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
GBP £1,930
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Explore the Azores with an array of unique experiences, starting on Sao Miguel where you’ll taste fresh pineapple from greenhouses and enjoy a traditional volcanic stew. Sail to Pico Island for a glimpse into its volcanic past and a tasting at a local distillery. Hike around Horta and pay a visit to Capelinhos volcano, then wander its charming streets, discovering architectural gems and local culture. Relax with a famous G&T at Cafe Sport, a favourite haunt for sailors. This is the Portugal you never knew.

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
  • Savour the unique flavours of the Azores, like fresh pineapple straight from a greenhouse, traditional stew cooked underground by volcanic steam and Europe’s only home-grown tea.
  • Sail through the stunning waters of the Azores, visiting Lagoa das Sete Cidades, which sits in a volcanic caldera. Discover the beauty of the islands from panoramic viewpoints and spend your free afternoons exploring local museums, biking or paddleboarding.
  • Travel on a ferry to Pico Island, where you’ll learn about the island’s volcanic history at Arcos do Cachorro and taste local spirits at a family-owned distillery.
  • Embrace the island’s natural wonders on a hike through Horta, followed by a visit to the Capelinhos volcano. Learn about its dramatic 1957 eruption at the volcano centre.
  • Wander through the charming streets of Ponta Delgada and Horta on guided tours, where you’ll discover a mix of architectural styles and local culture. Unwind with a famous G&T at Cafe Sport – a legendary sailor’s haunt.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip includes an internal flight with a luggage limit of 20 kg. Pack lightly to avoid additional charges at the airport. You will be expected to carry your own bag for up to 30 minutes, so most travelers use a backpack or an overnight bag with a shoulder strap. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient but ensure your bag has carry straps to navigate cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs, and steps.
  • While no specific physical preparation is required, a good level of fitness is advantageous. The Azores are best discovered on foot, with a few walks included in the itinerary and ample opportunities for further exploration during your free time.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Highlights Of The Azores including Portugal

Inclusions

Meals

6 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

Plane, Ferry, Private vehicle, On foot, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (6 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
  • Sao Miguel - Lagoa das Sete Cidades including transport and guide services
  • Horta - Leader led orientation walk
  • Pico Island - Criacao Velha Vineyards UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Pico Island - Arcos do Cachorro (Lava tunnels)
  • Pico Island - Liqueur Tasting
  • Pico Island - Day Trip
  • Faial Island - Hike in Capelinhos Volcano area
  • Faial Island - Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre visit
Add on activities
  • Sao Miguel – Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas Geothermal Pool - EUR3
  • 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.

Filter by rating

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
GBP £1,930