São Miguel & Pico: Unique Traditions

Day By Day Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Pico Island

   Welcome to the Azores! Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon your arrival and departure, and for a seamless start to your journey, we recommend booking an early hotel check-in.

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Take a stroll around Madalena’s historical cobblestone streets and enjoy a meal at one of the several seaside restaurants. Madalena is known for its picturesque harbor, framed by the iconic silhouette of Mount Pico, the highest peak in Portugal.
2. Day 2 Wine Tasting (Included)

   Suggestion for the first part of the day:

   • Visit Gruta das Torres: Gruta das Torres is a significant geological formation formed by the cooling of underground magma flows. Its unique drainage pattern is evidenced by multiple layers on the cave walls, lateral benches, and cornices. Gruta das Torres is one of 17 caves on Pico Island recognized for its natural heritage, with the potential for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

   From 2 PM - 7 PM: Portuguese Islands vs. Spanish Islands Wine Tasting Experience (Included)

   • Join us for an exceptional wine-tasting event celebrating the rich, yet often overlooked, wine history of the Portuguese and Spanish archipelagos: the Azores, Madeira, and the Canaries. These islands have cultivated a unique wine heritage that we are excited to share with you. Our tasting will feature the distinct varietals Verdelho/Verdello and Listrão/Listan Blanco, each expressing their respective islands' unique climate and terroir. Experience the diverse flavors and aromas of these varietals, and enjoy a selection of wines from our friends across these beautiful island regions. Discover the hidden gems of Atlantic island wines in this unforgettable tasting experience.
3. Day 3 Free Day for Personal Activities (Pico Island)

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Day Trip to Faial Island (a short ferry trip away): Nicknamed the “Blue Island” for its abundance of blue hydrangeas that cover the island like a heavenly floral blanket in the summer months, Faial Island is also the site of the most recent volcanic eruption in the Azores, which took place along the coast of Capelinhos village in 1957 and almost completely buried the nearby lighthouse. Many people lost their homes and livelihoods as a result of the eruption, a dire situation that prompted the Azorean Refugee Act to be signed in 1958 by JFK, authorizing the emigration of those affected. Simply put: The Capelinhos volcano left behind one of the most emblematic landscapes in the whole world.
4. Day 4 Free Day for Personal Activities (Pico)

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Take a Day Trip to São Jorge Island (a short ferry trip away): São Jorge, a small but iconic island, boasts dramatic landscapes with its rugged mountains, deep ravines, and unique fajãs formed by lava flow. These picturesque plains, such as Fajã dos Cubres and Fajã do Santo Cristo, offer ideal spots to immerse yourself in the island's abundant natural beauty. Renowned for outdoor activities like mountain biking, canyoning, and hiking, São Jorge also delights visitors with its famed Queijo São Jorge cheese, known for its robust, tangy flavor.
5. Day 5 Flight to São Miguel Island

   Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon your arrival and departure, and for a seamless start to your journey, we recommend booking an early hotel check-in.

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Take the day to stroll around Ponta Delgada’s city streets. Ponta Delgada, the main city, is not only the hub of the island but the capital of the Azores. Ponta Delgada evokes all the charms of Europe with cobbled streets, sidewalk cafes, and a thriving culinary scene. 
     • Portas da Cidade
     • Louvre Michaelense
     • Pineapple Plantations
     • Matriz Church
6. Day 6 Free Day for Personal Activities (São Miguel Island)

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Visit Lagoa do Fogo & Furnas: Venture to the island's northern expanse, where you'll encounter the untouched charm of the Protected Natural Reserve of Lagoa do Fogo. Relax in the rejuvenating thermal pools of Caldeira Velha, then marvel at the Salto do Cabrito waterfall. Journey to Furnas and immerse yourself in its myriad attractions, from the serene lake and Pico do Ferro Viewpoint to the unique caldeiras and Terra Nostra Park. Relish local flavors like cozido das Furnas and bolos lêvedos, and experience a fusion of nature and culture that's truly Azorean.
7. Day 7 Hot Pool & Pineapple Experience (Included)

   Suggestion for the first time of the day:

   • Explore the wonders of Sete Cidades, where each stop promises breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences:
   • Cumeeiras Viewpoint
   • Lagoa de Santiago
   • Vista do Rei Viewpoint
   • Ponte dos Regos
   • Lagoa das Sete Cidades

   5 PM - 7:30 PM: Hot Pool in a Pineapple Greenhouse and Pineapple Tour 

   • Unwind at the end of your afternoon on São Miguel Island in a tranquil 12-square meter pool, where the water maintains a soothing 36-degree Celsius (approximately 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit) temperature amidst lush pineapple plantations.
   • Azorean pineapples are truly special, and renowned worldwide for their unique flavor and quality. Start with a guided pineapple tour led by an expert, delving into the fascinating world of pineapple production in the Azores.
8. Day 8 Return Flight Home

   Thank you for traveling with us, and we look forward to being your travel companion again in the future!