The Azores, Portugal
October 2 - 8, 2022

Part 2: Nature, History & Adventure 

We have created an itinerary which blends invigorating days exploring the island with relaxing days enjoying Sensi Azores Nature & Spa or an optional activity of your choosing. Our three group day trips will tour the different regions of São Miguel Island.

Day Trip 1 - Western São Miguel Island: Sete Cidades & Ponta da Ferraria

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Named one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal, Lagoa das Sete Cidades ("Lagoon of the Seven Cities") is a twin lake situated in the crater of a dormant volcano. We will have a guided tour to many striking vistas of the Azores' most iconic and recognized natural monument. Sete Cidades is also an excellent location for variety of outdoor activities within the crater's inner rim, including canoeing and stand-up paddleboard, hiking, biking and bird watching. We will lunch in the village of Sete Cidades before moving on to our next destination for the day.

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Located at the bottom of a cliff, surrounded by gigantic lava rocks, stands an oceanic natural pool called the Ferraria Hot Springs. Here, the cold seawater and the hot geothermal spring water beneath swirl together.
Whenever the tides are low, you can clutch yourself to a rope and enjoy warm waters while getting battered by ocean waves. This is truly a unique experience.

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Day Trip 2 -  Central São Miguel Island: Whale/Dolphin Watching Boat Trip & Lagoa do Fogo

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Today we’ll explore the rich underwater world that surrounds the archipelago. We’ll start with an introduction to this North Atlantic ecosystem, learning from marine biologists about what we might encounter and how to thoughtfully behave around them. Then we’ll board our boat and take to the seas, scanning the horizon for signs of massive fin whales, bottlenose dolphins, and clicking sperm whales. After a few hours, we’ll break for lunch at Vila Franca do Campo Harbor, where you can sample some fresh fish.

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Lagoa do Fogo ("Lake of Fire"), was created as a result of volcanic activity around 15,000 years ago and the last eruption happened in the 1500’s. The lake is the highest elevated lake on Sao Miguel island and spans nearly 2 miles in length and is 1.5 miles wide. After admiring, the volcano's crater and the lake's vividly colored blue water, you'll understand why it's considered one of the most beautiful lakes on the island. As we depart we stop at the Caldeira Velha, where thermal pools and waterfalls surrounded by endemic fauna and flora await. After taking a dip in the thermal pools (optional) we make our way back to the hotel.

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Day Trip 3 - Eastern São Miguel Island: Furnas & Terra Nostra Botanical Garden

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Furnas Valley is the center of São Miguel's unique geothermal activity. Here you can visit two active volcanic sites to see the boiling caldeiras in action, multiple hot spring pools for soaking and swimming, and the stunning Furnas Lake that's perfectly sized for an afternoon hike.  In the town of Furnas we will enjoy a lunch of Cozido das Furnas, a traditional Azores stew cooked underground with volcanic heat.

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Nearby,  the 200-year old Terra Nostra Botanical Garden is an ecological wonderland that boasts a geothermal swimming pool, and amazing gardens with hundreds of different species of plants. The gardens are spread over 31 acres and feature a serpentine canal, a number of grottoes, walkways lined with beautiful trees and numerous parterres of ornamental flowers.

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Unscheduled Personal Days: 3 Great Options

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We have two free days on the trip with no group activities scheduled. This allows everyone to carve out some personal time to relax or to create an experience just for you. Possibilities include:

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1) Guests can choose to just relax at our hotel & spa to take advantage of the beautiful facilities and spa services. Whether it is reading by the pool, getting a massage or taking a sauna, there are plenty of options to enjoy some well earned downtime.

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2) Alternatively, guests can use this free time to plan their own special adventures. The concierge at the hotel can organize a variety of activities, including: horseback riding, sea fishing, sea kayaking, bike rides, canyoning tours, birdwatching, surf lessons, farm visits & visits to the handmade crockery factory. 

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3) Lastly, T&T Travel is famous for our ad hoc and spontaneous Toby Tours. On unscheduled days, Toby often grabs a van and invites anyone interested in exploring parts of the island or attractions not included in the main itinerary. These tours are casual, and their destinations are often determined the night before over a glass of wine and fun conversation.