This paradise is in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, where one may easily feel troubles are a World away. The nine islands of the Azores archipelago were birthed from volcanoes, tiny atolls of black lava emerging from the depths of the sea. Sometimes called the Hawaii of Europe – despite their mid-Atlantic location, the Azores are part of Portugal. They are known for their stunning natural landscapes. There, waterfalls tumble down basalt cliffs, spectacular crater lakes top rainforest-covered hills, and pale-green pastures are hedged by colorful hydrangeas. There’s a rich cultural heritage, too, and welcoming locals are happy to tell stories of their history and traditions over long meals accompanied by plenty of Azorean wine. Join Art in Voyage, to uncover the culture, history, nature, and culinary delights of one of these incredible islands.
On arrival, you are greeted by a private driver and whisked away to your home for the next few days. After checking in, meet up with your host for the week and enjoy a lovely welcome lunch at one of our favorite authentic local eateries. You then embark on a short yet engaging and fun private guided tour of Ponte Delgada. Explore the island’s central city which was once a simple fishing village and soon began to play the role of the main port of São Miguel. Tonight, an authentic welcome dinner is served and paired with local wines.
Today, you are treated to a culinary adventure complete with a boat trip. The day starts at the local garden where you will pick vegetables for lunch. You then head to the Furnas to taste some bread cooked in the hot volcanic ground. The next stop is at the pier in Porto Formoso, where you set sail for a tour of the island’s fabulous north coast. Coming ashore, Chef Cláudio Pontes awaits your company while preparing a fresh, local and tasty lunch using the fish caught during the early hours. It is served with some of the local wines. Your memorable experience ends mid-afternoon with an evening at leisure.
Today, we take on some of the island's most beautiful trails and scenery. After breakfast, we make our way to the oldest part of the island, Nordest. We’ll explore stunning viewpoints, including Santa Iria and Ponta do Sossego, visit Azorean tea factories, and see beautiful waterfalls at Ribeira dos Caldeirões, before enjoying lunch in the charming village of Nordeste with its historical architecture. Our return will take us along the south coast, offering a different perspective of the island's breathtaking landscapes. Tonight, dinner is at leisure.
Today, you will embark on a whale-watching tour with a marine biologist, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the fascinating marine life. Observe some of the 28 different cetacean species found in the Azorean waters. After the tour, you will enjoy lunch in town at a local restaurant, savoring regional flavors before continuing on a thrilling Jeep tour to Fogo Lake. There, you will take in the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, followed by a relaxing hot bath in the geothermal area to unwind. Tonight, dinner is at leisure, allowing you to explore the culinary delights at your own pace.
This morning, enjoy a lovely breakfast before embarking on a quad excursion in the stunning Sete Cidades, where vibrant greenery and shimmering twin lakes await. After an adventurous morning, savor a delightful picnic lunch featuring local delicacies, surrounded by nature’s beauty. We then depart for our home for the next three nights, the Santa Barbara Eco beach resort, where you can unwind while enjoying panoramic views. As evening falls, enjoy dinner at leisure, choosing from the hotel’s exceptional dining options or exploring nearby culinary gems.
This morning, we set off for Terra Nostra Park, a must-see botanical garden on São Miguel Island, nestled in the heart of Furnas Valley. Established in 1775 by American merchant Thomas Hickling, the park continues to captivate visitors with its stunning collection of camellias and rare species. Stroll along the romantic Avenue of the Ginkgo Biloba and lose yourself in the park's enchanting beauty. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure before we depart for an exclusive gin-making class, followed by a delightful dinner to end off a day of indulgence.
After a busy few days, enjoy a leisurely morning and afternoon, giving you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Discover hidden gems, soak in the stunning landscapes, or relax at a charming café. This evening, we gather for a memorable farewell dinner, where we will celebrate the incredible journey we have shared and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of our trip. Toast to new friendships and cherished memories as we bid adieu to this beautiful destination. It's the perfect way to conclude an extraordinary getaway.
All good things must come to an end (or must they?). This morning you are transferred to the airport where catch your flight home. Of course, we would argue for an extension to Portugal's capital Lisbon or have one of our travel experts put together an extension to one of the other exciting islands of the Azores.
Our day-to-day itinerary may, from time to time and prior to departure, need to be altered or slightly modified to address possible unforeseen logistical and weather challenges. In such rare instances, Art In Voyage guarantees delivery of the content of the itinerary yet, in a different order.
All listed retreats (hotels, villas, and barges) are, at times, subject to changes. In such rare instances, similar or higher standards will be upheld.
Travel insurance, once purchased, goes into effect upon payment of the premium. You have 15 days from that date to cancel it (providing no claims have been filed or initiated during that period). Beyond 15 days, it becomes non-refundable/non-changeable/non-transferrable.
In case of a cancelation at more than 90 days prior to departure, your deposit will be returned minus a $500 per person administrative fee.
In case of a cancelation within the penalty period: Find a replacement at least 30 days prior to departure and your journey will be fully refunded, minus a $500 per person administrative fee.
