The Azores, São Miguel, Faial & Terceira

With included airport lounge access, you’ll start your holiday in style before your flight out to the Azores island of São Miguel. Then, on arrival, a private transfer will whisk you to your hotel in Ponta Delgada for a 3-night stay. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring this characterful Atlantic outpost.

Located close to the Botanical Gardens and with views out over the city and the island’s southern coast, it’s a wonderful base from which to explore. Ponta Delgada’s historic centre is a delight to wander, its cobbled streets lined with whitewashed churches, elegant 16th–18th‑century architecture and leafy squares. Spend the rest of the day exploring the museums and churches of the historic centre before returning to the hotel’s sauna, Jacuzzi and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Stay: Grand Hotel Azores Atlantico, Ponta Delgada (Superior)

This morning, join a specialist guide for a culinary exploration of Ponta Delgada. Beginning in the city centre, you’ll stroll between local eateries and artisan producers, sampling everything from fresh island fruit and honey to traditional bread rolls, pastries, seafood and cured meats. A visit to the lively Mercado da Graça (closed Sundays) offers a glimpse into daily Azorean life, while the tour also weaves past key landmarks including the iconic City Gates and the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião. The afternoon is free to continue exploring at your own pace, perhaps pausing at a waterfront café or browsing local boutiques.

The following day is at leisure where you can choose from a number of optional tours, from a visit to Furnas Valley known for its intense geothermal activity to a tour of the famous blue lakes of Lagoa das Sete Cidades and even a whale watching tour.

Stay: Grand Hotel Azores Atlantico, Ponta Delgada (Superior)

Today involves a transfer to the airport for a short flight to Faial Island, known as the 'Blue Island' for its abundance of hydrangeas. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Horta, the capital of the island, for a 2-night stay. Horta, known as the 'City of Sailors', offers a cosmopolitan feel with a mix of colonial and modern architecture, a pretty waterfront avenue dotted with cafes and restaurants and a colourful marina with murals and artwork left by sailors from around the world.

The following day, a full‑day tour reveals the dramatic volcanic landscapes that define Faial. Begin at the Capelinhos Volcano, the site of the Azores’ most recent eruption, where lunar‑like terrain tells the story of the island’s geological past. Continue to the vast Caldeira, a spectacular crater at the island’s centre, before pausing at scenic viewpoints such as Nossa Senhora da Conceição and the peaceful coastal enclave of Fajã. The day concludes at Monte da Guia, offering sweeping views across Horta Bay. A traditional lunch is included, showcasing the flavours of Faial. For dinner, the renowned Genuíno Restaurant comes highly recommended.

Stay: Hotel do Canal (Superior)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Terceira. On arrival, you’ll be driven to your hotel in Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its elegant Baroque architecture and centuries‑old maritime history.

This afternoon, enjoy a privately guided three‑hour walking tour through Angra’s cobbled streets, learning about its cultural traditions, historic monuments and strategic importance during the Age of Discovery. Afterwards, you may wish to visit the Sé Cathedral or climb to the Alto da Memória viewpoint for panoramic vistas.

Stay: Hotel Terceira Mar (Superior)

Spend the next two days exploring Terceira at your own pace. The island blends pastoral landscapes with volcanic wonders and vibrant local culture.

An optional full‑day guided tour is available, taking in the extinct volcano of Monte Brasil Nature Park, the sweeping Serra do Cume viewpoint – famed for its patchwork of fields – and a historic 15th‑century church. You’ll also visit a traditional império (Holy Spirit chapel) and enjoy a lunch of regional specialities.

Stay: Hotel Terceira Mar (Superior)

After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flight or extended stay.