Azores Island Hopping: 14 Days São Miguel & Terceira Explorer

Tour Overview

Itinerary Highlights

Days 1-7: São Miguel Island

First week spent exploring São Miguel in depth, including Sete Cidades crater lakes, Furnas geothermal valley (with volcanic cozido lunch), Lagoa do Fogo hike, Nordeste coastal panoramas, whale watching expedition, and the natural pool of Vila Franca do Campo islet. Visit Europe’s only tea plantation at Gorreana, taste traditional queijadas da Vila, and soak in multiple thermal springs including Terra Nostra’s giant iron-rich pool.

Days 8-13: Terceira Island

Fly to Terceira, the “lilac island” known for its UNESCO-listed capital Angra do Heroísmo. The city’s 16th-century architecture reflects its role as a mandatory port of call for ships sailing between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Walk the cobblestone streets past pastel-colored buildings and the imposing Sé Cathedral. Explore the island’s unique volcanic features: Algar do Carvão, an ancient volcanic vent you can descend into via a spiral staircase to reach a crystal-clear underground lake. Visit the Furnas do Enxofre fumaroles and the dramatic lava formations at Biscoitos natural swimming pools. Hike through the lush interior of Serra do Cume to the famous patchwork viewpoint — a vast checkerboard of green pastures divided by stone walls and hydrangea hedges. Experience Terceira’s vibrant tourada à corda (running of the bulls) culture and taste the island’s famous alcatra — beef slow-cooked in clay pots. Whale watching in Terceira waters, known for frequent sperm whale and common dolphin sightings.

Day 14: Depart Terceira

Transfer to Lajes Airport for departure.

Inclusions

• 13 nights accommodation (7 nts São Miguel, 6 nts Terceira)
• Daily breakfast + 8 dinners
• Inter-island flight (São Miguel → Terceira)
• Algar do Carvão volcanic vent tour
• Whale watching on each island
• All guided excursions and transfers
• Terra Nostra garden entry
• Alcatra cooking experience
• Airport transfers both ends