What to expect
Lagoa do Fogo
Admire São Miguel’s epic crater lake

Furnas Valley
Geothermal springs & fumaroles

Ponta Delgada
Discover the capital's historic charm

Gorreana Tea Factory
Tour Europe’s oldest tea plantation
About this trip...
Discover the volcanic beauty of São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores, on this guided exploration of dramatic crater lakes, lush landscapes and Atlantic coastlines. Based in the historic capital of Ponta Delgada, we explore highlights including the twin lakes of Sete Cidades, the pristine Lagoa do Fogo crater lake and the geothermal valley of Furnas. Along the way, visit Europe’s oldest tea plantation at Gorreana, tour a pineapple plantation, enjoy a winery tasting, stroll through Terra Nostra Garden and experience the natural hot springs of Caldeira Velha, while discovering picturesque villages and spectacular viewpoints across the island.
Return airport transfers
Private Room
Breakfast daily, four lunches & two dinners
Pineapple plantation tour
Winery tour & tasting
Gorreana Tea Factory tour & tasting
Visit to Terra Nostra Garden
Visit to Caldeira Velha
Guided tour of Ribeira Grande
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
- International flights are not included
- Let us help you book them! Learn more.
- Travel insurance
- Tips & drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities when not included in the itinerary
- City tax is currently €2 per person per night (capped at a maximum of three consecutive nights) and paid locally.
What you'll be doing

Day One: Arrive in São Miguel
- Dinner included

Day Two: Sete Cidades
The day begins at a pineapple plantation, where we learn how this tropical fruit is grown on the island and enjoy a tasting of fresh pineapple and traditional homemade liqueur. We then continue along the island’s west coast, passing historic villages and scenic landscapes with breathtaking views of the volcanic lakes. At Sete Cidades, we hear the local legends before enjoying lunch at a traditional restaurant in the village.
In the afternoon, we continue along the north coast to admire dramatic volcanic rock formations shaped over centuries. We stop at a charming local winery for a guided tasting of regional wines and insights into the island’s unique grape varieties.
- Breakfast & lunch included

Day Three: Furnas & Terra Nostra
This morning, we visit the scenic Santa Iria viewpoint, known for its history and sweeping coastal views. We then continue to the Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s oldest tea plantation, for a brief tour of the production process followed by a tea tasting. Next, we travel to the Furnas Valley, one of the island’s oldest settlements, known for its fertile land and volcanic activity. Here we see fumaroles, hot springs and mineral waters, and admire panoramic views over the caldera from Pico do Ferro (570m). Before lunch, we watch the traditional “Cozido das Furnas” being lifted from the ground, where it slow-cooks for around six hours, before enjoying this unique regional dish.
Later, we visit the 18th-century Terra Nostra Garden for a stroll through its botanical park or a relaxing dip in the thermal pool. We finish the day with a tasting of traditional Azorean sweet bread in the fumarolic area of Furnas village before returning to the hotel.
- Breakfast & lunch included

Day Four: At leisure
Today we enjoy a day at leisure in Ponta Delgada, with the freedom to spend it as you wish. Relax at the hotel and take a dip in the pool or wander through the old town. In the afternoon, there is the option to join a half-day guided tour of downtown Ponta Delgada (additional cost), visiting museums, charming gardens and historic churches dating from the 16th to the 19th century. This excursion must be pre-booked with Solos at the time of booking.
- Breakfast included

Day Five: Northeast & Southeast coasts
Today brings another full day of exploration, beginning along the island’s northeast coast. Our first stop is Ribeira dos Caldeirões, a botanical park where waterfalls and old watermills reflect the island’s early wheat-based economy. We continue to Vila do Nordeste before heading to a scenic viewpoint to enjoy a specially prepared picnic lunch. Later, we travel to Povoação, the first settlement on São Miguel Island, for a short orientation tour and a tasting of the local pastry, “Fofas da Povoação”.
- Breakfast & lunch included

Day Six: At leisure
Enjoy the day at leisure. Relax at the hotel, stroll along the seafront or join an optional whale-watching excursion (additional cost). Set sail on a catamaran for the chance to spot playful dolphins performing acrobatics and majestic whales gliding through the pristine waters of the Azores. This excursion must be pre-booked with Solos at the time of booking.
- Breakfast included
Day Seven: Lagoa de Fogo & Ribeira Grande
We begin with a scenic journey along the island’s south coast, heading towards the Água de Pau Natural Reserve and one of the Azores’ most iconic sights, Lagoa de Fogo. Surrounded by a lush natural landscape, this beautiful crater lake offers a sense of serenity and tranquillity. We continue to Pico de Barrosa (980m), where breathtaking panoramic views unfold across the island, including a stunning vantage point over Lagoa de Fogo itself.
We then continue to Caldeira Velha, one of São Miguel’s most enchanting natural spots. This geothermal reserve is known for its warm, mineral-rich pools and lush tropical vegetation. The area forms part of the island’s Laurisilva forest, an endemic subtropical landscape of ferns, mosses and towering trees that creates a serene, almost mystical atmosphere. Our final stop is Ribeira Grande, the second-largest city on São Miguel, shaped by waves of emigration and past volcanic eruptions, some of which destroyed parts of the town. Here we explore the charming cobbled streets of the historic center, known for its traditional Azorean architecture and colorful façades.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner included

Day Eight: Departure day
We gather one final time for breakfast before transferring to Ponta Delgada Airport for our flight home.
- Breakfast included
Accommodations
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
We recommend that you check passport and visa requirements for the country you are visiting at the State Department if you have a U.S. Passport. Most countries require that your passport have at least six months validity when traveling internationally, and many require that you have one to two blank visa pages for either an entry stamp or visa. As a general rule, please check that your passport has six months validity beyond your planned trip, and if not, please renew your passport with plenty of time to provide Solos with your updated passport information by the final payment due date.
Not sure what travel documents you need? Our trusted partner, sherpa°, makes it easy to check visa and entry requirements based on your destination and passport. One quick check now means smooth sailing later. Click here to learn more.
We recommend that you check if vaccinations are required for your destination at the CDC’s recommendations for your visited destination(s). We also recommend you purchase travel protection. A travel protection plan can often assist with medical emergencies and reimburse costs that are covered by the plan. Please verify coverage details with Solos before you travel.
You may wish to take an optional excursion during the course of your stay.
Ponta Delgada Guided City Tour
Join a half day city tour visiting some of the museums, charming gardens and unique churches from the 16th up to 19th century that enrich the city’s history.
Currently - €67 per person
Whale Watching
Set sail on a catamaran for a whale watching adventure, with the chance to witness playful dolphins performing acrobatics and majestic whales gliding through the pristine waters of the Azores.
Currently - €65 per person
Please note:- Optional excursions are not guaranteed and are based on minimum numbers. The prices quoted are guideline only and may involve other non-Solos travelers. These excursion will need to be
Whether you'd like us to arrange your flights or prefer to book your own, we're here to make the process easy. Our team can secure flights from the location that suits you best or provide all the arrival and departure details you'll need if booking independently.
Arrival & departure airport transfers are included for the majority of our trips EXCEPT our UK Breaks, regardless if you book your own flights or if we book them for you. To learn more about flight options, payments, and transfers, click here.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance before any trip — it safeguards you against unexpected issues like illness, cancellations, or lost luggage. It also protects your health and travel investment, giving you peace of mind to fully enjoy your journey. Click here to learn more.




















