Azores Guided Walking Holiday – 14 nights
Explore the sights and discover the natural beauty of these incredible islands at your very own pace.
Walking is one of the best ways to get to know the islands, and our guided trail covers no less than five of the Azores’ most stunning islands – São Miguel, Terceira, São Jorge, Faial and Pico. During your trip you’ll witness secluded lagoons as you stroll from fajã to fajã (coastal plain), view magnificent panoramas from the slopes of the highest mountain in Portugal, sense the tranquility that surrounds the great crater lakes and see the fascinating results of the most recent Azorean eruption.
You’ll also have enough free time to enjoy the towns and villages at your own pace, sampling the local delicacies and watching the calm pace of local life go by.
We’ll be staying in comfortable hotels throughout the holiday and using taxis to transfer us to and from the walks. Walks are gently paced (we won’t be racing to the finish!) and are aimed at the moderately fit. No walk is longer than 18km and most will be around 10km.
Itinerary
When comparing our guided walking holiday with other companies, bear in mind that we include all walks, picnics on full day walks, any restaurant transfers necessary and accommodation in good quality comfortable hotels. You will also have a professional local guide who is fluent in English and who will accompany you throughout. See the Client Reviews tab for some of this year’s comments from our guided walkers.
All itineraries can be tailored to suit your interests.
| > Day 1 | Arrive at Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel |
| > Day 2 | Sete Cidades crater walk (3/4hrs) - included |
| > Day 3 | Visit to Furnas and coastal walk (3/4hrs) - included |
| > Day 4 | Fire Lake walk (4/5hrs) - included |
| > Day 5 | Fly to Terceira – with afternoon walk around Angra and Monte Brasil (2/3hrs) - included |
| > Day 6 | Gruta na Nata walk (3/4hrs) - included |
| > Day 7 | Fly to São Jorge |
| > Day 8 | 3 fajãs walk (4/5hrs) - included |
| > Day 9 | Mountain spine walk (5/6hrs) - included |
| > Day 10 | Ferry to Faial |
| > Day 11 | Crater walk/visit Capelinhos (3/4hrs) - included |
| > Day 12 | Day trip to Pico – Mt Pico ascent (6/7hrs) - included |
| > Day 13 | Free day on Faial |
| > Day 14 | Fly to Sao Miguel |
| > Day 15 | Transfer to the airport and depart. |
Dates & Prices
| All prices are per person (£) based on twin sharing but we can also quote for single supplements. Prices based on direct flights from Manchester or Gatwick to Sao Miguel. based on standard economy fares/seats, which are subject to limited availability. Prices may increase based on availability when booking. (Flights also available via Lisbon, call 017687 75672 for prices) |
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| Accommodation: Various hotels Departures: Saturday 09th to 23rd June 2012 Saturday 21st July to 04th August 2012 Saturday 18th August to 01st September 2012 Flights: also available via Lisbon |
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Price includes:
Accommodation on B&B sharing basis, picnics on full walking days, all walk and airport transfers, experienced guide services, flights and airport taxes, pre-departure information booklet.
Price excludes:
Meals (other than breakfast and walk picnics), excursions on free days, travel insurance.
Evening meal arrangements:
Evenings are free, however your Walking Guide will make a reservation each night at a local restaurant for those wishing to come along. The evenings are relaxed and informal, with an average 3 course meal with wine costing around £15-£25pp.
Single Supplement:
Add £350
Useful Information
What to take:Waterproof, water bottle, day pack, camera (and polarising filter recommended), walking boots (leather or fabric), lightweight fleece, sunglasses, sunblock, swim wear, small first aid kit, hat, binoculars.
Minimum age:
12yrs
Duration:
14 nights
Accommodation:
Hotel do Colegio, Hotel Beira Mar, Hotel Sao Jorge, Hotel Fayal
Operates:
June to August - See tour dates in Dates & Prices
Walk Info
| Sete Cidades walk | 11km – 3.5 hours | Grade 2 |
| South coast walk | 6km – 2.5 hours | Grade 2 |
| Fire lake walk | 12km – 4.5 hours | Grade 2 |
| Monte Brazil walk | 5km - 2hrs | Grade 1 |
| Grunta da Nata walks | 12km - 4hrs | Grade 2 |
| 3 Fajas walk | 11km – 3.5 hours | Grade 2 |
| Spine walk | 14km – 5 hours | Grade 2 |
| Coastal walk (Faial) | 4km – 1 hour | Grade 1 |
| Crater walk | 10km – 3.5 hours | Grade 2 |
| Mt Pico ascent | 10km – 5/7 hours | Grade 3 |
| Mt Pico (easier option) | 10km – 2.5 hours | Grade 2 |
Walk Grades
Grade 1 |
Easy walking on generally flat or downhill farm lanes or paths. |
Grade 2 |
Moderate walks on mainly flat routes although some uphill stretches. Terrain will be tricky at times; narrow, rocky paths up to 1000m asl. |
Grade 3 |
Strenuous walking along often tricky terrain. Experience of hill walking necessary. |
Excellent holiday, we enjoyed it, would recommend it and will some day go back again. Thank you for arranging it so professionally.
Mr & Mrs M, Norfolk
Our guide, Nuno, deserves a special mention for all his hard work, attention to detail and his genuine concern for everyone. His unfailing enthusiasm and love of the Azores made our holiday all the more enjoyable. We particularly enjoyed his picnics and the opportunity to sample local produce.
Mr & Mrs S, Norfolk
A top class holiday which I have 900 photos to remember it by. I would like to commend Nuno to you as an excellent guide.
Mr & Mrs G, Edinburgh
A great trip, well organised, transport arrangements on the islands excellent. A most wonderful guide in every way.
Mr & Mrs C, Barnstone
