Angra do Heroismo (Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal) | Ponta Delgada (Azores, Portugal)
The following are Signature: The Azores' Terceira & Sao Miguel tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
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Welcome to the Azores archipelago. Your expedition begins as you touch down on Terceira Island, sitting almost 1200km (745mi) west of Lisbon. You'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city of Angra do Heroismo. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader along with a reception and short presentation from the National Geographic Expedition Expert before a welcome dinner.
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. There will be an included group welcome dinner after the meeting.
Set off on foot and engage in discussion with your Expedition Leader and expert about the history of the Azores en route to the impressive Palacio dos Capitaes Generais, a magnificent building which bears witness to the city's economic power over centuries. Continue to the Angra Museum, housed in a former Franciscan convent and take an exclusive tour with the curator for unique insights into Terceira's history through its naval artefact and decorative arts. After a delicious local lunch, take the remainder of the day at leisure, free to explore or relax.
Use free time to explore the UNESCO-listed streets of Angra do Heroismo this afternoon, where you can wander past vibrant facades and historic plazas at your own pace.
Explore the Palacio dos Capitaes-Generais, a massive landmark in Angra do Heroismo that showcases the historical wealth and strategic importance of the city. Originally founded in 1572 as a Jesuit college and convent, the building remains a powerful symbol of the order's mission to educate and catechize the island.
Explore the Museu de Angra do Heroismo with the curator to discover the island's heritage inside a former 17th-century Franciscan convent. This private visit showcases a diverse collection of Terceirense culture, including naval artifacts, historic textiles, and decorative arts.
Set out on foot to the Palacio dos Capitaes Generais.
Immerse yourself in Terceira's geological origins on a full-day exploration of the island's spectacular volcanic landscape. Take in sweeping views from the Monte Brasil Caldera and Serra do Cume viewpoints, then descend into the Algar do Carvao, a striking volcanic chimney left behind from an eruption millions of years ago. Witness the sulfuric fumaroles to appreciate the powerful and raw forces of nature that shaped the geography of the entire archipelago. Visit the house and museum of a prominent Azorean author then continue to the vineyards of Biscoitos for a walk and wine tasting before returning to the hotel.
Visit the summit of Monte Brasil for a panoramic view of the UNESCO-listed city of Angra do Heroismo and the surrounding Atlantic. This short stop at the rim of the extinct volcano offers a unique perspective on the island's dramatic geography and historic coastal defenses.
Visit the village of Sao Sebastiao to see the island's oldest church with its rare medieval frescoes and the vibrant Holy Spirit Imperio, a chapel central to the Azores' unique charitable traditions.
Experience the breathtaking "patchwork" landscape of Terceira from the Serra do Cume viewpoint, where the rim of an ancient caldera overlooks a vast expanse of green fields divided by volcanic stone walls.
Stepping into the Casa-Museu Vitorino Nemesio in Praia da Vitoria offers an intimate look at the author's formative years through a preserved collection of personal artifacts and period furnishings. The exhibits masterfully bridge his literary legacy with his Azorean roots, capturing the "azorianidade" that defined his iconic 20th-century works.
Enjoy lunch at Rocha, a seaside restaurant celebrated for its selection of fresh, locally caught fish. This coastal setting allows you to choose from a variety of island flavors while enjoying views of the Atlantic.
Descend into the depths of Algar do Carvao, a rare volcanic chimney where you can walk inside an extinct magma chamber filled with unique silica stalactites and a crystal-clear underground lake.
Sample the unique volcanic wines of Biscoitos at a traditional winery, where vines are grown in small plots protected by black basalt stone walls.
Catch a short flight to the island of Sao Miguel, then head to a small farm for a personal encounter with a local family who work and live on the property. Join them for a home-cooked lunch from fresh ingredients and learn about what life is like on the island. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to the western side of the island for a visit to Sete Cidades, a stunning natural protected area. Take in the sweeping views from Vista do Rei of the famous twin crater lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. Hike along natural trails, learning about the unique history and species of plant life that thrive in this lush volcanic landscape.
Transfer to the airport to continue your journey.
Sit back and enjoy the views from above on a short flight between Angra do Heroismo and Ponta Delgada.
Visit Quinta do Agricultor to explore a traditional Azorean farm and learn about the island's rural heritage and agricultural practices. Following the tour, enjoy a farm-to-table lunch featuring regional specialties prepared in a rustic, authentic setting.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle, stopping at Vista do Reis for photos along the way.
Experience the dramatic beauty of the Sete Cidades caldera, where a short walk along the rim offers iconic views of the twin green and blue lakes nestled within the volcanic crater. This stop provides a firsthand look at the island's most famous natural landscape and the unique geology that shaped it.
Start the day by engaging with a local agriculture and sustainability project, getting hands-on insight into environmental initiatives that help to preserve the Azores through farming. Following a wine masterclass and open-fire lunch, set off on a guided walk through the stunning Parque Terra Nostra gardens, known for their unique collection of flora. Finish things off with the chance for a relaxing dip in the geothermal hot springs pool, allowing you to soak in the volcanic warmth and rejuvenate your body and mind.
Participate in a hands-on sustainability project that explores local harvesting techniques and the ongoing efforts to balance traditional land use with environmental preservation.
Participate in a wine masterclass to explore the unique characteristics of volcanic viticulture and the diverse flavor profiles of Azorean grapes. Following the tasting, enjoy a lunch prepared over an open fire, highlighting traditional cooking techniques and seasonal local ingredients.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Join a local expert for a guided walk through Parque Terra Nostra, home to one of the world's most diverse botanical collections and a famous geothermal pool. Discover the history of this 18th-century estate while exploring winding paths filled with rare exotic plants and century-old trees.
Enjoy free time to take a dip in the geothermal hot springs water.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Shifting focus to the surrounding waters of the Azores, meet with a marine biologist who will share insights into conservation and offer insights into the history of whaling in the islands. Next, set off in a private boat in search of resident sperm whales and depending on the season other migratory species like blue, fin and sei whales. Experience a truly thrilling marine encounter while gaining a unique and beautiful perspective of the islands from the water. Continue to a local craft cooperative working to rehabilitate individuals who have faced life challenges, learning about their work and meeting some members. The day concludes with a farewell dinner to celebrate the final night in the islands.
Join your Expedition Leader on a walk through the historic streets of Ponta Delgada, showcasing the city's architectural heritage on your way to the harbor. This walk bridges the gap between land and sea before you board your vessel for an unforgettable whale watching encounter.
Meet with a local marine biologist to gain expert perspective on the marine life surrounding the Azores and the historical impact of the whaling industry on island development. They will talk about the different species migrating through the waters around the Azores Islands and what you are likely to see when we take to the waters. Then experience the rich marine life of the Azores on a private tour through a vital migratory hub for blue, fin, and sei whales. In addition to these seasonal visitors, you have the opportunity to see the resident sperm whales that frequent these deep Atlantic waters year-round.
Visit the ARRISCA cooperative in Ponta Delgada to learn how this social organization supports the community through vocational workshops and the creation of traditional Azorean handicrafts. During the visit, you can see their artisans at work and browse a unique selection of handmade tiles, ceramics, and textiles that blend local heritage with social impact.
Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Signature: The Azores' Terceira & Sao Miguel tour:
Angra do Heroismo, Portugal
Ponta Delgada, Portugal
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Signature: The Azores' Terceira & Sao Miguel tour:
Max 22.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Angra do HeroismoYour Foodie Moment: Rocha Restaurant Lunch, Angra do HeroismoYour Local Living Moment: Quinta do Agricultor Visit and Lunch, Ponta DelgadaYour Foodie Moment: Wine Masterclass and Open-Fire Lunch, Ponta DelgadaSignature Moment: Private Whale Watching Tour with a Marine Biologist, Ponta Delgada. Arrival and Departure Transfers. Angra do Heroismo Orientation Walk. Private visit to the Palacio dos Capitaes Generais. Angra Museum with the Curator. Monte Brasil Caldera Viewpoint. Sao Sebastiao Church Visit. Serra do Cume Visit. Vitorino Nemesio House Museum. Algar do Carvao Lava Caves Visit. Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting. Vista do Reis Photo Stop. Sete Cidades Caldera Visit. Harvesting and Sustainability Project Visit. Parque Terra Nostra Visit. ARRISCA Cooperative Visit. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Enjoy an exclusive tour and lunch inside the Angra Museum with the curator exploring Terceirense culture, Meet with a biologist to gain insight into conservation and the diverse marine life of the surrounding oceans, Explore Algar do Carvao a spectacular volcanic chimney left behind from an eruption millennia ago, Visit the ARRISCA Cooperative a craft centre supporting local community rehabilitation through employment, Head out on a catamaran cruise searching for dolphins and migrating whales with a conservationist, Sample unique wines grown in the volcanic soil of the Biscoitos vineyards on Terceira Island.
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Hotels (6 nts).
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout.
All National Geographic Signature group trips are accompanied by one of our National Geographic Expedition Leaders throughout. The aim of the Expedition Leaders is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your National Geographic Signature Specialist or booking agent for further details.In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Private vehicle, airplane, boat, walking.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a National Geographic Signature tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Smart Dress:o Smart outfit (For evenings out)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
Luxury: Five-star hospitality and meticulously curated inclusions, featuring iconic properties, fine dining, and private door-to-door service.