Atlantic Azores

Touch down on São Miguel island and make your way to the hotel. You’ll be greeted by our Local Insider, who will accompany the group throughout the trip. In the afternoon, you’ll set off on a walking tour of Ponta Delgada – a small but lively capital city with whitewashed Baroque architecture, a bar-lined harbourfront and a thriving culinary scene. After checking out the sights, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers at a local restaurant.  Accommodation Hotel Marina Atlântico Activities included Ponta Delgada walking tour Welcome dinner Optional activities N/A

Today, you’ll venture to the far west of São Miguel to explore the scenic Sete Cidades area – two shimmering crater lakes (one blue, one green), surrounded by Japanese cedar, laurel and juniper forests. A Jeep tour is the perfect way to take in the unspoiled volcanic scenery before tucking into a delicious lunch of Portuguese petiscos (small plates) and wine. Spend the afternoon cycling around the lakes and descending into the crater itself to kayak, before returning to Ponta Delgada.  Accommodation Hotel Marina Atlântico Activities included Sete Cidades Jeep tour Sete Cidades cycling Sete Cidades kayaking Optional activities N/A

Wildlife enthusiast? The waters around the Azores are teeming with life, home to some 28 species of whale and dolphin, including blue whales – the largest animals on Earth. Go looking for cetaceans of all sizes on an optional marine safari, or use the time to explore Ponta Delgada further before an afternoon hike through to the Salto do Cabrito waterfall in the Ribeira Grande region. Here, you’ll learn all about the geology of the Azores and how the islands harness their natural resources to generate sustainable energy. Don’t forget swimming gear – the rock pools at the bottom of the waterfall are a prime spot for a refreshing dip.  Accommodation Hotel Marina Atlântico Activities included Salto do Cabrito waterfall hike Optional activities Whale watching