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Azores

The Amazing Azores: From Volcanoes to Vineyards

Program No. 22755RJ
Venture to the extraordinary volcanos 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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At a Glance

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.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles daily over varied terrain. Elevations up to 3,000 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • 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.

General Notes

For 2024 departures this program includes round-trip airfare from Boston. Participants attending this program cannot book their own airfare, book airfare with deviations, or book airfare for back-to-back programs. Select dates of this program offer a longer version of this program to include the island of TERCEIRA; these dates include round-trip airfare from JFK and are ideal for anyone who wants to see more of the islands! Due to late arrival times into Boston and JFK, participants may have to overnight on their way home depending on their domestic flight schedules. For 2025, round-trip airfare from JFK is included, however, participants will be able to book air from alternate airports, book air with deviations or book air on their own.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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 this program.

Profile Image of Maria Gabriela Teves
Maria Gabriela Teves View biography
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.
Profile Image of Claudia Melo
Claudia Melo View biography
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.
Profile Image of Carina Costa
Carina Costa View biography
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 Arianna Meschia
Arianna Meschia View biography
Arianna Meschia was born and raised in Genoa, Italy. After studying English, French, and Spanish, she graduated in Film & Creative Writing in London and worked as a Production Manager. Later, she decided to volunteer in a French refugee camp and then in Malawi. She began leading groups and continued her travels in East Africa, crossing six countries to Egypt. She also developed her travel writing portfolio with a wealth of online publications. She leads Road Scholar groups in the Cinque Terre and the Azores.
Profile Image of Altair Silva
Altair Silva View biography
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.
Profile Image of Susana Goulart Costa
Susana Goulart Costa View biography
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.
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Meals
30 Meals
12 Breakfasts
11 Lunches
7 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Low Salt, Vegetarian
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Oct 25, 2024 - Nov 06, 2024
  • Oct 25, 2024 - Nov 06, 2024
  • Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024 (Ponta Delgada to Thermas de Furnas)
  • Oct 25, 2024 - Nov 06, 2024 (Ponta Delgada to Thermas de Furnas)
  • Nov 15, 2024 - Nov 27, 2024 (Ponta Delgada to Thermas de Furnas)
  • Feb 13, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025 (Horta to Thermas de Furnas)
  • Mar 06, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025 (Horta to Thermas de Furnas)
  • Mar 20, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025 (Horta to Thermas de Furnas)
  • May 01, 2025 - May 13, 2025 (Horta to Thermas de Furnas)
  • Jun 12, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025 (Horta to Thermas de Furnas)
  • Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025 (Ponta Delgada to Thermas de Furnas)
  • Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025 (Ponta Delgada to Thermas de Furnas)
  • Nov 13, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025 (Ponta Delgada to Thermas de Furnas)
2 nights
Ponta Delgada,Sao Miguel
The Hotel Marina Atlântico in the center of town in Ponta Delgada, modern architecture style embodies a ship, with high masts, resting on the shore. Directly on the seafront, across the seaport, with ample views of the Marina promenade with shops & restaurants just across the road, the hotel is considered a reference in São Miguel Island, with its luminous and modern nautical motif decor, inviting you to an enjoyable stay.
3 nights
Horta
Hotel do Canal is a modern, purpose-built four star hotel, ocean front, located across Horta’s City Port. The hotel offers panoramic views of the bay and according to the weather, dramatic views of the Pico Mountain, classified as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. It belongs to one of the Island founding families, a traditional Azorean hotel chain, providing comfortable accommodation with all bedrooms en-suite with air-conditioning/central heating, mini-bar, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast and other meals are served at the Restaurant. The hotel offers a fitness centre facility with sauna, Jacuzzi, steam bath and massage. It is also at a short driving distance to the old town centre and walking distance to local restaurants and the sea promenade and the commerce main street. Last, but not least, adding to its character, the hotel is next to the legendary Peter’s Café Sport, a famous yachting pub anywhere in the world, established in 1918.
3 nights
Furnas
Located in the heart of Furnas, with extensive landscaped unique Botanical gardens and Thermal resort.
2 nights
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
The Hotel Marina Atlântico in the center of town in Ponta Delgada, modern architecture style embodies a ship, with high masts, resting on the shore. Directly on the seafront, across the seaport, with ample views of the Marina promenade with shops & restaurants just across the road, the hotel is considered a reference in São Miguel Island, with its luminous and modern nautical motif decor, inviting you to an enjoyable stay.
3 nights
Angra do Heroísmo
Located in the historical center, 5 minutes from the main square.
3 nights
Horta
Hotel do Canal is a modern, purpose-built four star hotel, ocean front, located across Horta’s City Port. The hotel offers panoramic views of the bay and according to the weather, dramatic views of the Pico Mountain, classified as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. It belongs to one of the Island founding families, a traditional Azorean hotel chain, providing comfortable accommodation with all bedrooms en-suite with air-conditioning/central heating, mini-bar, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast and other meals are served at the Restaurant. The hotel offers a fitness centre facility with sauna, Jacuzzi, steam bath and massage. It is also at a short driving distance to the old town centre and walking distance to local restaurants and the sea promenade and the commerce main street. Last, but not least, adding to its character, the hotel is next to the legendary Peter’s Café Sport, a famous yachting pub anywhere in the world, established in 1918.
3 nights
Furnas
Located in the heart of Furnas, with extensive landscaped unique Botanical gardens and Thermal resort.
2 nights
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
The Hotel Marina Atlântico in the center of town in Ponta Delgada, modern architecture style embodies a ship, with high masts, resting on the shore. Directly on the seafront, across the seaport, with ample views of the Marina promenade with shops & restaurants just across the road, the hotel is considered a reference in São Miguel Island, with its luminous and modern nautical motif decor, inviting you to an enjoyable stay.
3 nights
Angra do Heroísmo
Located in the historical center, 5 minutes from the main square.
3 nights
Horta
Hotel do Canal is a modern, purpose-built four star hotel, ocean front, located across Horta’s City Port. The hotel offers panoramic views of the bay and according to the weather, dramatic views of the Pico Mountain, classified as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. It belongs to one of the Island founding families, a traditional Azorean hotel chain, providing comfortable accommodation with all bedrooms en-suite with air-conditioning/central heating, mini-bar, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast and other meals are served at the Restaurant. The hotel offers a fitness centre facility with sauna, Jacuzzi, steam bath and massage. It is also at a short driving distance to the old town centre and walking distance to local restaurants and the sea promenade and the commerce main street. Last, but not least, adding to its character, the hotel is next to the legendary Peter’s Café Sport, a famous yachting pub anywhere in the world, established in 1918.
3 nights
Furnas
Located in the heart of Furnas, with extensive landscaped unique Botanical gardens and Thermal resort.
3 nights
Horta
Hotel do Canal is a modern, purpose-built four star hotel, ocean front, located across Horta’s City Port. The hotel offers panoramic views of the bay and according to the weather, dramatic views of the Pico Mountain, classified as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. It belongs to one of the Island founding families, a traditional Azorean hotel chain, providing comfortable accommodation with all bedrooms en-suite with air-conditioning/central heating, mini-bar, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast and other meals are served at the Restaurant. The hotel offers a fitness centre facility with sauna, Jacuzzi, steam bath and massage. It is also at a short driving distance to the old town centre and walking distance to local restaurants and the sea promenade and the commerce main street. Last, but not least, adding to its character, the hotel is next to the legendary Peter’s Café Sport, a famous yachting pub anywhere in the world, established in 1918.
2 nights
Angra do Heroísmo
Located in the historical center, 5 minutes from the main square.
3 nights
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
The Hotel Marina Atlântico in the center of town in Ponta Delgada, modern architecture style embodies a ship, with high masts, resting on the shore. Directly on the seafront, across the seaport, with ample views of the Marina promenade with shops & restaurants just across the road, the hotel is considered a reference in São Miguel Island, with its luminous and modern nautical motif decor, inviting you to an enjoyable stay.
3 nights
Furnas
Located in the heart of Furnas, with extensive landscaped unique Botanical gardens and Thermal resort.
3 nights
Horta
Hotel do Canal is a modern, purpose-built four star hotel, ocean front, located across Horta’s City Port. The hotel offers panoramic views of the bay and according to the weather, dramatic views of the Pico Mountain, classified as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. It belongs to one of the Island founding families, a traditional Azorean hotel chain, providing comfortable accommodation with all bedrooms en-suite with air-conditioning/central heating, mini-bar, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast and other meals are served at the Restaurant. The hotel offers a fitness centre facility with sauna, Jacuzzi, steam bath and massage. It is also at a short driving distance to the old town centre and walking distance to local restaurants and the sea promenade and the commerce main street. Last, but not least, adding to its character, the hotel is next to the legendary Peter’s Café Sport, a famous yachting pub anywhere in the world, established in 1918.
2 nights
Angra do Heroísmo
Located in the historical center, 5 minutes from the main square.
3 nights
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
The Hotel Marina Atlântico in the center of town in Ponta Delgada, modern architecture style embodies a ship, with high masts, resting on the shore. Directly on the seafront, across the seaport, with ample views of the Marina promenade with shops & restaurants just across the road, the hotel is considered a reference in São Miguel Island, with its luminous and modern nautical motif decor, inviting you to an enjoyable stay.
3 nights
Furnas
Located in the heart of Furnas, with extensive landscaped unique Botanical gardens and Thermal resort.
3 nights
Horta
Hotel do Canal is a modern, purpose-built four star hotel, ocean front, located across Horta’s City Port. The hotel offers panoramic views of the bay and according to the weather, dramatic views of the Pico Mountain, classified as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. It belongs to one of the Island founding families, a traditional Azorean hotel chain, providing comfortable accommodation with all bedrooms en-suite with air-conditioning/central heating, mini-bar, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast and other meals are served at the Restaurant. The hotel offers a fitness centre facility with sauna, Jacuzzi, steam bath and massage. It is also at a short driving distance to the old town centre and walking distance to local restaurants and the sea promenade and the commerce main street. Last, but not least, adding to its character, the hotel is next to the legendary Peter’s Café Sport, a famous yachting pub anywhere in the world, established in 1918.
2 nights
Angra do Heroísmo
Located in the historical center, 5 minutes from the main square.
3 nights
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
The Hotel Marina Atlântico in the center of town in Ponta Delgada, modern architecture style embodies a ship, with high masts, resting on the shore. Directly on the seafront, across the seaport, with ample views of the Marina promenade with shops & restaurants just across the road, the hotel is considered a reference in São Miguel Island, with its luminous and modern nautical motif decor, inviting you to an enjoyable stay.
3 nights
Furnas
Located in the heart of Furnas, with extensive landscaped unique Botanical gardens and Thermal resort.
3 nights
Horta
Hotel do Canal is a modern, purpose-built four star hotel, ocean front, located across Horta’s City Port. The hotel offers panoramic views of the bay and according to the weather, dramatic views of the Pico Mountain, classified as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. It belongs to one of the Island founding families, a traditional Azorean hotel chain, providing comfortable accommodation with all bedrooms en-suite with air-conditioning/central heating, mini-bar, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast and other meals are served at the Restaurant. The hotel offers a fitness centre facility with sauna, Jacuzzi, steam bath and massage. It is also at a short driving distance to the old town centre and walking distance to local restaurants and the sea promenade and the commerce main street. Last, but not least, adding to its character, the hotel is next to the legendary Peter’s Café Sport, a famous yachting pub anywhere in the world, established in 1918.
2 nights
Angra do Heroísmo
Located in the historical center, 5 minutes from the main square.
3 nights
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
The Hotel Marina Atlântico in the center of town in Ponta Delgada, modern architecture style embodies a ship, with high masts, resting on the shore. Directly on the seafront, across the seaport, with ample views of the Marina promenade with shops & restaurants just across the road, the hotel is considered a reference in São Miguel Island, with its luminous and modern nautical motif decor, inviting you to an enjoyable stay.
3 nights
Furnas
Located in the heart of Furnas, with extensive landscaped unique Botanical gardens and Thermal resort.
3 nights
Horta
Hotel do Canal is a modern, purpose-built four star hotel, ocean front, located across Horta’s City Port. The hotel offers panoramic views of the bay and according to the weather, dramatic views of the Pico Mountain, classified as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. It belongs to one of the Island founding families, a traditional Azorean hotel chain, providing comfortable accommodation with all bedrooms en-suite with air-conditioning/central heating, mini-bar, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast and other meals are served at the Restaurant. The hotel offers a fitness centre facility with sauna, Jacuzzi, steam bath and massage. It is also at a short driving distance to the old town centre and walking distance to local restaurants and the sea promenade and the commerce main street. Last, but not least, adding to its character, the hotel is next to the legendary Peter’s Café Sport, a famous yachting pub anywhere in the world, established in 1918.
2 nights
Angra do Heroísmo
Located in the historical center, 5 minutes from the main square.
3 nights
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
The Hotel Marina Atlântico in the center of town in Ponta Delgada, modern architecture style embodies a ship, with high masts, resting on the shore. Directly on the seafront, across the seaport, with ample views of the Marina promenade with shops & restaurants just across the road, the hotel is considered a reference in São Miguel Island, with its luminous and modern nautical motif decor, inviting you to an enjoyable stay.
3 nights
Furnas
Located in the heart of Furnas, with extensive landscaped unique Botanical gardens and Thermal resort.
2 nights
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
The Hotel Marina Atlântico in the center of town in Ponta Delgada, modern architecture style embodies a ship, with high masts, resting on the shore. Directly on the seafront, across the seaport, with ample views of the Marina promenade with shops & restaurants just across the road, the hotel is considered a reference in São Miguel Island, with its luminous and modern nautical motif decor, inviting you to an enjoyable stay.
3 nights
Angra do Heroísmo
Located in the historical center, 5 minutes from the main square.
3 nights
Horta
Hotel do Canal is a modern, purpose-built four star hotel, ocean front, located across Horta’s City Port. The hotel offers panoramic views of the bay and according to the weather, dramatic views of the Pico Mountain, classified as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. It belongs to one of the Island founding families, a traditional Azorean hotel chain, providing comfortable accommodation with all bedrooms en-suite with air-conditioning/central heating, mini-bar, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast and other meals are served at the Restaurant. The hotel offers a fitness centre facility with sauna, Jacuzzi, steam bath and massage. It is also at a short driving distance to the old town centre and walking distance to local restaurants and the sea promenade and the commerce main street. Last, but not least, adding to its character, the hotel is next to the legendary Peter’s Café Sport, a famous yachting pub anywhere in the world, established in 1918.
3 nights
Furnas
Located in the heart of Furnas, with extensive landscaped unique Botanical gardens and Thermal resort.
2 nights
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
The Hotel Marina Atlântico in the center of town in Ponta Delgada, modern architecture style embodies a ship, with high masts, resting on the shore. Directly on the seafront, across the seaport, with ample views of the Marina promenade with shops & restaurants just across the road, the hotel is considered a reference in São Miguel Island, with its luminous and modern nautical motif decor, inviting you to an enjoyable stay.
3 nights
Angra do Heroísmo
Located in the historical center, 5 minutes from the main square.
3 nights
Horta
Hotel do Canal is a modern, purpose-built four star hotel, ocean front, located across Horta’s City Port. The hotel offers panoramic views of the bay and according to the weather, dramatic views of the Pico Mountain, classified as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. It belongs to one of the Island founding families, a traditional Azorean hotel chain, providing comfortable accommodation with all bedrooms en-suite with air-conditioning/central heating, mini-bar, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast and other meals are served at the Restaurant. The hotel offers a fitness centre facility with sauna, Jacuzzi, steam bath and massage. It is also at a short driving distance to the old town centre and walking distance to local restaurants and the sea promenade and the commerce main street. Last, but not least, adding to its character, the hotel is next to the legendary Peter’s Café Sport, a famous yachting pub anywhere in the world, established in 1918.
3 nights
Furnas
Located in the heart of Furnas, with extensive landscaped unique Botanical gardens and Thermal resort.
2 nights
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
The Hotel Marina Atlântico in the center of town in Ponta Delgada, modern architecture style embodies a ship, with high masts, resting on the shore. Directly on the seafront, across the seaport, with ample views of the Marina promenade with shops & restaurants just across the road, the hotel is considered a reference in São Miguel Island, with its luminous and modern nautical motif decor, inviting you to an enjoyable stay.
3 nights
Angra do Heroísmo
Located in the historical center, 5 minutes from the main square.
3 nights
Horta
Hotel do Canal is a modern, purpose-built four star hotel, ocean front, located across Horta’s City Port. The hotel offers panoramic views of the bay and according to the weather, dramatic views of the Pico Mountain, classified as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. It belongs to one of the Island founding families, a traditional Azorean hotel chain, providing comfortable accommodation with all bedrooms en-suite with air-conditioning/central heating, mini-bar, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast and other meals are served at the Restaurant. The hotel offers a fitness centre facility with sauna, Jacuzzi, steam bath and massage. It is also at a short driving distance to the old town centre and walking distance to local restaurants and the sea promenade and the commerce main street. Last, but not least, adding to its character, the hotel is next to the legendary Peter’s Café Sport, a famous yachting pub anywhere in the world, established in 1918.
3 nights
Furnas
Located in the heart of Furnas, with extensive landscaped unique Botanical gardens and Thermal resort.





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