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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Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
May 22 - May 31, 2024
Starting at
4,699
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 5 - Jun 14, 2024
Starting at
4,849
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 12 - Jun 21, 2024
Starting at
4,849
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 26 - Jul 5, 2024
Starting at
4,849
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 4 - Sep 13, 2024
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.

Sep 11 - Sep 20, 2024
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.

Filling Fast!
Sep 25 - Oct 4, 2024
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.

Oct 2 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
4,549
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 23 - Nov 1, 2024
Starting at
4,549
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 5 - Nov 14, 2024
Starting at
4,249
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.

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 JFK 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 JFK airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Full Inventory
Mar 18 - Mar 27, 2025
Starting at
4,949
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We are pleased to offer this program with air included! Participation includes flights to and from the JFK airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Full Inventory
Apr 7 - Apr 16, 2025
Starting at
5,299
Special Offer

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

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 JFK 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 JFK airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Full Inventory
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 JFK 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 JFK 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 JFK airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Full Inventory
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 JFK 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 JFK 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 JFK 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 JFK airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Full Inventory
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 JFK airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Full Inventory
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 JFK airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

DATES & starting prices
PRICES
May 22 - May 31, 2024
Starting at
5,269
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 5 - Jun 14, 2024
Starting at
5,469
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 12 - Jun 21, 2024
Starting at
5,469
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 26 - Jul 5, 2024
Starting at
5,469
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.

Filling Fast!
Sep 4 - Sep 13, 2024
Starting at
5,419
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 11 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
5,419
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 25 - Oct 4, 2024
Starting at
5,419
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.

Filling Fast!
Oct 2 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
5,059
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.

Filling Fast!
Oct 23 - Nov 1, 2024
Starting at
5,059
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 5 - Nov 14, 2024
Starting at
4,639
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.

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 JFK 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 JFK airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Full Inventory
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 JFK airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Full Inventory
Apr 7 - Apr 16, 2025
Starting at
5,969
Special Offer

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

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 JFK 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 JFK airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Full Inventory
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 JFK 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 JFK 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 JFK airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Full Inventory
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 JFK 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 JFK 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 JFK 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 JFK airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Full Inventory
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 JFK airport. Road Scholar can assist with additional arrangements from your preferred airport, just ask for Custom Arrangements.

Full Inventory
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 JFK 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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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 trip 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.
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.
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