Walking in the Azores

8 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
It is hard to believe the Azores are part of Europe. Born from the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, this lush, green archipelago of volcanic islands is a far cry from continental Portugal. Each of the nine islands has its own characteristics, from steep craters to abundant wildlife to sites of historical interest. All, however, are best explored on foot. We v...
$4,658
From$3,450
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Walk picturesque trails on an island-hopping adventure in the Azores
    • Discover the unique Pico vineyards, which grow close to the sea in volcanic soil
    • Gaze into the deep crater of Caldeira volcano on a circular walk around the rim
    • Take the opportunity to summit Mount Pico on an optional trek

What's this trip about?

    It is hard to believe the Azores are part of Europe. Born from the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, this lush, green archipelago of volcanic islands is a far cry from continental Portugal. Each of the nine islands has its own characteristics, from steep craters to abundant wildlife to sites of historical interest. All, however, are best explored on foot. We visit three of the most interesting islands, walking through Unesco-listed vineyards, lava plateaux (or fajãs) and sunken volcanoes to showcase the Azores at their best.Trek in the undiscovered volcanic archipelago of Europe

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityMadalena, Pico island
End CityHorta, Faial island

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks

Destinations

Attractions

  • Azores
  • Faial
  • Pico
  • Ponta Delgada

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Nature

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 5

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts and six lunches
    • All accommodation
    • Tour leader throughout
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Group arrival and departure transfers available

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start in Madalena, Pico

Arrive at the hotel in Madalena, Pico, our base for the first three nights of the trip. Depending on when everyone arrives, there will be a welcome briefing either this evening or tomorrow morning. Pico is known as the Black Island thanks to the black volcanic earth ...

Day 2 Walk to the coast on the Caminho dos Burros or take an optional climb to the summit of Mount Pico

We start the week with a transfer to the central highlands of Pico, by Caminho das Lagoas, where we begin our hike. After following a dirt track, we take a path that leads close to the Cabeço do Mistério volcanic zone, formed in 1562-1564 during the longest volcanic e...

Day 3 Optional whale-watching excursion; walk through vineyards on the Vinhas da Criação Velha route

Apart from offering unique walking opportunities, the Azores is among the best places on the planet to spot whales and dolphins. There are 80 species of whale and dolphin and 25 of them have been sighted off the coast here, with sperm whale the most common. There is a...

Day 4 Ferry to São Jorge, coastal walk to Fajã dos Vimes

This morning, we take a ferry (approximately one hour) to the fascinating island of São Jorge. Here, steep-sided cliffs seem to slice through the ocean and fajãs (low-lying areas of lava formed from the subsidence of the cliffs) attract visitors from far and wide. São...

Day 5 Walk from Serra do Topo to Fajã dos Cubres

Today's walk offers beautiful panoramic views of the northern coast of São Jorge, along with many points of geological and cultural interest. We begin the day close to Serra do Topo wind farm and head north on a path rich with native flora and birds – if we're lucky, ...

Day 6 Ferry to Faial, Capelo to Capelinhos walk

This morning, we take a ferry (approximately 2hr 30min) to Faial, known as the Blue Island because of the myriad hydrangeas that bloom during summer. After arriving, we transfer to the island interior and the start of today’s hike, which goes to the volcanic ridge of ...

Day 7 Caldeira crater walk

Our final walk in the Azores is an impressive circular hike around Faial's iconic volcanic crater, Caldeira. Formed by several eruptions over the last 400,000 years, Caldeira is an important site of geological interest. We start the day's walk at the principal viewpoi...

Day 8 End Horta, Faial

We enjoy our final breakfast of the tour before making our return journey home. If you’d prefer to spend a bit more time on the island, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,450
Price per day$431
Last Updated: 4/15/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
10 May 2025
17 May 2025
$3,450
$4,080
5 spots left
14 Jun 2025
21 Jun 2025
$3,525
$4,305
8 spots left
05 Jul 2025
12 Jul 2025
$3,525
$4,305
4 spots left
06 Sep 2025
13 Sep 2025
$3,525
$4,305
8 spots left
09 May 2026
16 May 2026
$3,450
$4,148
8 spots left
13 Jun 2026
20 Jun 2026
$3,675
$4,538
8 spots left
04 Jul 2026
11 Jul 2026
$3,675
$4,538
8 spots left
05 Sep 2026
12 Sep 2026
$3,675
$4,538
8 spots left

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Adventure Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,502
Great
3,265
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
190
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Wonderful week in the Azores

I've been to Portugal before, and was looking forward to experiencing another aspect of this country. This was my first trip with Exodus, and it was very impressi...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Lovely walks in varied and interesting locations

This is a short but packed easy walking trip guided by the brilliant knowledgeable and fun Bruno. From the lush heights overlooking lakes and craters to swimming i...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Truly Wonderful

A really lovely trip to The Azores. A packed itinerary with whale and dolphin watching and exploring the island landscape, which is one of a kind! We saw tropica...

A

Anonymous

Feb 2017

Walking n the Azores

Walking in the Azores was as good as expected - the islands are quite stunning and to see so many islands in one week and to do so much made it very special. It is ...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Mid-Atlantic Adventure

A memorable trip providing a series of spectacular walks on volcanic islands, each with its own distinct topography and character. Though still part of Portugal, thi...

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Other Exodus Adventure Travels Reviews

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Sheila Bissell

Apr 2025

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Excellent service

Excellent service

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Apr 2025

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Roger

They were very helpful, polite and knowledgeable

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Gill Barber

Apr 2025

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Quick invoice receipt sent...prompt

Quick invoice receipt sent...prompt, good service

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations
    • Optional activities: Visit to Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre, Pico climb and whale watching

Accommodation

7 nights 4-star hotels with en suite facilities 5 days walking and 1 free day Walking on tracks & paths, some are uneven Altitude maximum 2351m (on optional ascent of Mt Pico), average 500m All breakfasts, 5 lunches included
During our week in the Azores, we split our time between a trio of three- and four-star hotels. Below are the accommodations typically used on this walking adventure. Pico: Hotel Caravelas (nights 1-3) Begin the adventure at Hotel Caravelas, in the heart of Madalena town. This 137-room accommodation is a short walk from the bustling marina, but also has a lounger-lined outdoor pool should you wish to relax. There’s also a bar, which serves the local Pico wine, plus a sauna and gym. São Jorge: Hotel São Jorge Garden (nights 4-5) Spend two nights in this seafront property, which has spectacular views over the Atlantic to Mount Pico. It also has a swimming pool with sun loungers and is just a five-minute walk from the town centre, where you will find a selection of restaurants. Faial: Hotel Faial Garden (nights 6-7) Hotel Faial Garden is a tranquil haven in the coastal city of Horta. Head to the outdoor pool for a dip with mountain views. There’s also a comprehensive wellness hub with a Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath and gym. Worth knowing Standard double rooms at Hotel Caravelas and Hotel São Jorge Garden have twin beds pushed together. There is a limited number of ‘true’ double rooms available for a supplement. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to secure a true double room. For the departure starting on 6 September, 2025, our final hotel is Hotel do Canal, a waterside property with views over Horta marina. It has a nautically themed restaurant-bar with views over the ocean and Pico Mountain, plus a gym, Turkish bath and hot tub.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Adventure Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

Period before departure in which you notify us

From the date your Booking Confirmation is issued up to, and including, 90 days prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.

  • 89 to 52 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
  • 51 to 31 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
  • 30 days or less prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation, or after the booking has started

Cancellation charge

Deposit can be transferred to a new booking which must be made within 3 months of the date the original booking was cancelled, and depart within 12 months of the new booking date. If a new booking is not made within this period then the deposit will be forfeited. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.

  • 50% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
  • 75% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
  • 100% of the total holiday cost.

For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made:

Cancellation period (before departure) - Cancellation Fee (per person)

Outside of 180 days - No fee if cancelled within 15 days of booking date. US $1,250 cancellation fee if cancelled 16 days or more of booking date.

179 to 120 days - Loss of deposit.

119 to 90 days prior to departure - 50% of the holiday cost.

89 to 60 days prior to departure - 75% of the holiday cost. 

59 to 0 days prior to departure - 100% of the holiday cost.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of Exodus Adventure Travels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts and six lunches are included. Breakfasts are buffet style with a variety on offer including bread, jams, cereals, and tea and coffee. The lunches provided are picnic style, either in the form of a lunch box or a buffet with local produce. In the evening, the leader will recommend local restaurants that serve traditional Azores food, which can be a selection of meat or fish with vegetables and potatoes or rice. Vegetarians are easily accommodated in the Azores, although the choice at each restaurant will be limited. For other dietary requirements, it's recommended to inform the restaurants/hotels in advance.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
exodus-TSZ

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