EUROPE AZORES

Azores Island Hopping

14 DAYS HOTELS ? VOLCANIC ISLANDS & CRATER LAKES ? Discover the best of 5 islands in two weeks ? Walk to thermal springs & around ancient calderas ? Grab the opportunity to go whale watching from Pico (optional) Azores Island Hopping Ref AZ Caldiera 1043m HORTA FAIAL ATLANTIC Quatro OCEAN Ribeiras Grottos, fajas BISCOITOS PRAIA DA VELAS Angra VITORIA SAO JORGE TERCEIRA MADALENA PICO SAO MIGUEL Sete Cidades Walk to Pico Alto Crater lakes Fire Lake 2351m Lajes PONTA Whale watching AZORES DELGADA km (PORTUGAL) 0 100 Sao Miguel Beginning at Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel, we walk the steep slopes of Sete Cidades crater and view the legendary Blue and Green Lakes, perhaps exploring the picturesque village deep inside the crater. Next we make for the huge hollow of Furnas Valley, where diverse volcanic activity has created hot thermal springs and boiling mud pools. Terceira & Sao Jorge A short flight brings us to Terceira, and a full day?s walk on the slopes of the island?s hills. Then it?s on to the strangely elongated island of Sao Jorge, a place of precipitous cliffs, narrow valleys and tiny coves. Here, we may take a coastal walk to Furnas das Pombas ? the rocky habitat of numerous seabirds ? and 1500m 1250m 1000m 750m 500m 250m 0m 40 A WALKING Trek length and gradients FACTFILE Ref AZ perhaps a walk from the ridge of Sao Jorge, down through the beautiful Caldeira de Cima gorge to the coast. Pico & Faial On the nearby island of Pico, weather permitting, we may be able to ascend Pico Alto (2345m), the majestic volcano which dominates the horizon. It may be possible to take a boat trip to go whale-watching (optional) or visit the whaling museum at Lajes, a relic of the island?s seafaring past. Finally, we cross to the charming isle of Faial, its hillsides ablaze with flowers and shrubs. Itinerary Day 1 Join Sao Miguel (Ponta Delgada). 2 to 4 On Sao Miguel; explore Sete Cidades crater lakes (approx 4hrs walk), Caldiero Velho and Furnas Valley (approx 2hrs walk). 5 Fly Terceira (Praia da Vitoria). 6 On Terceira; drive/walk Biscoitos village (approx 3hrs walk). 7 Fly Sao Jorge (Velas); optional walk. 8 & 9 On Sao Jorge; day walk to fajas. 10 Ferry to Pico (Madalena). 11 On Pico; free for optionals. 12 Optional Pico ascent; ferry to Faial. 13 On Faial; optional walks. 14 Tour ends Horta. Accommodation & Meals: 13nts standard hotels; 13 breakfasts & 1 lunch are included. See insert p2 & tour dossier for details. Transport: Flights as itinerary/Ferry/Local bus/ Taxis/On foot. Comment & Activity Level: Green, peaceful, incredibly beautiful and with an unhurried pace of life, these tiny islands allow us to step out of time and relax. Day-walks are fairly easy and there is plenty of opportunity to do your own thing. Tour Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s) and boatmen. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16. JFMAMJJASOND JFMA Ponte Ponte Delgada Praia Praia Velas Velas Velas Madalena Rest Day optional walk Rest Day Rest Day Rest Day Rest Day optional walk optional walk Madalena Horta optional ascent to 1053m Rest Day optional walk Day 2 ? 9km Day 3 ? 2.5km Day 4 ? 4km Day 5 Day 6 ? 8km Day 7 Day 8 ? 8.7km Day 9 ? 12km Day 10 Day 11 ? 8km Day 12 ? 18km Day 13 ? 5km

Azores Whale Search

WILDLIFE 5 DAYS TWIN-CENTRE HOTELS ? WHALE & DOLHPIN SEARCHING ? Search for whales and dolphins in zodiac boats ? Discover the beauty of Faial and Pico Islands ? Walk around ancient volcanic calderas Faial & Pico Arriving into Horta on the island of Faial, there should be time to wander the historic streets and perhaps climb the low volcanic crater that splits this once bustling seaport in two, affording splendid views over the sweeping bays. The following day we take the ferry across to the island of Pico, renowned for its steep-sided, dormant volcano and at 2,351m, Portugal?s highest mountain. Home to the very first whale-watching tours, Pico is our base for the next few days from where we will venture out to search for the cetaceans that gather here every year. Whales and Dolphins During our stay we include two trips out to search for whales and dolphins where the most regular sightings are of sperm whales, short-finned pilot whales and several different species of dolphin. Taking care not to disturb these fascinating creatures, we keep a respectful distance - but it is not unusual that a whale comes closer to offer an inquisitive gaze, before taking a deep breath and Traditional Faial windmill/Jason Beevis Caldeira 1043m FACTFILE Azores Whale Search Ref AAZ FAIAL Optional visit to the Caldeira Nature Reserve Airport HORTA Whales near Pico/Pedro Madruga ATLANTIC OCEAN km 0 25 MADALENA Optional island tour AZORES (PORTUGAL) Pico Alta 2345m Ref Lajes Whale watching PICO AAZ plunging back into the deep once more. There is also free time to explore the remarkable islands of Pico and Faial further or take more whale-watching trips, depending on your interests. Itinerary Day 1 Join Horta (Faial Island). 2 Ferry to Madalena (Pico Island), half-day whale-watching voyage. 3 Half-day whale-watching voyage; optional island tour of Pico. 4 Free day for more whale watching or an island tour of Faial including the Caldeira. 5 Ferry to Horta; end Horta. Accommodation & Meals: 4nts standard hotels; 4 breakfasts included. See insert p2 & tour dossier for details. Transport: Small coach/boats/ferry. Comment & Activity Level: Discover the verdant beauty of the Azores and experience the thrill of a close encounter with whales & dolphins. Mother nature as it is, we are unable to guarantee the boats can sail or whale and dolphin sightings however, weather permitting, the chances are high. Tour Staff: Explore Tour Leader, local naturalist guides, boatmen plus driver(s). Group Size: Approx. 9 to 12. JFMAMJJASOND JFMA Dolphin spotting

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