AZORES | BETWEEN TRAILS AND LANDSCAPES

Bem-vindo/a (Welcome) to the Azores!

Today, we'll arrive in the stunning São Jorge Island. Upon landing, the levarTravel leader will warmly welcome you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel. Once settled in, we'll take some time to get to know each other, review the trip itinerary, and address any questions you may have.

There are no activities scheduled for this day. However, the leader will be available to help and advise you on what you should do and visit on this day.

As the evening sets in, we'll all come together for our first taste of authentic Azorean cuisine. Your leader will recommend the best local restaurants and signature dishes, ensuring a delicious start to our adventure.

Accommodation: Hotel or Ecolodge

The fabulous São Jorge Island stands apart from the rest of the Azores due to its breathtaking fajãs. The fajãs are lush and flat areas of land between towering cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. These hidden gems define the island’s rugged beauty and invite us to explore their unique landscapes. During our stay, we'll explore some of them.

Our journey begins in Fajã de São João, a peaceful haven in the island's southern region. From there, we'll continue to Fajã dos Vimes, home to one of Europe’s rarest treasures, a biological coffee plantation. Here, we'll witness the fascinating process of transforming these locally grown beans into a rich and aromatic brew.

Around lunchtime, we'll explore the picturesque village of Calheta, taking in its charming port and tranquil coastal scenery. Before sunset, we return to Urzelina village, where historic windmills and inviting natural pools offer the perfect setting for a refreshing swim while the sun is fading.

The end of the day is yours to enjoy at your pace and preferences.

Accommodation: Hotel or Ecolodge

Our day begins early, with a short dawn hike to Pico da Esperança, where we'll witness a mesmerising sunrise over São Jorge’s incredible landscapes. After soaking in the views, we'll return to the accommodation for a hearty breakfast, fueling up for the adventure ahead.

At Serra do Topo, we embark on a 4-hour hike through some of the island’s most awe-inspiring scenery. Along the way, we'll marvel at the Cascata da Caldeira de Cima, a stunning waterfall, and explore Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo, a remote and almost untouched paradise known as one of São Jorge’s most beautiful hidden gems. Our trail continues through the charming Fajã do Belo before reaching the tranquil Fajã dos Cubres, where nature’s serenity takes centre stage and our hike ends.

After lunch, we'll continue our exploration of São Jorge’s northern fajãs. We'll start by visiting Fajã do Ouvidor, with its natural pools. Nearby, we'll visit Poça de Simão Dias, another incredible natural pool formed by rocks, where its crystal-clear waters invite a refreshing dip.

As the day winds down, we'll set sail for our next adventure on Pico Island, enjoying a scenic 1h15 ferry ride across the Atlantic.

Accommodation: Hotel or Ecolodge
Meals: Breakfast

Our morning begins in Madalena village, where we'll stroll through its charming streets, visit the historic Town Hall and the 17th-century Church of Santa Maria Madalena.

Then, we'll explore the majestic Gruta das Torres (Grotto of Torres), considered the largest lava tube in Portugal, with a total extension of 5,150 meters (16,898 feet). Inside the cave, unique geological formations, such as lava stalactites, stalagmites, and ropy lava, tell the story of Pico’s volcanic activity.

After lunch, we'll immerse ourselves in the beauty of Criação Velha, a breathtaking landscape of vineyards cascading towards the Atlantic Ocean, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our journey continues south to Lajes do Pico village, where we'll visit a local cattle breeder and experience the Azorean dairy tradition firsthand. From gathering the cows after grazing to the art of manual milking, we'll witness the deep connection between the islanders and their agricultural heritage.

Dinner is free to enjoy at your own pace. We'll stay overnight in Lajes.

Accommodation: Hotel or Ecolodge
Meals: Breakfast

The day begins with an early but hearty breakfast, preparing us for an unforgettable morning adventure. Towering at 2,351 meters (7,713 feet), Mount Pico is the highest mountain in Portugal and the third-largest volcano in the Atlantic. Today, we'll embark on a partial ascent to Furna Abrigo, a fascinating volcanic cave perched at 1,400 meters high (4,593 ft). From here, we'll soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of Pico’s west coast and neighbouring Faial Island.

Descending towards Casa da Montanha, the gateway to Pico’s summit, we'll continue our journey through the island’s untouched interior. We'll discover a set of pristine lagoons, including Lagoa do Capitão, Lagoa do Caiado, and Lagoa do Paúl, each reflecting the raw beauty of this volcanic landscape.

In the afternoon, we'll experience one of the most thrilling moments of our Azorean adventure: a boat trip to encounter majestic whales and playful dolphins. Observing these incredible marine giants in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring and unforgettable highlight of our journey.

Accommodation: Hotel or Ecolodge
Meals: Breakfast

We begin our morning exploring Cabrito and Cachorro villages. Here, striking volcanic rock formations create a unique and dramatic coastline with fascinating natural pools, perfect for capturing postcard-worthy photos.

After lunch, we'll visit the Pico Wine Museum to learn more about the rich heritage of Pico’s winemaking. Ancient vineyards tell the story of this UNESCO-listed tradition. Next, we'll wander through the Mata dos Dragoeiros, an enchanted forest of dragon trees.

As the afternoon unfolds, we'll take a refreshing swim in Barca’s natural pools before toasting to our unforgettable adventure with a sunset drink at the iconic Cella Bar.

At the end of the day, we'll sail on a short but scenic boat trip (approximately 35 min) to our final destination, Faial Island, where new discoveries await. We'll stay overnight in the city of Horta.

Accommodation: Hotel or Ecolodge
Meals: Breakfast

Our adventure in Faial begins in Horta, a lively maritime city. The world-famous Horta Marina is adorned with colourful murals left by transatlantic sailors. With breathtaking views of the surrounding islands (including the Pico Mount), Horta is a paradise for photographers and ocean lovers alike.

Venturing inland, we'll explore the stunning Caldeira do Faial (Faial Crater), a vast volcanic crater blanketed in lush greenery. We'll then head to Ribeirinha, a village that still bears the marks of the 1998 earthquake, which destroyed most of its buildings. We'll also admire charming wooden windmills in Cedros, a nod to the island’s rural heritage.

Heading west of the island, we'll step into another world at Capelinhos Volcano. The dramatic, lunar-like landscapes tell the story of the last volcanic eruption that reshaped the island. Walking atop its solidified lava fields and visiting the lighthouse-turned-interpretation centre, we'll better understand Faial’s powerful geological forces.

On the way back to the city of Horta, we'll unwind at the Varadouro’s natural pools. The Atlantic waters and mesmerising sunset provide the perfect ending to our journey.

Accommodation: Hotel or Ecolodge
Meals: Breakfast

As our adventure comes to an end, we must say goodbye to this Atlantic paradise. Let us cherish every moment shared, each experience embraced, and every smile exchanged along the way.

Thank you for trusting us to take you on this unforgettable journey. See you soon!

Meals: Breakfast