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Price from £1,355pp
VISITING: The Azores BROCHURE CODE: 5566
All prices include: transfers, accommodation, guided activities and meals; all as listed.
As a nine-island archipelago, the Azores certainly know how to show off island life. Be completely immersed as you explore two of the islands over the course of seven nights. Go whale and dolphin watching twice, and learn about how location and volcanic activity have shaped the islands’ culture and landscapes.

What's included?

  • Flights: return flights from São Miguel to Pico
  • Transfers: all transfers included
  • Accommodation: 4 nights in Hotel São Miguel Park and 3 nights in Hotel Caravelas
  • Meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
  • The following activities are included in the holiday: tour of Pico, two whale and dolphin watching activities (the order of activities is subject to change)
  • Equipment, training, and supervision for all activities with expert local guides
  • A note on flights: whilst flights to and from The Azores are not included in the holiday price, our team will happily provide a quote and arrange them for you. Simply ask one of our travel experts for details of the available options for you.


The Azorean Islands are relatively unheard of and because of this, their rugged landscape and thriving wildlife feel undiscovered by the masses. In fact, on arrival, you’ll feel like you’re one of the first to explore this volcanic wonderland.

During our many visits to the Azores, we’ve always been struck by the exceptional marine life and the outstanding volcanic terrain found here. That’s why we’ve carefully crafted this trip so that you experience the highlights of both land and sea as you travel across two of the largest islands.

The surrounding waters not only add to the postcard-worthy backdrops, but they are also home to a variety of marine life. You will enjoy two whale and dolphin watching tours where you’ll be on the lookout for many different cetacean species.

On land, it’s hard not to notice the volcanic presence on both of the islands you’ll visit. The island of Pico is named after the huge stratovolcano here, which is the highest mountain in Portugal. During a tour of Pico’s remarkable UNESCO-status vineyards, you’ll have a great view of this impressive volcanic formation.

Back on São Miguel, you’ll stay in Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores. You can spend your free time seeing the city sights including historical monuments and botanical gardens. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a guided tour, view the ‘Personalise’ tab for all the ways you can explore with an expert local guide.


Credit: Futurismo Azores Adventure & Maurício de Abreu/Turismo dos Açores

We include more, no hidden costs

On each of our holidays you will see a clear outline of exactly what's included in the price of your holiday. We never use 'headline' or 'lead-in' prices like so many tour operators, as we prefer to include as much as we can, rather than see our clients incur considerable additional costs in our destinations.
Price guarantee
Departure dates between
Mon 07 Oct 2024
to Sat 02 Nov 2024
Adults £ 1,355 To £ 1,520

For our full booking terms and conditions please click here

The Specifics

Holiday group size (approximate)

Approximately 2 - 21 people. Please note, if you choose to travel by catamaran during the whale watching on Sao Miguel, the group size is maximum 76 people.

Group Size

We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.

Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.

Minimum and maximum age

If a specific minimum age applies to this holiday, it can be found in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page.

Unless otherwise stated in the in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page, the minimum age for participation in an Artisan holiday is typically 8 years old (there may be younger children in some destinations who have booked with other companies). If an adult-only environment is important to you, then please contact our Travel Experts and they will advise on the best dates and destinations for you. If you are looking for a holiday designed specifically for families then please see our sister company www.activitiesabroad.com

Itinerary amendments

The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.

Medical History and Advice

We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.

In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.

In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.

Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.

Insurance

Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.

It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.

If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.

The UK Foreign Office Advice

Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice

We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.

The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/                                                   

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/                                                 

Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/                                                                                                     

The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html

If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.

If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.

If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.

If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.

Booking activities locally

Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).

When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.

In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are properly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.

Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.

Brexit information for British Passport holders

For the most up to date information on how the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your holiday please click here to view our Brexit information for British Passport holders.

Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation

On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.

Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.

Booking your own flights - cancellation disclaimer

If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.

If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.

Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.

Terms and Conditions

Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.artisantravel.co.uk/booking-conditions

Minimum travellers 10, Maximum travellers 20

Additional Cancellation & Payment Terms and Conditions

Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede those mentioned in section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.

- More than 84 days prior to departure - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)

- 83 to 43 days prior to departure - 50%

- 42 to 31 days prior to departure – 75%

- 30 or less days - 100%

The Azores - additional trip dossier information

You will be spending a lot of time in and on the water. To make your holiday more comfortable we recommend the following

- Take waterproof shoes or 'aqua' shoes

- We suggest you take seasickness tablets with you, in case a member of your family becomes seasick (especially on the zodiacs)

- The water in some of the natural pools is rich in iron and may discolour your swimwear so we do not recommend wearing newly purchased swimwear!

 

  • You will arrive at João Paulo II Airport from where you will be transferred to your hotel just a short drive away (approximately 10 – 15 minutes).

    Included Meals:  None
  • Today is your opportunity to settle into island life and explore your beautiful surroundings. São Miguel is also known as “The Green Island” and you’ll see why. Meander down to the harbour, or take a look at our ‘Personalise’ tab to see what other activities are on offer.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast
  • Today you will fly to Pico. Times will be dependent on season and availability so you will either have a free morning or free afternoon to spend as you please. If the flight is direct, it will take approximately one hour. Be sure to grab a window seat and keep an eye out for other islands below.

    Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. You could relax here for the evening or go out to explore and try some of the delicious local cuisine. 

    Included Meals:  Breakfast
  • Breakfast will be followed by a tour of Pico Island.

    Your trip today will take you to the island's central plateau where you will experience beautiful views of the ocean and the volcanic origins of the island What was once a hostile volcanic hotspot is now a celebration of biodiversity with hundreds of native plant species now making it their home. Enjoy panoramic views from Pico da Urze along the way.

    Following a picnic lunch, the adventure continues with a guided tour of Portugal’s longest lava tube, Gruta das Torres, which can be explored on foot. Torches and helmets are provided during your visit to this geological wonder.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch
  • After breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred around 40 minutes to Lajes do Pico, an old whaling village. From there, you will board a RIB for a whale and dolphin watching (restrictions may apply for pregnant women and people with lower back problems). There are many different species found throughout the year here including sperm, fin, and blue whale as well as common, bottlenose and striped dolphins among many others.

     

    Included Meals:  Breakfast
  • Today you will fly back to São Miguel. Times will depend on availability and season, but you will either enjoy breakfast at the hotel before leaving or it will be boxed up to take with you.

    The flight can be either in the morning, the afternoon or in the evening – this will be confirmed at the time of booking and will take approximately one hour (direct flight only).

    Included Meals:  Breakfast
  • Today you will head out on the waters once again for another chance of seeing the amazing marine life found in the Azores. As it’s all down to nature, you may see completely different species to those you saw earlier in the week. It’s not just whales and dolphins found in the waters either. You could also see turtles and seabirds.

    A marine biologist will provide a briefing so you will learn more about the animals and historical facts of the Azores. Whale watching is usually done from a catamaran; however, some trips will be in a RIB. Please inform us in advance if you have a preference. Restrictions may apply to pregnant women and people with lower back problems.

    Your afternoon is free to spend as you wish. Take a look at our ‘Personalise’ tab to see what other activities are on offer.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast
  • Today it is sadly time for your Azorean adventure to come to an end. Depending on your flight time, you’ll either have breakfast at the hotel or it will be boxed up for you to enjoy at the airport.


    Please note: SATA Airlines may change the flight schedule for logistical reasons closer to the departure date. This means that the order of the agenda may change.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast

Included in price

Hotel São Miguel Park

Nights: 1-2,6-7

This centrally located four-star hotel is a short distance from Ponta Delgada’s beautiful Botanical Gardens and just ten minutes from the airport. Its open and spacious rooms offer fine views and a summery feel. Tuck into delectable buffets of Azorean cuisine at the on-site restaurant and take an invigorating break at the hotel’s health club. 

Hotel facilities

  • Switch your swimming between the hotel’s indoor and outdoor pools

  • Book a therapeutic massage treatment, relax in the Jacuzzi, or freshen up in the spa.

  • Maintain your gains in the well-equipped Fitness Centre.

  • Sample cocktails from the hotel bar and fill up on Azorean cooking at the restaurant.

Room Type

Twin/Double Room: These have a twin or double bed. The bathroom has a shower, toilet, and hairdryer. The room also comes with cable television, internet access, and a telephone, as well as air-conditioning, a safe, and a minibar. 


Image credits: Futurismo Azores Adventures, Sao Miguel Park Hotel

Hotel Caravelas

Nights: 3-5

A ‘caravela’ or ‘caravel’ is a small Portuguese ship – a fitting name for this hotel, which faces the Atlantic Ocean from its location on Pico Island. Each room has a private balcony with either an ocean or a mountain view, adding a scenic touch to your stay. Hotel Caravelas also has a lovely outdoor pool and a welcoming restaurant, with many other eateries to be found nearby.

Hotel facilities

  • Have a sun-soaked swim in the hotel’s outdoor pool
  • Fill up at a breakfast buffet in the hotel restaurant
  • You can get some wonderful pictures from your panoramic hotel balcony
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas helps you stay in touch with friends and family

Room type

Double room

These come with a double bed, an en-suite bathroom with a shower and bathtub, a balcony with an ocean or mountain view, air-conditioning, a flat screen satellite television, and a minibar.

Image credits: Hotel Caravelos

Other options

Marina Atlântico

With nautical themes and incredible views overlooking the ocean, the 4-star Marina Atlântico is a great place to enjoy the island’s sea and landscapes. Your central location puts you right in the midst of Azorean culture. Sample the local food, stroll along the streets or visit one of the many museums which are all within walking distance.

Hotel facilities

  • Relax in Escuna restaurant or Palhabote bar area
  • Make use of the onsite pool and gym facilities
  • Enjoy free use of the hotel's bicycles to explore the volcanic landscape further

Room type

  • Double or twin rooms (some with sea views): All rooms come with a double or twin bed and have air conditioning, a telephone, cable TV, Wi-Fi, radio, minibar (extra charge), safe, hairdryer, gym and spa area

Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.


Image Credit: Hotel Marina Atlântico

Grand Hotel Azores

A stylish hotel situated near the historic centre of Ponta Delgada and features stunning sea views across the harbour.

 Hotel facilities

  • Enjoy magnificent sea views and delicious food from the Balcony restaurant
  • Sit back, relax and sip a specially crafted cocktails at the Vapore Bar & Lounge
  • Workout in the onsite gym or take a swim in the indoor heated pool
  • Enjoy free WiFi throughout the hotel

Room type

Double or twin rooms (some with sea views)

All rooms come with a double or twin bed and have air conditioning, a telephone, TV, Wi-Fi, a minibar (extra charge), a safe, a hairdryer, bathrobe and toiletries

Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation. 

Personalise this tour


Our pick

Sete Cidades Half Day (day 2 or 7)

From £39pp

This activity takes you to the west side of São Miguel Island and to the incredible twin lake, The ‘Lagoa das Sete Cidades’ or ‘Lagoon of Seven Cities’. Formed in the crater of a dormant volcano, you’ll experience how inviting the water is when you kayak or paddleboard across it. You’ll also cycle around the plush-green surrounding areas for an active way to enjoy the incredible nature here. There’s also a tougher cycling route, should you wish to take it on.

This tour will last approximately 3 hours. 


Other options

Activities

Half Day Hiking Tour (day 2 or 7)

From: £39pp

Choose from two locations for the hiking tour:

Sete Cidades 

Enjoy views of the lakes and lagoons of Sete Cidades on this trail, and learn about the volcanic lands and vegetation from your expert guide. You’ll also stop off at the Vista do Rei viewpoint, be sure to have your camera ready.

This tour will last approximately 3.5 hours in total, with approximately 6km of hiking. 

Ribeira Grande 

This is a circular walk that starts next to the Caldeiras of Ribeira Grande. It is about 4km long and a relatively easy walking route although it has some steep slopes. On this trail, our guide will give interesting information about the water resources of São Miguel island. This is a great opportunity to be in contact with nature and at the same time discover how it becomes very useful in our lives. The trail crosses all the fundamentally important sites of the Fajã Redonda Hydro Power Plant. The first part of the trail is to descend on a dirt path with lush nature until you reach the Hydroelectric Power

Station of Salto do Cabrito. This is where we will enjoy Salto do Cabrito waterfall and take some time to take pictures. Then we will go up some stairs with a very steep slope and on the way, we will pass by an iron walkway. For those who fear heights, be prepared to overcome this challenge! However, it is a footpath that is very worth it because it is very close to the river and we really have the feeling that we are surrounded by nature. After passing through the Fajã do Redondo Hydroelectric Power Station, formerly very important to supply some municipalities of São Miguel island, we return to the starting point - Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande. We will still have some time for a short break before returning to Ponta Delgada.

This tour will last approximately 3.5 hours in total, with approximately 4km of hiking.

Jeep Tour (day 2 or 7)

From: £71pp

Fall in love with the landscapes of Ponta Delgada during this full day jeep tour. This tour combines the very best of the island, including Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo and Caldeira Velha, for a day of incredible scenery. The advantage of travelling by 4x4 jeep will soon become clear as you discover side roads and back trails known only to locals for an ‘off the beaten track’ experience. Lunch at an authentic local restaurant is included.

This tour will last approximately 7 hours, including transfers. 

Image credit: Futurismo Azores Adventure

Canyoning (day 2 or 7)

From: £88pp

São Jorge Island offers a variety of waterfalls and streams which are perfect for exploring on a canyoning trip. Following a thorough safety briefing and training, you will be guided on a natural course of jumps and slides, abseiling like adventurers and making your way through the water by either walking or swimming – all with the help of an experienced guide team.

This tour will last approximately 4.5 hours, including transfers. 

 

Image credit: Futurismo Azores Adventure

Full Day Hiking Tour (day 2 or 7)

From: £49pp

Choose from two locations for the full day hiking tour: 

Moinho de Felix

Enjoy a splendid mix of nature, waterfalls, and coastline during this circular hike. Starting at the church of São Pedro, meander past an array of enchanting waterfalls and spectacular vistas. Explore the ancient ruins of wells and watermills during this tour. A picnic lunch is included. This tour will last approximately 5.5 hours in total, with approximately 5.5km of hiking.

Faial de Terra

Combine the adventure of the beautiful Faiail de Terra trail with a comfortable van tour to Nordeste all in one experience. Start the day exploring nature on foot as you hike the circular trail of Faial de Terra. This route includes a visit to a hidden historic village in the mountains and a refreshing pit-stop at the infamous Salto de Prego waterfall. A picnic lunch is included.

This tour will last approximately 7.5 hours in total, with approximately 4.5km of hiking. 

Image credit: Futurismo Azores Adventure


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