Site Under Construction
Site Under Construction
Site Under Construction
Scotland 2026
Scotland 2026
June 29 - July 9, 2026
Discover the beauty of the Azores!
The Azores are a collection of 9 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, 948 miles from the coast of Portugal. These gorgeous islands are under 5 hours from the east coast of the United States. The Azores are often compared to the natural beauty of Hawaii and Iceland. Each island has its own unique characteristics. Experience the magnificent volcanic lakes, hot thermal waters and vineyards planted in black lava fields. It is impossible to see all of the islands in one trip, but we will be visiting 4 of them: Sao Miguel, Pico, Faial and Sao Jorge.
Sustainable Tourism in the Azores
While the Azores are starting to become a hot spot for European travelers, they are still considered a well-kept secret. They have become well known, however, for their sustainable tourism. In fact, they were selected by National Geographic as the 2nd best islands in the world for sustainable tourism. The Global Sustainable Tourism Council held their 2019 Global Conference in the Azores. As sustainable travelers, we will all do our part to help protect the islands while we are there. We will keep paper usage to a minimum at the villa, reusable lunch bags will be provided, travelers will bring a water bottle, etc. ​
Activity Level
Activity level for this trip: Moderate - you should be able to climb stairs, get in and out of a van, get on and off a ferry, be comfortable flying in a small plane and walk up to an hour. That's it!
Initial Itinerary
​
MONDAY/TUESDAY, JUNE 29-30
Those of us from the US will fly out on Monday evening, June 29th, for an overnight flight with an early morning arrival into Ponta Delgada. We will check in to our "home" for the next 4 nights where we will have a chance to relax, sleep, adjust to the time change, or explore the area on your own. Our home is only a 20 minute walk to the center of Ponta Delgada, with 7 bedrooms, 14 beds, and 3 baths. Click here for more pictures.) We will then gather at home for a delicious Welcome Dinner, prepared by a local chef.
(Meals: B,L,D on the 30th)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1st
Our day will begin with a relaxing breakfast at home at a reasonable hour (I promise, we will not rush you out the door at some ungodly hour.) After breakfast, we will head out with our fabulous private tour guide, Pedro, to explore the Furnas area where a traditional stew is cooked underground from the heat of the volcano. The area is known for its crater lake, thermal pools, and quaint villages. Our day will include a visit to a traditional pottery factory, as well as a tea plantation (the Azores is the only place in Europe where you can see a tea factory.)
(Meals: B,L,D)
THURSDAY, JULY 2nd
Today, we'll explore the west side of the island, the highlight of which will be visiting Lagoa das Sete Cidades, "Lagoon of the Seven Cities," twin lakes found in the crater of a dormant volcano. These lakes are so ecologically different that one appears green and the other blue.
(Meals: B,L,D)
FRIDAY, JULY 3rd
We visit the central part of the island with our tour guide, including the beautiful area of Lagoa do Fogo, a visit to a ceramics factory, and Caloura with its famous lakes, waterfalls and thermal pools. For lunch today we'll have the freshest fish you have ever tasted! Always a highlight of our trip! ​
(Meals: B, L,D)
SATURDAY, JULY 4th
No need to wake up early! We'll have the morning to relax before heading to the airport in the afternoon for a short flight to Pico Island. We will arrive at Madalena, the capital city of Pico Island. We'll spend 5 nights in our new home which has 6 bedrooms, 8 beds and 2 baths. Click here for more pictures .
(Meals: B,L,D)
SUNDAY, JULY 5th
Today is a free day to spend as you please. There are many different options to choose from including exploring Madelina, visiting the wine museum, hiking, going on a whale watch, wine tour, swimming, etc.. The choice is yours.
(Meals: B)
MONDAY, July 6th
We'll spend the day with our local tour guide, a biologist, exploring Pico Island. We will experience the stunning volcanic landscapes and coastal lava fields of Pico, the youngest of the Azores archipelago. Pico Mountain is the highest point in Portugal and the third highest elevation in the Atlantic Ocean. We’ll learn about the culture and history of Pico, its UNESCO vineyards, endemic birds and plants.
(Meals: B, L, D)
TueSDAY, JULY 7th
Today we will take the ferry to the neighboring island of Sao Jorge. Sao Jorge is different from other Azorean islands primarily due to its unique long, slender, "dragon-like" shape formed by a linear volcanic fissure, and its numerous fajãs – unique flat coastal plateaus formed by landslides or lava flows, found beneath towering cliffs. It is also known for being a less touristy, more tranquil "hidden gem" compared to other islands.
(Meals: B only)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8th
Embark on a ferry ride to Faial Island, where we’ll meet our tour guide. Yes, another biologist. Our guide will lead us to the island's best sights, showcasing its stunning landscapes and cultural treasures. We’ll see lush forests and volcanic terrains, including a visit to the Capelinhos Museum, the central Caldeira, and other hidden spots known only to the locals (Meals: B, L, D)
THURSDAY, JULY 9th
Sadly, our trip comes to an end as we say goodbye to new friends, with the hope that we will travel together again someday. Safe travels!
(Meals: B)
I am happy to video chat with you to help you decide if KWT is right for you.
Contact us to schedule a video chat or to JOIN OUR MAILING LIST.
Review ~
"Excellent! My tour with Kindred Women Travelers to the Azores was everything and more than expected. It lived up to Maryann O'Connor's emphasis on culture, history, comfort and camaraderie in every instance. Maryann chose local specialized guides who besides being passionate, informative and engaging, truly cared about us and did their best to make this a memorable trip. The itinerary was beautifully crafted taking us through the history and culinary treats of each island we visited. Leisure time combined with activity and not to be missed opportunities to bathe in the mineral pools, enjoy a volcanic cooked picnic lunch and an intimate dinner with Fado were experiences beyond expectations. I highly recommend Kindred Women Travelers to anyone wanting to have fun and enriching experiences." ~Karen C.