Best of the Azores

On this 8-day itinerary, visit the Green Island of Sao Miguel and the Lilac Island of Terceira. On Sao Miguel, explore the city of Ponta Delgada and enjoy tours of the western and eastern ends of the island. After a short inter-island flight to Terceira, discover the rich culture and history of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Welcome to the Green Island

Upon your arrival at Ponta Delgada International Airport, you’ll be met by a driver and brought to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the cobblestone streets of the Azores’ largest city.

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 you 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:

Your Day To Explore

Today is yours to explore Sao Miguel on your own: continue to stroll through Ponta Delgada, or perhaps head out of town to another part of the island. The second-largest city of Ribeira Grande, the Gruta do Carvão lava caves, and the Caldeira Velha hot springs are just a few of the options.

Day 5:

Welcome to the Lilac Island

After a quick inter-island flight to Terceira, you will be met by a driver and taken to your hotel in Angra do Heroísmo. Terceira was third island to be discovered by the Portuguese and Angra's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening, enjoy strolling the lilac-filled streets and find a local restaurant to try the island's signature dish, Alcatra.

Day 6:

Full-Day Terceira Island Tour

This full-day tour starts with an ascent of Monte Brasil for a wonderful view of Angra and the bays. Heading north, you will see lava fields that have been cultivated into vineyards before continuing to Biscoitos. After lunch in a traditional restaurant, you will visit the island's wine museum. On the return to Angra do Heroísmo, you will visit the Algar do Carvão lava tube. This unique geologic feature can only be found in a few places in the world, including on Sao Miguel and Terceira.

Day 7:

Relax and Enjoy

Today is yours to spend as you see fit. Relax in town or explore more of the island. Perhaps book whale watching tour to see some of the local pods of whales and bottle nose dolphins. Or, if the weather is nice, choose a snorkeling tour to the islets.

Day 8:

Until Next Time

After breakfast, you’ll have some time to shop for souvenirs or simply relax with the locals at an oceanfront café before your transfer back to the airport for your flight home.

Testimonials

We had a wonderful time.

Marie T , Azores - 2023

From start to finish the trip Quest put together was seamless. All our drivers turned up on time, whether for airport connections or tours. The hotels were all excellent. All the small group excursions booked for us had wonderful guides - they spoke great English and were very knowledgeable. The restaurant recommendations we received from Quest for both Lisbon and the Azores were definitely worth having. We tried several of them and had some wonderful meals. All in all a fantastic stress-free vacation. Ryan at Quest was responsive to all our questions in a timely manner. Thank you!

Ghislaine S, Portugal - 2023