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Portugal Finding inner peace in the middle of nature - 12-day individual journey to the A 12 Days from 1.123 €
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Finding inner peace in the middle of nature - 12-day individual journey to the A

The perfect place to find the way back to yourself is in the middle of wilderness. Come to rest, surrounded by active volcanoes, rugged coasts of black lava rock, green forests, and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. Come to meditate on cliffs, join the yoga classes at your accommodation, or simply enjoy a relaxing massage. Embark on a journey away from everyday stress and towards inner peace and contentment. Let yourself be captured by the Azores’ breathtaking natural paradise. These nine islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean are (fortunately) spared from mass tourism; they provide the perfect ambience and solitude to listen to your inner voice.
Also, explore the island’s beautiful hiking trails, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exciting museums, and delicious wines; enjoy cave visits, whale watching tours and other enchanting activities. The Azores archipelago’s immense diversity is waiting to be discovered by you.
Your daily schedule and most activities can be decided spontaneously on site.
Let yourself be inspired to connect with nature. Take a meditative walk between hydrangeas and laurel trees and enjoy the views of crater edges. Take a deep breath as you visit the idyllic small towns of the islands. Let yourself be amazed when a whale emerges from the ocean, or when the milky way lights up in the sky at nighttime.
Experience the diversity of the Azores archipelago in an individual way during your journey, which will lead you the islands of São Miguel, São Jorge, and Pico. Each island is different from the others and has its own charm and peculiarities. Discover the islands at your own pace with your rental car, we will give you tips on how to organize your day.
The accommodations we chose for your stay offer a relaxing ambience and, at the same time, focus on sustainability. All are situated in remote spots, close to nature and they provide a homely atmosphere. On the island of São Miguel, you are accommodated in a charming countryside guesthouse. It’s a good place to unwind, and a good starting point for day trips. On the island of São Jorge, you’ll stay on a small farm in a modern equipped guestroom. In the morning, you can get fresh fruits for your hikes off the farm. On Pico, your accommodation is situated near the main town of Madalena. It provides small wooden cottages amongst trees, in lush nature. An outdoor pool, as well as a large yoga and meditation room await you.
Please note that all accommodations only provide a limited number of rooms. If necessary, alternative accommodations must be booked.
Of course, the itinerary as well as the type of accommodation can be adapted according to your individual wishes.

This trip is generally not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please contact us for further information.
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Azoren_Terra Nostra Park_Sao Miguel
Azoren_Terra Nostra Park_Sao Miguel © Vista Verde Azores
Azoren_Fajas_Sao Jorge
Azoren_Fajas_Sao Jorge © Vista Verde Azores
Azoren_Wanderweg_Sao Jorge
Azoren_Wanderweg_Sao Jorge © Vista Verde Azores
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Azoren_Gruta das Torres_Pico © Vista Verde Azores
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Azoren_Pico © Vista Verde Azores
Azoren_Ilha Negra_Pico
Azoren_Ilha Negra_Pico © Vista Verde Azores
Azoren_Delfine_Pico
Azoren_Delfine_Pico © Tourismusministerium Azoren
Sao Miguel_Sete Cidades 3
Sao Miguel_Sete Cidades 3 © vista verde azores
Azoren_Terra Nostra Park_Sao Miguel
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Azoren_Wanderweg_Sao Jorge
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Sao Miguel_Sete Cidades 3
Azoren_Terra Nostra Park_Sao Miguel
Azoren_Terra Nostra Park_Sao Miguel © Vista Verde Azores
Azoren_Fajas_Sao Jorge
Azoren_Fajas_Sao Jorge © Vista Verde Azores
Azoren_Wanderweg_Sao Jorge
Azoren_Wanderweg_Sao Jorge © Vista Verde Azores
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Azoren_Gruta das Torres_Pico © Vista Verde Azores
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Azoren_Pico © Vista Verde Azores
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Azoren_Ilha Negra_Pico © Vista Verde Azores
Azoren_Delfine_Pico
Azoren_Delfine_Pico © Tourismusministerium Azoren
Sao Miguel_Sete Cidades 3
Sao Miguel_Sete Cidades 3 © vista verde azores
1. Day
Azoren_Terra Nostra Park_Sao Miguel
Azoren_Terra Nostra Park_Sao Miguel
Azoren_Terra Nostra Park_Sao MiguelAzoren_Terra Nostra Park_Sao Miguel © Vista Verde Azores

International arrival on São Miguel

International arrival on São Miguel. Acquire your rental car directly at the airport. Drive to your accommodation, situated near the north coast of the island, amidst beautiful nature. In the accommodation’s garden you’ll find various fruit trees. Guests are very welcome to pick some fruits and enjoy them when they are ripe. Delicious dinners are prepared in the accommodation, predominantly cooked with own or with local products. The owner couple offers yoga classes; just inquire on-site.

4 nights including breakfast, nature-friendly country house pension in Rabo do Peixe
2. - 4. Day
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Azoren_Seen von Sete Cidades_Sao Miguel
Azoren_Seen von Sete Cidades_Sao MiguelAzoren_Seen von Sete Cidades_Sao Miguel © SKR

Explore the island of São Miguel and the city of Ponta Delgada

Explore the beautiful spots of the island at your own pace with your rental car. It’s recommendable to set out to the east, the central area and the west. In addition to the suggestions below, there are many beautiful little sandy beaches and natural bays on the island; ideal if you travel in summer.

Recommendations for your stay on São Miguel:
Discover the west of the island and it’s highlights, the legendary crater lakes near Sete Cidades.
Enjoy the great view of the lakes Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde from the viewpoint of Vista do Rei, which is located at an altitude of 550 meters. On your way back to Ponta Delgada, have a look at a very remarkable pineapple plantation. There, delicious pineapples are grown in greenhouses, the only pineapple greenhouses in the world. Also explore the enchanting city of Ponta Delgada. It’s historic old town presents over 500 years of history. It’s recommendable to make a tour through the historic old town with its many historic buildings, beautiful black and white patterned sidewalks, its decorated balconies, the colorful market, lively squares, winding streets, beautiful gardens and a variety of churches.
The lake Lagoa do Fogo. The secluded "lake of fire" is situated in about 600 m height in a crater, in the uninhabited interior of the island. From several view points, you can marvel at the impressive lake and the beautiful colors of nature. The crater lake is considered to be one the most beautiful ones of the entire Azores.
The east of the island – Nordeste: On your way to the northeast it’s recommendable to make a detour to the Chá Gorreana tea factory, which looks back on 125 years of tradition. Heading along the north coast towards the east, you’ll reach Nordeste, a nice little town at the eastern end of the island of São Miguel.
5. Day
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Azoren_Fajas_Sao Jorge
Azoren_Fajas_Sao JorgeAzoren_Fajas_Sao Jorge © Vista Verde Azores

Domestic flight to the hiking island of São Jorge

Drive to the airport. There return your rental car and fly to the island of São Jorge (flight time approx. 50 minutes). After arrival acquire your new rental car directly at the airport. Your accommodation on São Jorge provides beautiful views. Enjoy your days amidst nature and with organically grown products from the associated farm. You are very welcome to prepare your breakfast in the tastefully equipped communal kitchen adding products from the farm.

3 nights, self-catering (shared kitchen), country house accommodation in Urzelina
6. - 7. Day
Azoren_Wanderweg_Sao Jorge
Azoren_Wanderweg_Sao Jorge
Azoren_Wanderweg_Sao JorgeAzoren_Wanderweg_Sao Jorge © Vista Verde Azores

The Fajãs of the island of São Jorge

With your rental car, you can discover the island at your own pace. The island of São Jorge offers various spectacular hiking trails. For those who love trekking, it’s recommendable to explore these wonderful trails.

Recommendations for your stay in / on São Jorge:
Fajãs: Take your time to drive down serpentine paths, until you reach sea level. There are various impressive fajãs with picturesque villages. Whether on the north coast of the island (e.g. Fajã do Ouvidor, providing a beautiful bathing area) or on the south coast (e.g. Fajã dos Vimes with a small café, where homegrown coffee is served), they are all worth a visit.
East and west of the island: In the east of the island, in the municipality of Norte there is a beautiful lighthouse and an appealing ocean swimming area. The view of the small offshore islet and the neighboring island of Terceira is impressive. The West of São Jorge is also worth a visit. There is the Forest Park of Rosais, a recreational area with a large variety of tree and plant species. There are also several viewpoints, so-called "Miradouros"; one of them is located at an old whaler’s lookout.
Guided hikes: A variety of guided hikes can be booked. Let yourself be guided through the island’s breathtaking landscapes by an English-speaking guide, who tells you about life on the idyllic island. São Jorge enjoyed great popularity even with the Portuguese royal family. Please contact us for more information.

8. Day
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Azoren_Gruta das Torres_Pico
Azoren_Gruta das Torres_PicoAzoren_Gruta das Torres_Pico © Vista Verde Azores

Ferry trip to the island of Pico

Return your rental car at the port in Velas. Ferry trip to the island of Pico (approx. 50 minutes-1 1/2 hours, depending on the boat and port on Pico). After arrival acquire your new rental car at the ferry terminal. Drive to your accommodation, which is located in a beautiful environment on the outskirts of the main town of Madalena. Small wooden cottages, surrounded by trees and untouched nature await you. The owners of the property are certified yoga teachers and offer shared classes. It’d be recommendable to drive up to the highlands of the island. Explore the island’s plateau”, enjoy bizarre landscapes and make a detour to the Lagoa do Capitão, the "captain's lake".

4 nights including breakfast, holiday cottage in Madalena
9. - 11. Day
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Azoren_Pico
Azoren_PicoAzoren_Pico © Vista Verde Azores

Discover the diversity of Pico

Enjoy your days on the second largest island of the Azores archipelago. The island is also called "Ilha Negra", the black island, due to its many black lava rocks. Pico’s natural landscape is very different from the other islands. With your rental car, you can flexibly organize your days according to your mood. In addition to the recommendations below, the island of Pico offers beautiful natural ocean swimming pools, which provide great pleasure in the summer months. Snorkeling is also very recommendable; right by the coast you can marvel at the diversity of marine life. Only sandy beaches are almost not existent on the island...

Recommendations for your stay on Pico:
Lajido: a walk through the former wine production village makes you realize that you are in the heart of the wine-growing area. The play of colors of the grey-black lava stone walls, the green vines and fig trees, as well as the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean is very impressive. It’s easy to understand why UNESCO has classified this area as a World Heritage Site; some elements of the 18th century, which was the peak of Pico's wine-growing era, are still visible. There is also an informative museum where everything revolves around wine - a wine tasting is a must!
Gruta das Torres: it’s the longest lava tube in Portugal and one of the longest ones in Europe. The cave is located south of Madalena near Criação Velha. A guided tour through the cave gives interesting insights into Azorean volcanism and the emergence of the islands. Equipped with a helmet and flashlight, you can marvel at the beautiful shapes several lava flows have created.
And then there's Pico: how about climbing Pico, Portugal's highest mountain at 2,351 m?
The challenging hike starts at the foot of the mountain in the highlands of the island. After an arduous climb, which takes about 3.5 hours (about 1,100 meters in altitude), you will be rewarded with a magnificent view. With good visibility you can see all islands of the central group. The descent, after, is no less laborious. In good physical condition, the climb of the Pico Mountain is a highlight of any Azores holiday. Contact us for more information - you can climb the mountain on your own or book a package with us (ascent during the day, ascent at sunrise, ascent with overnight stay). The package includes everything you need (English-speaking licensed mountain guide, entrance fee, insurance; in case of an overnight stay the package includes equipment such as tent and sleeping bag).
12. Day
Azoren_Delfine_Pico
Azoren_Delfine_Pico
Azoren_Delfine_PicoAzoren_Delfine_Pico © Tourismusministerium Azoren

Included in your package: Whale watching

A holiday in the Azores is almost unimaginable without a whale watching tour. Watch the giant marine mammals on a half-day tour. Whaling was a long-term success in the Azores until 1983, mainly by American whaling boats. The big marine mammals like to take a break here because of the abundance of fish. The most common is the sperm whale, up to 20 meters long, which lives year round in the waters around the Azores. Many different types of dolphins are at home here.
Your half-day tour starts and ends in Lajes.
12. Day
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Azoren_Ilha Negra_Pico
Azoren_Ilha Negra_PicoAzoren_Ilha Negra_Pico © Vista Verde Azores

Return journey

It’s time to say goodbye. Drive to the airport, return your rental car and flight home.
Departure is also possible from the neighboring island of Faial (Faial offers more flight connections). There’s a daily morning ferry from Pico to Faial, which allows catching the morning flight from Faial to Lisbon.
Included services
8 nights with breakfast on São Miguel and Pico (apartment or holiday home with shower/toilet)
3 nights with breakfast/ self-catering (products for preparation available in the shared kitchen) on São Jorge (double room with shower/toilet)
13 days rental car category A small car (example models Citroen C1, Toyota Aygo or similar), from arrival/to departure airport: unlimited free kilometers, including fully comprehensive insurance with reimbursement of excess*; second driver possible at no extra charge; 24-hour emergency service of the rental car company
*Reimbursement of the excess: In the event of damage, you must pay the amount for the damage incurred to the rental car company on site (maximum excess amount: €700). If you submit the damage report, photos, proof of the deductible and the rental vehicle contract to the ALLIANZ insurance company in Germany on time after returning the car/after your vacation, the amount will be refunded to you. This is because vista verde azores has taken out this additional insurance for all travelers there. The additional insurance reimburses the contractually owed and charged deductible of the comprehensive insurance for passenger vehicles in the event of an accident and theft as well as the contractually owed and invoiced necessary costs due to damage to the underbody, tires, windscreen, side and rear windows, exterior mirrors and roof of the rental vehicle in the event of an accident
domestic flight São Miguel-São Jorge
ferry tickets from São Jorge to Pico
half-day whale watching tour from / to Lajes (Pico)
detailed travel documents and 24-hour emergency telephone number (English-speaking) on site
Not included services
International arrival to Faial and departure from Pico
Fuel for the rental car
Additional meals and personal expenses
Travel insurance
Travel period
Price
01.04.2024 - 31.05.2024
from 1.253,00 €

pro Person bei 2 Reisenden im Doppelzimmer

01.04.2024 - 31.05.2024
from 2.178,00 €

bei einer reisenden Person im Einzelzimmer

01.06.2024 - 30.09.2024
from 1.828,00 €

pro Person bei 2 Reisenden im Doppelzimmer

01.06.2024 - 30.09.2024
from 3.333,00 €

bei einer reisenden Person im Einzelzimmer

01.10.2024 - 31.10.2024
from 1.253,00 €

pro Person bei 2 Reisenden im Doppelzimmer

01.10.2024 - 31.10.2024
from 2.178,00 €

bei einer reisenden Person im Einzelzimmer