Azores
Hiking the Azores: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Program No. 23579RJ
Learn about the Azores’ island beauty as you join expert naturalists on hikes to the woodlands, thermal spring pools, caves and volcanic landscapes of Europe’s best-kept secret.
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
10 days
9 nights
What's Included
21 meals (
9B, 7L, 5D
)
2 expert-led lectures
23 expert-led field trips
1 flight during the program
An experienced Group Leader
8 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Activity Note
Depart North America on overnight international flight to Terceira Island, Azores. See your personal air itinerary for specific flight information.
Day
2
Check-in, Orientation, Orientation walk of Angra do Heroismo
Location:
Angra do Heroismo
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Torel Terra Brava
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 14 miles, approximately 30 minutes to Angra do Heroísmo. Walking up to 2 miles; about 1.5 hours; mostly level terrain, some inclines, urban streets, cobblestone sidewalks, steps up/down.
Breakfast:
Not included on this day.
Morning:
The Group Leader will be at the hotel to welcome arriving participants.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
At 2:00 p.m. we’ll set out on a walking field trip with our Group Leader and a local expert instructor to become familiar with the neighbourhood of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. From the UNESCO inscription: “Situated on the mid-Atlantic island of Terceira within the Portuguese Autonomous Region of the Azores (RAA), Angra do Heroísmo was an obligatory port of call for the fleets of equatorial Africa and of the East and West Indies routes during their voyages to and from Europe from the 15th century until the advent of steamships in the 19th century.” We will also note places of interest such as banks and ATMs, pharmacies, etc., along the route. Check-in after 3:00p.m.. Orientation – 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. On each of the islands, we will be joined by expert hikers with specialties in relevant areas of interest. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Serreta Hike, Biscoitos Rock Pools, Serra do Cume
Location:
Angra do Heroismo
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Torel Terra Brava
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus, driving about 48 miles, approximately 2.5 hours (averaging 45 minutes at a time). Hiking Serreta Trail https://trails.visitazores.com/en/trails-azores/terceira/serreta about 2.5 miles, approximately 2 hours; some gradual ascents/descents, concrete paths, gravel terrain, grass pastures
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a bus and ride to the North West part of the island where we will begin an expert-led hike on the Serreta Trail. A coastal hike part of a longer trail called Grande Rota do Oeste, full of lush vegetation and endemic species of plants including the Picconia Azorica. Beginning the trail through a forest we will walk on an earth and mud path with fallen leaves before crossing a brief portion of the main road to connect to the trail along the coast, where you will begin walking on a gravel terrain. Stopping at ocean viewpoints along the way, you will see an old whaling lookout station en route, and on good weather days you will be able to see three other island out at sea (Pico, Sao Jorge & Graciosa).
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will drive through the countryside and stop at one of the island’s most iconic viewpoints, Serra do Cume - weather permitting - overlooking the patchwork of fields, inside the largest crater of the Azores- 8 miles across. We will then board the bus and ride to the village of Biscoitos, known for its long wine-growing tradition and unique rock sea pools resulting from the volcanic lava flow. At the rock pools, weather permitting, we will have an opportunity to take a dip. We will then take a short walk to visit the Materramenta Project a family-run initiative dedicated to wine production in the Biscoitos wine region of Terceira Island, focused on promoting the area and prioritizing wine quality over economic concerns, the project honors Materramenta, the first landowner of Biscoitos. It aims to enhance the natural flavors of the unique terroir, where skilled cultivation has been practiced since the 16th century. The local volcanic stones protect the vines and contribute to the wine's distinctive characteristics. Materamenta strives to create a tasting experience that connects drinkers to the vineyards and the manual labor involved in the wine-making process. We will tour the vineyards, led by one of the winery staff learning about their culture and history. The wines from the Biscoitos region are cultivated in ground holes, shielded from sea winds by stone walls known as curraletas. This unique method results in pure, intense, mineral wines that carry a distinct sea flavor, crafted with care by winemaker Luís Vasco Cunha (We might meet him in the vineyards). At the end of the visit we will enjoy a wine tasting paired with toasts, Azorean cheese, and homemade jam.
Dinner:
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Monte Brasil Trail, Coffee Plantation, Lecture
Location:
Angra do Heroismo
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Torel Terra Brava
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus or taxis; driving about 8 miles, approximately 45 minutes, averaging 15 minutes at a time. Hiking up to 3.5 miles approximately 2.5 hours; natural forest trails, approximately 640 feet above sea level, some steep ascents/descents, urban streets, cobblestone sidewalks. For detailed trail information, visit: http://trails.visitazores.com/en/trails-azores/terceira/monte-brasil.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our next hiking field trip will be up and around the Monte Brasil trail. During the hike, we will learn about the historical importance of the island while enjoying panoramic views of Angra do Heroísmo. We’ll also have a privileged view of the Atlantic Ocean from an old whaling look-out point and former World War II station.
Lunch:
Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon:
After lunch, we return to the bus and drive to Sao Mateus da Calheta where we will visit a coffee plantation which operates as a fully organic farm featuring a variety of fruits, including bananas, mangos, and avocados. The farm employs Syntropic Agriculture, which ensures the soil remains covered with growing plants, allowing only fruits to be harvested while enriching the soil with organic matter. This method enhances soil fertility, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds. Our focus will be to learn about their extensive coffee plantation and producing facilities, the largest in the Azores, the only coffee producing country in Europe The visit will introduce the farm plantations, the family history as well as their coffee production process, from growing to roasting. At the end of the visit will enjoy the organic coffee at the on-site café, Coffee Cabana. We will drive to our hotel and the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. At the end of the afternoon free, we will attend a lecture about the Geothermal Resources of the Azores.
Dinner:
For DOYO’s let’s use always the same text: This evening you are free to discover some local restaurants as dinner is on your own (your Group Leader will be happy to provide recommendations if needed).
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and flight to Ponta Delgada tomorrow.
Day
5
American Military Village, Orientation Walk of Ponta Delgada
Location:
Ponta Delgada
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Marina Atlântico
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus, driving about 19 miles, approximately 1 hour, averaging 40 minutes at a time. Getting on/off an aircraft; flight time approximately 3/4 hour. City walk approximately 2 miles, approximately 1:30/ 2:00 hours; mostly level terrain, cobbled stone sidewalks
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we’ll drive through Praia da Vitoria, the second largest municipality in Terceira, where you can see the old abandoned American military village. End the morning at Terceira Airport and check-in for our flight to Ponta Delgada
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will check-in at the hotel and straight after set out on an expert-led walk around the town of Ponta Delgada. As we go, we’ll learn about the city’s most important landmarks including the Former Jesuit College, Portas da Cidade (City Gates), and the sanctuary of Senhor Santo Cristo that houses the most important religious icon on the island.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Sete Cidades Twin Lakes, Pineapple Farm, Oficina Museu
Location:
Ponta Delgada
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Marina Atlântico
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus, driving about 59 miles, approximately 2.5 hours, averaging 45 minutes at a time Hiking about 3 miles, approximately 2 hours; mostly level, dirt path, earth and gravel terrain, minor inclines, steps. For detailed trail information, visit http://trails.visitazores.com/en/trails-azores/sao-miguel/vista-do-rei-sete-cidades
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our hike this morning will be guided by the weather conditions as we aim for panoramic viewing points over this most beautiful area known as “Sete Cidades”, a massive volcanic crater measuring more than three miles wide, it contains four large lakes and is home to one of the island’s most iconic viewpoints, the Vista do Rei (King’s View) one of our stops. Some of São Miguel’s most beautiful scenery is located within the crater, including the Twin Lakes. Re-boarding the bus, we will drive down to the village for some free time exploring this picturesque village enjoying the surrounding scenery.
Lunch:
Picnic lunch.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will have a brief visit to the Ananases Arruda Pineapple Plantation, to learn about this important agricultural product and the unique Azorean methods used to grow this fruit. We will then drive to the village of Capelas, where you will visit the Oficina Museu, a family home converted into an ethnographic museum, preserving items from the past, for the future generations to learn about the Azores from days gone by. The rest of afternoon is free to explore Ponta Delgada on your own.
Dinner:
This evening you are free to discover some local restaurants as dinner is on your own (your Group Leader will be happy to provide recommendations if needed).
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Capelas to Calhetas Hike, Fire Lake, Gorreana Tea Factory
Location:
Furnas -Sao Miguel
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus, driving 63 miles approximately 2.5 hours, averaging 30 minutes at a time. Hiking about 3 miles, approximately 2 hours; mostly level, concrete streets, dirt paths, earth and gravel terrain, minor inclines.
Breakfast:
At the hotel and checkout.
Morning:
Depart the hotel by bus and drive to Capelas, where you will begin the Vigia de Sao Pedro hike along the northern coast of the island towards the village of Calhetas. Walking along concrete roads, dirt paths and through farming pastures, you will pass by an old whaling station and through the small village of Fenais da Luz, before arriving at the Buraco de Sao Pedro, an interesting geological rock crater formation located in the ocean. Considered a relatively linear hike, this trail has a distance pf approximately 3 miles and takes on average 2 hours to complete. Before lunch, weather permitting, depart by motor coach to the Lagoa do Fogo (The Fire Lake), a crater lake within the Água de Pau Massif stratovolcano located in the center of the island and one of the most iconic viewpoints.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will drive to the famous Gorreana Tea Factory & Plantation. Owned by the same family for five generations, it is the only place in Europe that both grows and manufactures tea. Enjoy a guided visit of the factory, learning about the different types of tea and how they’re made, and take some free time to explore the plantation in the fields surrounding the property. Board the bus and continue to Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Natural Park. Enjoy the stunning landscapes and waterfalls in this protected area of the island before driving to your hotel to check-in.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
CIAF and Furnas Lake hike, Cozido Lunch, Terra Nostra Garden
Location:
Furnas -Sao Miguel
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus, driving 7 miles, approximately 30 minutes, averaging 15 minutes at a time. Hiking about 1.7 miles, approximately 1 hour; mostly level terrain, forest trails, dirt paths, small steps. For detailed trail information, visit http://trails.visitazores.com/en/trails-azores/sao-miguel/furnas.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, meet in the hotel lobby and and set out on foot for a short Orientation Walk through the village of Furnas, including a visit to the Caldeiras das Furnas, home to a large number of thermal springs and where you can taste a host of different volcanic waters. Meet the bus and drive up to the Furnas Lake where you will visit the CIAF, the renowned Furnas Environmental Monitoring and Research Center (CIAF).The center was founded in 2011 to promote the actions of ecological preservation work undertaken in the area. We will learn from one of their experts about the work being done and watch a video presentation. Next, we will set out on the hiking trails around Furnas, ending at the fumaroles. There, we will watch the retrieval of our lunch, the typical Azorean delicacy, known as 'cozido'. This varied selection of meats or fish with vegetables is layered in a big pot and lowered into underground holes for up to six hours where volcanic steams will cook the food.
Lunch:
At the hotel restaurant, we will have the traditional cozido meal we saw being retrieved earlier. The meat and vegetables cook together for hours. The gravy comes from the natural juices of the ingredients.
Afternoon:
Next, we will gather in the hotel lobby to meet a local botanical expert for a walking lecture through the Terra Nostra Garden. The remainder of the afternoon is free. You might like to enjoy the hotel spa facilities, take a dip in one of the thermal pools, or stroll around the garden. The garden and pools are open to the public between 10am and 5pm but hotel guests have exclusive 24-hour access.
Dinner:
This evening you are free to discover some local restaurants as dinner is on your own (your Group Leader will be happy to provide recommendations if needed)
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Sanguinho Hike, Terra Nostra Thermal Pools, Farewell dinner
Location:
Furnas -Sao Miguel
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus, driving about 25 miles, approximately 1.30 hours, averaging 45 minutes at a time. Hiking about 2 miles, approximately 2 hours; forest trails, dirt paths, loose rocks, wooden foot bridges, narrow paths, uneven ground, cobblestone paths, steep ascents/descents; elevation 164/820 feet. For detailed trail information, visit http://trails.visitazores.com/en/trails-azores/sao-miguel/sanguinho.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will ride the bus to the village of Faial da Terra and set out hiking along the Sanguinho Trail one of the most beautiful as well as challenging of the program to close our adventure. Following the stream through the entrance to the forest, we will begin our ascent with hiking instructors. We will traverse a short, narrow, cliff-edge path and observe the abundant flora including Cryptomeria Japonica and Pittosporum Undulatum as we cross wooden bridges over small creeks that feed the main stream. We’ll then continue our ascent to the local farming fields and orchards in the old lost village of Sanguinho. From there, we’ll slowly make our way down the cobbled stone path back to the bus
Lunch:
At a picturesque stop on the way back to the hotel, we will have a picnic lunch.
Afternoon:
Free afternoon to enjoy the hotel pools and garden and to explore the small village of Furnas, before meeting for our farewell meeting.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
Prior to dinner, gather with the Group Leader and fellow Road Scholars to sharing memories of this and other Road Scholar programs. The Group Leader will also give instructions for tomorrow’s departure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Day
10
Departure day –Return flight home
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check out 11:00 a.m. a transfer is provided for all participants that bought international air with Road Scholar Your group leader will advise the departure time
Breakfast:
At the hotel followed by checkout. The Group Leader will be at hand to confirm departure instructions.
Morning:
After breakfast time is at leisure. Checkout time is 11:00am. Your Group Leader will be at hand to assist and advise on your transfer to the airport according to your group flight time. This concludes our program. Don’t forget to login in to the Tripcast album created by your Group Leader and load you pictures to share with your fellow participants the memorable moments you have registered of this exciting Road Scholar experience, and to join our Facebook page and the and follow us on Instagram. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Lunch:
This meal is not included on your program
Afternoon:
Your Group Leader will be advising and assisting with transfers to the airport according to your flight time.
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Map details are not available for this location.
Please Note:
This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 20, 2025
Jun 03, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025
Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025
Jun 24, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025
Aug 25, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025
Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025
Sep 22, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025
Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025
Oct 15, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
Oct 29, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 20, 2025
Feb 17, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026
Mar 10, 2026 - Mar 20, 2026
Mar 31, 2026 - Apr 10, 2026
Apr 14, 2026 - Apr 24, 2026
May 05, 2026 - May 15, 2026
May 19, 2026 - May 29, 2026
Sep 29, 2026 - Oct 09, 2026
Oct 06, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026
Oct 20, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Nov 03, 2026 - Nov 13, 2026
Nov 17, 2026 - Nov 27, 2026
Nov 11 - Nov 20, 2025 Itinerary Differences:
Algar do Carvão will be closed for 18 months starting November 2024 to allow for the construction of a new visitors center with improved facilities, access, and safety. During this period, your program will replace the visit to Algar do Carvão with two alternative field trips: a visit to a vineyard with a wine and product tasting, and an organic farm featuring the largest coffee plantation in the Azores, the only coffee-producing region in Europe.
