Azores Highlights – 7 Days in São Miguel
- Duration
- 7 days
- Guiding Style
- Partially Guided
- Hotel Rating
- B&B Standard
- Start / End
- Ponta Delgada → Ponta Delgada
- Group Size
- Min 1 / Max 35
- Physical Rating
- Easy Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Highlights
Immerse yourself in the raw, volcanic splendour of São Miguel — the Green Island of the Azores — on this carefully crafted 7-day tour. Gaze out over the legendary twin lakes of Sete Cidades from the iconic Vista do Rei viewpoint, explore the dramatic crater of Grota do Inferno, and discover the island's unique pineapple-growing tradition. Witness nature at its most powerful at Furnas Lake, where volcanic steam vents cook the famous Cozido underground, then wander the lush gardens and thermal pools of Terra Nostra Park.
Journey to the wild eastern tip of the island at Nordeste, where clifftop viewpoints and hidden waterfalls await, before heading north to stand before the breathtaking turquoise waters of Lagoa do Fogo. Sample local spirits at the Mulher do Capote distillery, visit the oldest tea plantation in Europe at Gorreana, and unwind at Santa Bárbara Beach — before a free day in Ponta Delgada to explore at your own pace.
- Stand at Vista do Rei — one of the Azores' most iconic viewpoints — for sweeping panoramas over the twin-coloured lakes of Sete Cidades
- Explore Pico do Carvão and the impressive Grota do Inferno volcanic crater on the Sete Cidades tour
- Discover a traditional pineapple plantation and learn about the history and cultivation of this iconic Azorean fruit
- Witness Furnas Lake's steaming geothermal vents and see the famous Cozido das Furnas slow-cooked in volcanic soil
- Stroll through the magnificent Terra Nostra Park, with its thermal pool, exotic botanical gardens, and views of Pico do Ferro
- Visit the Gorreana Tea Factory — the oldest working tea plantation in Europe — for a fascinating insight into Azorean tea production
- Explore the dramatic east coast at Nordeste & Povoação — clifftop views, lush waterfalls at Ribeira dos Caldeirões, and traditional local sweets
- Marvel at the turquoise crater waters of Lagoa do Fogo — one of São Miguel's most spectacular natural landmarks
- Sample artisan regional liqueurs at the Mulher do Capote distillery in Ribeira Grande
- Relax at Santa Bárbara Beach, São Miguel's surf capital, with sweeping Atlantic views and golden sands
- 6 nights in Ponta Delgada with daily breakfast included
7-Day Azores Highlights Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival in Ponta Delgada
Welcome to the Azores! Touch down in Ponta Delgada — a beautifully preserved historic city and the capital of São Miguel, the largest island in the archipelago — and head to your accommodation to settle in. Today's schedule is entirely open, so you are welcome to arrive at any time that suits your travel plans. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city's charming streets and seafront at your own pace.
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Day 2
Sete Cidades
Set out to uncover the natural wonders of Sete Cidades, one of São Miguel's most celebrated destinations. Your journey takes you to Pico do Carvão and the striking volcanic crater of Grota do Inferno, before arriving at the legendary Vista do Rei — a panoramic lookout widely considered one of the most breathtaking vantage points in the entire Azores. Below, the twin-coloured lakes of Sete Cidades shimmer in the valley, framed by vivid green hillsides and sweeping volcanic landscapes.
Take a peaceful walk along the shores of the Sete Cidades lake, where the stillness of the water and the surrounding nature invite quiet contemplation. Step into the village's local parish, where the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere offers a genuine connection with Azorean culture and traditions. The tour concludes at a traditional pineapple plantation, where you'll discover the fascinating story behind this iconic Azorean crop — from its unique growing methods to the distinctive flavour that sets it apart. A day that seamlessly weaves together nature, culture, and tradition into memories you'll carry long after you leave.
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Day 3
Furnas and Terra Nostra
Relax and take in the scenery as you travel along the picturesque south coast of São Miguel aboard a modern, fully equipped coach. Your first stop is a viewpoint overlooking the islet of Vila Franca do Campo, a striking volcanic formation rising from the ocean — where you'll also savour a Queijada da Vila, a beloved traditional sweet from this part of the island.
Press on to Furnas Lake, a remarkable geothermal landscape where the earth itself boils and steams. Here you'll witness the preparation of Cozido das Furnas — a hearty traditional stew slow-cooked in pots buried in the volcanic ground. Next, wander through the enchanting Terra Nostra Park, celebrated for its warm thermal pool and extraordinary botanical gardens, with views stretching towards Pico do Ferro. Round off the day at the Gorreana Tea Factory, where the story of Europe's oldest working tea plantation unfolds before you — a truly unique piece of Azorean heritage.
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Day 4
Nordeste & Povoação
Head east to discover a wilder, quieter side of São Miguel, where the island's natural beauty reaches dramatic heights. Your first stop is the Santa Iria viewpoint, a clifftop lookout where the ocean stretches endlessly below and the rugged coastline unfolds in every direction — a scene that stays with you long after you've moved on. From there, make your way to Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, a lush green oasis of cascading waterfalls and rich vegetation that feels worlds away from everyday life.
Venture into the historic centre of Nordeste, a village of quiet charm and genuine Azorean character, before pausing at the Ponta do Sossego viewpoint — an idyllic spot for photography and peaceful reflection surrounded by manicured gardens. In the village of Povoação, one of the island's oldest settlements, take the opportunity to try the fofa — a soft, traditional local confection that has delighted visitors for generations. The day draws to a close with a scenic drive back through the island's varied landscapes to the lively city of Ponta Delgada.
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Day 5
Fogo Lake & North Coast
Experience the very best of São Miguel on a tour that takes you from the island's highest peaks to the edge of the Atlantic. Begin at Pico da Barrosa, where far-reaching panoramic views sweep across the island and out over the endless ocean — a breathtaking introduction to the day ahead. From here, make your way to Lagoa do Fogo, a crater lake of extraordinary beauty whose turquoise waters and encircling green slopes make it one of the most photographed places in all the Azores.
Head north to Ribeira Grande, where the historic town centre's pleasant streets invite a gentle stroll. Stop at the renowned Mulher do Capote distillery to discover and sample the distinctive regional liqueurs crafted from local fruits — a true taste of Azorean tradition. The day finishes on the shore at Santa Bárbara Beach, a wide stretch of Atlantic coastline beloved by surfers and sun-seekers alike, and proudly known as the island's "Surf Capital." Take a dip, breathe in the sea air, or simply sit and watch the waves — before the return journey to Ponta Delgada.
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Day 6
Enjoy the Relaxing Atmosphere of São Miguel
Today belongs entirely to you. Take the day at whatever pace suits your mood — wander through Ponta Delgada's historic streets, browse the local markets, linger over a coffee at a waterfront café, or simply soak in the island's famously unhurried and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you choose to explore further or simply rest, Day 6 is your invitation to experience São Miguel on your own terms.
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Day 7
Farewell for Now
Every great journey must eventually come to a close — though your next adventure is never far away. Begin your final morning with breakfast at the hotel, then check out as our services draw to an end. If the Azores has captured your heart and you're not quite ready to leave, contact us to request a quote for extending your stay. Until next time!
What's Included
- 6 nights hotel accommodation in Ponta Delgada (standard room)
- 4-hour Sete Cidades Tour
- Full-day Furnas and Terra Nostra Tour
- Full-day Nordeste & Povoação Tour
- 4-hour Fogo Lake & North Coast Tour
- Professional local guides during all included activities and excursions
- 6 breakfasts (daily at hotel)
- Round-trip transportation from Ponta Delgada meeting point on days with tours and activities
- Transport by air-conditioned coach during guided excursions
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Pre & post tour accommodation
- Optional experiences
- Other activities and services not listed under Included
- City tax (payable directly at the hotel)
- Transfers to/from meeting points for guided visits
- Transfers from/to stations or airports unless specified
Additional Information
- You will receive an e-ticket for this tour.
- This tour operates year-round, subject to availability.
- Professional local guides provided for all included guided activities.
- Day 6 is a free day — no guide or transport is included.
- Guests wishing to extend their stay beyond Day 7 may contact us for a personalised quote.
- Tour reference code: 345312
Dates & Availability
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour includes 6 nights hotel accommodation in Ponta Delgada with daily breakfast, a 4-hour Sete Cidades tour, a full-day Furnas and Terra Nostra tour, a full-day Nordeste and Povoação tour, a 4-hour Fogo Lake and North Coast tour, and round-trip transportation from the Ponta Delgada meeting point on all days with tours and activities.
The tour starts and ends in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores. You arrive on Day 1 at any time and depart on Day 7 after breakfast and check-out.
The Sete Cidades tour includes visits to Pico do Carvão, the impressive Grota do Inferno volcanic crater, and the iconic Vista do Rei viewpoint offering panoramic views over the twin-coloured lakes. You'll also stroll along the lake shore, visit the local parish, and end with a stop at a traditional pineapple plantation to learn about the history and cultivation of this typical Azorean fruit.
The full-day tour includes a stop at the viewpoint above the islet of Vila Franca do Campo with a taste of the traditional Queijada da Vila sweet, a visit to Furnas Lake to see geothermal activity and the famous Cozido das Furnas cooking in volcanic soil, a stroll through Terra Nostra Park with its thermal pool and botanical gardens, views of Pico do Ferro, and a visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory — the oldest tea plantation in Europe.
The full-day east coast tour includes the Santa Iria viewpoint, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park with its waterfalls and lush greenery, the historic centre of Nordeste village, the Ponta do Sossego viewpoint, and a stop in Povoação to try the traditional local sweet known as the fofa, before a scenic drive back to Ponta Delgada.
The tour features panoramic views from Pico da Barrosa, a visit to the stunning turquoise crater lake of Lagoa do Fogo, a stop in the historic centre of Ribeira Grande, a tasting visit to the Mulher do Capote distillery, and a relaxing break at Santa Bárbara Beach — the island's surf capital.
Yes. Day 6 is a full free day with no scheduled activities, giving you time to explore Ponta Delgada independently and enjoy the island's relaxed atmosphere at your own pace.
The tour starts from US $2,432 per person, reduced from the standard price of US $3,800 — a saving of 36%. Price varies by departure date and hotel category selected.