Ultimate Azores Experience: 15-Day Five-Island Tour

Arrive on Flores, one of the most scenic islands in the Azores, known for volcanic crater lakes, high waterfalls, rugged cliffs and lush green countryside. Your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Santa Cruz das Flores. The remainder of the day is free to settle in and begin exploring the island. Please note that the arrival transfer may be shared rather than private.

Spend the day discovering the volcanic scenery of Flores with an English-speaking driver/guide. The tour features panoramic viewpoints and landscapes around Ribeira da Cruz, Fajãzinha, Ponta da Fajã and Caveira, along with several of the crater lakes and waterfalls for which the island is known. You will also see Rocha dos Bordões, an impressive formation of vertical basalt columns. Return to Santa Cruz das Flores with time to enjoy the town and evening at leisure. This tour may operate on a shared rather than private basis.

Enjoy a free day on Flores for hiking, sightseeing or independent exploration. Depending on season and local operating conditions, an optional excursion to nearby Corvo Island ( Zodiac type of boat) may be available for an additional charge. Corvo is the smallest island in the Azores and is known for the Caldeirão volcanic crater, the compact settlement of Vila do Corvo and its distinctive island culture.

Travel by air from Flores to Faial and continue to Horta, a historic Atlantic port with a long maritime tradition. For centuries, Horta has served sailors crossing the Atlantic, and its harbor later became an important communications point during the era of transatlantic submarine cables. Spend time exploring the city’s waterfront, marina and historic center, or enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Explore Faial’s volcanic landscapes on a half-day private guided tour. Travel through the Valley of Flamengos to the island’s central Caldeira, then continue toward Capelinhos on the western end of Faial. The stark volcanic landscape at Capelinhos was shaped by the 1957–58 eruption and remains one of the island’s most distinctive geological sites. Return to Horta for a free afternoon.

Take the ferry from Horta to Madalena on neighboring Pico Island and meet your guide for a full-day tour. Pico is dominated by Mount Pico and is known for dramatic lava landscapes, traditional settlements and vineyards divided by walls of dark volcanic stone. The day also introduces the island’s maritime heritage and the history of whaling, an industry that later gave way to whale watching and marine tourism. Return to Faial by ferry.

Enjoy a free day on Faial. You may explore Horta, spend time near the coast or visit additional volcanic and cultural sites independently. Depending on season and local operating conditions, an optional day trip to São Jorge may be available for an additional charge. São Jorge is known for its steep coastline, scenic fajãs, hiking landscapes and distinctive local traditions.

Fly from Faial to Terceira and continue to Angra do Heroísmo, one of the most historic cities in the Azores. Its historic center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and reflects the city’s importance as an Atlantic port during the Age of Discovery. Spend time exploring the old streets, gardens, churches and waterfront, and consider a walk toward Monte Brasil for panoramic views over the city and harbor.

Discover Terceira on a full-day private guided tour. Travel along the south coast through Porto Judeu and São Sebastião before continuing to Praia da Vitória. After time for lunch, head inland toward Serra do Cume for panoramic views over Terceira’s patchwork fields. Continue to Algar do Carvão, one of the island’s best-known volcanic formations, when open, and then to Biscoitos on the north coast, known for its natural lava swimming pools. Return by way of traditional villages including Altares, Doze Ribeiras and São Mateus.

Spend the day exploring Terceira at your own pace. Angra do Heroísmo is well suited to walking, with historic streets, churches, gardens and waterfront areas to discover. You may also visit Monte Brasil for views and walking trails or use the day to enjoy local cuisine and additional sightseeing around the island.

Fly to São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores, and settle into your hotel in Ponta Delgada. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city’s historic center, waterfront, shops, restaurants and local food scene. Ponta Delgada provides a convenient base for the volcanic landscapes and natural attractions visited over the next several days.

Meet your private driver/guide for a full-day tour through São Miguel. Travel east from Ponta Delgada through Lagoa, Caloura and Vila Franca do Campo before reaching the Furnas area. Discover Furnas Lake, geothermal springs and fumaroles, including the area where the traditional dish cozido is cooked using natural volcanic heat.

Continue into Furnas for time for lunch and an opportunity to visit its historic botanical gardens and thermal attractions. Garden admission is an additional charge. Later, cross toward the north coast, stopping at scenic viewpoints and a tea plantation before returning to Ponta Delgada.

Spend the day visiting two of São Miguel’s best-known volcanic landscapes. Begin with Sete Cidades and the panoramic viewpoint at Vista do Rei, overlooking the blue and green lakes within the large volcanic caldera. Continue into the village of Sete Cidades before returning toward Ponta Delgada.

The tour also includes Lagoa do Fogo, a dramatic crater lake in the center of São Miguel, with additional stops at Caldeira Velha and Ribeira Grande. Entrance to Caldeira Velha is not included. A picnic is included during the day. Return to your hotel in Ponta Delgada for the evening.

Enjoy a final free day on São Miguel. Explore downtown Ponta Delgada, visit local gardens or museums according to opening schedules, stroll along the marina, shop for local products or enjoy traditional Azorean food and pastries.

Enjoy your final morning in Ponta Delgada before checking out of your hotel. Depending on your departure time, you may have time for last-minute shopping, a waterfront walk or additional sightseeing before continuing with your onward travel.