Hiking the Azores

Upon arrival to the Ponta Delgada Airport take a private transfer to your hotel. Discover this historic city by foot with its Baroque buildings and monuments dating from the 16th century. A highlight of the city is the Jardim Antonio Borges, a public botanical garden, built in the 19th century. Admire the hundreds of exotic species introduced to the island. Then, continue to the Mercado da Graca, a local market where local products are on display and sold.

After breakfast, your hike begins vicinity of Muro das Nove Janelas, 15km from Ponta Delgada, a stone aqueduct formerly used to supply water to public fountains in the city. Along this path, it is possible to observe the Green and Blue Lagoons, a natural wonder of Portugal, as well as the expansive views of the north and south coasts of Sao Miguel, including several species of endemic flora. The trail ends in the center of Sete Cidades parish. Sete Cidades or 'Seven Cities' is a small town surrounded by lakes, lagoons and craters offering spectacular viewpoints. Return back to Ponta Delgada.

Category: Linear | Difficulty level: Medium | Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles | Average time: 5 hours

After breakfast, depart Ponta Delgada for the town of Vila Franca do Campo, the island's first capital, and admire the famous Vila Franca islet and visit the Queijada do Morgado factory that makes the traditional sweet pastry, better known as Queijadas da Vila (optional). Continue to Furnas, located on the banks of the romantic Lagoa das Furnas, where the trail will start. During the hike, you can admire the Lagoon, including several endemic and exotic species introduced on the island. The visit to Parque dos Cozidos (optional) is possible, to watch the making of the famous Furnas stew using only the heat from this volcano. After observing this phenomenon, the trail continues until the Parish of Furnas. Before arriving, stop at the Poça da Dona Beija thermal pools and relax in the waters before proceeding to Furnas to enjoy its famous stew. Enjoy a traditional Cozida das Furnas lunch, before returning to Ponta Delgada. The final stop will be at the factory and tea plantations in Gorreana.

Category: Linear | Difficulty level: Easy | Distance: 9.5 km / 5.9 miles | Average time: 3 hours

Today, you will take a small circular hiking route starting from the Faial da Terra bus stop. The trail continues along a dirt track, always referring to the Faial da Terra stream, on the right. After 2.5 km, continue towards Salto do Prego, one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island where you can also bathe in the cold waters of Ribeira do Faial da Terra. Along the trail, the vegetation is dense, with a variety of species. After a refreshing bath, follow the path towards Sanguinho, a picturesque village located in the middle of the vegetation. Then, the return to the Parish of Faial da Terra and return back to Ponta Delgada.

Category: Circular | Difficulty level: Medium | Distance: 5 km / 3 miles | Average time: 2.3 hours

On this day, you have two optional excursions.
Option 1: Half-day Lagoa do Fogo tour and hike (morning). The tour begins with the ascent to Pico da Barrosa, one of the highest peaks on the island, along the south coast, on a road with a panoramic view over the central part of the island. Enjoy one of the most extraordinary views over Lagoa do Fogo. From this point, you will descend by foot to the Lagoa, starting from the viewpoint of the lagoon. Next, you will descend to the edge of the lake, along wild and exciting trails. The trip continues towards the city of Ribeira Grande with a stop in the historic center of the city of Ribeira Grande where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the famous liqueurs produced with fruits of the island. Return to Ponta Delgada.
Category: Circular | Difficulty level: Medium | Distance: 3.5 km / 5.5 miles | Average time: 2.5 hours

Option 2: Half-day tour to Quinta da Jardinete winery (afternoon)
Quinta da Jardinete is a small boutique family property producing classic-style wines that express the qualities of the land, such as the its volcanic soil type, microclimate and vineyard. Learn about how the family produces and harvests the wine. After a visit to the winery, finally, you can enjoy a wine tasting!

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport.