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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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  • A view over stone walls of the white buildings and red roofs of a town in the Azores, set against a green mountain.
  • A group of hikers poses on a scenic coastal cliff path overlooking the ocean in the Azores.
  • A guide at a pineapple farm in the Azores explains the growing process while holding a small pineapple plant.
  • A group of people on a guided tour listen to a speaker in the lush Terra Nostra Garden in the Azores.
  • A scenic view of the twin lakes of Sete Cidades in the Azores, with lush green hills, a small village, and white flowers in the foreground.
  • A smiling woman holding trekking poles and waving her hat celebrates a hike overlooking the ocean in the Azores.
  • The Portas da Cidade city gates in Ponta Delgada, Azores, with its distinct three arches and a clock tower on a sunny day.
  • An older couple smiles while looking at a large collection of pens and dolls at a museum in the Azores.
  • A group of travelers smiles for a photo in a lush, mossy forest with palm trees in the Azores.
  • A group of travelers listens to a guide while hiking through a lush, green forest in the Azores.
  • Steaming geothermal hot springs in a rocky landscape with a lush green hillside and houses in the background in the Azores.
  • A couple smiles while hiking on a trail overlooking a scenic green valley and lakes in the Azores.
  • A group of hikers descend a staircase into the lush, moss-covered Algar do Carvão cave in the Azores.
  • Looking up from inside Algar do Carvão cave in the Azores, a stone path winds beneath an opening covered in lush green moss.
  • A woman wades up a ramp out of the natural Biscoito Pools, which are surrounded by dark volcanic rock in the Azores.
  • Colorful buildings line a river in a lush, green valley in the Azores, with mountains visible in the background.
  • Vibrant blue and purple hydrangeas bloom in a lush garden in the Azores, with a bird of paradise flower in the background.
  • A tour group stands among lush ferns and other foliage while listening to a guide in the Azores' Terra Nostra Garden.
  • A group of five women in hiking gear smile for a photo at a scenic overlook above the ocean in the Azores.
  • A guide shows a book to two hikers on a trail overlooking the lush green hills of the Azores.
  • A group of hikers walk on a dirt path through lush green hills overlooking the ocean in the Azores.
Walking/HikingOutdoor AdventuresSmall GroupMost Popular
Length
11 days
Rating (4.91)
Activity Level
Starts at
4,899
Special Offer
Flights start at
FREE
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. Read More.
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
23 meals ( 9B, 8L, 6D )
1 expert-led lecture
23 expert-led field trips
1 flight during the program
An experienced Group Leader
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Depart North America on flights to Lajes Airport (TER) on Terceira Island in the Azores. Refer to your personal air itinerary for specific flight information.
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00pm. Walking up to 2.5 miles at sites in Angra; about 2 hours; mostly level terrain, some inclines, urban streets, cobblestone sidewalks, steps up/down.
Breakfast:
Not included on this day.
Morning:
Transfer from the airport to the hotel in the town of Angra do Heroismo. The Group Leader will be on hand to provide assistance as needed.
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:
We will meet our local expert in the hotel lobby and set out on foot to explore the historic town of Angra do Heroismo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and appreciate the local architecture while learning about the historical and geographical importance of Terceira Island. Returning to the hotel we will have our Orientation Meeting. 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. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current 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.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 22 miles, total riding time 1.5 hours; hiking around 2.9 miles; approx. 2 hours; elevation gain of >760ft; some gradual ascents/descents, concrete paths, gravel terrain, grass pastures.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will meet our local experts in the hotel lobby and depart by bus on a 40-minute drive to the village of Serreta, on the western part of the island, for our first expert-led hike of the program. Contained within a longer trail known as Grande Rota do Oeste, our hike will take us through lush vegetation and along gravel paths. Learn about the local flora, including the Picconia Azorica, and weather permitting, enjoy views of three other islands (Pico, Sao Jorge & Graciosa) as we walk along the coastline. At the end of the trail, we will meet our bus and drive back to Angra do Heroismo for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will have some free time in Angra do Heroismo. This period has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. At the end of the afternoon, we will meet in the lobby of our hotel, where we will enjoy a lecture about Geothermal Energy in the Azores.
Dinner:
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 26 miles, total riding time 1.5 hours; hiking around 4 miles; approx. 3 hours; elevation gain >1480ft; natural forest trail, some steep ascents/descents, urban streets, cobblestone sidewalks.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will meet our local experts in the hotel lobby and depart on foot for an expert-led hike up to the top of Monte Brasil Mountain. Home to one of Portugal’s most important military fortresses, it is also the city’s natural park and a protected landscape. Once at the top, we will hike around the trail, learning about its historical importance whilst taking in some of the island’s best viewpoints over the town of Angra do Heroismo below. At the end of the trail, we will meet our bus and stop at a scenic location to enjoy our box-lunches picnic style.
Lunch:
A box-lunch picnic style.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will depart by bus towards the northern coast of Terceira Island to the village of Biscoitos. Walk around the naturally formed rock pools created by lava flowing out into the sea. If weather and sea conditions allow, take this opportunity to swim in this special part of the ocean. There are places to change onsite so remember to bring a bathing suit and towel. Return to the bus and take a short drive to a local vineyard along the coastline. We will meet a local expert from the “Materramenta” project, who will show us around the property and teach us about the wine growing techniques in the region. After our field trip, we will take a short drive their winery to sit down and taste some of the traditional wines of the Azores. After the wine tasting session, we will return to the bus and drive back to our hotel in Angra do Heroismo.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out the following day.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 23 miles; total riding time approx. 2 hours; walking short distances on urban terrain; on grass and gravel paths at coffee plantation; getting on/off an aircraft; flying approx. 40mins.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of our rooms and meet in the hotel lobby to depart by bus to a local coffee plantation. Upon arrival we will be met by a local expert who will walk us around the property, teaching us about the coffee growing process and showing us the various tropical fruits growing on the plantation. At the end of the walk, we will sit down in their “Coffee Cabana” cafe for a demonstration of how the coffee is prepared followed by a coffee tasting session and coffee ice cream. Return to the bus and drive to the village of Sao Sebastiao for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant
Afternoon:
After lunch, our local expert will lead us on a short walk around the village of Sao Sebastiao. We will see the local church and chapel, and learn about the village’s ties to the early settlement on Terceira Isand. We will return to our bus and drive across the island towards the town of Praia da Vitoria where we will catch a flight to Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel Island in the early evening. If weather and good visibility conditions allow, we will stop enroute at the Serra do Cume viewpoint before driving past the old abandoned American military village, located behind the American Air Base at Lajes Airfield. We will end the afternoon at Lajes Airport and check in to our flight to Ponta Delgada. Upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel for check-in and for a light refreshment coffee station, with soup, sandwiches, fruit, and hot and cold drinks.
Dinner:
At the hotel. A light refreshment coffee station, with soup, sandwiches, fruit, and hot and cold drinks.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 32 miles, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time; hiking around 3 miles; approx. 2 hours; elevation gain >426ft; hike is mostly level, dirt path, earth and gravel terrain; Walking up to 2 miles at sites in Ponta Delgada; about 2 hours; mostly level terrain, some inclines, urban streets, cobblestone sidewalks, steps up/down.
Breakfast:
at hotel
Morning:
We will meet our local experts in the hotel lobby and depart by bus on a 40-minute drive to the village of Sete Cidades, home to arguably one of the most famous landscapes of the Azores Islands. If weather and good visibility conditions allow, we will stop at the iconic Vista do Rei (King’s View) viewpoint, before setting out on an expert-led hike around a portion of the rim of the caldera. At the end of the trail, we will meet our bus and descend into the village below for some free time and an opportunity to see the famous Twin Lakes (Blue & Green Lagoon). Please note on days of poor visibility, this hike will be subject to change.
Lunch:
A box-lunch picnic style
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will board our bus and return to Ponta Delgada. Upon arrival, our local expert will lead us on foot around the town of Ponta Delgada. We will explore the city center and learn about the history of the town as we view some of the most important landmarks, including the Chapel of Our Lady of Hope and the City Gates.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 18 miles, approximately 1 hour total riding time; hiking around 3.5 miles; approx. 2 hours; elevation gain >410ft; mostly level, concrete streets, dirt paths, earth and gravel terrain, minor inclines.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will meet our local experts in the hotel lobby and depart by bus to the “Oficna Museu”, a home in the village of Capelas that has been converted into a unique Arts & Crafts Workshop Museum. Take some time to independently explore the museum, viewing the many hundreds of collected items on show. Return to the bus and take a short drive to Sao Vicente, where you will begin an expert-led hike of the Vigia de Sao Pedro trail, along the northern coast of the island towards the village of Calhetas. Walk along concrete roads and dirt paths and through farming pastures and 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. Meet the bus at the end of the trail and return to Ponta Delgada for lunch at the hotel.
Lunch:
At the hotel
Afternoon:
Free time. This period has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. If you wish to go Whale Watching, we advise ordering tickets in advance. Check the websites of the companies of your choice prior to departure.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out the following day.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 59 miles, approximately 2 hours total riding time; up to 40 minutes at a time; Walking at field trips and viewpoint stops; mostly urban level terrain and gravel paths, some short minor incline ascents on urban streets to viewpoints
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
We will check out of our rooms and meet in the hotel lobby to depart by bus to the Ananases Arruda Pineapple Plantation. Our local expert will show us the traditional whitewashed greenhouses and teach us about the two-year growth process that makes this local fruit so unique. Return to the bus, and if weather and good visibility conditions allow, we will drive up to the Lagoa do Fogo (The Fire Lake), a crater lake within the Água de Pau Massif stratovolcano located in the center of the island and one of the most iconic viewpoints. We will continue by bus to the town of Ribeira Grande where we will stop for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will return to our bus and drive to the famous Gorreana Tea Factory & Plantation. Owned by the same family for five generations, it is the only place in Europe that both grows and manufactures tea. Our local expert will lead us around the factory teaching us about the growing and manufacturing process and the differences between black and green tea. At the end, we can take some time to independently explore the property or to taste some of the different teas. We will depart the tea factory by bus and continue to the Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Natural Park. Take some time alone to enjoy the stunning landscapes in this protected area of the island with waterfalls and old water mills, amongst the beautiful flora. Return to the bus and drive to the village of Furnas, ending the afternoon at our hotel for check in.
Dinner:
Tonight we will enjoy a light dinner at the Hote.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 8 miles, approximately 30mins total riding time; hiking around 1.7 miles; approx. 1 hour; elevation gain >275ft; mostly level terrain, forest trail, dirt paths, earth and gravel terrain, concrete block steps crossing a small stream; Garden walk takes approx. 1.5 hours; mostly level terrain; some small steps.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will meet our local experts in the hotel lobby and set out on foot through the village of Furnas, stopping at the Caldeiras das Furnas, home to many thermal springs and where you can taste a host of different volcanic waters. Our bus will collect us there and drive us up to Furnas Lake, where we will stop at the CIAF (Furnas Environmental Interpretation Center). One of the center’s local experts will lead us around and teach us about the formation of the Azores and the important work being done in the region. From the CIAF, we will set out on foot for an expert-led hike around the Furnas Lake. We will end the hike at the Furnas Lake Fumaroles, where the locals prepare the traditional Cozido dish (a selection of different meats and vegetables, layered in pots that are lowered into holes in the ground and cooked by volcanic steam) After seeing the pots being removed from the ground, we will return to the bus and drive back to our hotel for lunch.
Lunch:
At the hotel
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will meet our local expert and set out on foot for a walk through the Terra Nostra Garden. We will learn about the history of its creation and appreciate the various endemic and introduced species growing in the garden.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 27 miles, approximately 1:30mins total riding time; hiking around 2 miles; approx. 2 hours; elevation gain >1115ft; steep ascents & descents; uneven ground; cobblestone paths; wooden foot bridges; loose rocks; narrow dirt paths; forest trail; Good balance is essential.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will meet our local experts in the hotel lobby and depart by bus to the village of Faial da Terra, the starting point of the Sanguinho trail. We will explore the abundant flora through this forest hike, while crossing over rocks and small wooden bridges above the small creeks that feed the stream. We will hike up the steep winding cobbled street to the old village of Sanguinho and learn how the locals once lived and how the village is being rebuilt, before descending the mountain through the forest back to the start point. At the end of the trail, we will meet our bus and return to our hotel in Furnas, stopping at a scenic point enroute to enjoy a box-lunch picnic style.
Lunch:
A box-lunch picnic style
Afternoon:
Free time. This period has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. At the end of the afternoon before dinner, meet your Group Leader and fellow participants for a farewell meeting. This is an opportunity to share your experiences about the program and discuss details of the next day’s departure.
Dinner:
At the hotel
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure the following day.
Activity Note
Hotel check out is at 11:00am. See your program’s Transportation Information regarding transfers. Your group leader will advise departure times.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program 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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