Highlights of São Miguel island

 

 

Azores - The lost paradise between the old and the new world These enchanting nine islands hide very well an extinct volcano, exotic gardens, tea plantations, incredibly beautiful lakes and traditional architecture.

 

Day 1

Ponta Delgada
Arrive at Ponta Delgada Airport. Transfer to your hotel and accommodation.

 

Day 2

Ponta Delgada 
Spend the day discovering the highlights of the largest city on the island - Ponta Delgada. Start the tour with a visit to the church of São Sebastião - the mother church built between 1531 and 1547 with late gothic features and Manueline style façade, and Portas da Cidade de Ponta Delgada, the old city entry point. Walk through Ponta Delgada main shopping area to the Convent and Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Esperança - intimately connected to the ritual of Lord, Holy Christ of Miracles. Later, visit one of the exotic botanical gardens. Have free time in the afternoon.

 

Day 3

Ponta Delgada - Sete Cidades lakes - Ponta Delgada
Leave Ponta Delgada and drive west by the coastal road. Pass through a number of very picturesque villages before arriving at Feteiras, where the route ascends towards Sete Cidades until the main crater of this extinct volcano is reached, some 1,900 feet above sea level.   Explore the village Sete Cidades and then, continue to the edge of this crater to admire a magnificent view of the two lakes at the bottom - one is blue, and the other is bright green. On the return journey stop at the famous Antonio Borges Botanical Garden, where there is a remarkable collection of  tropical trees. Continue and make another stop at a Pineapple Plantation, where the complete process of cultivation and marketing of this fruit will be explained. Return to Ponta Delgada for an overnight. 

 

Day 3

Ponta Delgada - Ribeira Grande - Nordeste - Furnas Valley - Ponta Delgada 
Today cross the island in a north-east direction and reach the small town of Ribeira Grande. Have time to visit this historic city, which is the largest one on the north coast. Next go to Gorreana, where  the famous tea plantations are located. Enjoy a guided visit to the only tea plantation in Europe, while trying Chá Gorreana.  Proceed to Terra Nostra Park with its subtropical flora and drive northeast until you reach Nordeste, considered to be the most beautiful part of the island. Stop at Ponta da Madrugada and Ponta do Sossego viewpoints, both offering  spectacular scenery. Head to one of the best spots on the island - Furnas Valley. See the Furnas lake, surrounded by lush nature and try the famous cozido,which is cooked by the heat of one of the Furnas geysers. The hot springs here are probably the most interesting natural phenomenon in the Azores. Arrive at Ponta Delgada for an overnight. 

 

Day 4

Ponta Delgada
Final departure to Ponta Delgada airport. 

 
 

Madeira - “The floating garden” This colorful island is true wonder with its many protected reserves, majestic cliffs, golden beaches and 15th century churches and convents.

 

Day 1

Funchal
Arrive at Funchal Airport. 

 

Day 2

Funchal
Today discover the main city and capital of Madeira. Visit the botanical gardens, the Sé Cathedral dating from 15th century and Colegio Church. Then, stroll through the vibrant local market, and taste the Madeira famous wine. In the afternoon you can choose to take the cable car for a visit of Monte Palace gardens and "Our Lady of Monte" church. Enjoy a wonderful view of Funchal and the harbor.

 

Day 3

Funchal - Câmara de Lobos - Cabo Girão - Ribeira Brava - Porto Moniz - São Vicente - Encumeada - Funchal
Today explore the west part of the island. Pass through the fishing village Câmara de Lobos, and get to Cabo Girão - the highest Sea Cliff in Europe and the 2nd highest in the world. Enjoy the breathtaking view of 580 metres of altitude. Proceed to the lovely coastal town Ribeira Brava and wonder around the center. Continue travelling next to the coast and reach the town Porto Moniz, the most northwestern point, known for it’s natural pools. Afterwards, stop at São Vicente, famous with the lava tubes, considered to be almost one million years old. Finish the tour with an incredible view from Encumeada to the north and south of the island.

 

Day 4

Funchal - Camacha - Ribeiro Frio - Faial - Santana - Machico - Ponta de São Lourenço - Funchal 
Drive east and discover the highlights of this part of the island, starting with a visit of Camacha, the highest town of the island and the birthplace of the football in Portugal. Then admire panoramic views of the Pico Arieiro, and visit the Ribeiro Frio Natural Park. Head to Faial, where you can admire an incredible view. Next is Santana, a must-see town due to its traditional Madeira country style houses. Continue to Machico, the old capital of Madeira with a 15th century church. In the end stop at Ponta de São Lourenço, where is one of the most incredible areas and views of the island. 

 

Day 5

Funchal
Final departure to Funchal airport.