São Miguel Island's
Day 01: Upon arrival at São Miguel Airport, head to the arrivals hall where our representative will greet you. Take the shared transfer to the hotel for check-in. After settling in, explore the southern streets leading to the city center of Ponta Delgada. Discover the impressive Praça Gonçalo Velho Cabral square, featuring a statue and a noble monument with three arches marking the city’s beginning. Pass through the Portas da Cidade arches to explore small, narrow streets bustling with local commerce, including souvenir shops, coffee shops, restaurants, and banks. If you prefer the main avenue, stroll towards Portas do Mar, the latest infrastructure supporting the island’s dock and cruise ship port. Enjoy the platform above the sea, where people relax by the bay with coffee, local beer, or cocktails. Stay overnight in Ponta Delgada.
Day 02: Start your day with an early hotel breakfast before embarking on a thrilling 4×4 adventure across São Miguel Island. Explore iconic spots like Sete Cidades lakes, Fogo Lake, Caldeira Velha, and Ponta da Ferraria. Departing at 9:00 am, the journey begins at the rim of Sete Cidades’ caldera, offering breathtaking views of green and blue lakes. Next, experience the unique warmth of the Atlantic Ocean at Ponta da Ferraria, where volcanic activity heats the water. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the captivating Lagoa do Fogo natural reserve. Marvel at Fogo Lake’s panoramic views over São Miguel Island. The adventure continues with a visit to Caldeira Velha, a warm iron-rich waterfall, that creates a year-round open-air spa surrounded by lush forest. Finally, return to Ponta Delgada by late afternoon for an overnight stay.
Day 03: Energize your morning with a hotel breakfast before embarking on a full-day adventure: a mountain bike ride and a visit to Terra Nostra. Departure from the hotel is scheduled for 09:00 am. Experience the mystique of the eastern part of the island, renowned for its healing and boiling waters (geysers), showcasing the vibrant volcanic activity in the area. Meals are uniquely cooked underground using natural heat and steam. Witness corn cobs cooking in boiling waters and the creation of the finest flatbread. Explore a 75-kilometer crater with a walkable lake inside, surrounded by thermal and warm pool tanks. Furnas, a charming village, boasts a diverse and rich flora in its beautiful park. The adventure kicks off with a 10.5-kilometer circular bike tour from Furnas village, passing through the area of the caldera by Lagoa das Furnas and the dirt road surrounding the lake. Marvel at the village from the highest point at Pico dos Milhos. Descend through secondary paths to conclude the bike ride. Enjoy lunch at a Furnas village restaurant (included) before heading to the enchanting Terra Nostra Park. Explore one of the 18th-century’s most beautiful botanical gardens, housing flora from various regions. Take a brief guided tour, passing by the outdoor pool and inviting a relaxing thermal bath. Return to Ponta Delgada via the North Coast for a different perspective of São Miguel. Overnight in Ponta Delgada.
Day 04: Indulge in a delightful hotel breakfast (opt for a light one). After exploring the island’s main attractions, embrace adventure with a morning car pickup. Today’s recommendation is the south coast, heading to Vila Franca do Campo for the bestseller activity, Whales & Dolphin Watching. En route, explore São Rique and Livramento with three dark sand beaches, Lagoa’s natural pools, and Água de Pau for a sunny morning and the island’s best fish. Afternoon features the well-known Whales & Dolphin Watching in Vila Franca do Campo. The 3-hour tour includes a safety briefing on species, weather, and boat details. Post-activity, recharge with Queijadas da Vila, sweet tarts near the Whale Watching Centre. If weather permits, visit ‘Nossa Senhora da Paz,’ a chapel with a breathtaking view over Vila Franca do Campo. Marvel at the sunset before returning to Ponta Delgada for an overnight stay.
Day 05: Indulge in a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Today marks your final leisure day on the island. Opt for the recommended route along the northern and eastern sides, with a brief detour to Fajã de Baixo, renowned for its pineapple plantations, the iconic fruit of the Azores (Explore the Arruda plantations). Depart Ponta Delgada and head north on the speedway, reaching the second-largest city, Ribeira Grande. Delight in the city’s historic center and visit the well-known liquor factory, a popular spot on the island. Continue north, spotting the sign for Gorreana Tea Factory, the largest tea producer in Europe, situated in a picturesque area. Drive on towards Furnas village, reaching Pico do Ferro View Point for a breathtaking view of Furnas Lake. Descend to Furnas and, before entering the village, take a moment to explore the lakeshore with intriguing holes in the ground. Return to the village and stroll or drive along the scenic promenade to the geysers area (Caldeiras). Experience volcanic activity as you smell the sulfur from boiling water geysers and small fountains. Complete your visit with dinner at Tony’s Restaurant – Furnas’ most authentic dining spot (Included). Your reservation is confirmed, and they eagerly await your arrival. Spend the night in Ponta Delgada.
Day 06: Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before heading to the airport. Return the car two hours before your flight. May the memories from this journey linger in your heart forever.