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Azores

Hiking the Azores: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Program No. 23579RJ
Learn about the Azores’ island beauty as you join expert naturalists on hikes to the woodlands, thermal spring pools, caves and volcanic landscapes of Europe’s best-kept secret.

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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Feb 20 - Feb 29, 2024
Starting at
4,249
Mar 5 - Mar 14, 2024
Starting at
4,249
Apr 3 - Apr 12, 2024
Starting at
4,599
Apr 24 - May 3, 2024
Starting at
4,599
May 8 - May 17, 2024
Starting at
4,699
May 22 - May 31, 2024
Starting at
4,699
Jun 5 - Jun 14, 2024
Starting at
4,849
Filling Fast!
Jun 12 - Jun 21, 2024
Starting at
4,849
Jun 26 - Jul 5, 2024
Starting at
4,849
Sep 4 - Sep 13, 2024
Starting at
4,799
Sep 11 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
4,799
Oct 2 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
4,549
Oct 23 - Nov 1, 2024
Starting at
4,549
Nov 5 - Nov 14, 2024
Starting at
4,249
Feb 11 - Feb 20, 2025
Starting at
4,949
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Mar 4 - Mar 13, 2025
Starting at
4,949
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Mar 18 - Mar 27, 2025
Starting at
4,949
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Apr 7 - Apr 16, 2025
Starting at
5,299
Apr 21 - Apr 30, 2025
Starting at
5,299
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

May 12 - May 21, 2025
Starting at
5,349
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

May 26 - Jun 4, 2025
Starting at
5,349
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Jun 3 - Jun 12, 2025
Starting at
5,399
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Jun 24 - Jul 3, 2025
Starting at
5,649
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Aug 25 - Sep 3, 2025
Starting at
5,649
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Sep 8 - Sep 17, 2025
Starting at
5,449
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Sep 30 - Oct 9, 2025
Starting at
5,249
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Oct 15 - Oct 24, 2025
Starting at
5,249
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Oct 29 - Nov 7, 2025
Starting at
4,799
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Nov 11 - Nov 20, 2025
Starting at
4,799
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Feb 20 - Feb 29, 2024
Starting at
4,639
Mar 5 - Mar 14, 2024
Starting at
4,639
Apr 3 - Apr 12, 2024
Starting at
5,149
Apr 24 - May 3, 2024
Starting at
5,149
May 8 - May 17, 2024
Starting at
5,269
May 22 - May 31, 2024
Starting at
5,269
Jun 5 - Jun 14, 2024
Starting at
5,469
Jun 12 - Jun 21, 2024
Starting at
5,469
Jun 26 - Jul 5, 2024
Starting at
5,469
Sep 4 - Sep 13, 2024
Starting at
5,419
Sep 11 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
5,419
Filling Fast!
Oct 2 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
5,059
Oct 23 - Nov 1, 2024
Starting at
5,059
Nov 5 - Nov 14, 2024
Starting at
4,639
Feb 11 - Feb 20, 2025
Starting at
5,489
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Mar 4 - Mar 13, 2025
Starting at
5,489
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Mar 18 - Mar 27, 2025
Starting at
5,489
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Apr 7 - Apr 16, 2025
Starting at
5,969
Apr 21 - Apr 30, 2025
Starting at
5,969
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

May 12 - May 21, 2025
Starting at
6,009
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

May 26 - Jun 4, 2025
Starting at
6,009
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Jun 3 - Jun 12, 2025
Starting at
6,099
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Jun 24 - Jul 3, 2025
Starting at
6,339
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Aug 25 - Sep 3, 2025
Starting at
6,339
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Sep 8 - Sep 17, 2025
Starting at
6,139
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Sep 30 - Oct 9, 2025
Starting at
5,809
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Oct 15 - Oct 24, 2025
Starting at
5,809
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Oct 29 - Nov 7, 2025
Starting at
5,249
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Nov 11 - Nov 20, 2025
Starting at
5,249
Special Offer

We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the BOS airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

At a Glance

Lush, green landscapes as far as your eye can see. Waterfalls pouring into cool lakes. Soft footprints along black sand beaches and steamy thermal pools surrounding epic craters. Welcome to the Azores: An adventurer’s wonderland filled with colorful nature, beautiful birds and unspoiled scenery. Join naturalists on hikes through this remote archipelago to learn about its treasures along narrow paths, inside fascinating caves, through botanical gardens and alongside natural pools. Nicknamed “Hawaii of the Mid-Atlantic” for its unreal, verdant landscapes, explore the Azores on foot to uncover the precious secrets of this natural paradise.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Walking up to 5 miles a day on sometimes uneven terrain with elevations up to 2,460 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.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Join a naturalist as you walk inside Algar do Carvao, a one-of-a-kind ancient magma chamber.
  • Venture around a volcanic crater and marvel at the Twin Lakes and town below.
  • Immerse yourself in 31 acres of gardens, grottoes, streams and thermal pools as you explore the world renowned Terra Nostra Botanical Park.

General Notes

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. Due to late arrival times into Boston, participants may have to overnight on their way home depending on their domestic flight schedules.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
Pedro Cordeiro
Pedro Cordeiro has a bachelor’s degree in sales and marketing from the University of the Azores. He also attended a two-year exchange program in Spain under Erasmus sponsorship, and has earned a degree in public relations and communication from the University of the Azores. In 2011, after a number of years in the hospitality industry, Pedro became a full-time Group Leader in order to share his love for the outdoors. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and has a good knowledge of French.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Daniel Torres
Daniel James Edward Torres View biography
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 Pedro Cordeiro
Pedro Cordeiro View biography
Pedro Cordeiro has a bachelor’s degree in sales and marketing from the University of the Azores. He also attended a two-year exchange program in Spain under Erasmus sponsorship, and has earned a degree in public relations and communication from the University of the Azores. In 2011, after a number of years in the hospitality industry, Pedro became a full-time Group Leader in order to share his love for the outdoors. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and has a good knowledge of French.
Profile Image of Filipe Lourenço
Filipe Lourenço View biography
Filipe Lourenço was born on Terceira Island. His passion for nature and outdoor activities stems from his childhood, surrounded by the island’s lush beauty. He graduated as a nature guide from the University of the Azores, where he expanded and consolidated his knowledge of the archipelago’s natural and cultural heritage, then became one of the first specialized hiking guides on Terceira. Filipe has dedicated his life to sharing his local landscapes with visitors from around the globe and has worked with Road Scholar since 2019.
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 Diogo Falcao
Diogo Falcao View biography
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.
Profile Image of Carlos Afonso Pimentel
Carlos Afonso Pimentel View biography
Carlos Afonso Pimentel was born in the village of Furnas on São Miguel Island and moved to Canada at a young age. He graduated from Humber Institute of Applied Arts in Toronto with a degree in architecture. With his passion for cuisine, he earned a Chef’s Degree in Haute Cuisine from the George Brown Culinary School in Toronto. Carlos returned with his family 20 years ago and was appointed General Manager of an exclusive golf club. He has helped lead Road Scholar programs since 2019.
Profile Image of Rita Martins
Rita A. Martins View biography
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.
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.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Tenth Island
by Diana Marcum
Print Length: 240 pages Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1503941310 Publisher: Little A (August 1, 2018) Publication Date: August 1, 2018 Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC Language: English ASIN: B078974QZV An Amazon Charts Most Read book Listed on The New York Times‘s Holiday Book Suggestions gift guide Featured on The New York Times’s “52 Books for 52 Places” From a Pulitzer Prize–winning writer comes an exuberant memoir of personal loss and longing, and finding connection on the remote Azorean islands of the Atlantic Ocean. Reporter Diana Marcum is in crisis. A long-buried personal sadness is enfolding her—and her career is stalled—when she stumbles upon an unusual group of immigrants living in rural California. She follows them on their annual return to the remote Azores islands in the Atlantic Ocean, where bulls run down village streets, volcanoes are active, and the people celebrate festas to ease their saudade, a longing so deep that the Portuguese word for it can’t be fully translated. Years later, California is in a terrible drought, the wildfires seem to never end, and Diana finds herself still dreaming of those islands and the chuva—a rain so soft you don’t notice when it begins or ends. With her troublesome Labrador retriever, Murphy, in tow, Diana returns to the islands of her dreams only to discover that there are still things she longs for—and one of them may be a most unexpected love.
Plants and flowers of the Azores
by Erik Sjögren
translated by David Sayers (Author), Ben Fogle (Foreword) Paperback – 1191 pages
Baleia! The whalers of the Azores
by Bernard Venables
Hardcover: 206 pages Language: English ISBN-10: 0370003845 ISBN-13: 978-0370003849 Product Dimensions: 21.4 x 14.4 x 3 cm
Natural History of the Azores, or Western Islands-
by Frederick Du Cane Godman
Paperback: 371 pages Language: English ISBN-10: 1402165293 ISBN-13: 978-1402165290 Product Dimensions: 13.3 x 2.1 x 21 cm
Saudade
by Miriam Winthrop
Paperback: 360 pages Language: English ISBN-10: 0615982735 ISBN-13: 978-0615982731 Product Dimensions: 15.2 x 2.1 x 22.9 cm
Azores: Nine Islands, One History
by Susana Goulart Costa
Paperback Language: English ISBN-10: 0981933602 ISBN-13: 978-0981933603 Product Dimensions: 22.4 x 15 x 2.5 cm
History of the Azores
by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN-10: 1511516097 ISBN-13: 978-1511516099 Product Dimensions: 15.2 x 1.2 x 22.9 cm
Walking on the Azores
by Paddy Dilan
Walking on the Azores 70 routes across Sao Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico, Faial, Flores and Corvo Guidebook to 70 walks on the Azores, a remote archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. Most of the walks are easy or moderate, with a few graded difficult. The selection is spread across all nine islands, offering much variety, from easy village-to-village walks to remote and mountainous walks, including Portugal's highest mountain, Pico. From Amazon: A comprehensive guide to walking in the Portuguese Azores, an archipelago of nine lush green islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. The 70 routes cover the three island groups: the Eastern Group (Sao Miguel and Santa Maria), Central Group (Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial) and Western Group (Flores and Corvo). Routes range from hour-long strolls to full-day outings and most use the islands' network of official waymarked trails, including sections of the multi-day GR1. Also included is an ascent of Pico, the highest mountain on Portuguese territory. The guidebook gives lots of practical information on travel to the Azores and between the different islands, as well as getting around by public transport. Full route descriptions are accompanied by 1:50,000 map extracts, plus notes on refreshment opportunities and local points of interest. The routes promise verdant green landscapes and astounding volcanic landforms, taking in forests, rocky slopes, cliff coast and waterfalls as well as a rich built heritage including churches, forts, windmills and harbours. Whether you prefer a single-base trip or an island-hopping adventure, you'll find stunning scenery at every turn. The mild climate makes this an ideal destination for year-round walking. ISBN 9781852849085 Availability Not Yet Published Available 15 Nov 2019 Edition First Pages 296 Size 17.2 x 11.6 x 1.7cm cicerone.co.uk/walking-on-the-azores
Azores: Rother Walking Guide Paperback
by Roman Martin
The Azores, previously known primarily in connection with weather maps, has drawn more and more visitors in recent years. Nine different islands of volcanic origin belong to this archipelago, which, politically, belongs to Portugal. Corvo, the smallest of the Azores, measures only 17 square kilometres, compared to São Miguel at 757. The island of Pico contains the highest mountain of Portugal, which bears the same name as the island and stands at 2351 m. Sheer coasts and white beaches, picturesque fishing villages, wonderful lakes, lots of wind and a rich array of flowers attract island enthusiasts with a yearning for exploration. The author, Dr. Hannelore Schmitz, has selected a variety of 40 tours for this Rother Walking Guide, spanning from the largest to the smallest of the Azores. The diverse range stretches from coastal walks with the option of bathing, to walks around Caldeira and island crossings, to an ascent of Pico. On the island of São Jorge, the Fajãs, with their fertile plains at sea level, surrounded by cliffs, are especially inviting for walking. Blessed by the climate, even tropical fruit thrives in some of these flourishing gardens. The tour recommendations of this handy walking guide, described in detail, are generously illustrated with colour photos. For easy orientation, each walk is accompanied by a map excerpt on a scale of 1:50,000. Comprehensive introductory chapters familiarise the reader with this exciting archipelago, and several tips on special features and sights complete this excellent guide, which is a must in your suitcase. Paperback: 264 pages Publisher: Rother; 2016 edition (10 May 2016) Language: English, German ISBN-10: 3763348182 ISBN-13: 978-3763348183 Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 1.5 x 16.5 cm
The Azores, or Western Islands: A Political, Commercial and Geographical Account
by Walter Frederick
ISBN-10: 1334250421 ISBN-13: 978-1334250422





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