The Azores

Meeting at Ponta Delgada airport on São Miguel Island, then heading to check-in at our apartments, which will serve as our base for the next 4 nights.

We will start exploring the island's explosive and vibrant nature in its western part: the incredible Sete Cidades, lakes that seem to be split into two basins of blue and green water.  Another highlight in the west of São Miguel is the "hot ocean" — a unique coastal lagoon where ocean water mixes with healing thermal springs bubbling up from beneath the earth. The water temperature depends on weather conditions but usually ranges from +27°C to +35°C. So, you'll definitely need your swimsuits!

Today, we will begin exploring the central and eastern parts of the island, where Europe's only tea plantations and a tasting session at an ancient tea factory await us. Next up is the geyser valley with hot thermal springs, where we will definitely go for a swim. We will have lunch in the town of Furnas: here, right inside a geyser, they cook the legendary dish — Cozido das Furnas.  

We absolutely must try it!

We are heading to the volcanic Santa Bárbara Beach to try our hand at surfing and become real surfers. After a hearty lunch, we will set off to explore the southeastern part of the island and Faial da Terra. Founded in the 16th century, this village looks almost unchanged since that time. Traditional Portuguese houses still stand here, with a white church towering over the rooftops.  

And we will wrap up this day by immersing ourselves in warm geothermal waters in the middle of the Azorean jungle!

In the morning, we will set off on a glass-bottom boat to the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, famous for its perfectly circular lagoon. We will definitely go for a swim! Next, another exotic destination awaits us — a pineapple plantation. Azorean pineapples are truly unique!  

Have you long wanted to see how pineapples grow? And how about trying pineapple cookies, jam, and even liqueur?

Faial boasts several stunning volcanic landscapes, especially Caldeira, a giant green crater in the center of the island. However, this island is best known for its Capelinhos volcano, one of the youngest in Europe! Walking across the land of solidified ash will make you feel as though you have just landed on the Moon.  

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To reflect on today's 'volcanic' experience and give our feet a well-deserved rest, we will head to a local winery.

Today, ladies and gentlemen, we will head out into the ocean to meet the largest inhabitants of our planet. The migration path of majestic whales passes right through the waters of the central Azores, giving us every chance to not only spot them, but maybe even scratch their backs!  We will head to an iconic cafe where sailors from all over the world once gathered to share our impressions and savor Lapas.

Finally, we will catch the sunset at the 'last lighthouse of Eurasia.

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Today, we bring our adventure among the evergreen volcanoes to a close. We say our goodbyes, share warm hugs, and plan our next journeys together, because it is in adventures like this that you find the perfect company for future travels!