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.
Participant Reviews
Based on 52 Reviews
SHOWING
This was a wonderful experience of these unique volcanic islands and culture.
— Review left February 27, 2026
Don't miss this fabulous, fun and illuminating trip through four of the nine Azores islands. Eat great food, meet great participants and locals, enjoy the fascinating landscapes and soak in the thermal pools at Furnas at the end of the trip.
— Review left February 26, 2026
My first trip and it was well organized and fun. Our main guide, Dan Torres was really great and fun, super helpful. Went above and beyond.
Great food, wine and coffee. What can I say?
Our local guides were also informative about the history and culture .
The other people on the trip were great and fun to spend time with.
I think we lucked out with weather. One rainy day.
Great lodging, too.
— Review left October 26, 2025
Wow! What an amazing tour of the Azores our group had. Daniel Torres is a knowledgeable and charming group leader. Every day went off very smoothly. I loved having local guides, meeting them and hearing about their lives in the Azores added a lot to the trip. As a single person traveling I found our group to be friendly and good company.
I have no complaints or suggestions for improvements. My first Road Scholar trip was wonderful!
Kris
— Review left October 9, 2025
The Azores seemed a bit like Hawaii, Ireland, even Europe - yet it was a place that had its own unique qualities - natural beauty, remote but not isolated, traditions that are only remembered and some that continue today, and a spirit of enterprise in a land that is not always kind to its residents. We traveled across 4 of Azores' 9 islands, from cities and their harbors to botanical gardens, small plantations, family farmlands, tiny villages and UNESCO sites - all fascinating. And the picturesque postcards imprinted in our minds - the plant life, the calderas, the black lava rock, and the Atlantic Ocean never far from view. But you just have to go there to see for yourselves who calls this place home.
— Review left September 30, 2025
The accommodations comfortable, the food was varied and delicious, the presenters were engaging and the island were beautiful. I loved how all of the logistics were taken care of for me. We also had a group of warm and welcoming participants that made the 2 weeks even more special .
— Review left September 27, 2025
This was a wonderfully curated look at the must-see locations in Azores. Daniel made sure everything went well and kept us informed and safe. The local guides provide a glimpse into their life and the history of the islands. The hotels were all well located and comfortable.
— Review left September 25, 2025
The Azores are incredibly beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and learned so much. The accommodations were wonderful, the people in the group were a lot of fun, and the group leader and instructors were great. I highly recommend this trip!
— Review left June 27, 2025
A beautiful set of islands with gorgeous landscapes and diversity in weather and terrain. Daniel was an exceptionally good group leader. He was personable and accommodating to all. I learned much about a part of the world I knew little about and enjoyed being in a country that accommodates tourists well but it is not their most important industry.i liked meeting the locals in a restaurant in small groups to be able to hear and ask many questions about life in the Azores. This raked high in my Road Scholar trips and I have taken many
— Review left June 9, 2025
The Amazing Azores: From Volcanoes to Vineyards was as the title stated ---Amazing!
Amazing and much better than expected under the planning and administration of the staff at Road Scholar. Accommodations were top notch, seemed like 5 star! Excellent variety and quality of food. Daniel Torres the lead guide made sure that the daily, itineraries were free of hassles, comfortable and had meaningful, interesting, beautiful, historical sites. The local guides were extremely knowledgeable. The indigenous population's culture and history was presented as significant to a comprehensive visit to the Azores.
I highly recommend the trip if you want to consider yourself. well-travelled.
Joyce Spencer
— Review left May 20, 2025
The best Road Scholar trip out of 29 I took. Daniel Torres, the best tour logistics director, Gabriela, the best guide. Wine, beer, coffee and tea available with EVERY LUNCH and DINNER, never happened before. Clean hotels, not very far from the center of town except Terceira Island. Trip itinerary well designed and accurately timed with complicated flights, ferry, busing on land and between islands.
— Review left May 16, 2025
The Azores is one of those places that you never knew you would love. If you are intrigued by volcanos in general or how anything can grow in volcanic soil, the Azores might just be the place to immerse yourself in that experience. Bravo, Road Scholars! Excellent job getting it right!
— Review left May 16, 2025
The Amazing Azores was a wonderful trip and I highly recommend to everyone. The country was beautiful, the people were friendly and it was definitely a five star experience.
Special thanks and recognition to Daniel Torres, and all of our guides, they were excellent. Always fun, extremely professional, knowledgeable and helpful.
Daniel went above and beyond when SATA airlines changed the departure flight for 16 of the group. He made sure we had all necessary information for reimbursement claim with the airlines, excellent accommodations and ground transportation.
Daniel was a very gracious and professional host. Thank you!
— Review left April 8, 2025
This was our first Road Scholar trip and what an introduction to Road Scholar it was!
The trip details were well spelled out and organized/communicated clearly in advance and through out the trip.
The Road Scholar on-site Operations Manager (Daniel Torres) was exceedingly well organized and provided clear communication, both verbal and by e-mail, of each daily itinerary. He was able to "herd cats" with aplomb and care. His ability to handle unexpected changes, such as Azores Airlines cancelling the return flight 3 days before departure, was impressive.
We appreciated the small group experience and enjoyed the close interaction with the 20 other members of the group. This was very different than the cruse/expedition travel we had previously experienced with other organizations.
The local guides were very well spoken and provided details of family history that provided background to the history of the Azores. We learned much more than simple facts of history.
The hotels and meals were outstanding - ranging from volcanic steam cooked meal to traditional Azorian cooking. The "cook your own" meal where a heated basalt lava cooking stone was set in front of each person and you cooked your meal on the stone was a unique experience we really enjoyed.
This trip has set a really high bar for any future Road Scholar trip we make! And we plan on making them.
Karyn & Bill Watson
— Review left April 6, 2025
Fantastic trip in large part due to our wonderful guide, Daniel Torres. He is superlative!
A big plus is the wine served during all lunches & dinners, although I would have enjoyed more wine tastings on the islands. Please do not schedule the lectures in the evenings. I was interested in the topics but at 6:00PM I'm tired & thinking of dinner. Too much free time at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel.
— Review left February 28, 2025
A Hidden Gem!! Road Scholar’s “Amazing Azores” was absolutely fantastic! This skillfully organized tour with excellent guides, delicious meals, lovely hotels, and exceptional scenery was truly memorable! A++ grade!!
— Review left December 14, 2024
The amazing Azores is just that. Amazing! The islands are beautiful. The trip was well planned and organized. Each day was full of adventure and education. It was very relaxing to allow the group leader to take care of all the transportation and meals. This was one of the best vacations ever. Thank you to Road Scholar, we will be taking another trip with you.
— Review left November 19, 2024
Amazing Azores is exactly that, amazing!! The group leader, Daniel, is a huge asset to the program. His team of guides, restaurateurs, and site owners bring everything together for a great opportunity to be immersed in the Azorean culture and community!! Even the bus drivers were fabulous since navigating old cobbled streets and hills and curves can be super challenging with a big bus!! We learned, saw and experienced so much! The Azores is unique, I would encourage anyone wants to experience a warm and inviting community to sign up!!
— Review left November 8, 2024
The Amazing Azores was a fantastic trip! Learned so much about the history of the islands and the people. Great instructors and tour guides. I have a food allergy and they did their very best to accommodate me. The accommodations were very comfortable and within walking distance of the towns you were in. Beautiful scenic vistas await you!
— Review left September 27, 2024
The Azores are a very worthy destination with outstanding beauty, delicious food and wine, amazing flora and fauna and a commitment to sustainability which is notable. Our guides - Al, Carlos & Claudia - were excellent hosts with personal experiences and local insight that added to our adventures. The days are interesting, full and diverse. Highly recommended.
— Review left June 6, 2024
If you like PORTUGAL... you'll LOVE the AZORES, islands off the coast- geological wonderment, tropical oasis, panoramic beauty, outstanding food, wine and people!
— Review left May 20, 2024
Exploring the islands of Azores was amazing. History, Flora, Fauna were well presented. We had no idea that there was so much to see, learn and explore. Highly recommend this program.
— Review left May 16, 2024
Superb trip: great itinerary, wonderful leader, varied experience, just enought time at every stop.
— Review left May 11, 2024
The title of this program The Azores: Volcanoes to Vineyards just touches the surface of this outstanding program. We saw and learned about volcanoes and the Pico vineyards which were so beautiful and interesting, but we also learned about the culture and history of the islands. In addition, we visited museums about whaling, local artifacts and scrimshaw. We visited botanical gardens that showcased local and endemic plants, and we went to a tea plantation/factory and ceramics factory where we watched them create their products. It was all very fascinating. The food is also a highlight on this tour. We were given many local dishes which were all very delicious. Everyone working for Road Scholar from Daniel Torres, our leader, to the local guides, to the bus drivers, and all the wait staff in the restaurants were so kind, friendly and knowledgeable. It’s rare that everyone you encounter feels like a friend from the start. That’s a rare gift that they all had.
— Review left March 22, 2024
The Amazing Azores was aptly named. It was a fantastic trip to an incredible place that I knew nothing about. I learned a lot and will probably learn more on my own. Everyone should visit the Azores
— Review left March 21, 2024
This program is organized in a way that puts you at ease with the country and culture. All the leaders and guides are at the top of their game. Once you go there you will want to come back!
— Review left March 13, 2024
Great !
— Review left March 7, 2024
This program is outstanding! It's my 20th Road Scholar trip, and I found it to be one of the best. Due to illness of our group leader, we had a second leader assigned for the middle section of the experience and both were excellent, including a truly seamless handoff both times. The hotels were great and the guides also excellent. Truly a pleasure!
— Review left February 25, 2024
Very informative program and kept your interest. Even though l'm 80 program was not overly strenuous.
— Review left February 21, 2024
Interesting days and comfortable nights made this a lovely trip. Daniel, the group leader, was spectacular in his knowledge, caring, efficiency and sense of humor. The program would not have been as enjoyable without his leadership. We saw and did so many interesting things during our time in the Azores. Definitely a trip I would recommend to others.
— Review left November 16, 2023
The Amazing Azores was an absolute delight! Stunningly beautiful place, friendly people, great food, and fascinating history. This trip is a winner!
— Review left September 27, 2023
We were awed by the stunning natural beauty of the islands as well as the cobblestoned towns. Climate and weather were exquisite, and Daniel Torres was a fabulous group leader.
— Review left July 22, 2023
Awesome. So glad I chose this trip. The Extended version is a must.
The islands each have their own personality & the extended trip gives perspective.
Our group leader, Daniel, is the best ever . He is knowledgeable, organized, fun, & can
adjust activities brilliantly should there be bad weather or other hiccup.
Hotels & local guides exceeded expectations.
I highly recommend the extended Amazing Azores.
— Review left July 16, 2023
The Azores are a little piece of paradise. I don't think there is anyway to improve the "Amazing Azores" program. I was so glad to be on the extended trip as visiting the additional island certainly added to my overall experience.
— Review left July 14, 2023
On this trip, I learned the word “vast” isn’t enough. The coastlines and the volcanic vistas combined to make an unforgettable program.
— Review left April 29, 2023
The Amazing Azores. Do it!
— Review left April 24, 2023
The azores is like the Garden of Eden, lush with flowers, plants, trees, lakes, the ocean. a stunnig view where ever you were. there are lots of learning oppotunities on the trip. I knew almost nothing prior, and now i want to know more. Daniel and Gabriella were fantastic guides!!! the small group was a big plus, i got to talk with everyone. this was my first solo european trip, and it all went smoothly. the natural beauty here is outstanding!
— Review left April 24, 2023
A wonderful trip! However, a lot is packed into this week. I would have liked to have an extra 1 or two days in the Azores. I also would have liked time for a hike and a swim.
— Review left October 17, 2022
I made this adventure with my sister Marilynn Harned ;who by the way experienced her 60th Road Scholar adventure at the beautiful Azores. Upon first meeting our guide Altair Silva on Zoom ,prior to our trip ,he seemed warm, inviting, knowledgeable, friendly, reassuring and accessible. All which served each and everyone of us during this adventurous , educational and breathtaking trip. All the details where thought out and impeccably implemented ;even when dealing with unexpected occurrence's. Such as one of the travelers developing Covid on the excursion and the other dealing with a difficult traveler. Praises to Altair who handled it all with grace and expertise.
I especially enjoyed the lecture from Susana Goulard Costa and the tour of the Terra Nostra Garden with Carina Costa . Hotels, food, wine, companions and scenery magnificent. Too much to cover but loved it all. Thank you Road Scholar for once again giving us a trip of a lifetime.
— Review left May 31, 2022
An excellent program! Fantastic lecturers and leaders, great accommodations and food.
— Review left April 30, 2022
Wonderful overview of the highlights of these beautiful islands! I thoroughly enjoyed the diversity of the beautiful landscapes and learning about the history, pineapples, wine & volcanoes. Leader and local guides were all excellent. I hope to return during a future summer when the hydrangeas are in full bloom. Packing note: prepare for humidity.
— Review left October 26, 2021
I definitely learned why this program is titled, "The Amazing Azores: From Volcanoes to Vineyards." The program truly was amazing from the beauty of the three islands we visited to the amazing group leader Paulo and amazing guides Nuno and Gabriela. They went out of their way to ensure this program met and exceeded our expectations. I also was delighted we had such a fun group which just made this an even more amazing experience.
— Review left October 6, 2021
This trip far exceeded my hopes and expectations. The microgroup size enhanced interaction. Activities were varied and engaging. Leaders communicated well and kept our attention. The Azores and their people were stars! (In addition, the trip was exceedingly cost effective!)
— Review left September 25, 2021
I discovered a new area of the world and another culture. I enjoyed the beauty of nature and the warmth of new friendships.
— Review left November 28, 2019
Azores trip was terrific and well planned and executed. It's a short, wonderful eight days in a lush, beautiful country. Go!!
— Review left November 21, 2019
The program was more than I dreamed for my visit to three islands of the Azores. The Azores are beyond belief beautiful.
— Review left November 16, 2019
This was a wonderful trip - more than I expected. I enjoyed seeing more than one island since they are all unique. The accommodations, food and activities were wonderful as well. Staying at Terra Nostro was amazing and a highlight. I wish we had one more day there. As always, our guides and group leader were exceptional.
— Review left May 24, 2019
A beautiful overview of 3 islands....I'm looking forward to going back and spending extra time in villas that interested me, on my own, prior to taking another trip with roadscholar to mainland Portugal and/or Spain. The food was extraordinarily delectable expect to gain a few pounds :).
— Review left May 23, 2019
This was a great overall experience. The accommodations, the dinners and the field trips were well planned out. Daniel, the group leader was charming and professional and able to adjust the program as needed. Pedro and Nuno were on top of providing information as the day unfolded. IAnd, if you enjoy wine with your meals, this is the trip for you!
— Review left April 12, 2019
Great introduction to the Azores. The Leader and Instructors had so much to share with us. Hitting 3 islands gave us a lot of variety to enjoy.
— Review left March 22, 2019
The Azores are magical, the programs has a large variety of topics covered, on 3 islands. Great value!
— Review left March 22, 2019
This is a great program! Wonderful sights and excellent experiences! Recommend highly.
— Review left March 21, 2019