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, so we will focus on Sao Miguel, Pico and Faial islands.
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 recently 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.
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Initial Itinerary
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The beauty of small-group travel is that our itinerary can be somewhat flexible (with the exception of days involving air travel). There will be two free days that allows for hiking enthusiasts to truly explore the island and for others to just soak in the beauty. It also allows for changing plans based on weather conditions, which can be rather unpredictable in the Azores.
Activity level for this trip: Flexible - you decide how much activity you want, but you must be able to climb stairs, get in and out of a van or jeep, and walk up to a mile. The terrain may be rough at times so women with back problems should consult their physicians.
TUESDAY, JULY 1 - WEDNESDAY, JULY 2
You'll fly out the evening of July 1st, arriving in Ponta Delgada very early the next morning, then take an inter-island flight to Pico Island. We'll be staying at the "Pink House", which has 6 bedrooms, 8 beds, and 3 bathrooms. Click here for more photos. The beauty of this house is that it's in walking distance to the main "city" of Madelena. The Azores consist of small islands so there are no major cities like you see in the states. After settling in to our home for the next 5 nights, you'll have some free time to explore the area.
(Meals: B,L,D)
FRIDAY, JULY 4
Today will be a free day to explore on your own or as a group. Pico is in close proximity to Faial (which we will be visiting tomorrow), Sao Jorge, and Graciosa. You can use this day jump on a ferry to one of these islands, go hiking, go on a whale watch, visit a winery, etc, The choice is yours.
(Meals: B only)
SUNDAY, JULY 6
There's so much to see and do in the Azores that we have built in another free day to make sure you have checked everything off on your wish list. On our final day in Pico, you are free to choose how you will spend the day: ​
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Swimming
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Hiking
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Wine Vineyards
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Visiting an island you may have missed
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Snorkeling
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Whale Watching
(Tour costs, if desired, are not included in price of trip.)
(Meals: B only)
TUESDAY, JULY 8
We'll explore the central part of the island with our new tour guide, Paulo. We'll explore the Furnas area, known for its crater lake, thermal pools, and quaint villages. We'll stop at the site where the traditional Azorean stew, called Cozido das Furnas, is cooked underground with volcanic heat. 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 10
On our last day in the Azores, 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. Closer to our home, we'll visit the city of Ribeira Grande, with its unique historical center dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
(Meals: B,L,D)
THURSDAY, JULY 3
After having breakfast at home, we will be picked up by our tour guide for the day to explore the island. Our tour guide is a biologist working in research. We will learn about the culture and history of Pico, the UNESCO vineyards, unique endemic birds and plants, the largest endemic forest area, and dozens of lagoons with an endless blue ocean.
(Meals: B,L,D)
SATURDAY, JULY 5
Today we take a ferry ride to Faial Island where we'll meet up with our tour guide, a biologist with a wealth of knowlege. Our guide will take us around the best of Faial Island to show us unique sceneries and cultural delicacies. We will go through forests and volcanoes, including the Capelinhos with a visit to the Museum, the central Caldeira and other typical spots that only locals know about.
(Meals: B,L,D)
MONDAY, JULY 7
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9
On our second day with Paulo, we will travel along the northern coast of the island to get to Nordeste on the eastern coast, boasting mountains, woods, waterfalls, and belvederes that rise over the sea, beautiful villages and a multitude of flowers. Nordeste, known for its remoteness, is the least visited part of the island, yet offers magnificent coastlines, and is the oldest geological part of Sao Miguel Island. (Meals: B,LD)
FRIDAY, JULY 11
Sadly, our trip comes to an end. We will fly back to Boston where we say goodbye to new friends, with the hope that our paths will cross again some day.
(Meals: B)
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.