Highlights of the Azores

7 Days | Discover a new side to Portugal on this Atlantic adventure

4.8 out of 5 based on 29 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
NZD $3,945
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Although modern Portugal can be credited for its contributions to art, architecture and world-class dining, there’s a distant remnant of the Old Empire lying far from the mainland. From the rolling blue hydrangeas of Faial, the steep cliffs of Sao Jorge and the black volcanic soil under the vineyards of Pico, the Azores offer a delightful insight into both island and Portuguese living. Discover a new side to ancient Portugal on this island-hopping Atlantic adventure.

Trip overview

Map of Highlights Of The Azores including Portugal
Start
Ponta Delgada, Portugal
Finish
Faial Island, Portugal
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Portugal
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
ZLSI
This trip generates 31 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Uncover the wonders of Sao Miguel on a day tour of the island, from plantations of tea and pineapples to an active volcano and some truly memorable viewpoints.
  • Step out for a spectacular hike around the Caldeira Santo Cristo on Sao Jorge Island – the cinematic views of the island’s colourful and diverse landscape are sure to stop you in your tracks.
  • Check out the lava tunnels on Pico Island, visit a family-owned distillery and learn about life on the island over a tasting of their products and be amazed by the stunning UNESCO-listed landscape of Pico's vineyards.
  • Travel to the island of Faial, visit the island's resident volcano, Capelinhos, and learn about how its last eruption in 1957 dramatically changed the landscape of the island.
  • Experience a lunch like no other – a ‘Cozido das Furnas’ is a delicious stew cooked underground by steam from a volcano.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, REFOOD. Donations help them rescue quality food from going to waste and provide meals for those in need. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Is this trip right for you?
  • There is an internal flight included on this trip. In order for our local operator to be able to buy tickets we need your passport details preferably at the time of booking, but at least 6 weeks prior to the trip's departure. Please note that this internal flight has a luggage limit of 20kg. Please pack accordingly as exceeding this limit may incur additional charges at the airport.
  • This trip includes some ferry rides between the islands. With temperamental weather, some of these ferry trips may be a little rocky.
  • This trip does not require any physical preparation, however, a good level of fitness will be an advantage. The Azores are a natural wonderland and the best way to discover them is on foot. There are few included walks and lots of opportunities to discover the islands further in your free time.
  • On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Map of Highlights Of The Azores including Portugal

Inclusions

Meals

6 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

Plane, Ferry, Private vehicle, On foot, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights)

Activities
  • Sao Miguel - Island Day Tour
  • Sao Miguel - Arruda’s Pineapple Plantation at Faja de Baixo
  • Sao Miguel - Cozido das Furnas Lunch
  • Sao Miguel - Tea Plantation Visit & Tasting
  • Sao Miguel - Miradouro do Pico do Ferro & Miradouro de Santa Iria
  • Faial Island - Hike in Capelinhos Volcano area
  • Sao Jorge - Visit to Bakery or Local Market
  • Faial Island - Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre visit
  • Pico Island - Day Trip
  • Pico Island - Liqueur Tasting
  • Pico Island - Criacao Velha Vineyards UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Pico Island - Arcos do Cachorro (Lava tunnels)
Add on activities
  • Sao Miguel – Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas Geothermal Pool - EUR3
  • Sao Miguel - Lagoa das Sete Cidades including transport and guide services - EUR45
  • Sao Miguel - Museu Carlos Machado - EUR2
  • Pico Island - Whale Watching Excursion - EUR62

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for internal flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 6 weeks of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
3. The luggage limit for airlines we use for the domestic flights on this trip is 20kg. Exceeding this limit will incur an excess baggage charge, payable by the traveller. However, we must stress that due to the adventurous nature of this trip and the amount of public transport we use on it, this limit far exceeds Intrepid's recommended luggage weight for this tour (15kg).

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 29 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Mikayla · Traveled September 2024
Beautiful country with beautiful people. Locals were kind and helpful. Incredible food, fresh seafood. Lucia, our guide, was amazing, enthusiastic, helpful, and hardworking. The hike will leave your calves burning for a couple days but worth every step.
Review submitted 13 Sep 2024

Leah · Traveled September 2024
The scenery is unbelievable. You feel like you're on another planet.
Review submitted 17 Sep 2024

Hannah · Traveled August 2024
A very enjoyable trip with a fantastic guide. This trip was just the right of amount of action and rest for me. The Azores were even more beautiful than I imagined and I had a wonderful time. Our guide, Lucìa, was very friendly, organised and approachable. I would recommend this trip to anyone looking for an Intrepid trip that is not too hectic but still has some adventures :) I had great company, wine, waterfalls and ocean views!! Definitely try the Fig moonshine ;)
Review submitted 06 Sep 2024

Joy · Traveled August 2024
Wow! The Azores packs a punch for its size. Each island was distinct and special in its own way. I was fortunate to have a great group and superb leader (Lu). As for the hike, use good hiking shoes with ankle support and high SPF sunscreen.
Review submitted 06 Sep 2024

Barbara · Traveled June 2024
A great trip that packs a lot in to a short time, giving you a good overview of the Azores. Enjoyed a variety of activities in a stunning location with a great leader.
Review submitted 26 Jun 2024
Highlights of the Azores
From
NZD $3,945