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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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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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.
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10 days
9 nights
22 meals
9 B 8 L 5 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
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
Arrive Terceira, Check-in, Orientation, Angra do Heroismo
Angra do Heroismo
B,D
Zenite Boutique Hotel & Spa

Activity note: Meet the Road Scholar Group Leader after proceeding through customs. Getting on/off a bus; driving about 14 miles, approximately 30 minutes to Angra do Heroísmo. Walking up to 2 miles; about 1.5 hours; mostly level terrain, some inclines, urban streets, cobblestone sidewalks, steps up/down. Hotel check-in from 8:00 a.m.

Breakfast: At the hotel .

Morning: Early check-in available. Take time to freshen up, unpack, and relax. Those who would like to take a walk around the area are welcome to do so before our introductory walk at 3:00p.m. followed by Orientation session

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 3:00 p.m. we’ll set out on a walking field trip with our Group Leader and a local historian 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. 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: 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, Biscoito Pools, Geothermal resources Lecture
Angra do Heroismo
B,L,D
Zenite Boutique Hotel & Spa

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 35 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Hiking Serreta Trails https://trails.visitazores.com/en/trails-azores/terceira/serreta about 2.5 miles, approximately 2.5 hours; some steep ascents/descents, concrete paths, loose rocks, rocky 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). At the end of the hike, descend by coach to the sea level to view the impressive volcanic rock formations and cliffs along the North-Western coast of the island.

Lunch: A picnic at the end of the trail

Afternoon: After lunch 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 before continuing back to Angra do Heroismo. Remainder of the afternoon is free. At the end of the afternoon free, we will attend a lecture about the Geothermal Resources of the Azores

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Monte Brasil Trail, Serra do Cume, Algar do Carvao
Angra do Heroismo
B,L
Zenite Boutique Hotel & Spa

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus or taxis; driving about 50 miles, approximately 1.5 hours, averaging 25 minutes at a time. Hiking up to 3.5 miles approximately 2.5 hours; natural forest trails, approximately 640 feet above sea level, some ascents/descents, urban streets, cobblestone sidewalks. For detailed trail information, visit: http://trails.visitazores.com/en/trails-azores/terceira/monte-brasil. At Algar do Carvão, 338 stone steps descending 360 feet

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. Descending to the town below, we head to a local restaurant.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant

Afternoon: After lunch, we will drive through the countryside and stop at one of the island’s most iconic viewpoints, Serra do Cume overlooking the patchwork of fields, inside the largest crater of the Azores- 8 miles across. We’ll return to the bus, and 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. For those who wish to make it all the way to the lake at the bottom, remember that what goes down must come up.

Dinner: On your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

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
Praia da Vitoria, Fly to PDL, introductory city walk
Ponta Delgada
B,L,D
Hotel Marina Atlântico

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 30 miles, approximately 1 hour, averaging 20 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: After breakfast, 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

Lunch: At the Hotel.

Afternoon: After lunch, we will check-in at the hotel and straight after 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 chapel, the local Municipal Market, Portas da Cidade (City Gates), and the sanctuary of Senhor Santo Cristo that houses the most important religious icon on the island.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
6
Vista Do Rei, Sete Cidades, Twin Lakes, Pineapple Farm.
Ponta Delgada
B,L
Hotel Marina Atlântico

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 42 miles, approximately 2 hours, averaging 25 minutes at a time Hiking about 4 miles, approximately 3 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 itinerary 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 have a brief visit to the Ananases Arruda Pineapple Plantation, to learn about this important agricultural product and the unique Azorean methods used to grow this fruit. And the rest of afternoon is free to explore Ponta Delgada on your own.

Dinner: Dinner on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: Vista Do Rei, Sete Cidades, Twin Lakes, Pineapple Plantation

DAY
7
Oficina Museu, Vigia de S. Pedro Trail, Fire Lake, Caldeiras
Furnas -Sao Miguel
B,L,D
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving 60 miles approximately 3 hours, averaging 30 minutes at a time. Hiking about 5 miles (8 km), approximately 2 ½ hours; mostly level, concrete streets, dirt paths, earth and gravel terrain, minor inclines. For detailed trail information, visit: Oficina Museu https://www.facebook.com/oficinamuseu / Vigia de S Pedro hike: https://trails.visitazores.com/en/trails-azores/sao-miguel/vigia-de-sao-pedro https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagoa_do_Fogo

Breakfast: At the hotel and checlkout.

Morning: Depart the hotel by bus and drive to the village of Capelas, where you 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. Continue on the way to Sao Vicente, 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 5 miles and takes on average 2 ½ hours to complete.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Weather permitting we continue after lunch and drive up to Miradouro do Pico da Bairrosa at 2950 ft. high, affording extensive views over Lagoa do Fogo(Fire lake) a massive 2 miles long lake just over a 1.000 feet below( at 1.886 ft. of altitude) inside the 8,5 square miles crater. Back to our bus we continue to Furnas Village center where we take a walk around various Caldeiras and try some of the 32 varieties of thermal waters hot and cold with various smelly scents. We continue to our hotel down the road, and check-in to our rooms

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
CIAF and Furnas Lake hike, Cozido Lunch, Terra Nostra Garden
Furnas -Sao Miguel
B,L
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving 35 miles, approximately 1.20 hours, averaging 30 minutes at a time. Hiking about 4 miles, approximately 2.5 hours; mostly level terrain, forest trails, dirt paths, small steps. For detailed trail information, visit http://trails.visitazores.com/en/trails-azores/sao-miguel/furnas. CIAF (Centro de Interpretacao Ambiental das Furnas) https://parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt/pt/parques/9/centro/22

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After breakfast, we’ll drive North East of the island to Ribeira dos Caldeiroes, a Natural Park, a protected area that stretches along the part of the water stream of Ribeira dos Caldeirões. You will see the most famous waterfall known as the Bride’s veil. We will then drive to 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 Lake, ending at the fumaroles. There, we’ll 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 botanical expert for a walking lecture through the Terra Nostra Garden. 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, or stroll around the garden. The garden and pools are open to the public between 10am and 5pm but hotel guests have exclusive 24-hour access.

Dinner: Dinner on your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
9
Sanguinho Hike, Terra Nostra Thermal Pools, Farewell dinner
Furnas -Sao Miguel
B,L,D
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 30 miles, approximately 1.20 hours, averaging 30 minutes at a time. Hiking about 2.2 miles, approximately 3 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: Free afternoon to enjoy the hotel pools and garden and to explore the small village of Furnas, before meeting in the hotel bar for our farewell meeting.

Dinner: At the hotel restaurant. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: Prior to dinner, gather in the hotel bar with the Group Leader and fellow Road Scholars for a farewell drink while 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
10
Gorreana Tea Plantation, Ribeira Grande, Program ends.
In Flight
B,L

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 35 miles, approximately 1.20 hours, averaging 20 minutes at a time. Walking in tea fields, on paved sidewalks; some steps.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Check out and depart your hotel by bus, we will visit the famous Gorreana Tea Factory & Plantation, the only one of its kind in Europe, for an expert-led exploration. We’ll learn about the different types of tea and how they’re made. We will then drive along the Northern coast towards Sao Miguel’s second major town, Ribeira Grande. Spend some free time appreciating the architecture of traditional churches and exploring a small garden or enjoy some local ingredients at the chocolate shop and liqueur store

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll transfer to the airport for return flights. 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!






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