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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.
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  • Amazing Azores, Portugal
Small Group
Length
13 days
Rating (4.95)
Activity Level
Starts at
5,649
Special Offer
Flights start at
FREE
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.
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Featured Expert
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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
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
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.
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.
Cláudia Melo is a proud "Picarota" (Pico Island-born woman) who left Pico Island in 2003 to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in tourism and heritage from the Instituto Politécnico of Leiria. She worked for six years in the tourism department of her hometown municipality, and then decided to write her own script and started her project, creating the first travel company owned by a woman on Pico Island in 2015. She is also an advisor and part of Road Scholar's local provider development team.
Diogo Falcao was born and raised on Terceira Island in the Azores. He moved to Portugal to attend university and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in tourism and heritage from the Instituto Politecnico de Leiria in 2009. His love for new cultures inspired him to spend time in the U.K. and Spain, where he became fluent in Spanish and English. With his passion for the Azores, Diogo works as a full time official guide. He has been working as a Road Scholar instructor since 2019.
Dr. Rita Martins earned a degree in Geology from the University of Lisbon followed by a Master’s in Dynamic Geology. She moved to the Azores in 2003 as a geologist on a short-term contract. Fascinated by the Azores, she extended her stay, working on geothermal projects in the islands of Terceira and Sao Miguel. Since 2017, she has been the Senior Project Manager responsible for the exploration and exploitation of geothermal resources for power production. Dr. Martins has worked with Road Scholar groups since 2019.
Susana Goulart Costa was born in Azores. She holds MA and a PhD degrees in history from the University of Azores. She is currently Head of the History, Philosophy and Arts Department at the University of Azores. She is a full researcher member of CHAM — Centre for the Humanities — an inter-university unit of the Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas, Universidade NOVA of Lisbon, and of the Universidade dos Açores. She has written books and articles about Azores history from the 15th to 20th centuries.
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 Books and Resources
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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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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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.

  • Peace of Mind

    We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

  • Assurance Plan

    Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

  • 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.