Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
Fly from Toronto to Pico Island.
Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Time to relax and get oriented before dinner.
Hike through Pico’s UNESCO-listed vineyards, discovering traditional rola-pipas, relheiras, shelter houses and historic wine cellars set among dramatic volcanic landscapes. Continue with a walking tour of Madalena’s historic centre and views across the Faial Channel, ending with a tasting of Pico wines.
Explore the Protected Landscape of Vine Culture, with its remarkable stone-walled vineyards and traditional wine-making features. Visit the Pico Island Wine Museum to learn about the island’s unique heritage. Afternoon at leisure.
Visit Velas and its Praça da República garden, the Piscinas Naturais da Preguiça and the Arco Natural de Velas. Discover traditional cheesemaking, see the Urzelina Church tower and enjoy scenic viewpoints including Fajã dos Vimes. Return to Pico by ferry.
Ferry to Horta, a historic harbour city shaped by over five centuries of maritime history. Explore the Faial Caldera and the dramatic Capelinhos Volcano with its interpretive centre before returning to Pico.
Discover coastal rock formations and São Roque do Pico, home to the Whaling Industry Museum. Continue to Lajes do Pico to visit the Whalers’ Museum and learn about the island’s maritime heritage.
Flight to São Miguel. Explore Ponta Delgada, discovering its historic streets, architecture and local culture.
Visit the King’s Viewpoint overlooking the former Monte Palace Hotel and the twin lakes of Sete Cidades. Enjoy time in the village and visit a traditional pineapple plantation.
Experience traditional azulejo tile painting with local artisans. Continue to a local vineyard to learn about the island’s terroir and wine production.
Visit Furnas Lake and its famous fumarolas, where the traditional Cozido is cooked underground. Explore Parque Terra Nostra and enjoy its renowned thermal waters and botanical gardens.
Admire Lagoa do Fogo from scenic viewpoints, with the option of a gentle walk. Relax at Caldeira Velha hot springs and explore Ribeira Grande’s historic centre before visiting a local liqueur producer.
Visit a traditional dairy farm to learn about local agriculture and rural life. Afternoon at leisure in Ponta Delgada.
Tour Europe’s oldest tea plantation in operation since 1883. Visit Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park and enjoy scenic coastal viewpoints.
Enjoy a free day in Ponta Delgada, discovering the city at your own pace. Stroll along the marina and through historic streets lined with volcanic stone arches and whitewashed façades. Browse local shops and markets offering handmade ceramics, wickerwork, pineapples, teas, and cheeses. Pause at a café with ocean views, and end the day with a golden sunset over the Atlantic.
Depart Ponta Delgada for your flight back home
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (120 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
