Azores Adventures - a Family Holiday in the Azores - 2010/11 Itinerary
8 days - from $1490
• Discover volcanoes & hot springs on Sao Miguel Island
• Search for whales & dolphins by boat
• Explore caves & ancient lava flows on Terceira
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Dolphin & Whale Safari
For the first half of the week we base ourselves at the Sao Miguel Park Hotel in Ponta Delgada, the charming capital of the Azores. Renowned for its dramatic volcanic scenery - we enjoy a visit to the Lagoa de Furnas (a volcano crater) and the Terra Nostra Gardens where we have the opportunity to try the local 'Cozido' - lunch cooked by the geothermal properties of the earth. Weather permitting, on one of our days here we will take to the sea in search of dolphins and whales that feed in the rich waters around these stunning islands.
Exploring Caves
A short flight will take us to the island of Terceira, where we stay at the Hotel do Caracol in Angra. Terceira is a landscape of gentle forested hills, red tiled villages and fertile farmland. Reminders of its more violent volcanic past are never far away however, none more so than at the remarkable Algar do Carvao. Here we explore subterranean caves reminiscent of scenes from Lord of the Rings! The rest of our time here will be left free for further explorations of this fascinating isle and the attractive town of Angra itself. We would recommend a great walk in the north of the island to Biscoitos, meaning 'biscuits', that perfectly describes the rough lava landscape. Natural pools have formed amongst the rocks where the sea crashes in - a favourite spot for an exhilarating swim.
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Itinerary:
Day 1 Join Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel Island). Days 2/4 Whale and dolphin searching From our base on the beautiful island of San Miguel, we'll explore the lush volcanic centre of the island with a full day trip to Furnas and Fogo Lakes. We'll also eat a 'cozido' - food cooked by the heat of the earth. On one of our days here we'll take to the clear blue waters around the island in search of whales and dolphins. Days 5/7 Terceira Island In contrast to Sao Miguel Island, Terceira is a landscape of gentle forested hills and red-tiled villages. We'll explore subterranean caves and there's the chance to go swimming amongst the volcanic rockpools at Biscoitos (meaning 'biscuits'). Day 8 End Angra (Terceira Island).
Accommodations: 4nts in the superbly located Sao Miguel Park Hotel in Ponta Delgada and 3nts at the 4 star, Hotel Do Caracol in Angra; 7 breakfasts included.
Transport: Boat/Bus/Taxis.
Comment: Weather permitting, there is a good chance of seeing dolphins and whales, however, mother nature as it is, sightings cannot be guaranteed. Our itinerary is deliberately left flexible to take best possible advantage of favourable weather conditions for the dolphin and whale watching trip.
Group: Approx. 15 to 20.
Staff: Explore Leader, driver(s) plus boat crew.
Trip Reference: FAZ2010
