Individual travel to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel. Bem-vindo! Welcome to the largest island in the Azores. Even on the approach you get a first impression of the remoteness of this archipelago, which rises out of the Atlantic about 1,400 kilometres west of mainland Europe. São Miguel is the largest of the nine islands, and your flight lands near the island capital Ponta Delgada. Right after arrival you pick up your rental car at the airport – so you are flexible and independent from the very start. Your first drive takes you to your accommodation, where you can arrive in peace and get in the mood for the days of nature experiences ahead.

Your first excursion on São Miguel takes you to the famous crater lakes of Sete Cidades. In the west of the island lie the legendary lakes, called Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde because of their colours. Several scenic hikes around the lakes let you experience the spectacular volcanic landscape up close. You then continue to the picturesque fishing village of Mosteiros, where you explore the charming coast and have the chance to take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic on the beach. In the afternoon another highlight awaits you: a visit to the pineapple plantations near Ponta Delgada. Here you learn how the sweet fruits are grown on São Miguel, and you may even get to taste them on the spot.

Your day on São Miguel begins with an exciting highlight: a whale and dolphin watching tour. Before heading out onto the Atlantic, you receive a detailed briefing at the base, where you learn everything important about the animals, the safety precautions and the course of the tour. Then you head out to sea, where you can watch the fascinating giants of the ocean up close – an unforgettable experience. In the afternoon you have time to explore the island on your own. You can discover more of the coastal landscape, take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic or, if you are travelling in summer, take a trip to the nearby bathing islet of Ilhéu and enjoy the sun and sea there.

A full-day excursion takes you along the south coast of São Miguel to Furnas, a place full of volcanic wonders and healing thermal springs. In the Furnas valley you can explore the island's impressive geothermal highlights: columns of steam rise from the ground, small springs bubble, and everywhere you feel the power of the volcano. A special experience awaits you with the famous "cozido", a traditional stew cooked underground using the hot volcanic springs – a culinary speciality that shows the close connection between the islanders and nature. Between your explorations you walk through the tropical Terra Nostra Park, a botanical paradise with exotic vegetation, and can then relax in one of the warm thermal pools. Furnas is truly a magical place where nature, history and relaxation come together in a special way.

Today you discover two of São Miguel's most impressive natural highlights: Lagoa do Fogo and Caldeira Velha. Lagoa do Fogo – the "Lake of Fire" – is one of the most picturesque crater lakes in the Azores. Set in an unspoilt volcanic landscape, the lake offers a breathtaking backdrop and invites you on long hikes. Afterwards, in idyllic Caldeira Velha, you can enjoy a swim in the warm water of the natural pool right at the foot of a small waterfall – pure relaxation amid tropical vegetation. Near the geothermal power station in the "hot" Caldeiras area, a hike to the Salto do Cabrito waterfall is also recommended, an impressive spectacle of water and natural power. To crown the day, a tea tasting at Europe's only tea plantations awaits you, before stopping on the way back in Ribeira Grande, the island's second-largest town on the north coast. Here you can stroll through the charming lanes and experience island life up close.

In the morning you drive to Ponta Delgada airport, drop off your rental car and fly on to the island of Pico, the second-largest island in the Azores, named after its striking volcano of the same name. After arrival you pick up your new rental car and drive to your hotel in the charming town of Madalena. Depending on your arrival time, there is still a chance for some first explorations. You can make a detour to the old whaling factory in Cais do Pico or visit the Whalers' Museum in Lajes do Pico. Here you learn all about the centuries-long importance of whaling for the islanders. For decades whaling was Pico's most important source of income – today the gentle giants are only approached with camera and binoculars, as Pico is one of the best places in the world for unforgettable whale-watching trips.

Today a very special highlight on Pico is on the programme: a whale and dolphin watching tour. Before heading out onto the Atlantic, you receive a detailed briefing at the base explaining all the important information on safety and the course of the tour. With a marine biologist on board, you then head out to sea to get as close as possible to the fascinating marine mammals – an unforgettable experience. In the afternoon you can take a short circular hike from Lajes do Pico. A detour to the whale lookout outside the village is particularly recommended – from here, with a bit of luck, you can watch the gentle giants of the sea once more, this time from land.

In Lajes do Pico numerous reminders of the whaling era await you: the Whalers' Museum, the former whaling factory and a whale lookout tower tell of the islanders' long connection with the marine mammals. In the afternoon you drive across the centre of the island to the former whaling factory at Cais do Pico in São Roque. With an area of 1,200 square metres, it was the largest and most important whale-processing facility in the Azores. Founded in 1949, the factory operated for 35 years. In the early 1990s the building was restored and converted into a museum, which today gives every visitor an impressive journey back in time to this chapter of Azorean history. On the plateau, a detour to the numerous crater lakes surrounded by unique endemic plant life is also worthwhile. Here you can discover, among other things, the last specimens of Erica azorica, a plant found only in the Azores – a botanical highlight that shows Pico from a completely different side.

In good weather and with sufficient fitness, a real highlight awaits you today: the ascent of the 2,351-metre Pico volcano, the highest mountain in Portugal. The climb starts at about 1,200 metres, where you also register for the mountain tour. The path is marked throughout, but good hiking boots and sure-footedness are essential. The effort is worth it: at the crater rim, a breathtaking view opens up above the clouds and the sea. On clear days you can even make out the five islands of the Azores' central group, including Faial and São Jorge – an unforgettable panorama. Alternatively, you can spend the day more leisurely: enjoy a swim in one of the natural seawater pools or take another optional whale and dolphin watching tour to get close to the giants of the sea once again.

Today's excursion takes you along the coast of Pico to the traditional adegas, the wine cellars by the sea. The solidified lava that shapes the coast is impressive and tells of the island's tremendous volcanic power. Between the cellars you stroll through the vineyards, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004 and show the special interplay between people and nature on Pico. The island also impresses with fascinating volcanic landscapes: in the north near Arcos do Cachorro you discover unusual lava formations, where the coast is riddled with grottoes, tunnels and arches – a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. In the east of the island lie the Gruta das Torres lava caves, discovered only a few years ago. Equipped with a helmet and headlamp, you can explore the largest lava cave in the Azores – an underground adventure that should be booked in advance.

Your island hopping in the Azores continues today to the neighbouring island of Faial. After the ferry crossing you pick up your rental car at the port and drive to your accommodation on the island's south coast. Faial is also called the "Blue Island", because in summer countless hydrangeas bloom here in intense shades of blue, giving the island an unmistakable charm. The island captivates with beautiful coastlines, wildly romantic landscapes and the imposing Cabeço Gordo, 1,043 metres high. Use the time to explore the town of Horta, the unofficial capital of the Azores. Its important marina is a key meeting point for ocean sailors, and the colourfully painted harbour walls are a real photo opportunity. In the Porto Pim district, a beautiful sandy beach awaits you right next to the old whaling factory, whose visit offers an exciting insight into the island's maritime history. In this way, Faial combines nature, culture and history in a unique way.

Today you discover one of the most impressive volcanic landscapes in the Azores on Faial's western peninsula: Capelinhos. On a full-day excursion you explore the so-called "new land" and visit the volcano museum, which offers fascinating insights into the formation and eruption of the volcano. The desert-like landscape was created about 60 years ago by the mighty eruption and still impresses today with its barren beauty. A scenic hike leads over green volcanic cones right to Cape Capelinhos, from where fantastic views open up over the sea and the volcanic coast. On the way back to Horta you drive past the small, charming villages on the north coast and can enjoy the tranquillity and special flair of the island. A day full of natural power, history and unique views.

Today your excursion takes you to the impressive Caldeira in the centre of Faial. At around 1,000 metres high and about 1.5 kilometres in diameter, it is one of the largest craters in the Azores. In good visibility, a two-and-a-half-hour walk around the rim is worthwhile, letting you experience the island's varied landscape from every perspective. After the hike you can spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach at Almoxarife. From here you enjoy a dreamlike view of the striking, picture-book Pico volcano rising majestically above the sea – a perfect end to a day full of nature experiences.

In the morning you drop off your rental car at the airport and fly back to São Miguel. From there you take a taxi to your accommodation in Ponta Delgada (taxi payable locally). You can spend the rest of the day in a relaxed way: take a leisurely walk through Ponta Delgada and discover the charming lanes, historic buildings and maritime atmosphere of the island capital. In the evening you round off your Azores holiday with a delicious dinner and look back on the experiences of the past days.

On the last day of your trip, you make your own way to the airport by taxi. Adeus, Açores! – goodbye, Azores! From here you begin your individual return flight and look back once more on the unforgettable experiences of this island world.