Compare Pleasures of Life by Splendid Evasion vs Highlights of the Azores by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 10 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 2,312 | $ 2,136 |
| Price Per Day | $ 231 | $ 305 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
On this tour we give you the opportunity to get to know Oporto city and the Northern Portugal in ten wonderful days. A cultural journey that will make you travel in time from Minho to Douro. Ride a horse through painted green landscapes, discover historical villages and meet their people, scroll through secular paths once used by pilgrims and indulge yourself with the best of foods. In Douro region you will have the chance to visit one of the most important places of prehistorical outdoor art in the world, sail in an environmental cruise between the colossal Douro cliffs while enjoying the local flora and fauna, and walk through an old railway line that follows the river. In Oporto we present to you Fado, one of the richest and most notorious icons of the Portuguese culture. |
Although modern Portugal can be credited for its contributions to art, architecture and world-class dining, there’s a distant remnant of the Old Empire lying far from the mainland. From the rolling blue hydrangeas of Faial, the steep cliffs of Sao Jorge and the black volcanic soil under the vineyards of Pico, the Azores offer a delightful insight into both island and Portuguese living. Discover a new side to ancient Portugal on this island-hopping Atlantic adventure. |
Day 1
Reception at the Oporto airport and transfer to the hotel.
We welcome you with a typical Portuguese regional dinner at the sound of the beautiful FADO.
Return to the hotel.
Day 2
After a fabulous breakfast we head towards Minho.
For today we propose wandering through secular trails in a wonderful trekking concerning the history of bread. Along the way you will pass through mills, agro-pastoral constructions and ancient towns always with the green shades of the forest.
Lunch in a typical restaurant.
We carry on our journey with an amusing Peddy-Paper in Arcos de Valdevez. This will be a unique way to discover this charming town and to interact with the local population.
We also invite you to make a stop in a regional tavern, in order to whet your appetite with some regional delicacies.
Dinner and accommodation at a typical rural tourism house and restaurant.
Day 3
After breakfast we will have a workshop, to learn how to make traditional gem and bread, a genuine experience truly connected to the portuguese identity. While waiting for the final result, you will have the chance to visit a farm and taste some local wines.
For lunch we have prepared for you a regional picnic... This will be the ideal time to taste the bread you have made during the morning.
Meanwhile, we have a surprise for you: the return to Arcos de Valdevez will be done on a horseback!
Next, we head to Ponte de Lima, the oldest village in Portugal.
This is the perfect moment to stroll through the bridge that gave name to this place, by the narrow streets full of history and one of a kind architectural landmarks. As you will have this evening for yourself, the difficulty will be choosing in which restaurant you prefer to dinner.
Accommodation at a rural tourism house.
Day 4
Breakfast.
This morning you will have the opportunity do decide between two activities: go for a walk at your own pace or ride a bicicle! We make all the arrangements for you. If you prefer take the morning to enjoy your accommodation facilities.
We then carry on and reach our last destination: Ponte da Barca.
Lunch in a typical restaurant.
During the afternoon, take your time to discover this historical village, to walk along the Lima River or, if you prefer, make a City Tour!
Transfer to Oporto city.
Dinner and accommodation in Oporto.
Day 5
After an early call for a tasty and rich breakfast we leave towards Campanhã train station.
The journey until the river Douro will be by train, just relax and enjoy the lovely landscapes of Douro and its amazing vineyards.
Once the destination is reached a delicious lunch waits for you.
At the end of the day, visit the Rock Carved Drawings in one of the biggest open-air Pre-Historic museums.
Dinner and accommodation at a typical rural tourism house and restaurant.
Day 6
Breakfast.
Walking along an ancient deactivated train rail just beside the river shore.
Enjoy the quite and relaxing landscape while appreciating your lunch picnic style.
The remaining journey will be by boat allowing you to relax and enjoy the landscape.
Dinner and accommodation at a typical rural tourism house and restaurant.
Day 7
Breakfast.
For today we propose an off road nature adventure. Go for a ride in a comfortable all terrain vehicle and discover new places and learn all about its monuments and their architectural features.
Before lunch and to whet your appetite we still have time to participate in an interesting bread workshop. Delight yourself!
Free afternoon to enjoy it the way you prefer!
Enjoy a community dinner in a local village, made by the residents. Share experiences while enjoying a wine tasting from local produce. A unique and authentic experience! (only available for groups above 6).
Accommodation at a typical rural tourism house.
Day 8
Breakfast.
In the early morning we will go birdwatching in the Arribas of Douro river, the habitat for diverse and magnificent species that surely will dazzle you.
After lunch we will sale through the waters of Douro river in a superb environmental cruise. Relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery and at the end we will have a delicious wine tasting.
Dinner and accommodation at a typical rural tourism house and restaurant.
Typical dinner followed by a show of traditional music in partnership with local artisans and cultural associations.
Day 9
After breakfast take the morning off to rest or, if you prefer, make a city tour in Miranda do Douro.
Discover the charms of this historic and medieval town strategically located between the cliffs of Douro. You will also have the opportunity to visit the local museum.
After lunch we return to Oporto city.
Free afternoon in Oporto city.
Day 10
Free day.
Transfer to Oporto airport at due schedule.
End of our services.
Day 1 Sao Miguel Island / Ponta Delgada
Welcome to Sao Miguel Island, treasured as the vibrant Garden of the Atlantic thanks to its lush surrounds – hopefully you get a glimpse of this through the plane windows on the way in. Your island adventure begins with a welcome meeting that takes place at your hotel at 6 pm. If you arrive early, perhaps wander along the seaside promenade of Ponta Delgada town, pick up a plate of bacalhau (dried and salted cod) at the farmer’s market in Mercado da Graca, or even sample some fresh seafood at the local restaurants.
Day 2 Sao Miguel Island / Ponta Delgada
Sao Miguel is home to some stunning scenery and by the end of the day, this should be more than obvious. Take a visit to Arruda’s Pineapple Plantation located at Faja de Baixo. These glass greenhouses often take two years to grow the delicious fruit within, and there might be an opportunity to snack on some during the visit. You’ll then skim along the south coast of the island towards Furnas. Marvel at the volcanic activity of the Furnas volcano and visit the great lagoon, then sit down to a truly unforgettable experience. Your lunch today is ‘Cozido das Furnas’ – a delicious stew cooked underground by the steam from the volcano – you’ll lava it! After lunch you’ll have the option to take a relaxing dip in a geothermal hot pool, then it’s time to hit the road again and travel to the fabulous Pico do Ferro viewpoint. Stop in at a local tea plantation for a tour and to sample some of the only tea grown in Europe – the only tea plantations on the continent are found in Sao Miguel! Finally, pay a visit to Miradouro de Santa Iria where you’ll soak in sweeping views of the north coast of the island.
Day 3 Sao Jorge Island / Velas
The morning is yours to discover more of the magic of Sao Miguel. You may like to pay a visit to Lagoa das Sete Cidades, an emerald green lake in a volcanic caldera that would look right at home on another planet. If you’d like to learn about Azorean natural history then the Museu Carlos Machado is the place for you, and the building it sits in, a 16th-century convent, is as much of an attraction as the museum itself. This afternoon, board a flight bound for Sao Jorge Island (approximately 1 hour), one of the most scenic islands in the Azores thanks to its steep cliffs and narrow landmass. In the evening you may like to get to know Velas, the island’s capital, by visiting one of the many local bars or sampling some of the region’s famous (and strong) cheddar.
Day 4 Sao Jorge Island / Velas
Start the day with a visit at local groceries to pick up a tasty snack, or if the days line up, you may instead go to the local market. Then it’s time to discover the island’s beauty on foot during a hike to the spectacular Caldeira do Santo Cristo. Begin your walk at Serra do Topo and climb a wide trail upwards. You’ll have the option to detour to a beautiful waterfall, then continue along a cobbled path towards Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo. The views you’ll come upon on this walk are simply unforgettable – each one more breathtaking than the last. Follow the trail to the natural debris field of Fajã dos Cubres and explore the lagoon while your leader fills you in on the flora and fauna of the region. Stop off at a scenic spot along the trail to appreciate the views and enjoy a picnic lunch. Return to Velas after your hike for an evening at leisure.
Day 5 Faial Island / Horta
Today you'll travel to Faial Island by ferry (approximately 2.5 hours), sometimes referred to as Ilha Azul (Blue Island). Raul Brandao, the Portugese poet, famously made note of the iconic blue hydrangeas that bloom on Faial during the summer months, quipping 'the man that had the idea to border the road with these plants should have a statute on the island.' Visit the island's resident volcano, Capelinhos, or rather the volcano centre as the climb up is not considered safe. Capelinhos last erupted in 1957 and changed the island permanently, adding an extra kilometre of land mass and blanketing the surrounding area in five metres of volcanic ash. The rest of the day is free to explore the local port town, Horta, and discover its long maritime history.
Day 6 Pico Island / Faial Island / Horta
Leave Faial for the day to visit Ilha do Pico (Pico Island). Known as Ilha Preta (Black Island) for its black volcanic earth, Pico is the proud home of UNESCO-designated vineyards that have played a major part in the community’s development. Today you will set out on a marvellous tour on the island. Firstly learn about the island's volcanic past by visiting Arcos do Cachorro (lava tunnels) - the fascinating rock formations reveal this special force of nature. Then the hidden gem of a family-owned distillery awaits. Enjoy a tour through the distillery and learn about their special techniques and chat about the life on Pico Island over a tasting of their wonderful products. Next up is a stop at Criacao Velha for the stunning view of the UNESCO-listed landscape of Pico's vineyards. Free time afterwards and you may like to take part in an optional whale watching tour. Up until 1980, the island supported a substantial whaling industry due to the deep waters of the surrounding Atlantic. Fortunately, the end of the industry means whale watching has become a popular activity for sea-faring visitors. You'll be back on Faial Island for the evening and that means there's time for a cheeky G&T at Cafe Sport (aka Peter's Bar), perhaps the most famous sailor's bar in the world. This watering hole was once a crucial post office and gossip stop for travelling sailors in a pre-internet era. For some, it still is.
Day 7 Faial Island / Horta
Say goodbye Azores! Your trip comes to an end today after check-out.
