Magical Azores Islands

Travellers from across Canada gather in Toronto for their flights to Terceira Island. 

Terceira, whose name means "Third" in Portuguese, was the third island discovered and remains the third largest. Upon arrival, we’ll meet our local guide and proceed to Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic city, with its harbour sheltered by volcanic cliffs, served as a key hub for transatlantic trade from the 16th to 18th centuries. Our touring includes the Palace of the Captains General, the Public Gardens, and the Convent of São Gonçalo, the oldest in the city, renowned for its collection of 18th-century Portuguese tiles. We will also visit the Cathedral of Angra do Heroísmo, which features an Indo-Portuguese lectern, intricate silverwork, and a 16th-century wooden painting. The day concludes with a welcome dinner at the hotel. 

Terceira Mar Hotel (3 nights) 

Drive up to Monte Brasil and stop at Pico das Cruzinhas Belvedere for great views over Angra do Heroísmo. In the centre of the island, visit Algar do Carvão, a 100-metre-deep volcanic cave with unique rock formations and an underground lake. Along the east coast, you'll pass through villages with colourful houses and green fields bordered by lava stone walls. Stop in São Sebastião to see the historic parish church's frescoes and an Império nearby - these small, bright chapels have hosted Holy Ghost festivals since medieval times. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Praia da Vitória for a short stroll. Then drive through Serra do Cume, taking in panoramic views of Lajes and the ocean, before arriving in the wine region of Biscoitos to visit a wine museum.     

Today, you'll have the opportunity to choose between two optional exciting activities: heading out to sea in search of whales passing through the archipelago, or taking an easy 6-km coastal hike. Alternatively, you can simply unwind at the hotel and make use of the amenities. Please inform our sales specialists of your preferred activity when making your final payment. 

A short early morning flight takes us to Faial Island, where we’ll stop at Espalmaca Belvedere for views of Horta’s harbour. Next, we’ll visit the Caldeira, a volcanic crater at the island’s highest point, surrounded by dramatic scenery. At Capelinhos, we’ll explore the landscape shaped by the 1957–1958 volcanic eruption and visit the underground Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre to learn about the eruption, global volcanic activity, and the history of Azorean lighthouses. After lunch at Varadouro, a coastal retreat known for its natural volcanic swimming pools, we’ll head to the harbour to catch a ferry to Pico Island, where we’ll settle in for the next few nights. 

Hotel Caravelas (3 nights)

Our day begins with a leisurely stroll through the village of Madalena. Just outside town, we’ll visit the unique vineyards of Criação Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. F    ollowing some free time for lunch, we’ll follow the southern coast to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus in São Mateus. From there, we’ll head to Lajes do Pico, the island’s oldest village, where the whaling museum offers a  glimpse into Pico’s deep connection with whaling. On the way back to the hotel, we’ll stop at Lagoa do Capitão, a great spot for photos. 

Today we travel along the island’s north coast, passing by and visiting various communities along the way. After lunch in Prainha, we’ll stop at Mistério da Prainha, a local nature reserve formed during the Azores’ longest recorded volcanic eruption (1562–1564). Our route back to the hotel takes us through the beautiful central plateau. 

A morning flight brings us to São Miguel, the largest and most geographically diverse of the islands. We start our exploration on the western side, with Sete Cidades, which is renowned for its scenic mountains and lakes. Along the way, take in coastal views, lush pastures, and charming cattle farms. Stop to visit a pineapple plantation and learn about its cultivation. The day concludes in the spa town of Furnas. 

Terra Nostra Garden Hotel (3 nights)

Moving east across São Miguel, we visit Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, known for its waterfall, 16th-century watermills, and hiking trails. From there, we continue to the seaside village of Nordeste and follow the eastern coastline, stopping at various viewpoints to take in the incredible scenery. After lunch in Povoação, we return to Furnas, where you can choose between an optional lakeside hike (9.5 km / 3 hrs) to the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias or relax in our hotel's thermal swimming pool. 

Venturing high into São Miguel’s mountains, we will overlook the stunning Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake) — a sapphire volcanic lake whose name hints at its fiery origins. This serene crater lake encapsulates the island’s mystical landscapes. As we cross one of the island's highest points, we will be treated to vistas of both the southern and northern coasts. In Ribeira Grande, the 17th and 18th-century Baroque architecture will transport us back in time, before we return to the dramatic present-day coastline, sculpted by volcanic rock. Our visit to Gorreana, home to Europe's only commercially grown tea, reveals meticulously cultivated terraces. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner and folkloric show at Vale das Furnas Restaurant.

Venturing high into São Miguel’s mountains, we will overlook the stunning Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake) — a sapphire volcanic lake whose name hints at its fiery origins. This serene crater lake encapsulates the island’s mystical landscapes. As we cross one of the island's highest points, we will be treated to vistas of both the southern and northern coasts. In Ribeira Grande, the 17th and 18th-century Baroque architecture will transport us back in time, before we return to the dramatic present-day coastline, sculpted by volcanic rock. Our visit to Gorreana, home to Europe's only commercially grown tea, reveals meticulously cultivated terraces. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner and folkloric show at Vale das Furnas Restaurant.