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6-Nights Signature: The Azores' Terceira & Sao Miguel - National Geographic Signature from $5,999
G Adventures
OFFER ID 1688254
Signature: The Azores' Terceira & São Miguel
Embark on an unforgettable expedition to explore the rugged Azores archipelago, a land shaped by fire and sea. Discover Terceira's volcanic depths, witness unique marine life with a conservation biologist, and relax in São Miguel's geothermal hot springs. Experience the Azores as never before, connecting its history, culture, land and sea, guided by local expertise and profound geographical contrasts.
Highlights
Enjoy an exclusive tour and lunch inside the Angra Museum with the curator exploring Terceirense culture, Meet with a biologist to gain insight into conservation and the diverse marine life of the surrounding oceans, Explore Algar do Carvão a spectacular volcanic chimney left behind from an eruption millennia ago, Visit the ARRISCA Cooperative a craft centre supporting local community rehabilitation through employment, Head out on a catamaran cruise searching for dolphins and migrating whales with a conservationist, Sample unique wines grown in the volcanic soil of the Biscoitos vineyards on Terceira Island.
Group Leader
All National Geographic Signature group trips are accompanied by one of our National Geographic Expedition Leaders throughout. The aim of the Expedition Leaders is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max 22.
Meals Included
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet
Your Expedition Leader and Group, Angra do Heroísmo
Your Foodie Moment: Rocha Restaurant Lunch, Angra do Heroísmo
Your Local Living Moment: Quinta do Agricultor Visit and Lunch, Ponta Delgada
Your Foodie Moment: Wine Masterclass and Open-Fire Lunch, Ponta Delgada
Signature Moment: Private Whale Watching Tour with a Marine Biologist, Ponta Delgada.
Arrival and Departure Transfers. Angra do Heroismo Orientation Walk. Private visit to the Palácio dos Capitães Generais. Angra Museum with the Curator. Monte Brasil Caldera Viewpoint. São Sebastião Church Visit. Serra do Cume Visit. Vitorino Nemésio House Museum. Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Visit. Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting. Vista do Reis Photo Stop. Sete Cidades Caldera Visit. Harvesting and Sustainability Project Visit. Parque Terra Nostra Visit. ARRISCA Cooperative Visit. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader.
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
6 nights from $5,999 per person
G Adventures: Signature: The Azores' Terceira & São Miguel
Day 1: Angra do Heroísmo
Welcome to the Azores archipelago. Your expedition begins as you touch down on Terceira Island, sitting almost 1200km (745mi) west of Lisbon. You'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city of Angra do Heroismo. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader along with a reception and short presentation from the National Geographic Expedition Expert before a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Angra do Heroísmo
Set off on foot and engage in discussion with your Expedition Leader and expert about the history of the Azores en route to the impressive Palácio dos Capitães Generais, a magnificent building which bears witness to the city’s economic power over centuries. Continue to the Angra Museum, housed in a former Franciscan convent and take an exclusive tour with the curator for unique insights into Terceira’s history through its naval artefact and decorative arts. After a delicious local lunch, take the remainder of the day at leisure, free to explore or relax.
Day 3: Angra do Heroísmo
Immerse yourself in Terceira’s geological origins on a full-day exploration of the island's spectacular volcanic landscape. Take in sweeping views from the Monte Brasil Caldera and Serra do Cume viewpoints, then descend into the Algar do Carvão, a striking volcanic chimney left behind from an eruption millions of years ago. Witness the sulfuric fumaroles to appreciate the powerful and raw forces of nature that shaped the geography of the entire archipelago. Visit the house and museum of a prominent Azorean author then continue to the vineyards of Biscoitos for a walk and wine tasting before returning to the hotel.
Day 4: Angra do Heroísmo/Ponta Delgada
Catch a short flight to the island of São Miguel, then head to a small farm for a personal encounter with a local family who work and live on the property. Join them for a home-cooked lunch from fresh ingredients and learn about what life is like on the island. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to the western side of the island for a visit to Sete Cidades, a stunning natural protected area. Take in the sweeping views from Vista do Rei of the famous twin crater lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. Hike along natural trails, learning about the unique history and species of plant life that thrive in this lush volcanic landscape.
Day 5: Ponta Delgada
Start the day by engaging with a local agriculture and sustainability project, getting hands-on insight into environmental initiatives that help to preserve the Azores through farming. Following a wine masterclass and open-fire lunch, set off on a guided walk through the stunning Parque Terra Nostra gardens, known for their unique collection of flora. Finish things off with the chance for a relaxing dip in the geothermal hot springs pool, allowing you to soak in the volcanic warmth and rejuvenate your body and mind.
Day 6: Ponta Delgada
Shifting focus to the surrounding waters of the Azores, meet with a marine biologist who will share insights into conservation and offer insights into the history of whaling in the islands. Next, set off in a private boat in search of resident sperm whales and depending on the season other migratory species like blue, fin and sei whales. Experience a truly thrilling marine encounter while gaining a unique and beautiful perspective of the islands from the water. Continue to a local craft cooperative working to rehabilitate individuals who have faced life challenges, learning about their work and meeting some members. The day concludes with a farewell dinner to celebrate the final night in the islands.
Day 7: Ponta Delgada
Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.
Swain's Travel, Inc.
35 Old South Road
Nantucket, MA 02554
USA
(508) 228-3201