Green Island Explorer, Self Drive
Overview
São Miguel invites you to explore at your own rhythm with this itinerary designed for travellers who enjoy independence and natural beauty as you experience the perfect balance between comfort and flexibility. Known as the “Green Island,” São Miguel is a landscape of volcanic lakes, dramatic coastlines, lush forests, and geothermal wonders.
The car rental and hotel stays are included in this package, along with a bunch of other travel essentials that will help make this trip easy and unforgettable.
9 days | 7 nights
Format
Trip Highlights
Portugal
- Ponta Delgada
- São Miguel (island in Azores)
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights to Ponta Delgada (if Flight & Hotel package option is chosen)
- 7 nights of accommodation in selected category, including daily breakfast
- 7-day car rental, automatic transmission - Including: Unlimited Mileage, VAT, Airport Taxes, Relax Pack (CDW + TP)
- Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour
Itinerary
Day 1 | Depart Canada
- Fly to Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores.
Day 2 -8 | Explore & Discover São Miguel
- Upon arrival in Ponta Delgada, pick up your car rental and proceed to your hotel.
- Spend the next 7 nights discovering this amazing island.
- São Miguel, the "Green Island" of the Azores, is a volcanic paradise known for dramatic landscapes. Some of its natural attractions include crater lakes (Sete Cidades, Furnas), lush tea plantations (Gorreana), hot springs (Terra Nostra and Caldeira Velha), and black sand beaches, offering adventures from hiking and thermal bathing. Plus, vibrant Ponta Delgada is ideal for nature lovers and culture seekers seeking tranquility and discovery amidst the stunning Atlantic beauty.
- With your rental car, you create your own itinerary each day, and return to the comfort of your hotel each night.
- Suggested Self-Drive Routes (Loops) in São Miguel:
- It is easy to circle the island in one-day. However we suggest a slower pace by exploring areas (or loops) of São Miguel one at a time.
- West Side Loop (Half/Full Day)
- Route: Ponta Delgada -> Sete Cidades (viewpoints like Vista do Rei, Miradouro da Boca do Inferno) -> Mosteiros (rock formations, sunset) -> Ribeira Grande (north coast town).
- Highlights: The iconic twin lakes of Sete Cidades, dramatic coastal views at Mosteiros and a surfing vibe in Ribeira Grande.
- Central Wonders Loop (Full Day)
- Route: Ponta Delgada -> Lagoa do Fogo (viewpoints, hike down if time) -> Caldeira Velha (hot springs) -> Miradouro da Lagoa do Congro (hidden gem lake).
- Highlights: Stunning crater lake vistas, lush tropical hot springs and volcanic landscapes.
- East Coast Sunrise & Nature Loop (Full Day)
- Route: Ponta Delgada -> Miradouro da Santa Iria -> Ponta do Sossego & Ponta da Madrugada (sunrise spots) -> Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões (waterfalls, mills) -> Nordeste (village).
- Highlights: Unforgettable sunrise views, vibrant gardens, waterfalls and historical mills.
- Furnas Valley Immersion (Half/Full Day)
- Route: Ponta Delgada -> Furnas (hot springs, Terra Nostra Park, boiling pots) -> Furnas Lake (Cozido cooking).
- Highlights: Geothermal activity, unique volcanic cuisine (Cozido das Furnas) and botanical gardens.
- Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9 | Return to Canada
- After breakfast, return your rental car at the airport in Ponta Delgada, then board your return flight home.
- Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
- The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Hotel accommodation details will be communicated to you or your travel agent prior to departure.
- Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
- Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child)
- Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
4-Star Accommodation
Ponta Delgada: The Lince Azores (or similar)
5-Star Accommodation
Ponta Delgada: Grand Hotel Acores Atlantico (or similar)
Departure Dates
- June 2026 – September 2026
Not included
- Meals, unless specified
- City tax’s, If applicable
- Fuel, Parking fees, traffic violation tickets, additional driver fee , car upgrades, road assistance, inter city toll fees, additional insurance coverage, child car seats, luggage racks, additional rental nights, late drop off fees, one way intercity fees.
- Personal expenses and insurance
- Transponders (*) to be used on Portuguese highways is a mandatory rental and fees are calculated based duration, distances travelled, and number of tool crossing used.
- Upon collecting your car and signing your agreement / contract, please read all terms and conditions as some charges could be delayed and billed to your credit card, Following your return from Portugal.
- (*) Via Verde - This system allows you to pass through toll gates without stopping, which helps avoid queues and delays.
Transportation
- Rental Car
- Automatic Transmission; Opal Corsica / or similar
City Tax
- Hotel taxes if applicable, are payable locally in local currency.
Check In, Check Out
- Check in: 3:00 p.m.
- Check out: 12:00 p.m.
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