Description
If you are seeking adventure this is the package designed for you. You will have the opportunity to explore the island on a jeep safari, go on a bike tour and discover the great outdoors of São Miguel. Hike along the rims of some of the most beautiful craters, try canoeing in Sete Cidades Lake or simply observe some of the whales and dolphins that make the Azores their home year-round. This is a package like no other that we invite you to enjoy.
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Summary
- Day 1 | Arrival
- Day 2 | Tour Lagoa do Fogo + City Tour walk (FD)
- Day 3 | Whale watching and Swimming with dolphins* (FD)
- Day 4 | Canyoning Salto do Cabrito (FD)
- Day 5 | Hike Sete Cidades (FD)
- Day 6 | Thematic tour to Furnas (FD)
- Day 7 | Free day to explore
- Day 8 | Departure
* Whale watching and swimming with dolphins are two separate activities. The boat will return to the harbor after the whale watching, time to have a picnic (included) and start the swimming with dolphins. These tours, as any other tour on the program, can be schedueled in a different order due to weather and availability.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free day.
Day 2 - Tour to Fire Lake and city tour (FD)
Pick up at the hotel for a Tour to the Fire Lake, where vegeation is different from the rest of the island for being the last volcano eruption that occurred on Sao Miguel. Its considered a Natural Reserve and presents a beautiful view over the lake. Time for brunch ( included). Stop at Caldeira velha, a natural warm waterfall (if opened) and continue towards the main Town of Ponta Delgada. This part of the tour will be a walk tour around the city to get to know a bit of the local life, history and monuments. Walk back to the hotel.
Day 3 - Whale Watching and Swimming with dolphins (FD)
No pick up fo this activity, please plan to walk. Each trip will have a briefing and a duration of 3 hours Picninc is included in between activities. There's more than 25 cetacean species that can be found in the Azores, during the trip enjoy the playful dolphins ( this activity is just dedicated to to observe). During the tour each passenger is required to wear a life vest (except on our catamaran). After lunch, the adventure of swimming in high sea with the dolphins begins. To avoid stressing the animals, this activity is done in zodiacs with a maximum of 8 people. you will be informed how to get into the water, interact with the dolphins and how to use the snorkel and the mask. Normally, each person can go in two or three times. Equipment included for this activity: mask, snorkel, wetsuit, raincoat and life jacket. Please bring: towel, swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, water and snacks.
Day 4 - Canyoning Tour Salto do Cabrito (FD)
No pick up, please plan to walk. This tour will take place ai one of the longest's watercourses in the island. During the descent, brief stop for a snack ( included) and continue to explore the stream to reach the highlight of the tour, the last two waterfalls where you'll feel the real adrenaline of canyoning. the guides will take pictures and videos to capture these moments for later remember.
Day 5 - Hike Sete Cidades (FD)
Pick up at the hotel. This full day tour will start with a drive by the south road with a picturesque view till Vista do Rei, the most famous viewpoint of Sete Cidades, where you can see the green and the blue lake. This is where the hike 8 km/+-5miles starts. The hike will go through the rim of Caldeira das Sete Cidades, on the right there will be Caldeira Seca, the parish and on the left, a view to the southwest coast of the island and its small villages. Stop for lunch/picnic by the lake and time to rest and enjoy the view. Return to Ponta Delgada and short tour at the Pineapple Plantion with an explanation on how this fruit is cultivated in the island. Drop off at the Hotel
Day 6 - Thematic Tour to Furnas (FD)
Pick up at the hotel. This day will be a little more relaxing, a mix between van and walking to fully enjoy the beauty of this Village, which wouldn't be seen on a hike. The tour starts by the south part of the island, there will be a passage thru inumerous villages like Lagoa and Vila Franca do campo ( former Capital), viewpoint at Caloura. The first stop in Furnas will be at the Lake and where the fanous "cozido das Furnas" ( several vegetables and meats) is cooked undergrounf by the heat of the volcano), brief explanation about how its processed and how long it takes as well observe hot springs and fumerolles. Continue to the charming and unique Village of Furnas and stop for lunch at a local restaurant, the cozido. Please advise if there's any allergies or food restrictions. After lunch, stroll thru the historic Botanical Park Terra Nostra, planted in the 18th century with breathtaking views, there will be an opportunity for a small swim at their natural warm water pool, which yellow/brown color is due to the high level of iron (we advise used swimwear that you won't mind having stained). The tour will continue taking the North side of the island, stop at viewpoints and visit Europe's only tea plantation at Gorreana. Brief explanation how the tea is processed and opportunity to have a cup of tea. More villages will be seen on your way to the Hotel in Ponta Delgada. Drop off at the hotel.
Day 7 - Free
Free day to rest and explore.
Day 8 - Departure
Transfer from the hotel to the airport and departure.
Highlights:
- Hiking through beautiful landscapes.
- Watching some of the 25 cetacean species that can be found in the Azores
- Tasting the famous Furnas “Cozido” cooked only with steam of the earth
- Swimming with dolphins