 1975 and has been working in the Azores with a focus on culture and tourism. Fluent in French and English, Mrs. Teves is very active in other areas related to her work such as cultural learning and orienting recent graduates from her university program. Among her areas of interest and learning is the multifaceted and complex botanics of the islands in their full floral diversity.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Nuno Garcia
Nuno Garcia
Mr. Garcia has a bachelor degree in Modern Languages from the University of the Azores, and degree in World Heritage " Vineyards, History and Culture" by UNESCO for the Vineyards Landscape of Pico. He has been active as a multilingual leader since 2006, and is fully qualified for all the nine islands of the Archipelago since 2011. His main areas of interest and continuous study are History, Geology, Volcanology and the Flora of the Azores. He is also a private tutor in Languages and History.
Profile Image of Daniel Torres
Daniel James Edward Torres
Daniel Torres has worked with Road Scholar programs in the Azores since 2017. He started his professional career as a site coordinator in Barcelona in 1997 before going on to lead programs in Spain, Portugal, and Brazil. Born and raised in London, he moved to Rio de Janeiro at the age of 24 and worked for 14 years as a singer-songwriter, writing and recording music for Brazilian television and movie projects. Daniel is fluent in English and Portuguese and teaches English as a foreign language.
Profile Image of Carina Costa
Carina Costa
Carina Costa earned a degree in Agronomy from the University of Azores in 2010. Inspired by her father, Chief Gardener at the Terra Nostra Park, she followed in his footsteps and joined the park team. She interned at the Ventnor Botanic Garden on the Isle of Wight (UK) and later obtained her Master’s degree in Agronomic Engineering. In 2019, she began work on her Ph.D. in Agronomic Sciences to expand knowledge of ornamental flora in the Azores. Carina has led Road Scholar groups since 2017.
Profile Image of Altair Silva
Altair Silva
Altair Silva was born in Brazil and has always been interested in travel, history, and art of different cultures. He started his career working for Varig (Brazilian Airlines) in Rio de Janeiro and continued his career after moving to London at age 23, working in various capacities for leading airlines. He was a Group Leader for Study Journeys in Spain and Portugal, and is returning as a Group Leader for Azores programs. Al has been a member of British Mensa for more than 40 years.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles daily over varied terrain. Elevations up to 3,000 feet.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (9 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.