Azores

An island steeped in history and culture, where ancient temples, medieval churches, and palaces tell tales of centuries past. Dominated by the mighty Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, this island offers stunning landscapes, rich cuisine, and genuine hospitality. Sicily is truly the heart of Italy, a place where every corner invites discovery.

Description

Sicily is an island unlike any other—Italy's largest and with a rich tapestry of cultures woven over centuries. From ancient temples and medieval churches to luxurious palaces and eerie catacombs, every corner of Sicily reveals the island’s complex and fascinating history. Home to Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, and blessed with mouthwatering cuisine and warm hospitality, Sicily remains a favorite destination for travelers.

As Goethe said, "Without Sicily, Italy cannot be fully understood, as there lies the key to everything."

This journey invites you to discover why!

Day 1

Welcome to Paradise!

Arrival at Pico Island

Upon arrival in Catania, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. After
check-in, we’ll gather for introductions.

Check-in at Guesthouse

After the whale-watching tour, we’ll head to our cozy guesthouse, where our friendly host, Miguel, will welcome us.

Lunch in Madalena

Enjoy a welcome dinner with delicious local dishes and get to know your fellow travelers.

Traditional Welcome Dinner

We’ll gather for a welcome dinner, giving us a chance to meet and chat with fellow travelers.

Day 3

Sailing to the Volcanoes!

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up for an exciting day ahead.

Sail to Faial Island

Explore the medieval streets of Buda, where our expert guide will share fascinating tales of Hungary’s ancient capital. Visit Fisherman’s Bastion for panoramic views and uncover the secrets of the Royal Palace.

Visit the Volcano Crater

Explore the island’s volcanic crater. Whether we walk around it or simply admire the view is up to you, but we’ll make sure it’s an unforgettable experience.

Explore Horta Town

Gin and Tonic at a Historic Bar

What’s a visit to Faial without a traditional maritime drink? We’ll stop for a gin and tonic at a bar with over 100 years of history.

Group Lunch

After a day of food and culture, we’ll return to Syracuse for a relaxed evening.

Dinner on Your Own

Dinner is on your own, giving you time to explore and enjoy the local cuisine at your leisure.

Day 2

Hunting for Spectacular Views!

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before we head out for a day of exploration.

Explore Pico Island with a Guide

With a knowledgeable guide, we’ll learn about the whaling industry that shaped the island and delve into the island’s unique history. We’ll visit volcanic lakes, witness frozen lava landscapes, and uncover the raw beauty of Pico.

Seville City Tour

We’ll visit the Catania Fish Market, a vibrant and historic location dating back to the 19th century. The market, situated in a tunnel under the 16th-century clerics' seminary palace, offers a unique window into local life.

Scenic Mountain Drive

A drive along a mountain road will offer us panoramic views of Mount Pico, the towering peak the island is named after.

Day 4

Wine Time!

Breakfast at the Hotel

Get ready for a wine-themed day, as we explore Pico’s incredible vineyards.

Visit the Oldest Winery on Pico

We’ll start at the island's oldest and largest winery, where we’ll sample wines crafted by one of Portugal’s best winemakers.

Explore the Vineyards

Visit a historic mill offering fantastic views of the sprawling vineyards and learn about the unique winemaking traditions of the Azores. UNESCO recognized these vineyards as human heritage sites in 2004.

Lunch and Royal Wine Tasting

We’ll enjoy a delicious local lunch before trying royal wines favored by kings! The winery owner will even prepare a special dish for dinner.

Day 5

Sailing to the Volcanoes!

Breakfast at the Hotel

Prepare for a day of adventure!

Climb Mount Pico Optional

For the brave and adventurous, today is the day to climb Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest peak. The hike is challenging, requiring good physical fitness, and is best tackled with a certified guide. If you prefer a more relaxed day, join our guide to explore hidden corners of the island.

Group Lunch

After the climb (or exploration), we’ll gather for a group lunch to recharge and share our stories.

Dinner on Your Own

Enjoy dinner at your leisure, perhaps reflecting on your epic day.

Day 7

The Saddest Day...

Group Lunch

Enjoy a final breakfast in paradise.

Group Transfer to the Airport

We’ll transfer to the airport for your flight back home, leaving with memories of an unforgettable adventure.

Day 6

Off to São Jorge!

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before we head to São Jorge Island.

Explore São Jorge’s Cows and Coffee

Meet the happiest cows in the Azores, who graze on the island with the northernmost and westernmost coffee plantations in the region!

Visit a local plantation and taste their unique organic coffee.

Cheese Tasting

We’ll visit a local factory to taste rich São Jorge cheese, famous for its smooth, creamy texture.

Explore the Fajãs

São Jorge is famous for its fajãs—lush, fertile plains formed by volcanic eruptions. We’ll explore these stunning landscapes and enjoy amazing viewpoints along the way.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

A traditional local lunch will allow us to savor more of the island's fresh produce.

Return to Pico

After a day of exploration, we’ll return to Pico.

Dinner on Your Own

Dinner is on your own for a relaxed evening.

Program Conclusion

This Azores Archipelago tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, nature, history, and food. From volcanic landscapes and mountain climbs to exploring the islands’ rich winemaking culture and savoring authentic local cuisine, this trip promises to be the journey of a lifetime.