Group members from across Canada gather in Toronto for the SATA Airlines flight to Terceira island.

Early this morning we arrive on Terceira island, which translates as the “Third”, the third island discovered and the third largest. On arrival we will meet our local guide and transfer to Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a delightful city where we step back in time an era long past. Its snug harbour is protected by a volcanic cone which made Angra a major staging point during the 16th to 18th centuries, for ships bringing the wealth of the New World colonies to Europe. Enjoy a walk to the Public Gardens and the former Jesuit Convent which, since 1776, has been the Residence of the Governor. Nearby we find the 16th century Cathedral, the baroque Palace of Bettencourt and the Convent of São Gonçalo, dating from 1542. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure and our Welcome Dinner at our hotel this evening.
Terceira Mar Hotel (2 nights)

Drive to Monte Brasil for commanding views over the whole island, and stop at Pico das Cruzinhas Belvedere for the most impressive view over Angra do Heroísmo. In the centre of the island we visit Algar do Carvão, an ancient lava tub that reaches 100m deep and which is full of interesting geology. On the east coast, enjoy views of typical settlements and traditional houses that contrast with the lush green fields encircled by lava stonewalls. One of the oldest on the islands, the parish church in São Sebastião contains beautiful antique frescoes. Nearby is an “Império”, a small chapel characteristic of the Azorean towns. Império are central to the religious festivals of the Holy Ghost popular throughout the Azores. Such medieval festivals are now seldom seen in mainland Europe. After lunch in a typical local restaurant, we drive to Praia da Vitória and on to Serra do Cume, enjoying the scenery overlooking Lajes and the ocean. Passing the area of wild bulls used in the bullfights of Terceira (Touradas), we come to Biscoitos to see the natural lava swimming pools and to visit a local winery.

Take a 30 minute flight to Faial Island and drive through Horta, a small village that was one of the most important harbours in the early days of settlement. Enjoy the sights of Horta, its harbour and the surroundings from the breathtaking Espalamaca Belvedere. We continue to the highest point on the island, the Caldeira, a large crater featuring the most beautiful landscapes and unique vegetation. Capelinhos is the site of the 1957 maritime volcanic eruption which added 2 sq. km to the island. This afternoon we catch the ferry that will take us 9 km to nearby Pico Island. Hotel Caravelas (3 nights)

Pico is dominated by Mount Pico, the highest peak in the Azores. Islanders make good use of the black volcanic rock to build their houses and the walls that protect their fields. This morning enjoy our walk in the village of Madalena. On the West side of the island we visit the vineyards of the Criação Velha, with a walk by the vineyard landscape of the Pico Island. We follow the South side of the island, stopping at the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus in São Mateus. In Lajes do Pico, pioneer village and the oldest of the island of Pico, we visit the Whaling Museum. On the way back to the hotel, we return to the central plateau and stop at Lagoa do Capitão.

Drive with our guide to the north side of the island to the protected area of the Vineyard Culture Landscape and visit the interpretation centre. Visit the village of São Roque where we stop for lunch. After we will continue to Prainha with a short stop at Mistério da Prainha and on to Santo Amaro where we visit the School of Crafts. On our way back, we will go up to the Central Plateau to visit the remaining lakes.

This morning we fly to São Miguel, the largest and most geographically diverse of the islands. On arrival we depart towards Sete Cidades, the westernmost part of the island, a scenic area noted for its mountains and lakes. Enjoy the coast with its green landscape and cattle farms. Following lunch we stop at the King’s Vista overlooking the Blue and Green Lakes inside an enormous volcanic crater. Returning near the capital, we visit a pineapple plantation where the tropical fruits are grown in greenhouses. Later we continue to Furnas. Terra Nostra Garden Hotel (3 nights)

Our morning is dedicated to exploring Nordeste, a beautiful coastal village, noted for its lush vegetation, delightful gardens and waterfalls. Highlights will include Salto do Cavalo, Ribeira dos Caldeirões and the village of Nordeste. Enjoy the dramatic views from a variety of noted belvedere (literally “beautiful view”) for which this coast is justly famous: Ponta do Sossego, Ponta da Madrugada and Ponta do Sol. After visiting Povoação, we return to our hotel with free time for lunch. This afternoon provides us with a number of options. A highlight will be the hike around Furnas Lake located at the heart of an extinct caldeira (volcano). The full walk is about 9 km on level well groomed trails but travellers can do as much or as little as they like. In the walk you will have the option to visit the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, a small but exquisite Gothic chapel built in the 19th century. Travellers can also opt to relax by the lake, to enjoy the gardens by our resort or to use the thermal pools for which our resort is famous (everyone will be able to use the thermal pools). Relax over dinner, back at our resort.

Drive into the mountains to overlook Lagoa do Fogo, a volcanic lake noted for its tranquil setting and beautiful landscapes. En route, stop at Caldeira Velha with an opportunity to enjoy the soothing hot springs. After lunch on our own in Ribeira Grande, city noted for its 17th and 18th century baroque architecture, we drive to the north side for wonderful views along the coast. Visit the tea plantations of Gorreana to see the terraced tea bushes, the only such to grow in Europe before returning to our resort with free time in the late afternoon. This evening we gather for our Farewell Dinner.