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Azores Islands Explorer
Operated by Bunnik Tours
Tripcode: 1434
Overview
Destination:
Portugal,
Duration:10 days
Type:Group tour (max 20)
Travel Period
April 2027 - November 2027
An adventure through the Azores reveals a landscape of rugged craters, emerald lakes and dramatic Atlantic coastlines. On Faial Island, explore the striking Capelinhos Volcano. Fall in love with Pico Island and its historic wine industry. Discover São Miguel’s famous Sete Cidades region and stunning Terra Nostra Gardens. On the Azores, you’ll experience island life at its absolute unhurried best!
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
Sightseeing
- Take a scenic drive of Faial Island
- See the Capelinhos Volcano
- Visit Capelinhos Interpretation Centre
- Enjoy a gin tasting at Peter Café Sport
- Drive along Pico's rugged island centre and view Lagoa do Capitao
- Visit the Whalers Museum and Whaling Industry Museum
- Explore the Wine Museum
- Discover Pico Island's UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape and iconic natural swimming pools
- Learn of wine production using black lava fields on Pico Island
- Take a walking tour of Madalena's historic town centre
- Enjoy a walking tour of Ponta Delgada
- Visit Lagoa do Fogo and enjoy views of the crater lake
- Delight in an Azorean tea tasting at Gorreana Tea Plantation
- Enjoy a tour and tasting of famous Azorean liquor
- Explore the Sete Cidades region in 4x4 vehicles
- Discover the unique Sao Miguel pineapples and enjoy a tasting
- Drive along the south side of São Miguel to Vila Franca do Campo
- Explore Furnas Valley
- Try Cozido, a famous local stew
- Visit Terra Nostra Garden and the geothermal swimming pools
Travel
- All touring conducted in air-conditioned vehicles
- Travel by ferry from Faial Island to Pico Island
- Travel by plane from Pico Island to São Miguel Island
Accommodation
- 9 nights in 4 star hotels
Properties include:
- Hotel do Canal, Horta, Faial Island
- Pico Terramar & SPA, Madalena, Pico Island
- Vila Gale Collection S. Hotel, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island
Hotels listed are an indication and are subject to change without notice.
Double for Single Use: Please note the single supplement you pay on our tours entitles you to sole use of a room. A double for single use room is larger than a traditional single room offered in Europe. Often these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Meals
- 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners
- Meal highlights:
- Faial Island, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature in Capelo Forest Park
- São Miguel Island, experience a traditional Cozido lunch, featuring a stew prepared using volcanic heat
Tour Guides
- English-speaking locally based tour director
- English-speaking locally based guides
Some things to note
- We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 5.30pm.
- The 4x4 adventure drive is not recommended for participants with back, neck or joint problems.
- This tour is best suited for adventurous travellers who are in good physical condition, as it involves some long travel days to remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations. It's important to be prepared for unexpected changes to the itinerary, often due to developments in weather and local conditions. To fully enjoy this amazing journey, flexibility, a positive attitude, and a willingness to embrace the adventure are essential.
- If you are interested in exploring more of Portugal, why not consider our Treasures of Portugal tour, with many of our travel dates lining up. Please speak to your Travel Specialist for further details.
Optional Excursions:
- All optional excursions are based on minimum participants and are subject to availability. The length of optional excursions advised is an approximate only. Optional excursions can be booked on tour directly with your Tour Director or guide. We recommend arranging the booking at the beginning of the tour to avoid disappointment. Please note some optional excursions may also be available on multiple or alternate days. Prices are a guide only and are subject to change without prior notice. Payment by cash is preferred as there are no guarantees that credit card facilities will be available. Please check with your Tour Director or guide locally for information relating to this. Credit card fees and exchange rates are at the discretion of your bank.
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1 - Begin Horta, Faial Island
Sejam bem-vindos… or, welcome to the Azores! Set in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and North America, the Azores are a breathtaking chain of nine islands known for their volcanic landscapes, emerald crater lakes, dramatic coastlines and charming seaside villages. Rich in natural beauty and adventure, the islands offer everything from geothermal hot springs to local vineyards and warm Azorean hospitality.
Situated along a beautiful natural harbour on Faial Island, the lovely town of Horta is known as one of the Atlantic’s most famous yachting stopovers. With colourful marina murals, lively cafes and sweeping ocean views, Horta blends maritime history with laid-back island charm and is the perfect gateway to exploring the Azores.
We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 6.00pm.
At 6.45pm, join your fellow travellers and tour leader in the lobby for introductions and a welcome drink, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 - Faial Island Day Trip
Located in the central group of the Azores, Faial is a striking island, with sharp contrasts between moody, volcanic landscapes and lush greenery, all with sweeping Atlantic views as the backdrop.
One of its most dramatic landmarks is the Capelinhos Volcano, where a 1957-58 eruption dramatically extended the island and created a stark, moonlike landscape of ash and lava. We’ll have the opportunity to explore this unique site through the underground Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre. We’ll have an immersive look into the powerful geological story of the Azores, before walking among the ash fields and admiring the stark silhouette of the lighthouse, which is now partially buried.
Next, we continue up the mountain to visit the Caldeira. Stopping in Capelo Forest Park, we’ll indulge in a delicious, picnic lunch, completely surrounded by nature.
After admiring the lush landscapes, we’ll make our way back to Horta, Stopping at Peter Café Sport, beloved by sailors and decorated with yacht flags from every corner of the globe. Here, we’ll enjoy a gin tasting of their renowned house gin, a tradition that has become part of Faial’s cultural identity. While here, you may like to visit the Scrimshaw Museum to see the rare collection of the Azorean tradition of engraving whale teeth and bones.
Tonight is free to further explore Horta at your leisure.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Day 3 - Horta – Madalena, Pico Island
After breakfast it’s time to say farewell to Faial Island as we take a ferry trip to Pico Island, just across the water. One of the most dramatic and beautiful islands in the Azores, Pico Island is home to Portugal’s tallest mountain, Mount Pico, framed by a rugged volcanic landscape and black lava fields.
Upon arrival on Pico Island, we’ll start our day with a scenic drive through the heart of the island, crossing the island at the foot of the towering Mount Pico. Our first stop is for a photo opportunity at Lagoa do Capitão, famous for the reflections of Mount Pico in its beautiful waters on a calm day… keep your fingers crossed!
We’ll continue towards the historic whaling town of Lajes do Pico, where we’ll have the chance to explore the Whalers Museum, housed in the boathouses that once sheltered the traditional whaling boats.
Further along the coastline, our journey takes us to the peaceful village of São Roque and the Whaling Industry Museum to experience the industrial side of the island’s whaling history.
Later, we’ll return to Madalena, for our final stop of the day at the Wine Museum, where we’ll have an introduction to the fascinating wine traditions of the island. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Madalena, and you may wish to enjoy some of the amazing seafood at a local restaurant.
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Day 4 - Pico Island Day Trip
Today is all about exploring the rugged beauty of Pico Island, starting with panoramic views along the coast. We’ll see some of Pico Islands iconic natural swimming areas that have been formed by ancient lava flows where black rock meets the deep blue Atlantic.
Next we enjoy scenic stops around Cabrito and Areia Larga, before visiting the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage-listed vineyard landscape. Here generations of locals have transformed the hardened black lava fields into a thriving vineyard culture, unlike anywhere else in the world. Stretching along the coastline beneath the towering presence of Mount Pico, thousands of small stone-walled plots protect the vines from the Atlantic winds and salt spray. We’ll stop for a photo at the picturesque Criação Velha Vineyards and windmills, to experience this unique landscape up close.
While we’re in this wine region, we can’t miss the opportunity to taste the local drop! We’ll head to another local winery where we’ll learn about local wine production and enjoy a tasting.
Returning to Madalena, we’ll take a walking tour of the picturesque historic town centre. As we stroll through the streets, we’ll discover traditional architecture and scenic coastal viewpoints, all while gaining insight into the local culture and maritime heritage of this historic town.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening discovering all that Madalena has to offer at your own pace.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Day 5 - Madalena – Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island
This morning we’ll transfer to Pico Airport for our onwards flight to São Miguel Island and the archipelago’s capital, Ponta Delgada. The largest island in the Azorean archipelago, São Miguel Island is home to crater lakes, steaming geothermal springs, rolling green pastures and charming seaside villages, rich in Portuguese culture and tradition.
After our arrival, we’ll begin to explore the pretty capital on foot, admiring the whitewashed architecture and black basalt, giving monochrome vibes, but we’ll discover this is a town full of colourful character! Rich in history, Ponta Delgada blends elegant Portuguese architecture with a relaxed island atmosphere.
Take some free time for lunch, before we continue our exploration in the historic Matriz district, surrounded by some of the city’s most important architectural and cultural landmarks. The beautiful São Sebastião Mother Church stands proudly at the heart of the city and nearby, the iconic Portas da Cidade (the city gates) form one of the most recognisable symbols of the Azores, opening to lively squares and waterfront promenades. We’ll pass the Ponta Delgada City Hall on our way to São Francisco Square.
Later, we’ll check in to our hotel and have the rest of the afternoon and evening to further explore this idyllic city at our own pace.
Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
Day 6 - São Miguel Island Day Trip
Today is a treat for our taste buds as we get set to uncover the delights of São Miguel Island on a full day tour. Departing the hotel, our adventure begins with a scenic drive towards the dramatic volcanic heights of Lagoa do Fogo, one of São Miguel Island’s most pristine crater lakes. Make sure your cameras are ready, as this is one you won’t want to miss!
Continuing along the island’s scenic northern coast, we’ll reach the historic Gorreana Tea Plantation, Europe’s oldest surviving tea plantation, offering a rare and beautiful glimpse into the centuries-old tea production in a subtropical Atlantic setting.. We’ll have a chance to walk through the plantation, learn traditional tea-processing methods, and naturally, enjoy tastings of both the black and green tea varieties.
Moving on, we’ll stop in Ribeira Grande, a charming seaside town, where there will be some free time for lunch.
If liquors are more your thing, we’ll also visit a local producer of artisanal liqueurs that celebrate the island’s rich natural ingredients and heritage. Crafted using time-honoured methods, the range includes distinctive fruit and cream-based liqueurs, from tropical passionfruit to creamy milk and spice infusions. Saúde!
In the late afternoon, we’ll return to Ponta Delgada, where the rest of the day is your own to further explore or relax as you wish.
Your travel time today is approximately 2 hours.
Day 7 - Ponta Delgada – Sete Cidades – Ponta Delgada
Special Experience
Unleash your inner adventurous side as we spend a full day exploring the spectacular Sete Cidades region in 4x4 vehicles.
Famous for its twin crater lakes framed by dramatic green slopes, there is no better (or more exciting) way to discover the landscapes of the Sete Cidades region than in a 4x4 vehicle with expert guides. Kicking off our adventure, we’ll stop at some breathtaking viewpoints, including sweeping panoramas over the iconic Green and Blue Lakes.
Descending into the heart of the volcanic caldeira, we pass through the village of Sete Cidades, nestled beside the serene lake waters. We’ll explore the crater floor and then enjoy some free time for lunch in this peaceful, storybook setting.
Our journey continues off the beaten track to elevated viewpoints such as the Vista do Rei and Pico da Cruz, depending on the weather, revealing new perspectives of the crater landscape and the rugged Atlantic coastline beyond. This combination of mountain trails, forest paths and coastal vistas offers a constantly changing and immersive experience of São Miguel’s natural wonders.
We’ll end our day at a pineapple plantation where we’ll learn about the unique slow-growth method of the famous Azores pineapples and enjoy a tasting of the fruit and liquor made with this tropical fruit.
Upon arrival back at our hotel, the evening is at leisure.
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Day 8 - Ponta Delgada – Furnas Valley – Ponta Delgada
Our explorations today take us along the southern coastline towards the charming seaside town of Vila Franca do Campo. This town was once the island’s first capital, and it’s most important, until the devastating earthquake of 1522. We’ll have some time to stroll through the historic streets, and perhaps sample the famous local delicacy, ‘queijadas da Vila’, a traditional sweet pastry beloved across the Azores.
We continue to the lush and volcanic Furnas Valley, a spectacular geothermal landscape formed within an active volcanic complex. The valley is home to the peaceful village of Furnas, the stunning crater lake of Lagoa das Furnas and an extraordinary collection of bubbling hot springs and fumaroles, where steaming mineral water rises from the earth amid a dramatic display of hissing vapours and (somewhat stinky) sulphurous aromas.
Special Experience
Enjoy a traditional Cozido lunch – a famous stew with mixed meats and vegetables, slow cooked underground with volcanic heat.
Along the lakeshore, we’ll stop at a local restaurant to witness the traditional cooking of the famous ‘cozido das caldeiras’. Using the natural volcanic heat to cook a rich stew, it is a unique technique that has been used by the locals for centuries. After learning all about the process, we’ll enjoy this delicious dish for lunch.
Afterwards, we’ll continue on to the beautifully landscaped Terra Nostra Gardens, one of the most enchanting botanic gardens in all of Europe. Blending exotic planting with the island’s unique volcanic environment, the gardens are home to an amazing array of trees, plants and flowers from all around the world. One of the highlights is the iconic geothermal pool, and we’ll have time to bathe in these warm, iron-rich waters.
Eventually, we’ll return to our hotel and enjoy the night at leisure.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Day 9 - Ponta Delgada
Today is free for you to enjoy however you’d like. You may like to spend the day wandering through the streets of Ponta Delgada, on the lookout for some unique souvenirs to bring home with you. The more adventurous among us may even like to walk some of the coastal or volcanic trails!
This evening we’ll join our new friends for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant where we reminisce on our favourite memories and experiences of the Azores together.
Optional Excursion
Whale Watching Tour. Located on the edge of three tectonic plates in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and benefitting from the gulf stream, the Azores are a permanent home or place of passage for more than a third of whale and dolphin species in the world. On this optional tour, you’ll spend the morning searching for, and hopefully observing, these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. 3hrs – From Euro 70pp.
Day 10 - Finish Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island
Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to our fellow travellers and to the treasures of the Azores.
Dates
Select a date or submit general enquiry
Operator
Bunnik Tours
With over 25 years experience and a multitude of industry awards, Bunnik Tours' overarching aim remains simple: to provide a better way for travellers to see the world. We do this by creating a series of unique holiday experiences: - Small group tours of no more than 20 passengers, specifically designed to capture the essence of the places we visit. Tours that provide the perfect balance between organised sightseeing and free time for independent discovery. Holidays that visit the famous attractions but also wander off the usual tourist trail. Complete and stress-free tour packages with accommodation, guides, tipping, and meals included (and much more!). Independent travel packages are a flexible way to visit one or more destinations. They can also be added onto our small group tours for a unique experience! A strong belief in responsible travel and sustainable tourism. We have always been a family of travellers at heart, exploring the world around us with equal parts wonder, good humour and curiosity. As a family business we understand that our family's name and reputation is at stake every time we sell a holiday. We take your trust very seriously and look forward to the day when we can help you explore the world. Dennis Bunnik is the chair of the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) and we are actively involved in helping to improve the overall professionalism of the travel industry. Discover our passion for this incredible planet and its inhabitants, and experience your tour the ‘Bunnik Way’! - Dennis, Marion & Sacha Bunnik
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
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