Azores, Portugal Nov 9-16, 2025

Escape to the breathtaking beauty of the Azores, where nature’s tranquility meets adventure in the stunning town of Ponta Delgada. Nestled on São Miguel Island, this idyllic retreat offers lush landscapes, volcanic lakes, and the soothing sounds of the Atlantic. It's the perfect sanctuary to reconnect with yourself and rejuvenate your spirit. Imagine peaceful hikes through serene forests, soaking in natural hot springs, and savoring fresh, local cuisine. Whether you seek relaxation or exploration, the Azores provides the ideal backdrop for reflection, connection, and self-care. Book your escape now and treat yourself to the ultimate rejuvenating experience in this hidden paradise!

Nov 9th: Arrival and transfer to hotel/villa:

Depending on the time of your arrival - City tour.

The guide will show you around, will let you know where to eat, where to go shopping and much more (around 2 hours)

NOV 10th: Whales and dolphins Watching (+/- 3 hours)

Start at 9:00am

The geographic position of the islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, makes it possible for a third of all of the world's species to pass here, being a privileged place to observe these cetaceans on their migratory routes. Several companies make departures on vessels equipped for the observation of whales and dolphins, as well as other marine species.

During this activity you will have the opportunity to watch some of the 25 cetacean species that can be found in the Azores. Although nature offers no guarantees, whales and dolphins are regularly seen during our half day tours, along with turtles, seabirds and other marine life.

Before the boat trip our biologists give you a briefing to explain which cetacean species can be observed, safety measures aboard, how we respect the animals and rules of observation at sea as well as some historical facts. During the tour each passenger is required to wear a life-vest (except on catamaran).

After we have lunch and free time.

NOV 11th: TOUR FURNAS (Full day with lunch)

9:30am Departure from the hotel towards the town of Ribeira Grande. The first stop is at the

“Santa Iria” - viewpoint where you can admire a beautiful view of the northern coast. Furtheron you will have a chance to visit the factory of one of the two unique tea plantations in Europe to taste some green and black tea and one of the best homemade ice-creams on the island. This factory is a real museum for specialists in ancient machinery. The next stop of the tour is at the “Pico do Ferro” viewpoint, which offers you a view of the whole valley of Furnas. Visiting the park Terra Nostra in Furnas Valley will also be an unforgettable experience. It is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Europe, with species of trees and plants from all over the world, where you will have a chance to swim in a hot thermal pool. Afterwards, you will go up to the lake, where you can watch the pots of the “cozido” being removed from the steamy underground, where it cooks for 5 to 6 hours. Then you return to the valley for the “cozido” lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, the tour goes on with a visit to the hot springs. There you will find more than 23 different kinds of water springs different by their temperature (some hot, some warm or cold), by composition, located on different levels of Earth. The variety of hot springs is also very interesting: some are muddy, some have clear waters, others are just sulphurous steam. The return trip is through the southern coast, stopping at the village of Vila Franca - the first capital of the island. The return to Ponta Delgada is around 5:30pm. NOTE: The sequence of the route of the excursion can be operated in the reverse order.

NOV 12th: TOUR SETE CIDADES (Full day with lunch)

9:30am Departure from the hotel towards the western part of the island, going through the mountain road and passing by the “Carvão”, where you can admire the view of the narrowest part of the island. This landscape was formed millions of years ago by the eruption of more than 200 small volcanoes. The journey goes on to the “Vista do Rei”- the famous viewpoint of the island with a magnificent view of the Sete Cidades valley with the blue and green lakes. The place is called “Vista do Rei”, meaning King’s View, recalling the first visit of a King Carlos I of Portugal to the island in 1901. Down to the valley you’ll stop at a local café for lunch (not included). The journey then goes on through Várzea, towards the Escalvado viewpoint, where you can enjoy a great view of the village of Mosteiros and its islets. The tour continues towards the village of Ferraria, where you can observe a lunar-like landscape with an amazing view of the waves and volcanic soil. Also, here you can find a small bay with a “hot ocean” phenomenon. If by the time of arrival, the tide is low, and the weather is good, you can swim in the ocean bay with warm water. Continue to Fajã de Baixo for a visit to the pineapple plantations, with various greenhouses all showing the pineapples at different stages of growth and the labor methods used to make them so sweet. Return to Ponta Delgada around 5:30pm.

NOTE: The sequence of the route of the excursion can be operated in the reverse order.

NOV 13th: TOUR LAGOA DO FOGO (Full day with lunch)

9am Departure from the hotel towards the town of Ribeira Grande. The city tour includes a visit to the liquor factory (closed on weekends & public holidays). You will walk through the town along the main street to the main square and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the city hall building. The tour continues with a visit to the Ribeira Grande hot springs. Lunch will beserved in a local restaurant. Then you will drive up the mountain (altitude of 3,000ft) to admire. The magnificent view of the “Lagoa do Fogo” (Fire Lake) – one of the lakes on the island where you encounter nature in its pure state. On the way through, you will see many endemic plants and vast vegetation, there is a chance of seeing the traditional milking of cows. Thereturn route is along southern coast, enjoying a nice view of Ponta Delgada. The return to Ponta Delgada is around 5pm.

NOTE: The sequence of the route of the excursion can be operated in the reverse order.

NOV 14th: HIKING TRAIL (MEDIUM) around 3 hours and after soaking in hot springs.

https://trails.visitazores.com/en/trails-azores/sao-miguel/praia-da-viola

https://pocadadonabeija.com/en/ -Hot springs. For now they are closed but in November for sure will be open!

NOV 15th:  FREE DAY TO RELAX, TO PACK, TO BUY SOUVENIRS, OR OPTION TO BOOK AN ACTIVITY.

Canyoning & Surf options available! (not included in price, but can be arranged for your FREE day).

NOV 16th: TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT

*The weather in the Azores can be changes often, so please pack accordingly.

Inclusions: Transfers from and to the airport, city tour, 4 FD excursions mentioned above, English speaking tour guide, comfortable bus, water on the bus, entrance to the parks, hot pools on the last day, breakfast every day, accommodations (based on double occupancy), and leather journal.

Excludes: Flight (Please fly into PDL), lunch, dinner and whale watching (65€ per person), and tip for guide (optional, but encouraged). 

***DEPOSITS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE (unless it's within 30 days of booking). If you cannot go on this trip, you can use your deposit to transfer ONE time within 12 months of cancellation. 

***Please remember to sign up for trip insurance on the front page of our site! Gives you peace of mind if anything should come up from preventing you to attend this trip!

FULL PRICE: $3,297 ($1,297 will be the deposit due on booking, the rest will be due 12 weeks before departure). 

**Private rooms are $997 extra.

AIRPORT INFO: Fly in and out of Ponta Delgada (PDL).

Your HOST: Susan Desselle 

Susan was born in Arkansas but grew up in Dallas, Tx. She spent her summers with her grandparents in a NE AR farming town with her beloved grandmother and the school year in Dallas with her Mom. Small town values and big city ideas shaped her. She has been married to the love of her life for 37 years and has two adult children whom she adores. Life took an unexpected turn in 2006 when her husband had a great career opportunity in Little Rock, AR, which returned Susan to her roots. “It’s been the best 19 years of my life” Susan explained. Her career has been in hospitality and service most recently as the owner of a Sotheby’s International Realty agency in Little Rock, AR. Susan loves traveling, being outdoors, being in or near water, meeting new people and has always loved creating experiences for others. Meditation, journaling, self care, yoga, personal growth and development are a few of her passions. And dogs. Susan loves dogs! 

Her favorite quote is from Mark Twain:

The two greatest days of your life are the day you are born and the day you figure out why.