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.
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
11 days
10 nights
What's Included
24 meals (
10B, 8L, 6D
)
2 expert-led lectures
23 expert-led field trips
1 flight during the program
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
9 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Activity Note
Depart North America on overnight international flight to Terceira Island, Azores. See your personal air itinerary for specific flight information.
Day
2
Orientation walk of Angra, check in and welcome meeting
Location:
Angra do Heroismo
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Terceira Mar Hotel
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00pm. Walking up to 2 miles; about 1.5 hours; mostly level terrain, some inclines, urban streets, cobblestone sidewalks, steps up/down.
Breakfast:
Not included on this day.
Morning:
Transfer from Horta airport to the hotel. NOTE: The Group Leader will be in the hotel lobby to meet and welcome participants arriving. He will confirm the timing and place of the introductory walk and the orientation session to be held this afternoon.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
At 2:00 p.m. we’ll set out on a walking field trip with our Group Leader and a local expert instructor to become familiar with the neighbourhood of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. From the UNESCO inscription: “Situated on the mid-Atlantic island of Terceira within the Portuguese Autonomous Region of the Azores (RAA), Angra do Heroísmo was an obligatory port of call for the fleets of equatorial Africa and of the East and West Indies routes during their voyages to and from Europe from the 15th century until the advent of steamships in the 19th century.” We will also note places of interest such as banks and ATMs, pharmacies, etc., along the route. Check-in after 3:00p.m.. Orientation – 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. On each of the islands, we will be joined by expert hikers with specialties in relevant areas of interest. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
Welcome dinner at the hotel
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Serreta Hike, Biscoitos Rock Pools
Location:
Angra do Heroismo
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Terceira Mar Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus, driving about 48 miles, approximately 2.5 hours (averaging 45 minutes at a time). Hiking Serreta Trail https://trails.visitazores.com/en/trails-azores/terceira/serreta about 2.5 miles, approximately 2 hours; some gradual ascents/descents, concrete paths, gravel terrain, grass pastures
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a bus and ride to the North West part of the island where we will begin an expert-led hike on the Serreta Trail. A coastal hike part of a longer trail called Grande Rota do Oeste, full of lush vegetation and endemic species of plants including the Picconia Azorica. Beginning the trail through a forest we will walk on an earth and mud path with fallen leaves before crossing a brief portion of the main road to connect to the trail along the coast, where you will begin walking on a gravel terrain. Stopping at ocean viewpoints along the way, you will see an old whaling lookout station en route, and on good weather days you will be able to see three other island out at sea (Pico, Sao Jorge & Graciosa).
Lunch:
Picnic lunch
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will drive through the countryside and stop at one of the island’s most iconic viewpoints, Serra do Cume - weather permitting - overlooking the patchwork of fields, inside the largest crater of the Azores- 8 miles across. We will then board the bus and ride to the village of Biscoitos, known for its long wine-growing tradition and unique rock sea pools resulting from the volcanic lava flow. At the rock pools, weather permitting, we will have an opportunity to take a dip. We will then take a short walk to visit the Materramenta Project a family-run initiative dedicated to wine production in the Biscoitos wine region of Terceira Island, focused on promoting the area and prioritizing wine quality over economic concerns, the project honors Materramenta, the first landowner of Biscoitos. It aims to enhance the natural flavors of the unique terroir, where skilled cultivation has been practiced since the 16th century. The local volcanic stones protect the vines and contribute to the wine's distinctive characteristics. Materamenta strives to create a tasting experience that connects drinkers to the vineyards and the manual labor involved in the wine-making process. We will tour the vineyards, led by one of the winery staff learning about their culture and history. The wines from the Biscoitos region are cultivated in ground holes, shielded from sea winds by stone walls known as curraletas. This unique method results in pure, intense, mineral wines that carry a distinct sea flavor, crafted with care by winemaker Luís Vasco Cunha (We might meet him in the vineyards). At the end of the visit we will enjoy a wine tasting paired with toasts, Azorean cheese, and homemade jam.
Dinner:
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Monte Brasil Trail, Coffee Plantation, Lecture
Location:
Angra do Heroismo
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Terceira Mar Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus or taxis; driving about 8 miles, approximately 45 minutes, averaging 15 minutes at a time. Hiking up to 3.5 miles approximately 2.5 hours; natural forest trails, approximately 640 feet above sea level, some steep ascents/descents, urban streets, cobblestone sidewalks. For detailed trail information, visit: http://trails.visitazores.com/en/trails-azores/terceira/monte-brasil.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our next hiking field trip will be up and around the Monte Brasil trail. During the hike, we will learn about the historical importance of the island while enjoying panoramic views of Angra do Heroísmo. We’ll also have a privileged view of the Atlantic Ocean from an old whaling look-out point and former World War II station.
Lunch:
Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon:
After lunch, we return to the bus and drive to Sao Mateus da Calheta where we will visit a coffee plantation which operates as a fully organic farm featuring a variety of fruits, including bananas, mangos, and avocados. The farm employs Syntropic Agriculture, which ensures the soil remains covered with growing plants, allowing only fruits to be harvested while enriching the soil with organic matter. This method enhances soil fertility, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds. Our focus will be to learn about their extensive coffee plantation and producing facilities, the largest in the Azores, the only coffee producing country in Europe The visit will introduce the farm plantations, the family history as well as their coffee production process, from growing to roasting. At the end of the visit will enjoy the organic coffee at the on-site café, Coffee Cabana. We will drive to our hotel and the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. At the end of the afternoon free, we will attend a lecture about the Geothermal Resources of the Azores.
Dinner:
For DOYO’s let’s use always the same text: This evening you are free to discover some local restaurants as dinner is on your own (your Group Leader will be happy to provide recommendations if needed).
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and flight to Ponta Delgada tomorrow.
Day
5
Lecture-Geothermal energy, Algar do Carvao, Fly to S.Miguel
Location:
Ponta Delgada
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Marina Atlântico
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus, driving about 19 miles, approximately 1 hour, averaging 40 minutes at a time. Getting on/off an aircraft; flight time approximately 3/4 hour. City walk approximately 2 miles, approximately 1:30/ 2:00 hours; mostly level terrain, cobbled stone sidewalks
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning a lecture by Dra Rita Martins will look at how the Azores are working towards sustainability making use of Geothermal energy in the islands. After the lecture we checkout of the hotelboarding our bus we will drive to Serra do CUme view point(weather dependeant).
Lunch:
At a local restaurant
Afternoon:
After lunch, we drive to Algar do Carvão, a volcanic vent in the central part of the island. Our local expert will explain the importance of this cave and take you inside where you will have a set time to explore on your own < br> With more than 300 steps built inside, head down to the heart of the ancient volcanic magma chamber, to see the serene lake at the bottom of the cave. There are stopping places along the way. NOTE: Everyone is welcome to proceed at their own pace before returning to the top at the announced time. We’ll drive through Praia da Vitoria, the second largest municipality in Terceira, where you can see the old abandoned American military village. End the morning at Terceira Airport and check-in for our flight to Ponta Delgada
Dinner:
Coffee, soup & anacks at the hotel on arrival
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Orientation of Ponta Delgada,Pineapple farm, Gorreana Tea.
Location:
Ponta Delgada
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Marina Atlântico
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus, driving about 25 miles, approximately 1.30 hours, averaging 45 minutes at a time., extended walk approximately 2,30 hrs level terrain some cobbled streets
Breakfast:
at hotel
Morning:
We’ll meet the Group Leader in the hotel lobby to set out on an expert-led walk around the town of Ponta Delgada. As we go, we’ll learn about the city’s most important landmarks including the Former Jesuit College, Portas da Cidade (City Gates), and the sanctuary of Senhor Santo Cristo that houses the most important religious icon on the island.
Lunch:
At the hotel
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will board our bus to visit to the Ananases Arruda Pineapple Plantation, to learn about this important agricultural product and the unique Azorean methods used to grow this fruit. We return to our bus and drive to another visit the famous Gorreana Tea plantation & Factory the only one of its kind in Europe, for an expert-led exploration learning about the different types of tea and how they’re made. returning to Ponta Delgada we will drive to Miradouro da Barosa view point at 940 meters (3.100Ft) high overlooking Lagoa do Fogo -Fire Lake a 1.360ha lake at the bottom of the crater 575 meters above sea level, and wall up to 947 meters high
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
At leisure
Day
7
Sete Cidades, Twin Lakes, Oficina Museu
Location:
Ponta Delgada
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Marina Atlântico
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus, driving about 59 miles, approximately 2.5 hours, averaging 45 minutes at a time Hiking about 3 miles, approximately 2 hours; mostly level, dirt path, earth and gravel terrain, minor inclines, steps. For detailed trail information, visit http://trails.visitazores.com/en/trails-azores/sao-miguel/vista-do-rei-sete-cidades
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our hike this morning will be guided by the weather conditions as we aim for panoramic viewing points over this most beautiful area known as “Sete Cidades”, a massive volcanic crater measuring more than three miles wide, it contains four large lakes and is home to one of the island’s most iconic viewpoints, the Vista do Rei (King’s View) one of our stops. Some of São Miguel’s most beautiful scenery is located within the crater, including the Twin Lakes. Re-boarding the bus, we will drive down to the village for some free time exploring this picturesque village enjoying the surrounding scenery.
Lunch:
Picnic lunch.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will visit the Oficina Museu, a family home converted into an ethnographic museum, preserving items from the past, for the future generations to learn about the Azores from days gone by. The rest of afternoon is free to explore Ponta Delgada on your own.
Dinner:
This evening you are free to discover some local restaurants as dinner is on your own (your Group Leader will be happy to provide recommendations if needed).
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Capelas to Calhetas Hike, Ribeira dos caldeiroes,Furnas
Location:
Furnas -Sao Miguel
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus, driving 63 miles approximately 2.5 hours, averaging 30 minutes at a time. Hiking about 3 miles, approximately 2 hours; mostly level, concrete streets, dirt paths, earth and gravel terrain, minor inclines.
Breakfast:
At the hotel and checkout.
Morning:
Depart the hotel by bus and drive to Capelas, where you will begin the Vigia de Sao Pedro hike along the northern coast of the island towards the village of Calhetas. Walking along concrete roads, dirt paths and through farming pastures, you will pass by an old whaling station and through the small village of Fenais da Luz, before arriving at the Buraco de Sao Pedro, an interesting geological rock crater formation located in the ocean. Considered a relatively linear hike, this trail has a distance pf approximately 3 miles and takes on average 2 hours to complete.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will board the bus and continue to Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Natural Park. Enjoy the stunning landscapes and waterfalls in this protected area of the island before driving to Furnas village inside the crater of same name arriving at your hotel to check-in
Dinner:
Tonight we will enjoy a light dinner at the Hote.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
CIAF and Furnas Lake hike, Cozido Lunch, Terra Nostra Garden
Location:
Furnas -Sao Miguel
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus, driving 7 miles, approximately 30 minutes, averaging 15 minutes at a time. Hiking about 1.7 miles, approximately 1 hour; mostly level terrain, forest trails, dirt paths, small steps. For detailed trail information, visit http://trails.visitazores.com/en/trails-azores/sao-miguel/furnas.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, meet in the hotel lobby and and set out on foot for a short Orientation Walk through the village of Furnas, including a visit to the Caldeiras das Furnas, home to a large number of thermal springs and where you can taste a host of different volcanic waters. Meet the bus and drive up to the Furnas Lake where you will visit the CIAF, the renowned Furnas Environmental Monitoring and Research Center (CIAF).The center was founded in 2011 to promote the actions of ecological preservation work undertaken in the area. We will learn from one of their experts about the work being done and watch a video presentation. Next, we will set out on the hiking trails around Furnas, ending at the fumaroles. There, we will watch the retrieval of our lunch, the typical Azorean delicacy, known as 'cozido'. This varied selection of meats or fish with vegetables is layered in a big pot and lowered into underground holes for up to six hours where volcanic steams will cook the food.
Lunch:
At the hotel restaurant, we will have the traditional cozido meal we saw being retrieved earlier. The meat and vegetables cook together for hours. The gravy comes from the natural juices of the ingredients.
Afternoon:
Next, we will gather in the hotel lobby to meet a local expert for a brief walking introduction of the hotel Terra Nostra private Garden followed by free time for you to explore at your own pace. The remainder of the afternoon is free. You might like to enjoy the hotel spa facilities, take a dip in one of the thermal pools, The garden and pools are open to the public between 10am and 5pm but hotel guests have exclusive 24-hour access.
Dinner:
This evening you are free to discover some local restaurants as dinner is on your own (your Group Leader will be happy to provide recommendations if needed)
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Sanguinho Hike, Terra Nostra Thermal Pools, Farewell dinner
Location:
Furnas -Sao Miguel
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus, driving about 25 miles, approximately 1.30 hours, averaging 45 minutes at a time. Hiking about 2 miles, approximately 2 hours; forest trails, dirt paths, loose rocks, wooden foot bridges, narrow paths, uneven ground, cobblestone paths, steep ascents/descents; elevation 164/820 feet. For detailed trail information, visit http://trails.visitazores.com/en/trails-azores/sao-miguel/sanguinho.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will ride the bus to the village of Faial da Terra and set out hiking along the Sanguinho Trail one of the most beautiful as well as challenging of the program to close our adventure. Following the stream through the entrance to the forest, we will begin our ascent with hiking instructors. We will traverse a short, narrow, cliff-edge path and observe the abundant flora including Cryptomeria Japonica and Pittosporum Undulatum as we cross wooden bridges over small creeks that feed the main stream. We’ll then continue our ascent to the local farming fields and orchards in the old lost village of Sanguinho. From there, we’ll slowly make our way down the cobbled stone path back to the bus
Lunch:
At a picturesque stop on the way back to the hotel, we will have a picnic lunch.
Afternoon:
The afternoon for you to enjoy the unique experience of taking a deep on thegarden thermal pools or if you prefer to take a stroll and explore the small village o f Furnas, before meeting your fellow participants for our farewells.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant. Share your favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner and toasting your new friends.
Evening:
Prior to dinner, gather with the Group Leader and fellow Road Scholars to sharing memories of this and other Road Scholar programs. The Group Leader will also give instructions for tomorrow’s departure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Day
11
Departure day –Return flight home
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check out 11:00 a.m. a transfer is provided for all participants that bought international air with Road Scholar Your group leader will advise the departure time
Breakfast:
At the hotel followed by checkout. The Group Leader will be at hand to confirm departure instructions.
Morning:
After breakfast time is at leisure. Checkout time is 11:00am. Your Group Leader will be at hand to assist and advise on your transfer to the airport according to your group flight time. (Please refer to your travel itinerary for your departure information) This concludes our program. Don’t forget to login in to the Trip cast album created by your Group Leader and load you pictures to share with your fellow participants the memorable moments you have registered of this exciting Road Scholar experience, and to join our Facebook page and the and follow us on Instagram. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Lunch:
This meal is not included on your program
Afternoon:
Your Group Leader will be advising and assisting with transfers to the airport according to your flight time.
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Please Note:
This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.