Personalized Tour of Sete Cidades with a Pineapple Plantation Visit
Starting from Ponta Delgada, visit the historic Augusto Arruda Pineapple Plantation, where you’ll learn about what it takes to grow the famous Azorean pineapples. Enjoy a complimentary tasting of their pineapple liqueur, prepared using old family recipes, and browse various related products. From there, heading west, soak up scenes of the region’s lush countryside. Arrive at the Pico Carvão viewpoint that overlooks a few lakes and the southwestern coast of São Miguel Island. Continuing further, make a pitstop at the Kings View viewpoint that affords spectacular vistas of the picturesque volcanic crater. You can see the twin Blue and Green lakes and Sete Cidades. Finally, driving down, explore the Valley of Sete Cidades, considered one among the seven natural wonders of Portugal. Navigating the quaint town, drop by the parish before heading back. (Duration: Half Day; 09.00 am; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)
Group Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour
Set yourself up for a thrilling cruise as you try to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Board a comfortable vessel and head out for the open sea. Learn from your guide about the 24 different species of whales and dolphins that can be seen in the waters surrounding the Azores. Dolphins and sperm whales are residents of these parts and can be viewed almost throughout the year. Others like the orca the large baleen whales, including humpbacks and blue whales, are migratory and can be viewed mainly during the summer months. Return with unforgettable memories and a new appreciation of the importance of marine conservation to protect these gentle giants. (Duration: 3.5 hrs; Shared Activity & Guide; Time: 0830 – 1200 hrs; Guests are requested to bring bathing suit, windbreaker and sneakers as well as water and sunscreen; Fitness level: easy; Please note that this tour is subject to weather conditions)
Personalized Ponta Delgada Walking Tour
Experience the rich cultural vibes of Ponta Delgada over the course of a walking tour and visit to the city’s main attractions. Start your excursion from the main church in the historic center of the city, known as Praça de Gonçalo Velho. After admiring grand Gothic tower of St Sebastian Church, proceed through charming cobbled streets and past bustling markets. Check out the majestic three-arched City Gates as you learn all about the city’s maritime heritage from your guide. Later, visit the Senhor Santo Cristo Church, famed for its Renaissance-style Ecce Home image of Jesus Christ, brought from Rome in the 15th century. Learn more about the natural and cultural history of the Azores at the Museum of Carlos Machado. Later, take a break at a local market, where your guide will give you tips on the best places to sample authentic snacks and drinks as well scout for handmade crafts. (Duration: 2.5 hrs; Private Activity & Guide; Time: 1000 -1230/1500-1730 hrs; Guests are requested to be dressed in comfortable walking shoes; Fitness level: easy)
Personalized Tour of Nordeste Highlights
Discover some of the best kept secrets of Sao Miguel with a tour of Nordeste, or the eastern part of the island. Set off from your hotel for the verdant environs of Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park, where native vegetation and exquisite waterfalls offer a glimpse into how the island must have appeared to the earliest settlers. Stroll past old watermills, picnic areas and quaint cafes. Continue with your tour as you pass the village of Nordeste for breathtaking valley vistas, particularly from the Ponta de Sossego viewpoint. A scenic drive along the southward coast brings you to the quaint village of Povoação, one of the first inhabited parts of the island, a fact marked by architectural elements like the Matriz Velha by the sea and the 15th century Hermitage of Santa Bárbara. After a delicious lunch break, wander through its atmospheric streets, stopping perhaps for a cup of local coffee and the sinfully delicious Fofas da Povoação or traditional éclairs of the region. (Duration: Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Time: 1000 – 1800 hrs; Tour includes Guide; Fitness level: easy; Guests are requested to bring comfortable walking shoes)
