Highlights
São Miguel Island, Sete Cidades, Choice on Tour: Terra Nostra Botanical Garden or Thermal Pool Experience, Furnas Valley, Home-Hosted Dinner, Faial Island, Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre, Terceira Island, Angra do Heroismo, Algar do Carvao, Natural Volcanic Pools, Lisbon
Essential Experiences
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Explore colorful Horta Marina and its importance to sailors crossing the Atlantic. |
On São Miguel, learn about traditional basket weaving from local artisans. |
| Day 1 |
Overnight Flight |
| Day 2 - 5 |
Vila Gale Collection Ponta Delgada, Ponta Delgada, Azores |
| Day 6 - 7 |
Hotel do Canal, Horta |
| Day 8 - 10 |
Zenite Boutique Hotel & Spa, Terceira, Azores |
| Day 11 - 12 |
Bessa Hotel Liberdade, Lisbon |
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
| Day 1 |
Apr 23, 2026: Overnight FlightFrom volcanic craters and thermal waters to lush vegetation and picturesque coasts, enjoy the natural splendor of this Portuguese archipelago and see why the Azores are commonly referred to as "the Hawaii of Europe." |
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| Day 2 |
Apr 24, 2026: Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, AçoresThis is the Azores. A set of islands virtually untouched by urban development. Your adventure begins on São Miguel, the largest of the nine volcanic islands. Relax and explore as you wish, perhaps sit along the seaside promenade and breathe in the mild air of the Atlantic. |
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| Day 3 |
Apr 25, 2026: Ponta DelgadaGet to know Ponta Delgada, the capital city of São Miguel, on a morning walking tour of the area. This afternoon, take a ride up to Sete Cidades caldera's highest point and discover some of Mother Nature's finest work: the twin blue and green lakes that make up this caldera and are explained by local legend: They are apparently the tears of star-crossed lovers, a green-eyed princess and a blue-eyed shepherd. This evening, celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. |
Included Meals
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| Day 4 |
Apr 26, 2026: São MiguelStart the day with a visit to one of the few remaining basket weavers on the island. Learn how willow basket making has evolved and how this father-son enterprise has kept this traditional craft alive. Then, it's your choice! Enjoy the thermal waters at the Terra Nostra pool,* built in the 18th century by the American consul to the Azores -OR- embark on a guided visit to the organic paradise that is the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. For lunch, enjoy a traditional cozido das furnas meal, where your food is cooked in the earth's volcanic heat. Later, continue to the green fields of a nearby tea plantation to learn about this unique crop before an evening of leisure in São Miguel. |
Included Meals
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| Day 5 |
Apr 27, 2026: São MiguelToday enjoy a full free day to explore São Miguel at your own pace. Perhaps you will take to the waves on an optional** ocean excursion to watch for whales and dolphins, followed by a lunch at a local restaurant. Regardless of how you choose to spend your day, gather tonight for a home-hosted dinner at a local village. |
Included Meals
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| Day 6 |
Apr 28, 2026: São Miguel - Horta, FaialSay bom dia (good morning) to Faial with a walking tour of Horta. Its marina and painted murals are a testament to the island's importance to the sailors who have visited the island on voyages crossing the Atlantic. Later, encounter the volcanic vitality of Faial when you take in the surrounding rocky landscape and ash hills with a fascinating visit to the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre. |
Included Meals
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| Day 7 |
Apr 29, 2026: FaialThe day is yours to enjoy on your own and relax on Faial Island! You may also consider joining an optional tour to Pico*** to encounter the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture (UNESCO) and explore this scarcely populated island's scenery, a sublime mixture of lava rock and exotic vegetation, during a walk along Lagoa do Capitao. |
Included Meals
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| Day 8 |
Apr 30, 2026: Faial - Angra do Heroismo, TerceiraBoard your flight to Terceira and say hello to the colorful capital of Angra do Heroismo (UNESCO) with a local guide. Restored in traditional style, the city features white facades and vibrant trims. Learn about the Holy Ghost Chapels, known locally as Imperios, and customs surrounding this tradition. Tonight, get a taste of the culture at a local restaurant. |
Included Meals
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| Day 9 |
May 01, 2026: TerceiraStart your day with a swim* in the natural volcanic pools of Biscoitos. Later, on your way to Algar do Carvao, stop at Serra do Cume viewpoint where views of the agricultural fields and their neat orderly stone walls will take your breath away. At Algar do Carvao, the "Cavern of Coal," feel the quiet stillness as you descend into this ancient lava tube. Enjoy the evening exploring Angra do Heroismo as you wish. |
Included Meals
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| Day 10 |
May 02, 2026: TerceiraToday, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may choose to join an optional tour to the western side of Terceira in the morning, sipping coffee at an organic coffee plantation and tasting locally grown bananas along the way and ending at a family-owned cheese factory for a light lunch made up of local products. End the day at a petiscos home-hosted dining experience. |
Included Meals
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| Day 11 |
May 03, 2026: Terceira - LisbonSay farewell to the Azores archipelago as you head to Lisbon in continental Europe. Lisbon, known as the city of the seven hills, and the starting point of many of its 15th century explorations, was also the departure point of many of its immigrants that crossed the Atlantic searching for a better life. |
Included Meals
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| Day 12 |
May 04, 2026: LisbonStart your morning with a panoramic tour of Belem. See the imposing 16th century Jeronimos Monastery and the Belem Tower, a fortress built to protect Lisbon and later used as a prison. Join a special tour exploring the grandeur of the Ajuda National Palace, once a royal residence of King Luís I. Then return to downtown Lisbon and enjoy some free time before you gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. |
Included Meals
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| Day 13 |
May 05, 2026: Lisbon - Tour EndsSay adeus (goodbye) to Portugal and the Azores as you depart this coastal paradise. |
Included Meals
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Extend Your Vacation With
4 Days 3-Night Lisbon Post Tour ExtensionRate: $1,599.00 USD per person, double, land only
4 Meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 Dinner
| Day 13 |
LisbonExtend your time in Lisbon, Portugal's capital city where old traditions intermingle with modern twists. See the city on a lively tuk-tuk tour, zooming through the urban energy from the back seat of an open-air vehicle. Venture through the city's beloved neighborhoods. After becoming acquainted with the area, bite into a typical bifana sandwich at an authentic tasca restaurant and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore on your own. |
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| Day 14 |
Lisbon - Mafra - Ericeira - Obidos - LisbonEnjoy this day to discover a whole new region, starting in Mafra, where the great convent stands out from the small town. Reach the cliffs of Ericeira, a fishing village turned surfing mecca and end in the picture-perfect city of Obidos, where white-washed houses sit snug within medieval city walls. Tonight, you may choose to join an optional tour to listen to local artists perform traditional fado music, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage highlight. |
Included Meals
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| Day 15 |
LisbonThe day is yours! Take advantage of your day at leisure; maybe stroll along Praca do Comercio, or even make your way up to São Jorge Castle for a sprawling panorama of the city. Gather in the evening for dinner in a local restaurant, getting a taste of some of Portugal's favorite flavors in a small restaurant full of history. |
Included Meals
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| Day 16 |
Lisbon - Extension EndsWish Lisbon goodbye as you depart for home. |
Included Meals
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The overall activity level of this extension is a level 3. This means walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn't a big deal for you. You can navigate hills and uneven ground, climb into various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.), and could possibly anticipate changes in elevation. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable as is climbing 3 flights of stairs. You can handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. You can expect some longer days balanced with free time. This level is not a fit for travelers that require mobility assistance devices.
Fully-guided extensions are a great way to explore a new destination. Enjoy sightseeing and local experiences led by a Tour Manager or local expert.
We reserve the right to cancel this extension if a minimum of 4 passengers is not met to operate.
Extensions are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request.
If you require any special assistance while on tour, please make us aware at time of reservation so the necessary request form can be sent to your attention.
Air inclusive rate is valid for guests who have purchased our air package for the full tour, depending on the air schedule selected. Rate may vary for those who have purchased their own air.
For air-inclusive reservations, the name provided at time of booking must match your government-issued ID that will be used during travel. Name changes are subject to penalties.
Available Options
Faial, Azores
Exploring the Landscapes of Pico - Rate: $175.00 USD per person
The scarcely populated Pico Island landscape is a sublime mixture of lava rock and exotic vegetation. Get to know this dramatic island, just a short ferry ride from Faial. Start with a visit to the Pico Wine Museum, where you will learn about the uniqueness and adaptability of wine production on the island. See firsthand why the vineyard landscape is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the afternoon, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and enjoy a trek along Lagoa do Capitão, taking in views of Sao Jorge Island in the distance. Duration: Approximately 8 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Sao Miguel, Azores
Whale Watching Adventure and Lunch - Rate: $145.00 USD per person
Go searching for gentle giants on a whale watching excursion! Venture out into the blue Atlantic and search for some of the 28 species of cetaceans. Learn about the culture of whales in the Azores from an expert biologist, detailing the social shift of whale treatment in the area. From whale hunting to whale watching, you'll understand the cultural evolution that has led to respecting these peaceful animals in present day. Sperm whales, pilot whales, and pods of dolphins frequent the Azorean waters, and you might be able to catch some blue whales or fin whales migrating through the area. After you're back on land, reflect on your adventure with a lunch featuring local flavors. This optional tour is weather-dependent and may be cancelled without previous notice. If cancelled due to weather, you will be reimbursed. Duration: Approximately 4 hours. Please note a minimum of 6 passengers is required. Transportation is not included.
Terceira, Azores
Western Island Tour: Monte Brasil, Coffee & Banana Plantation & Lunch - Rate: $85.00 USD per person
This morning, see what lies on the western side of Terceira Island. Take in the beautiful coastal views along the way before visiting a banana plantation, where bright green banana leaves and blue skies meet. After sipping on coffee and sampling some bananas or other seasonal fruits, you'll visit a family-owned cheese factory. The family owns cows that roam freely with plenty of space and grass at a nearby farm, and many say the milk of these "happy cows" leads to a tastier cheese. After learning about the production process and the family history, gather for a light lunch of local products. Duration: Approximately 4 hours. Please note a minimum of 8 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Cancellation Waiver
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Worry-Free Cancellation Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travellers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected. Click here for complete details. |
Plus, you're covered on tour. Our travel protection plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered. Travel Protection is just $549 per person. |
Pricing
Save $150 per person*
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Double |
$5,329pp |
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Single |
$6,129pp |
* Included in Price: Round Trip Group Transfer from Pacific Grove to San Francisco Intl Airport, Round Trip Air from San Francisco Intl Airport, Inter-flights from Joao Paulo II, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers
* Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $549 per person