Call to speak with one of our Tour Experts 1-877-230-8747
-
Victoria Guestx7121
Offline
-
Karol Charezax7320
Offline
-
Robyn Murrayx7215
Offline
-
Susan Sniderx7323
Offline
-
Brenda Moranx7218
Offline
-
Day 1
Arrival in Sao Miguel - Ponta Delgada
Upon landing at São Miguel Airport, make your own way to the arrivals hall where a representative will meet you. Hop on the shared transfer to the hotel, for check-in. Once you are settled, we suggest starting from the streets to the south, towards the sea, and you will be in the city centre of Ponta Delgada. You will find a magnificent square, with its own statue: Praça Gonçalo Velho Cabral. Behind the statue, a noble monument with three arches marks the beginning of Ponta Delgada as the main city of S. Miguel. Behind these arches named Portas da Cidade, you can walk through the small and narrow streets, where the local traditional commerce takes place (souvenirs stores, coffee shops, restaurants and banks). If you choose to stay in the main avenue, walk to Portas do Mar – the most recent infrastructure that supports the dock and the cruise ship port of the island. Here you will be in a platform above the sea, and you can find many people relaxing by the sea bay, enjoying a cup of coffee, a local beer, or even a cocktail. Overnight in Ponta Delgada.
Hotel: Vila Nova 3* (or similar) -
Day 2
Ponta Delgada
Early breakfast at the hotel, followed by the first day of adventure in the island, a 4x4 full-day tour. This trip combines two of the most popular places around São Miguel Island: Sete Cidades lakes and Fogo Lake, among other incredible places such as Caldeira Velha and Ponta da Ferraria. You will be collected from the hotel at around 09:00 am, the first stop is at the rim of Sete Cidades’ caldera. You will pass by many interesting viewpoints, where you can enjoy the view over the green and blue lakes. After this stunning visit, it’s time to leave this magical place to Ponta da Ferraria. There, you will be able to go for a dip in the Atlantic Ocean when the tide is low. This place is truly magical because the water will not be cold! Indeed, it is naturally warmed by a volcanic fissure. Later on, you will have lunch is in a local restaurant halfway to Lagoa do Fogo, perfect to taste some Azorean food! (Included). In the afternoon, you will be taken to the amazing natural reserve of Lagoa do Fogo to enjoy mesmerizing landscapes surrounding the crater. Fogo Lake is one of the most popular places around the island and you will certainly understand why when you are there. From the top of the volcano, you will find incredible views over São Miguel Island with both North and South coast visible at the same time. The adventure does not stop here! After that, you will be taken to Caldeira Velha, a warm iron-rich waterfall where it is possible to take a dip year-round thanks to the volcanic activity warming the water up to 26°C (79°F). It is a real spa at open air, surrounded by lush forest, an amazing scenery that looks straight out of a movie. After this relaxing moment, you will head back to Ponta Delgada by the late afternoon. Overnight in Ponta Delgada.
Hotel: Vila Nova 3* (or similar) -
Day 3
Ponta Delgada
Charge your batteries with breakfast at the hotel and prepare yourself for another full-day adventure: mountain bike ride and Terra Nostra visit. You will be collected from the hotel at around 09:00 am. This mystical excursion, made in a minivan, is taking you to the eastern part of the island, known for its healing waters as well as boiling ones (geysers), showing us the volcanic activity is truly alive in this area. Here, meals are cooked under the ground with no more than its heat and steam. Corncobs are cooked in the boiling waters, and the best flatbread is made here. A crater with 75 kilometres is expected to be seen and a lake inside it can easily be walked around it. The pool tanks are thermal and hot warm, and the most beautiful and richest park of species (flora) can be found inside this small, attractive and welcoming village. This is Furnas. The activity starts with a bike tour, developed in a circular route (10.5 kilometres) which starts in Furnas village and follows to calderas area by Lagoa das Furnas, continuing through the dirt road surrounding the lake. The highest point of this tour is located in the area of Pico dos Milhos, where you can admire the village. Secondary paths leading back to the point of beginning make the descent and the end of the bike ride. After lunch in a restaurant in Furnas village (included), it is time to visit Terra Nostra Park. This is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens of the 18th century, where one can find species of flora from different regions of the world. You will be guided in a brief tour by the garden paths passing by the outdoor pool, which invites for a relaxing thermal bath. After this delightful moment, it is time to return to Ponta Delgada by the North Coast of the island and with a different perspective of the island of São Miguel. Overnight in Ponta Delgada.
Hotel: Vila Nova 3* (or similar) -
Day 4
Ponta Delgada
Have a tasty breakfast at the hotel (a light breakfast is recommended this day). Now that you visited the major land attractions of the island, it is time to feel adventurous and discover what else the island has to offer, so expect to receive a car at your hotel in the morning, so you can experience the island like a local too. Our suggestion today is the south coast of the island, all the way to Vila Franca do Campo, where we booked the bestseller activity in the island, Whales & Dolphin Watching. But before that, drive-by: São Rique and Livramento, with its three dark sand beaches; Lagoa with its natural swimming pools; Água de Pau, where you can enjoy a sunny morning in the most outgoing part of the island, as well as take the chance to taste the best fish on the island. The afternoon is reserved with the most well-known sea activity of the island - Whales & Dolphin Watching, in Vila Franca do Campo (Meeting point for Whale Watching activity - Marina of Vila Franca do Campo, at Terra Azul. Briefing will start at 12.15 pm) The activity starts with a safety briefing, where you get to know more about the species you are about to find, the weather conditions, the boat tour, as well as how you should behave during this guided tour to these species home. This route is stunning. You will cruise by impressive sights over the island of São Miguel. The tour will last about 3 hours. Right after your activity, you should definitely recharge batteries and try the famous Queijadas da Vila - small sweet tarts covered in powdered sugar (not included). One of the factories is located right above the marina, close to the Whale Watching Centre, where these freshly baked treats are sold. If the weather is welcoming, drive up to ‘’Nossa Senhora da Paz’’ a beautiful chapel. You can walk to the top of it, the view over the islet and the entire town is breath-taking. From this viewpoint, you can have a look over the entire village of Vila Franca do Campo, where an earthquake destroyed the entire place, in 1522. Take a deep breath at this outstanding view and admire the sunset, before your way back to Ponta Delgada. Overnight in Ponta Delgada.
Hotel: Vila Nova 3* (or similar) -
Day 5
Ponta Delgada
Enjoy a tasty breakfast at the hotel. This is your last full day at leisure in the island, the recommended route on this day is through the northern and eastern side, with a quick detour to Fajã de Baixo, where you will find the famous pineapple plantations, the emblematic fruit of the Azores (We suggest the Arruda plantations). Leave Ponta Delgada and drive towards the north at the speedway, and soon you will reach the second largest city of São Miguel, Ribeira Grande. You may enjoy the city's historical centre and visit the famous liquor factory, which is very popular on the island. You may keep driving north, and soon you may find a sign designated as Gorreana Tea Factory. It produces more tea than anywhere in Europe, and it is located in an area of great scenic beauty. Continue driving towards Furnas village, and soon you will get to Pico do Ferro View Point, with an impressive view over the lake of Furnas. After descending to Furnas, and before you get in the Village, take the change to look closer the lake, and after parking your car, you will find yourself by the lakeshore, where you can now see a field with holes on the ground, some covered with a wooden lid, and others uncovered at all. Going back to the village, it is time to drive or walk through the magnificent promenade in Furnas, all the way to the geysers area (Caldeiras). Here is another proof of the volcanic activity by smelling the sulphur from boiling water geysers and small water fountains. Now that your visit to this particular village is complete, you should not leave without having dinner at Tony’s Restaurant – the most typical in Furnas (Included). Your booking is made and they should already be waiting for you. Overnight in Ponta Delgada.
Hotel: Vila Nova 3* (or similar) - Day 6 Sao Miguel - Return Wake up to one last breakfast at the hotel and drive to the airport to return the car two hours before the flight departure. We hope the memories of this trip will stay with you for a lifetime.
Included
Operated with English- and Portuguese-speaking local guide during the activities (Day 2 3 4)
5 night’s accommodation
5 Breakfasts
2 Lunches (Day 2 3)
1 Dinner at a local restaurant (Day 5)
Arrival shared transfer in an air-conditioning bus from Ponta Delgada-João Paulo II Airport (Day 1)
Shared transportation in an air-conditioning bus during the activities (Day 2 3)
Car hire (Day 4 5)
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: 4×4 Jeep full-day tour 7 Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo including Caldeira Velha admission (Day 2); Mountain Bike & Terra Nostra Park full-day tour including Terra Nostra admission (Day 3); Whale Watching excursion (Day 4)
Meet & Greet
Mountain bike Helmet Quick repair kit Guide Insurance (Personal Accidents) (Day 3)
Hotel Delivery (Day 4)
Unlimited Mileage
Road Assistance 24 hours
SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waiver)
Subject to an excess
Road tax & VAT
Exclusions
Departure airport transfer
Domestic flights
International flights
Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
City tax not included payable on the spot
Any visit not mentioned in the program
Porterage and gratuities
Expenditures of a personal nature drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks mineral water camera/video camera fee (if any)
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays accidents etc.
Parking fees
TRAVELING IN PORTUGAL
Firmly oriented toward the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is a country of light, contrasts, and a gentle way of life. With nearly 2,000 kilometers of coastline, it is best discovered by following the Atlantic roads, where marine landscapes, golden cliffs, and fishing villages unfold one after another. Traveling in Portugal means taking time—time to stop in Porto, a proud and authentic city shaped by the Douro River and the wine that bears its name; time to listen to fado echoing through the ancient stones of Coimbra; and time to wander through Lisbon, the city of seven hills, vibrant yet tinged with nostalgia.
In Belém, one savors warm pastéis de nata fresh from the oven, while Portuguese gastronomy also reveals itself in exceptional dining experiences such as Belcanto. Further south, the road leads to the Algarve, famous not only for its beaches but also for its historic towns such as Lagos, Tavira, Faro, and Vila Real de Santo António. Inland Portugal is equally captivating: the Alentejo and the Central regions charm visitors with their whitewashed villages, peaceful landscapes, and slow pace of life. Further north, the Douro Valley amazes with its terraced vineyards and uniquely charming hotels. And for those wishing to extend their escape, Madeira and the Azores offer a completely different, wild and spectacular face of Portugal.
Capital: Lisbon
Area: 92,212 km²
Official language: Portuguese
Currency: Euro (1 CAD ≈ €0.68 – May 2023)
International dialing code: +351
Time difference: +5 hours compared to Montreal
Electrical outlets: Type F – 230V
DID YOU KNOW…
Lisbon has not always been the capital of Portugal. Over the course of its history, the country has had five capitals: Guimarães, Coimbra, Lisbon, Rio de Janeiro, and Angra do Heroísmo, before Lisbon definitively resumed this role. The most surprising episode remains that of Rio de Janeiro, which became the capital of Portugal between 1808 and 1821, when the royal family fled Napoleon’s troops and took refuge there with the entire court.
LISBON
Lisbon enchants visitors with the softness of its light, the majesty of the Tagus River, and its proximity to the Atlantic. The city invites travelers to slow down and enjoy its viewpoints, offering breathtaking panoramas over ochre rooftops and azulejo-covered façades. Each neighborhood has its own soul: Alfama with its history-filled alleys, Baixa with its classical elegance, Chiado with its cultural vibrancy, Belém with its iconic monuments, and Cais do Sodré with its contemporary atmosphere.
The city’s must-see landmarks tell the story of its glorious past: São Jorge Castle, the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the Monument to the Discoveries. A ride aboard the iconic Tram 28 connects several emblematic neighborhoods, while the Lisbon Oceanarium and the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum complete the visit. For a seaside escape, Carcavelos Beach lies just a few kilometers away.
PORTO
Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto is a city of character—both raw and elegant. Nestled at the mouth of the Douro River, it captivates visitors with its UNESCO-listed historic districts, narrow streets, and colorful houses overlooking the river. Porto exudes a unique atmosphere, balancing nostalgia and vitality.
The cathedral, the Church and Tower of the Clérigos, the famous port wine cellars, Bolhão Market, and the spectacular Livraria Lello are among the city’s highlights. Porto is also renowned for its contemporary architecture, notably the Casa da Música, a symbol of its cultural renewal.
BARCELOS
Located between Viana do Castelo and Braga, Barcelos is inseparable from its famous rooster, which has become one of Portugal’s most iconic symbols. The town is renowned for its craftsmanship and for its large Thursday market, a vibrant explosion of colors and traditions. Strolling through Barcelos means discovering an authentic, lively town deeply connected to its popular heritage.
DOURO VALLEY
The Douro Valley is one of Portugal’s most spectacular regions. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers sweeping landscapes of terraced vineyards sculpted by the river. As travelers follow its winding roads and viewpoints, they discover small villages, traditional quintas, and breathtaking natural scenery, all the way to Miranda do Douro, where the river enters Portugal.
VILA REAL
Located inland, Vila Real is an elegant town surrounded by mountains. It preserves beautiful patrician residences adorned with coats of arms and wrought-iron balconies. Set at the confluence of two rivers, it is an excellent base for exploring the region, including the famous Casa de Mateus and the surrounding green landscapes.
COIMBRA
A former capital of the kingdom, Coimbra is the intellectual and cultural heart of Portugal. Its prestigious university—one of the oldest in Europe—overlooks the city and reflects centuries of academic tradition. Coimbra charms visitors with its timeless atmosphere, historic streets, fado serenades, and remarkable monuments. Nearby, the Roman city of Conimbriga offers an additional glimpse into the region’s ancient past.
ALGARVE
The Algarve is far more than a beach destination. Beyond its golden sands and limestone cliffs lies a region rich in traditions, nature, and authentic villages. Each town has its own personality—lively or tranquil, festive or sea-oriented. Sagres, Lagos, Albufeira, Tavira, and Faro each reveal a different facet of this sun-drenched region, ideal for both a first trip to Portugal and a longer stay.
MADEIRA
Nicknamed the “Garden of the Atlantic,” Madeira is an island of striking beauty. Steep mountains, lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and colorful villages create an exceptional natural setting. Discovered in the 15th century, the island has preserved its authenticity. Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, Porto Moniz, and the Fanal Forest are among the must-see highlights of a journey to Madeira.
CUISINE
Portuguese gastronomy is generous, authentic, and deeply rooted in tradition. The country is famous for its codfish, prepared in countless ways, as well as for its slow-cooked dishes, seafood, and indulgent desserts. Each region has its own specialties, reflecting its history and terroir. From simple dishes to more refined recipes, Portuguese cuisine is a true invitation to share and enjoy.
BEVERAGES
Portugal is a land of iconic wines and spirits. Port wine, vinho verde, ginja, Madeira’s poncha, and medronho are all integral to local culture. Each beverage tells the story of a region, a craft, and a tradition passed down through generations.
SAFETY, HEALTH, AND ETIQUETTE
Portugal is a safe and welcoming country, appreciated for the warmth and kindness of its people. As everywhere, basic precautions are recommended, particularly regarding petty theft and driving. The healthcare system is reliable, and vaccinations recommended by Canadian authorities allow travelers to explore the country with peace of mind. Portuguese etiquette is based on simplicity, respect, and friendliness, and tipping is left to the traveler’s discretion.
Name: Best of Sao Miguel Island
Brand: tripcentral tours
Quality: Tourist Class
Tour Type: Escorted
Start City: Sao Miguel Island
End City: Sao Miguel Island
Vacation Overview:
Join this six-day tour to discover the best of São Miguel, one of the islands of the exotic and remote Azores archipelago, the perfect destination for nature lovers and a world-leading example of sustainable tourism. Discover its dramatic landscapes: peaks bursting through the sea covered in vegetation, inhabited with a plethora of birdlife in diverse habitats, which range from lakes to forests, mountains and fields. Witness countless forms of aquatic life, oceanic dolphins, blue whales, sperm whales and killer whales.
