Join us on a trip for all the senses as we gaze at the spectacular natural beauty of Madeira and the Azores with fine wine in hand. This curated tour takes you first to Madeira, an island over a thousand miles from Africa and Europe's western edge that produces one of the most illustrious and historical wine styles.  We will enjoy the day trips to explore Madeira's wild, natural beauty, partake in local delicacies and have a meal of a lifetime at a Michelin-star restaurant. Next we are off to the Azores, where we will explore two islands, experiencing the unique food and wines that come from this volcanic terroir.

Sunday, May 24, Day 1 - Welcome to Madeira
Arrival Funchal Airport
3:00 PM Transfer to Hotel: Melia Madeira
6:00 PM Welcome Meeting (La Luna Bar)
Welcome Dinner at Come Together (bistro, informal)

Monday, May 25, Day 2 - Exploring Funchal
11:30 am pickup at hotel
12:00-2:00 Walking Tour of Funchal
2:00-3:00 Free Time
3:00-5:00 Blandy's Wine Lodge Tour and Tasting
6:00 Dinner at Casal de Penha (upscale bistro)

Tuesday, May 26 Day 3 - Eastern Island Tour

8:45 am meet in hotel lobby
9:00 am pickup at hotel
Pico de Areiro for views
Visit Saentana to see classic thatched houses
1:00 Lunch featuring local seafood dishes (Castanhetas, Chicharros Fritos)
3:00 Visit Aguardente de Cana producer for Madeira Rum and Poncha Tasting
5:00 Return to Hotel

7:30 Pickup at Hotel Lobby
8:00 Tasting Menu with Wine Pairings at Gazebo (Michelin-star) (formal but unpretentious, evening attire)

Wednesday, May 27 Day 4 - Western Island Tour
8:45 am meet in hotel lobby
9:00 am Pickup at Hotel
Visit Câmara de Lobos
11:00 am Winery Tasting (Barbeito)
1:00 PM Light lunch
Cabo Girão, skywalk overlooking Europe’s highest cliff over Atlantic
Paúl de Serra plateau
Hiking near San Vincente
Porto Moniz , if time allows
5:00 -6:30 pm (depending on traffic) Return to Hotel
Free evening

Thursday, May 28, Day 5 - Transfer to Azores
Free morning
11:30 am departure to airport
1:30 pm Flight from Madeira to Ponta Delgada
Transfer to Azores Farm Hotel
Free evening



 

Friday, May 29, Day 6 - Azores
8:45 am meet in hotel lobby
9:00 am pickup at hotel
10:00 am to 10:45 Blue Lagoon for photos, brief exploration of crater.
10:50-11:30 am VIsto do Rei Viewpoint, panoramic views, short hike optional
12:00-1:30 Village of Sete Cidades for light lunch.

1:30-2:00 scenic drive
2:00-4:30 leisurely east coast drive, possibly pineapple plantation visit
5:00 pm arrival Azores Farm Hotel
Free Evening

Saturday, May 30, Day 7 - Furnas -
8:45 am meet at hotel lobby*
9:00 am pickup at hotel
9:00 am to 10:00 scenic drive through green pastureland, dramatic volcanic scenery
10:00 am to 10:45 Mairadouro de Ferro for scenic shots of Caldeira de Furnas
11:00 am to 12:15 explore the geothermal activity around Furnas
12:30 Furnas de Cozido for lunch featuring stews cooked in the earth
2:00-4:00 Poca de Dona Beija Thermal Pools*
4:15 Return to Azores Farm Hotel
6:45 Meet in Lobby
7:00 Tapas night at local restaurant (casual, informal dress)

*wear dark swim trunks, risk of iron rich water staining

Day 8 - Transfer to Pico Island

6:30 am Pickup

Day 8 - Welcome to Pico Island

6:30 AM pickup at Azores Farm Hotel (wear comfort clothing, have layers available to you, as we may not reach hotel to change before whale watching)
8:20 AM flight to Pico Island
9:20 am pickup and transfer to Atlas Peak
9:30-10:15 drive to Casa da Montanha (Mount Pico)
10:15-11:00 free time for hiking
11:00-12:30 drive Azores wine hotel with light lunch on the way
12:30-1:00 drop-off bags at hotel
1:00-1:20 Transfer to Madelana Ferry Terminal to meet  CW Azores for Whale Watching (Madelena Harbour)
1:30-4:00 Whale Watching
4:30-5:00 Transfer to Azores Wine Hotel
Free Evening

Day 9 - Wines of the Azores
10:00 Pickup at Azores Wine Company Hotel.
10:15 - 12:00 Wine Museum
12:15-12:30 Transfer to Aldeo de Vulcao
12:30-2:00  Aldeo de Vulcao
2:00-2:30 transfer to Entre Padras Winery
2:30-3:30 Entre Padras tasting
3:45-4:00 transfer to Azores Wine Company
7:00 pm Tasing Menu at Azores Wine Company (formal, wear evening attire)

Day 10 -
6:30 am - Meet in Hotel Lobby
6:45 AM - Transfer to Airport
8:20 - Flight Pico Island to Ponta Delgada

Best wishes on your flight back home or the continuation of your trip