2025 The Azores

Day 1 - Arrive on the enchanting island of Terceira.  Settle into your hotel in the historic city of Angra do Heroísma. Meet and greet your fellow travelers at the traditional USLHS welcome dinner.      

Day 2 - Get ready for a full day of exploration. Our first stop is the Lighthouse of Contendas, an impressive structure built in 1934, standing 13 meters tall and perched at an altitude of 54 meters.  Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Next we descend into the depths of Algar do Carvão, a remarkable volcanic cave known for it’s unique silicate stalactites. We end the day with a visit to the Lighthouse of Serreta, a testament to resilience, rebuilt in 1987 after its original 1908 construction. Dinner on your own.          

Day 3 - We take a deep dive into the rich history of Angra do Heroísmo, one of the three capital cities of the Azores.  We start with visit to the Lighthouse of Santo António on Monte Brasil, providing stunning views over the UNESCO World Heritage city. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the city's treasures, including the Capitães-Generais Palace, Sé Cathedral, and the charming Praça Velha.  Lunch XX          

Day 4 - A day on your own to explore Terceira.  We leave for Faial and Pico tomorrow.           

Day 5 - Your adventure continues as you take a short flight to the island of Faial.  We will visit the Lighthouse of Ponta da Ribeirinha, a structure that has weathered both time and earthquakes since its construction in 1919. The afternoon brings you face-to-face with the dramatic Lighthouse of Ponta dos Capelinhos, partially buried by a volcanic eruption in the late 1950s. A visit to the nearby Interpretation Center provides fascinating insights into this geological event. Lunch XX

Day 6 -We hop a ferry to Pico Island, and visit two distinct lighthouses. The Lighthouse of São Mateus, with its charming cylindrical tower, and the well-known Lighthouse of Ponta da Ilha both offer unique perspectives on the island's maritime heritage.  Ferry back to your hotel and enjoy a local dinner on your own. Lunch XX 
                

Day 7 - Explore Faial, Pico or possibly  São Jorge  on your own.  Tomorrow we leave the central island group and begin the last leg of our journey on the island of  São Miguel.             

Day 8 - We say goodbye to this central islands of the Azores and fly to archipeligos’s largest island,  São Miguel. After lunch with the group, we’lll visit the Lighthouse of Ferraria, notable for its impressive range of 27 nautical miles. 

Day 9 - This day is dedicated to exploring the north and east of São Miguel, including visits to the relatively modern Lighthouse of Cintrão and the historic Lighthouse of Arnel, the oldest in the entire archipelago.  Lunch (xxx)              

Day 10 - We start with a visit to the Lighthouse of Ponta Garça and then explore the lush Furnas Valley, known for its hot springs and unique gastronomy. Lunch is a traditional "Cozido" cooked by volcanic heat. The afternoon includes a stroll through the stunning Terra Nostra botanical garden and a visit to a centuries-old tea plantation.             

Day 11 - As the tour nears its end, you'll have the option to either explore the breathtaking landscapes of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, take a whale watching excursion, or enjoy a day at leisure. We finish off the tour with our traditional farewell dinner at a local restaurant.                 

Day 12 - We bid farewell to these enchanting islands, carrying with you memories of historic lighthouses, stunning landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the Azorean people.