This island-hopping adventure will take you through three of the archipelago’s most stunning yet varied islands: São Miguel, Pico and Terceira. Explore volcanic landscapes, hot springs, vineyards, whales and much more.
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Description
4 nights – São Miguel
2 nights – Pico
3 nights – Terceira
1 night – São Miguel
✈️ UK to São Miguel (4 nights): São Miguel is known as the ‘green island’ – a playground of volcanic craters, natural hot springs, and stunning lakes. One of the island’s most iconic sights is Sete Cidades, a beautiful twin-lake system where one lake appears blue and the other green. For the best views, head to the Vista do Rei viewpoint, or if you’re feeling adventurous, walk around the crater rim or kayak on the lakes. The Furnas Valley is another must-visit, where you can soak in thermal pools and then try the cozido das Furnas, a traditional stew slow-cooked underground by volcanic heat. Another of the island’s highlights is Lagoa do Fogo, a breath-taking lake in the central part of São Miguel Island, that sits within a volcanic caldera. The island’s capital, Ponta Delgada boasts cobbled streets, colonial architecture and a striking church – Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião. The waters around the Azores are some of the best places in the world to spot whales and dolphins, with plenty of boat tours from Ponta Delgada’s harbour – so make sure you take the opportunity for some incredible wildlife viewing.
✈️ São Miguel to Pico (2 nights): After a short flight, you’ll land in Pico, home to Portugal’s highest mountain, Mount Pico. Madalena is the island’s main tourist hub, offering some great restaurants and a lively atmosphere. Other options include São Roque do Pico, on the north coast which offers a quieter experience and Lajes do Pico, on the south coast, which is a remote spot, but the best place for whale watching. It’s also home to the Museu dos Baleeiros (the Whalers’ museum) where you can learn about the island’s controversial history of whaling up until its decline in the mid 1950s. The island is also famed for its black lava fields and vineyards which produce Verdelho wine. A visit to a local vineyard is highly recommended to sample the distinctive flavours of the wine and understand how local producers are able to produce incredible wine in such a challenging terrain. Another geological marvel is Gruta das Torres, the longest lava tube in Portugal, where you can explore a 5km-long underground tunnel formed by volcanic activity.
✈️ Pico to Terceira (3 nights): Next, you’ll fly to Terceira, home to Angra do Heroísmo, the oldest city in the Azores and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its colourful streets and head up to the Monte Brasil, a volcanic peninsula that is home to the São João Baptista Castle, a 16th-century fortress built by the Spanish during their rule over Portugal.
To explore the island’s volcanic history, visit Algar do Carvão, a volcanic cave where you can step inside a huge lava tube that opens up into a dramatic cavern – an absolute must-see. The island boasts a fabulous coastline of cliffs, rocky bays, and natural swimming pools. If you are visiting in the summer, you may be lucky enough to join in the fun of one of Terceira’s bull-running festivals, where bulls are let loose in the streets with no harm to the animals involved.
✈️ Terceira to São Miguel (1 night):
You’ll land back in São Miguel for one final night – and how you spend it is up to you. Stroll through Ponta Delgada’s streets, do some last-minute shopping, or enjoy one last meal at a local restaurant.
✈️ São Miguel to UK: Time to (reluctantly) board your flight home to the UK.
Why choose eShores?
One to One Service
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
100% Tailor Made
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
Fully Protected
Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
Competitive Pricing
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
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Anonymous
We contacted eShores having visited the website to discuss a tailor made holiday to the Sporades islands. We spoke to one of the Travel Consultants, Kadie Ryan, who was friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. We received a quote shortly following our conversation and with Kadie's help were able to book our holiday with ease the next day. We are very happy with our experience booking this holiday.
Posted 19 hours ago -
ColinMichael
Fantastic Holiday. Just returned from a great South African holiday, Cape Town 3 nights, Pilanesberg Safari 3 nights and a week in Zanzibar. Big thanks to Chris again, his knowledge helped organise and plan this vacation. This is the second long haul holiday he has booked for us. Each holiday has been faultless even though we have changed the itinerary to suit . The Safari he recommended on this trip, Ivory Tree in Pilanesberg was 5 STAR and made the holiday, another tick on the bucket list. Eshores customer service is second to none. I recommended this company to my daughter who is presently on a Canadian fly drive with them and is thoroughly enjoying it. Based on previous experience Chris has now helped us book Australia, Hong Kong & Dubai for next February, can’t wait. All their trips are good value for money, would not have any hesitation in recommending them.
Posted 1 day ago -
Julie
First time booking with eshores, so far So good, everything seems to be going smoothly, our adviser Chris is really helpful and communication and itinerary’s are all great.
Posted 1 day ago -
Susan
Gavin truly understands what we like but isn't worried about suggesting new countries or places of interest. All his suggestions have been spot on and enriched our holidays, he is a pleasure to work with. We look forward to many more adventures.
Posted 3 days ago -
Paul
Very knowledgeable and helpful Prompt replies and very quick to answer any questions
Posted 3 days ago -
DarrenBoyd
Very happy with what we booked, ( we asked for a trip/experience to Egypt), and Rachel put something together and within the budget we asked for. Once we reviewed it, we tweaked it several times for what we wanted in parts and Rachel did the rest. Very personable and pleasant to deal with. I think we will be looking at other experience holidays through E Shore in the future rather than your standard package holiday.
Posted 4 days ago -
Helen
Excellent service from Andy.
Posted 1 week ago -
Ian
Emma did significant grafting on my behalf, and remained understanding when my requirements involved quite a bit of chopping & changing.
Posted 1 week ago -
Jacqueline
Cannot recommend our booking experience enough with Anna, friendly, very efficient and took time to help us get the trip we wanted. Would use exhorts next time we book for certain.
Posted 1 week ago -
Claire
Booked with eshores last year. Holiday was excellent and everything ran smoothly. We had one problem with one of the transfers in which we missed the plane and had to pay for the next flight but that was sorted and refunded when we returned home. Booked with them again for next year. Matt has been extremely helpful (and patient. We are a nightmare). Eshores are very competetive and I would not hesitate in recommending them and I hope to be using them for years to come.
Posted 1 week ago
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