The Azores & Madeira

The Azores & Madeira archipelagos both sit in the Atlantic Ocean and both are autonomous regions of Portugal, but each have a slightly different character. This itinerary allows you to sample both, experiencing their natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and rich history.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Welcome to the Azores

Upon arrival at Ponta Delgada International Airport on the Azorean island of Sao Miguel, you’ll be met by a private driver and brought to your hotel in the city's center. The rest of the day is yours to explore the cobblestone streets of the Azores’ largest city. Visit the Portas da Cidade (city gate), the historic St. Sebastian Church, and Forte de São Brás, or simply relax in a café near the marina.

Day 2:

Full-Day Eastern Sao Miguel/Furnas Tour

This scenic tour of the eastern side of Sao Miguel begins with a stop in the beautiful seaside town of Vila Franca do Campo to taste the famous Queijadas de Vila Franca, a traditional pastry refined by nuns in convents during the 1600s. You will continue to Terra Nostra Park to visit the award-winning botanical gardens and will have a chance to soak in the geothermal hot springs. The tour continues to Furnas Lake, where you will be able to watch your traditional cozido lunch being prepared using the island's geothermal energy. After lunch, you will continue to the viewpoint of Pico do Ferro, where you will see the archipelago’s oldest crater. On your return journey to Ponta Delgada, you’ll stop at a tea plantation and at the Santa Iria viewpoint to take in the breathtaking views.

Day 3:

Half-Day Western Sao Miguel/Sete Cidades Tour

This half-day tour begins with a stop at a pineapple plantation for an opportunity to see how the island's delicious fruit is grown. Then visit some of the most scenic lookout points on the western end of the island, including Vista do Rei, where you’ll see the iconic blue and green crater lakes of Sete Cidades.

Day 4:

Welcome to Madeira

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Ponta Delgada International Airport for your flight to Madeira. Upon arrival in Madeira, you will meet your driver and head to your hotel in Funchal.

Day 5:

Full-Day Porto Moniz Tour

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for a day-long tour of the northwestern side of the island. Enjoy the countryside off the beaten track in a 4x4 vehicle, taking in the forests and waterfalls. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to swim at the volcanic lava pools and sample local food and traditional drinks, including the "poncha". You will also visit Serra d'Água, Ginjas, Estanquinhos, Paúl da Serra, Fanal, Ribeira da Janela, Porto Moniz, Seixal and São Vicente.

Day 6:

Free Day in Funchal

Today is yours to explore however you would like. Sleep in, take a swim in the hotel pool, or stroll through Funchal. Visit Funchal Cathedral, ride the cable car, or explore some of the city’s beautiful botanical gardens.

Day 7:

Until Next Time

After breakfast, use the last of your time in Funchal to shop for souvenirs or simply relax at a café before your transfer back to the airport for your flight home.

Testimonials

The Azores and Madeira trip did not disappoint. Both destinations are quite diverse in a variety of ways, yet I appreciate their common cultural thread. It was beneficial to get a taste of both, and to soak in the beauty and pulse of these very special islands! There were jaw dropping moments and also peaceful pauses. I now have a greater understanding of these places and what I would like to see and do for a future return trip. Overall, I loved seeing all of the plant life! Unreal! My excursions were truly fun, informative and exciting, but I also really enjoyed my down time, along with the stays at the chosen hotels. The locations of the hotels were ideal. It was so easy to take off on foot. There was so very much to do in the historic districts right at your fingertips. I appreciated the easy access to the waterfronts, museums, restaurants, botanical gardens and of course, the great people watching in both Ponta Delgada and Funchal. I also felt very safe in these destinations as a female solo traveller. Additionally, the planned airport transfers were an added bonus. Having a lot of these details taken care of for me alleviated a lot of stress. Overall, I definitely recommend this trip to anyone who is at all curious about these islands. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed the overall order and organization of working with Quest Travel. Lorri Hill was above and beyond helpful, and answered all of my questions with efficiency. Many thanks!

Megan F, Madeira - 2023

Ryan handled our trip to Azores and Madeira with such professionalism and attention to detail. Transfers to and from airports and hotels were on point, flight connections perfect and the tours included were terrific. Even restaurant recommendations were great choices. Thank you Ryan for everything and we look forward to our next trip with you.

Mark C, Madeira - 2023