Portugal’s Azores: 9 Days of Whale Watching, Nature, and Culture

Traverse volcanic trails, lush valleys, and whale-filled seas on a 9-day Azores journey through Terceira and São Miguel.

Country
Portugal
Duration
9 days / 8 nights
From
$2,880 /person
Book this trip

Your trip at a glance

Top Activities

Whale watching in the stunning seas of São Miguel, a world-renowned whale sanctuary

Hiking amidst geologic and geothermal wonders, from the eastern to western sides of São Miguel

Road-tripping throughout Terceira, with stops at a volcanic chamber, natural pool, and hiking trail

Experiencing Ponta Delgada through its Gothic churches, historic architecture, and local cuisine

Swimming in natural hot springs and tasting a volcanic-made stew in the the Furnas Valley

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Preview:

The Green Island of São Miguel

Azores town.jpg

Overview

Today, you’ll broaden your understanding of the Azores and head to the archipelago’s greenest area: the volcanic island of São Miguel. Depending on your flight time, you can use this morning to explore new parts of Terceira, whether you want a final stroll through your favorite neighborhood or another view of the coast. Then, you’ll drive to the airport and drop off your car before boarding your plane to São Miguel, which should take less than an hour. Upon arrival at this sprawling, subtropical island, you’ll pick up your next rental car at the airport. Once you check in to your hotel — you’ll be staying at Nine Dots Azorean Art Boutique Hotel (or similar) — you can unpack and enjoy its amenities, as you’ll be here for the next few nights. Whenever you’re ready, head outside and stretch your legs on a walk through Ponta Delgada. Among the city’s most impressive buildings, São Sebastião Church boasts a manueline portal, indicative of the Gothic period. Don't miss the Nossa Senhora da Esperança convent and chapel or the Carlos Machado museum, either If you’re walking up an appetite, you also have the option to embark on a fun and delicious food crawl with a local tour guide. (Breakfast)

Highlights

Historic Center of Ponta Delgada

Another capital city of the Azores, Ponta Delgada welcomes tourists with Gothic architecture, arched gates, and, of course, plenty of natural beauty. São Miguel lays claim to the title of Green Island, and its capital city merges the best of that greenery with a lively dose of cultural attractions, delicious restaurants, and one-of-a-kind museums.

Guided Food Tour (optional)

There’s no better fast track to the heart of a city than through your stomach. This afternoon, you'll have the option to follow a local tour guide on an educational and delicious food tour. Exact stops and dishes vary between tours, but this activity will likely introduce you to local meats and cheeses, special market dishes, and, of course, the archipelago’s trademark volcanic wines. Are you hungry yet?

Accommodations

Nine Dots Azorean Art Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Nestled in a central, yet quiet, part of São Miguel, this charming hotel occupies a recently restored building of Portuguese acclaim. The building maintains beautiful elements of the archipelago’s traditional architecture, while embracing new ones inspired by the particularities of the city. Amenities include a picturesque indoor pool and spa, so you have plenty of chances to unwind after your adventures.

Location:

R. dos Mercadores 76, 9500-092 Ponta Delgada, Portugal

Phone:

+351296242579

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Transportation

Drive to the Terceira airport and drop off your car at the rental service.

by car
Depart:
Terceira
Arrive:
Aerogare Civil das Lajes

When you land in São Miguel, pick up your new car from the rental service. You have a short drive of roughly 15 minutes before you reach Nine Dots Azorean Art Boutique Hotel (or similar): your accommodation for the next few nights.

by car
Depart:
São Miguel
Arrive:
São Miguel, Nine Dots Azorean Art Boutique Hotel (or similar)

How it works

01

Fill out request form

Provide your ideal trip dates and details to be matched with one of our local planning experts.

02

Meet your expert

Schedule a call with your expert to confirm dates, pricing and any recommended edits to the itinerary.

03

Book your trip

Once your itinerary is set, it’s time to pay the deposit to secure your trip.

04

Take-off

Let the journey begin! Your expert will offer real-time support and concierge service while traveling.

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What's included

Included in the final price

  • Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
  • 24/7 on-the-ground support
  • On-trip concierge service
  • Personalized trip crafting
  • COVID entry and exit information and assistance
  • All activities, meals, tours, and experiences mentioned in the itinerary
  • All transfers detailed in the itinerary
  • Accommodations for eight nights, with breakfast included

Not included in the final price

  • International arrival and departure flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Drinks, tips, and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Anything else not mentioned or listed as optional in the itinerary

Ready to see the full itinerary?

Submit a free request to talk with our local experts.

Let's Go
Day 1:
Bem-vindo a Portugal!
Day 2:
Hiking, Swimming, and Adventuring Around Terceira
Day 3:
The Green Island of São Miguel
Day 4:
Warm Waters and Iconic Treks of São Miguel West
Day 5:
Whale Watching and the Splendid Seas of São Miguel South
Day 6:
Lush Layers of Central São Miguel’s Tea Plantations
Day 7:
Dramatic Landscapes in the Volcanic Furnas Valley
Day 8:
São Miguel’s Untouched Eastern Oasis
Day 9:
Até a Próxima!