Itinerary
- Day 1
Ponta Delgada
Start your first day in Ponta Delgada by getting a rental car and heading to the north coast of São Miguel island in the afternoon. The drive through the countryside shows off the green rolling hills and those big black and white cows grazing everywhere. By late afternoon, you'll reach the Atlantic coast where you can walk along the rocky shore and catch the sea breeze. Order a drink at one of those small cafés by the beach. Once you're settled in your accommodation, rest up and explore the local area if you have energy left.
Optional Activities
- Explore the green wilderness and winding roads of São Miguel
- Visit the north coast for Atlantic views
- Grab a drink and relax by the waves
Landmarks São Miguel Ponta Delgada 
- Day 2
São Miguel - Lagoa do Canário - Sete Cidades - Mosteiros
Wear good walking shoes today. Your hike begins at Lagoa do Canário in the morning with its mysterious forested paths near the crater lake. Drive from there up to the Sete Cidades viewpoint and start your trek around the twin lakes by mid-morning. Watch the way the sun changes the lake colors during the day. After lunch, head to the natural pools at Mosteiros for a swim and short walk around the old fishing village. The rugged cliffs nearby make great photo spots before you drive back to Ponta Delgada by evening.
Optional Activities
- Hike around Lagoa do Canário
- Hike to and around Sete Cidades crater rim
- Visit Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado viewpoint
- Swim in Piscinas Naturais Caneiros natural pools at Mosteiros
Landmarks Lagoa do Canário Sete Cidades Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado Mosteiros Piscinas Naturais Caneiros - Day 3
Nordeste
This morning you'll head to Chá Gorreana, Europe's only tea plantation, where you can see how tea grows on this Portuguese island. After checking out the tea operation, you'll make your way to Ribeira dos Caldeirões Nature Park and walk through the forest paths with waterfalls and colorful flowers surrounding you. From there, continue toward Nordeste and stop at a couple viewpoints like Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego and Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada to catch the landscape views. By evening you'll reach your accommodation in Nordeste.
Included Activities
- Visit Ribeira dos Caldeirões Nature Park with forest paths and waterfalls
- Stop at Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego viewpoint
- Stop at Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada viewpoint
Optional Activities
- Visit Chá Gorreana tea factory (payable on site)
Landmarks Chá Gorreana Tea Factory Ribeira dos Caldeirões Nature Park Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada 
- Day 4
Furnas
The geothermal experience in the morning will get you awake fast. Drive to Furnas Valley's hot springs and walk through the steaming crater area near the lake. You'll notice how different each spring smells as you go. Spend time floating in Terra Nostra Park's thermal baths with their surrounding colorful flower gardens. Later, after drying off, wander around the small local shops in Furnas and check out the famous cozido cooking pits where food cooks underground. Finish your day back at your hotel in Ponta Delgada.
Optional Activities
- Visit Vale das Furnas valley and caldeiras
- Bathe in Terra Nostra Park thermal pools (up to 40°C)
- Explore Terra Nostra Park gardens and plants
- Hike around Lagoa das Furnas
Landmarks Vale das Furnas Terra Nostra Park Lagoa das Furnas 
- Day 5
Monumento Natural da Caldeira Velha
You'll spend today driving your rental car to see the crater lakes scattered around the area. Start with Lagoa do Fogo and check out the viewpoint at Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo, and if you're up for it, there's an option to hike down closer to the lake itself. Later, head to Monumento Natural da Caldeira Velha nature park where you can see hot springs, natural pools, waterfalls, and lots of green vegetation. The whole day is pretty flexible depending on how long you want to spend at each spot.
Included Activities
- Visit Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint
Optional Activities
- Hike down to Lagoa do Fogo from the viewpoint
- Visit Monumento Natural da Caldeira Velha nature park with hot springs and natural pools (payable on site)
Landmarks Lagoa do Fogo Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo Monumento Natural da Caldeira Velha 
- Day 6
Ponta Delgada
You'll walk through the city's historic center looking at the old buildings and narrow streets lined with flowers in the morning. The Portas da Cidade gates mark one end of the walk. Stop for coffee during your exploration and browse local shops selling Azorean cheeses and crafts. The botanical garden makes a nice break with its rare plants and stone paths. If you feel like going farther, take the local bus to São Roque in the afternoon and visit the beach for swimming. The bus brings you back to the city center in time for dinner.
Optional Activities
- Walk through historic alleyways and past Portas da Cidade city gate
- Visit shops in the old town
- Enjoy coffee at local cafés
- Explore Jardim Botânico António Borges
- Take the bus (payable locally) to São Roque for beach activities
Landmarks Ponta Delgada Old Town Portas da Cidade Jardim Botânico António Borges São Roque 
- Day 7
Whale Watching and Island Exploration
Early in the day you'll go out on a dinghy with a specialist guide to look for whales, dolphins, and other marine life in the water around you. On the way back, you'll pass by Princess Ring, a volcanic island that's interesting to see from the boat. After you return from the water, the rest of the day is yours to do what you want, whether that's sitting at a café, spending time at the beach, or wandering around the city.
Included Activities
- Whale and dolphin watching boat tour
Optional Activities
- Atlantic Adventure: Group boat tour for whale watching on Princess Ring Island with English-speaking guide
- Beach relaxation
- City exploration
Landmarks Princess Ring Volcanic Island - Day 8
Departure
You'll return your rental car and head toward home, wrapping up your time in the Azores and saying goodbye to the Portuguese landscape.
