Welcome to São Miguel, the lush green island known as the "Garden of the Atlantic" for good reason. Perhaps you'll catch your first glimpse of the rolling hills, crater lakes, and endless greenery that will accompany you in the coming days, even as you approach the airport. Your island adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at our hotel, where you'll meet your fellow travelers and get acquainted with the time ahead. Should you arrive earlier, the time is entirely yours: Stroll leisurely along the Ponta Delgada beach promenade, immerse yourself in local life at the Mercado da Graça farmers' market, and treat yourself to a plate of bacalhau – the traditionally dried and salted cod. Or settle down in one of the cozy restaurants and sample freshly caught seafood while the Atlantic Ocean murmurs in the background.

São Miguel is home to a landscape that will take your breath away by the end of your day. Your adventure begins at Arruda's pineapple plantation in Fajã de Baixo. In the glass greenhouses, the sweet fruits often take up to two years to ripen – with a bit of luck, you might even get to taste them during your visit. Then you follow the island's south coast to Furnas. There you'll experience the impressive volcanic activity of the Furnas volcano and visit the large lagoon, whose steaming earth makes the raw power of the island palpable. A real highlight awaits you then: For lunch, you'll enjoy "Cozido das Furnas," a hearty stew cooked deep underground solely by the heat of the volcanic steam – a culinary experience you won't soon forget. After lunch, you'll have time to relax in a geothermal pool and enjoy the soothing warmth of the volcanic water. Refreshed, you'll then continue to the Pico do Ferro viewpoint, which offers a fantastic view over the crater landscape. In the afternoon, a guided tour of a local tea plantation will immerse you in another of the island's unique features. You'll taste the only tea grown in Europe, as São Miguel is home to the continent's only tea plantations. The day culminates with a visit to the Miradouro de Santa Iria viewpoint, where a breathtaking panorama of the island's rugged north coast awaits.

The morning is yours to explore further and immerse yourself in the magic of São Miguel. Perhaps you'll be drawn to Lagoa das Sete Cidades, an emerald-green lake nestled within a vast volcanic caldera and one of the island's most famous natural wonders. If you're interested in the natural and cultural history of the Azores, a visit to the Museu Carlos Machado is highly recommended. Housed in a former 16th-century monastery, the building itself is a highlight – not to mention the fascinating exhibits inside. In the afternoon, it's time to say goodbye to São Miguel, as you'll be flying to the island of São Jorge. With its narrow shape and dramatically steep cliffs, it's considered one of the most beautiful and unspoiled islands in the Azores. Upon arrival, you'll have the opportunity to explore Velas, the island's capital, on your own in the evening. Relax in one of the cozy bars, chat with locals, or sample the region's famous, robust cheese, for which São Jorge is widely known. Special notes: The flight from São Miguel to São Jorge is currently scheduled for the afternoon, but the exact flight time is subject to change. Please also note that São Jorge is very remote, even by Azorean standards, and has limited accommodation options. You will be staying in a local guesthouse in Velas, which is clean, simple, and well-located. The rooms are functional and not air-conditioned – but this allows you to experience the island in a truly authentic way.

The day begins in a relaxed way with a visit to a local bakery, where you can pick up a delicious snack for the road – or, if the day of the week allows, with a trip to the local market to experience island life up close. Afterwards, it's time to lace up your hiking boots, because now you'll discover the wild beauty of São Jorge on foot. From Serra do Topo, you begin your hike to the spectacular Caldeira do Santo Cristo. The trail initially leads uphill along a wide path, before offering the opportunity to take a detour to an idyllic waterfall. Afterwards, a paved path descends to Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo. The views along the way are simply breathtaking – one panorama follows another, constantly prompting you to pause and admire the scenery. You continue along the path to the natural scree field of Fajã dos Cubres and explore the lagoon, while your guide provides fascinating insights into the flora and fauna of this unique region. We'll take a break at a particularly picturesque spot, enjoy the view, and refuel with a picnic lunch. After this impressive hike, we return to Velas. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure – perfect for reflecting on the day's experiences or taking another stroll through the town. Special notes: Today's hike leads partly over scree and uneven terrain. Your guide will inform you of all the details beforehand. If you don't wish to participate in the hike, you can alternatively spend the day relaxing in Velas and enjoying the surroundings on your own.

Today we continue by ferry to the island of Faial, affectionately known as Ilha Azul – the Blue Island. It owes its nickname to the countless blue hydrangeas that line the streets and fields during the summer months. Even the Portuguese poet Raul Brandão was so captivated by them that he said whoever had the idea of planting these flowers deserved a statue on the island. On Faial, you'll visit the Capelinhos volcano – or more precisely, the volcanic center, as direct ascent is now considered unsafe. Here you'll learn how the last eruption in 1957 forever changed the island: Faial grew by about a kilometer of landmass, while the surrounding area was buried under several meters of volcanic ash. The barren, moon-like landscape still bears impressive witness to this immense natural force. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Take the time to explore the port city of Horta, stroll through its narrow streets, and immerse yourself in its long maritime history. The famous marina, with its painted quays, is a particularly inviting place to unwind and end the day.

Today you'll leave Faial for the day and take a ferry to the island of Ilha do Pico, or Pico for short. Due to its black volcanic soil, it's also known as Ilha Preta – the Black Island. Pico is the proud home of UNESCO-protected vineyards, which have played a central role in the lives and development of the communities for generations. Your exploration begins with a glimpse into the island's volcanic past. At Arcos do Cachorro, you'll enter an impressive area of lava tubes and bizarre rock formations that vividly demonstrate the forces that once at work here. Afterwards, a true hidden gem awaits: a family-run distillery. During a guided tour, you'll learn about the unique production techniques and, while tasting their excellent products, have the opportunity to chat with the locals about island life on Pico. Afterwards, the route takes you to Criação Velha, where you can enjoy breathtaking views over the UNESCO-protected vineyards. The fields, crisscrossed by lava stone walls, tell a story of hard work, ingenuity, and a deep connection with nature. You will then have free time. An optional whale watching tour is available. Until 1980, Pico was a center of whaling due to the deep waters of the surrounding Atlantic. Today, times have changed, and these gentle giants are now respectfully observed from the sea – a truly moving experience. In the evening you return to Faial. This offers the perfect opportunity for a refreshing gin and tonic at the legendary Café Sport, better known as Peter's Bar. This world-famous sailors' pub was once a post office and meeting place for travelers from all over the world – and for some, it still is.

Say goodbye to the Azores. After breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to this unique island paradise of volcanoes, sea, and lush greenery. Your journey ends today, and you'll either begin your independent return trip or embark on an optional program. The memories of this Atlantic adventure will surely stay with you for a long time.