Three Island Azores Adventure Seeker

It's all about the outdoors in the Azores! With this 8-day itinerary, you will explore the islands of Sao Miguel, Faial, and Pico - all while engaging in fun and adventurous activities! Experience canyoning in Ribeira dos Caldeirões and go kayaking on Lagoa das Furnas. Then fly from Sao Miguel to Faial, where you will hike the rim of a caldeira. Before your return to the US, take the ferry to Pico for a relaxing sightseeing tour.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Welcome to the Azores

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

Day 2:

Kayaking on Lagoa das Furnas and Terra Nostra Park Visit

Today you will head to the eastern side of Sao Miguel for a day of peace and tranquility. Take in the beautiful natural landscape as you spend the morning kayaking on Lagoa das Furnas. While you paddle, your traditional cozido lunch will be cooking in the ground on the banks of the lake. After lunch, you will head to Terra Nostra Park to visit the award-winning botanical gardens and also relax in the hot springs. A truly relaxing day spent in a beautiful place!

Day 3:

Canyoning in Ribeira dos Caldeirões

Get your adrenaline pumping! This adventurous activity is suitable for all ages and skill levels and is the perfect way to experience one of the beautiful, untouched areas of the island. Head out to the natural reserve of Ribeira dos Caldeirões on the north side of the island and get geared-up in a wetsuit, helmet, and harness. You will then hike in the riverbed, surrounded by canyon walls covered in lush vegetation. From time to time, you will encounter pools to swim across, large rocks to slide down, and waterfalls! At each waterfall, you will rappel down under the supervision of your knowledgeable and skilled guides. This is truly a unique experience that you will always remember!

Day 4:

Your Day to Explore

Today is yours to explore Sao Miguel on your own. Relax at your hotel or in town, or book a whale and dolphin watching tour.

Day 5:

Welcome to Faial

After a quick inter-island flight over to Faial, take the afternoon to explore the main town of Horta, the ruins of the Santa Cruz Fort, the Faial Botanical Gardens, or just relax poolside and get ready for tomorrow’s great adventure.

Day 6:

Hiking the Caldeira

Today you will enjoy a guided hike around the rim of Faial's Caldeira. The Caldeira Volcano is a massive stratovolcano that formed the island of Faial. The floor of the crater is two kilometers wide and is 400 m (1,300 ft) in depth below the rim. Your hike will feature spectacular views, both of the inside of the Caldeira and of Faial.

Day 7:

Day Trip to Pico

Dominating the view out to sea from Horta, the island of Pico is just a short, 30-minute ferry ride away. Home to Mt. Pico, the highest peak in Portugal, Pico offers breathtaking landscapes, dark black basalt cliffs, lava flows, and historic vineyards. On this full-day tour, you will learn how grapes are grown in ancient lava flows, stop at viewpoints along the dramatic coastline, and see the endemic flora in the laurel forest. After lunch in one of the island’s small towns, the tour continues in Lajes, visiting the Museu dos Baleeiros (the whaling museum). At the day's end, return to Faial by ferry, enjoying the late afternoon sun on the ocean.

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 Horta airport for your flight home.