Portugal

These enchanting nine islands hide very well an extinct volcano, exotic gardens, tea plantations, incredibly beautiful lakes and traditional architecture...


Highlights of São Miguel island

Day 1 Ponta Delgada
Arrive at Ponta Delgada Airport. Transfer to your hotel and accommodation.

Day 2 Ponta Delgada
Spend the day discovering the highlights of the largest city on the island - Ponta Delgada. Start the tour with a visit to the church of São Sebastião - the mother church built between 1531 and 1547 with late gothic features and Manueline style façade, and Portas da Cidade de Ponta Delgada, the old city entry point. Walk through Ponta Delgada main shopping area to Convent and Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Esperança - intimately connected to the ritual of Lord, Holy Christ of Miracles. Later, visit one of the exotic botanic gardens. Have free time in the afternoon.

Day 3 Ponta Delgada - Sete Cidades lakes - Ponta Delgada
Leave Ponta Delgada and drive west by the coastal road. Pass through a number of very picturesque villages before arriving at Feteiras, where the route ascends towards Sete Cidades until the main crater of this extinct volcano, some 1,900 feet above sea level is reached. Explore the village Sete Cidades and then, continue to the edge of this crater to admire a magnificent view of the two lakes at the bottom - one is blue, and the other is bright green. On the return journey stop at the famous Antonio Borges Botanical Garden, where there is a remarkable collection of ant tropical trees. Continue and make another stop at Pineapple Plantation, where the complete process of cultivation and marketing of this fruit will be explained. Return to Ponta Delgada for an overnight.

Day 3 Ponta Delgada - Ribeira Grande - Nordeste - Furnas Valley - Ponta Delgada
Today cross the island in north-east direction and reach the small town of Ribeira Grande. Have time to visit this historic city, which is the largest one on the north coast. Next get to Gorreana, where are located the famous tea plantations. Enjoy a guided visit to the only tea plantation in Europe, while trying Chá Gorreana. Proceed to Terra Nostra Park with its subtropical flora and drive northeast until you reach Nordeste, considered for the most beautiful part of the island. Stop at Ponta da Madrugada and Ponta do Sossego viewpoints, both offering a spectacular scenery. Head to one of the best spots on the island - Furnas Valley. See the Furnas lake, surrounded by lush nature and try the famous cozido, which is cooked by the heart of one of the Furnas geysers. The hot springs here are probably the most interesting natural phenomenon in the Azores. Arrive at Ponta Delgada for an overnight.

Day 4 Ponta Delgada
Final departure to Ponta Delgada airport.