AZORES ISLAND HOPPING

FH
Falcon Holidays
  • Email address verified
Duration: 7 days
Group size: 1 - 999
AZORES ISLAND HOPPING
PORTUGAL

Falcon Holidays
  • Email address verified

Duration: 7 days
Group size: 1 - 999

About this trip

Discover the best of five Azores unspoilt islands; Sao Miguel, Terceira, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial. This gentle walking holiday explores the beautiful and varied landscapes; crater lakes, extinct volcanoes, vineyards, thermal springs and craggy coastlines.

  • Sete Cidades - Crater walk with stunning views of the twin blue and green lakes
  • Whale watching - Opportunity to take a boat trip alongside whales and dolphins
  • Faja dos Cubres - Follow a hydrangea lined path down to this unique lagoon

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.

Sao Miguel - Half day whale watching €85pp

Terceira - Algar do Cárvao Caves entrance fee €8 1 cave, €10 2 caves, transport in shared taxi €15.

Sao Jorge - Rosais shared taxi €10pp; Ridge Walk Pico de Esperanza €15/20pp shared taxi; Coastal walk and dinner shared taxi €10pp (plus dinner)

Pico - UNESCO vineyards with wine and cheese plus lava caves €25pp; Whale-watching boat trip €65pp (July and August) €54pp (mid season), €49pp (low season) (subject to weather conditions); Furnas da Frei Matias walk (shared taxi) €8pp; Gruta des Torres, Lava Tunnel entrance fee €8

Pico ascent including guide and taxi (based on 4 people: €55pp, 3 people: €73.50pp, 2 people €110pp)

Faial - Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre €10pp.

All taxi costs are based on a minimum of 4 people sharing.

Clothing

July and August are the warmest months, though the islands are freshened by cooling sea breezes. Bring light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. It can become cool, especially at night, so bring warmer layers. Tops made from wicking materials which keep you drier, a warmer fleece is recommended as a mid layer, and walking trousers are preferable to trousers of heavier material such as jeans.

-Breathable wind and waterproof jacket (you may also wish to bring waterproof trousers)

-T-shirts

-Long sleeved tops

-Sunhat

-Long trousers

-Shorts (if you prefer to walk in them)

-Swimwear and towel

-Midlayer Fleece/pullover

-Socks (liner and thicker pair)

-Insulated jacket

-Gloves and a hat if choose to climb Pico

Footwear

Walking boots with ankle support are essential and bring comfortable trainers or sandals for relaxing. Plastic sandals are useful if swimming off laval rocks.

We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

Bring one main piece of luggage and a 20-30 litre day sack is recommended. You will need to carry what you need for the day which may include a raincoat, jumper, camera, sun-cream, water and picnic lunch. On hot days you will carry fewer clothes but more drinking water.

Equipment

-Sunglasses

-Sun cream

-Small Torch (with spare batteries and bulb)

-Camera

-Walking poles (if you usually use them)

-Personal toiletries

-Personal first aid kit - On each walk a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials.

-Insect repellent

-Small waterproof dry bag (for items such as your mobile phone)

-Lunch bag/Tupperware (for packed lunches)

Tipping


Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognize a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.

Local crew

Although voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow approximately £10 of local c currency for tipping. In order to make things easier for you, the Explore Leader may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the trip.

Azores

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Foreign Exchange

Portugal

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Dinner price

£18

Beer price

£2.00 - 3.00 depending on your location, well touristed areas are usually slightly more expensive.

Water price

£1.4

Foreign Exchange

Local currency

Euro.

Recommended Currency For Exchange

Take the majority of your spending money in Euros cash.

Where To Exchange

We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Bureau de Change are generally only found in major cities and large airports.

ATM Availability

Cash-point machines are available in all major towns. Bankcards with the Cirrus logo are accepted.

Credit Card Acceptance

Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted in larger restaurants and some shops.

Travellers Cheques

Travellers cheques can be exchanged in all major towns but are not recommended due to the high rate of commission.

Transport, Accommodation & Meals

Transport Information

Bus, Ferry, Flight, Public Bus, Taxi

Accommodation notes

Accommodation and service levels in the Azores are generally very good.

For 2020 in Ponta Delgada at the beginning of the trip you'll stay at the Hotel Vila Nova. This centrally located hotel is a comfortable base; facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool and generous buffet breakfast.

In Horta on Faial Island at the end of the trip, you will stay at the premium graded Azoris Faial Garden Hotel. Set in extensive gardens with coastal views this hotel has a lounge, bar, restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools and health club with comfortable and spacious rooms. The hotel is very well located in the centre of Horta with easy access to many great restaurants, the marina and beach.

Food and drink

Please ensure that we are fully aware of any dietary requirements in order for us to best accommodate and advise. If you have a gluten free diet it may be advised to bring some snacks with you. These are small islands with only one supermarket in close proximity and it is not always possible to find gluten free bread in each location.

Essential Information

FCO Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice click here.

Maximum altitude (m)

2350

Azores

Portugal

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory but Tetanus is usually recommended as a precaution. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Walking and Trekking information

Walking grade

Easy to moderate

Trek details

This is a flexible trip with included walks on 4 days. Walks are between 2 to 4 hours and the terrain is generally undulating along well-defined paths with a longer and steeper descent on day two. There are also additional optional walks including climbing Pico Alto,he Azores\ highest mountain (2,350m).

Max walking altitude (m)

2350

What’s included

  • ACCOMMODATION
  • MEALS PROVIDED
    BREAKFAST
  • GUIDE

What’s not included

  • FLIGHTS
  • ADDITIONAL SERVICES
  • CREDIT CARD FEE
    IS PAYED BY COSTUMER

Available Packages

Sat 2 May 2020 - Fri 15 May 2020

Per person in double room 

Mandatory single supplement for Solo travelers

Solo travelers must pay extra to have their private room. You can't match them to share a room with one or more travelers booking separately.

$2,020
Deposit: $1,000
Sat 30 May 2020 - Fri 12 Jun 2020

Per person in double room

Mandatory single supplement for Solo travelers

Solo travelers must pay extra to have their private room. You can't match them to share a room with one or more travelers booking separately.

$2,207
Deposit: $1,100
Sat 13 Jun 2020 - Fri 26 Jun 2020

Per person in double room

Mandatory single supplement for Solo travelers

Solo travelers must pay extra to have their private room. You can't match them to share a room with one or more travelers booking separately

$2,240
Deposit: $1,100
Sat 27 Jun 2020 - Fri 10 Jul 2020

Per person in double room 

Mandatory single supplement for Solo travelers

Solo travelers must pay extra to have their private room. You can't match them to share a room with one or more travelers booking separately.

$2,240
Deposit: $1,100
Sat 11 Jul 2020 - Fri 24 Jul 2020

Per person in double room 

Mandatory single supplement for Solo travelers

Solo travelers must pay extra to have their private room. You can't match them to share a room with one or more travelers booking separately

$2,240
Deposit: $1,100
Sat 25 Jul 2020 - Fri 7 Aug 2020

Per person in double room

Mandatory single supplement for Solo travelers

Solo travelers must pay extra to have their private room. You can't match them to share a room with one or more travelers booking separately

$2,240
Deposit: $1,100
Sat 8 Aug 2020 - Fri 21 Aug 2020

Per person in double room

Mandatory single supplement for Solo travelers

Solo travelers must pay extra to have their private room. You can't match them to share a room with one or more travelers booking separately

$2,240
Deposit: $1,100
Sat 22 Aug 2020 - Fri 4 Sep 2020

Per person in double room

Mandatory single supplement for Solo travelers

Solo travelers must pay extra to have their private room. You can't match them to share a room with one or more travelers booking separately

$2,240
Deposit: $1,100
Sat 5 Sep 2020 - Fri 18 Sep 2020

Per person in double room

Mandatory single supplement for Solo travelers

Solo travelers must pay extra to have their private room. You can't match them to share a room with one or more travelers booking separately

$2,240
Deposit: $1,100
Sat 19 Sep 2020 - Fri 2 Oct 2020

Per person in double room

Mandatory single supplement for Solo travelers

Solo travelers must pay extra to have their private room. You can't match them to share a room with one or more travelers booking separately

$2,207
Deposit: $1,100
Sat 3 Oct 2020 - Fri 16 Oct 2020

Per person in double room 

Mandatory single supplement for Solo travelers

Solo travelers must pay extra to have their private room. You can't match them to share a room with one or more travelers booking separately

$2,030
Deposit: $1,000
Sat 17 Oct 2020 - Fri 30 Oct 2020

 Per person in double room

Mandatory single supplement for Solo travelers

Solo travelers must pay extra to have their private room. You can't match them to share a room with one or more travelers booking separately.

$2,030
Deposit: $1,000

Available options



Itinerary

DAY I
Join trip in Ponta Delgada, on the island of Sao Miguel

 

Arrive in Ponta Delgada, Located on the harbour of Sao Miguel, the Azores largest island, Ponta Delgada is a charming historic city with narrow cobbled streets and some interesting buildings worth a visit, such as the Municipal city hall with its reflecting pool in the city centre of Baixa.

For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Ponta Delgada at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada (PDL) which is around 10 minutes' drive from the hotel. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to take a stroll along the harbour front promenade past the 16\super th\nosupersub century fort to the marina or visit the Convent and Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Esperança with its unique quadrangular tower.

ACCOMMODATION:

Hotel Vila Nova (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

SINGLE ROOM AVAILABLE

MEALS PROVIDED: NONE

Your Organizer


FH
Falcon Holidays
Falcon Holidays is specialized in providing a top class service for visitors around the world. We are committed to offering wide range of travel services, combining our knowledge and enthusiasm, with years of experience. We've built our reputation on delivering tailor-made multi country holidays. Spread your wings with us!