Walking In The Azores

Guide

Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leader's ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and have a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety is adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour.

Meals

A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options 13 Breakfasts 1 Lunches

Others

All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information.

Transport

Bus, Ferry, Flight, Public Bus, Taxi

Accommodation

11 nights standard hotel 2 nights simple hotel Accommodation and service levels in the Azores are generally very good. We try to use smaller family-run hotels that might not offer the same luxuries as larger chain-style hotels, but they do provide a warm welcome, a comfortable place to stay and the chance to gain a better understanding of local life. The accommodation at Residencial Sete Cidadesin Ponta Delgada at the beginning of the trip is well located within easy walking distance of the town centre. The hotel is 1970sin style and décor which is quite simple but clean and comfortable. There is a new larger breakfast and lounge area. Please note that as the street is quite narrow, if the group istravelling in a larger bus you will have to walk a short distancewith your luggage from the main street to the hotel entrance. In Horta on Faial Island at the end of the trip, you will stay at the premium graded Azoris Faial Garden Hotel. Set in extensive gardens with coastal views this hotel has a lounge, bar, restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools and health club with comfortable and spacious rooms. The hotel is very well located in the centre of Horta with easy accessto many great restaurants, the marina and beach.

Others

Any visa costs, spending money and tips are not included in the trip price. You can also book extra nights’ accommodation at the beginning and end of the trip and the cost of this accommodation along with any transfers would be quoted separately.

Flights

International flights not included in the tour cost

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Optional

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract. Sao Miguel - Half day whale watch €55pp Terceira - Algar do Cárvao Caves €6pp and shared taxi €15pp; Tourada Festival shared taxi €10-15pp Sao Jorge - Rosais shared taxi €10pp; Ridge Walk Pico de Esperanza €15pp shared taxi; Coastal walk and dinner shared taxi €10pp (plus dinner) Pico - UNESCO vineyards with wine and cheese plus lava caves €20pp; Whale-watching boat trip €65pp (July and August) €54pp (mid season), €49pp (low season) (subject to weather conditions); Dolphin Experience boat trip with swimming €75pp (subject to weather conditions); Furnas da Frei Matias walk (shared taxi) €8pp; Pico ascent including guide and taxi (based on 4 people: €55pp, 3 people: €73.50pp, 2 people €110pp) Faial - Half day island excursion €20-25pp shared taxi, with Capelinhos Exhibit €10pp; Capelinhos walk shared taxi €20pp; Capelinhos Exhibit €10pp. All taxi costs are based on a minimum of 4 people sharing. Please note that the Tourada Festival is dependent on the local farmers schedules.