Ponta Delgada, Portugal - Canary Island & Atlantic Isle Cruises

Visit the oldest town in the Azores, Ribeira Grande, then drive up to the summit of Pico da Barrosa for the views of Fire Lake.

Leaving Ponta Delgada, you will head northwards along pleasant country roads, bordered by flowers. Green meadows stretch away into the distance until you reach Ribeira Grande. This is one of the oldest towns in the Azores and the only one of any size in the north coast. You will have time with your guide to admire the pretty little town square and the church, or do some independent sightseeing. Notice the interesting architecture, typical of the island; buildings constructed in basalt with original windows and decorations.

Pico da Barrosa is in the centre of the island and the Fire Lake occupies the crater of an extinct volcano, from where you will have magnificent views. Surrounded by some of the original vegetation of the island, this is an enormous lake with transparent waters, located in an atmosphere of great calm and beauty.

A short stop will be made at the small Pineapple Plantation to discover the various growth stages of the pineapple, before returning to Ponta Delgada.

Note: The views across Fire Lake are dependent on the local weather conditions on the day, which can be changeable. It is also advisable to take a light jacket as the temperature can sometimes be cooler. Flat, comfortable non slip walking shoes are recommended.

Visit one of the oldest villages on Sao Miguel where traditional lifestyles are still retained and enjoy Azorean cheese and wine.

Under the Miradouro da Vista do Rei, from which point King Charles the first of Portugal contemplated this impressive panorama in 1901, lie two volcanic lakes - the Green and the Blue Lake, separated by a narrow bridge. Together the two lakes cover an area of 482 hectares and they are 18 metres deep at their greatest depth. You will have the opportunity to admire these lakes from above.

On the shores of the Blue Lake is the village of Sete Cidades; enigmatic in its own name (Seven Cities) and surrounded by the dark forest-covered walls of the Caldeira. The impressive Caldeira of Sete Cidades dominates the entire region of Sete Cidades, which with its seven miles diameter, is the most spectacular volcanic scene in the Azores. A brief stop will be made for you to admire the Santiago Lake, inaccessibly situated at the bottom of an extinct crater and unique for its rare beauty.

You will be served a selection of the best Azorean wines and cheeses in a leading hotel in Ponta Delgada. The hotel veranda overlooks the harbour bay and offers pleasant views of the city’s port and marina. You will have the chance to shop for local handicrafts at the hotel’s gift shop.

Note: The views at the lake are dependent on the weather conditions on the day. A little walking is involved over rough ground and cobblestones. Comfortable, flat, non slip walking shoes are recommended. There are some steps to negotiate at the hotel.

Furnas Valley is one of richest hydrological areas in Europe with over 22 thermal springs; a truly breathtaking site.

Heading out of Ponta Delgada towards the North East, you will see roads lined with Japanese Cedars, Hydrangeas and Ginger Lilies until you reach Ribeira Grande, a unique city with a strong feeling of Portuguese influence.

Heading further north towards a wonderful lookout point, Pico do Ferro Belvedere spectacular views over the Furnas Valley. Descending the Valley, you will have time to explore the Terra Nostra Gardens. Developed over the centuries, the Gardens have an extensive selection of trees from all over the world, as well as a serpentine canal, grottoes, camellias, ferns and cycas.

With over 22 hot springs, Furnas Valley in the area of San Miguel, is where volcanic nature still remains an important part of the island’s culture. Locals still make use of the Caldeiras (hot springs) for cooking a kind of stew called “cozido” using the natural steam venting along the shores of Furnas Lake.

Your return journey will pass by Vila Franca do Campo, the former capital of the island.

Note: This tour involves around one hour of walking over some cobblestone, gravel and uneven surfaces, including steps. There is a walk of approximately ten minutes on a slightly inclined road from the coach drop off point, to reach the Pico do Ferro Belvedere viewpoint. Comfortable, flat non slip walking shoes are recommended.

The pleasure of being off-road and relaxing near crystal-clear streams will make this excursion one of your most memorable.

Discover the island of San Miguel in vehicles best suited for the terrain. The journey will take you into the mountains, leaving the town behind and reveal to you lesser-known areas. The ruggedness of the high mountains, covered with trees indigenous to the area, hydrangeas and other varieties of vegetation, contrasts with the softness of the valleys, sparkling clear streams and small villages that you pass.

Vast farmland guarantees richness to the population and travelling through these areas will bring you into contact with the nature and friendliness of the local people.

Note: Each vehicle is equipped with seat belts, which must be worn. This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women and children under 12 may not participate. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

This tour provides a rewarding introduction to the Azores, with its historic maritime capital, green fields and dramatic scenery.

Driving past lush meadows bordered by hydrangeas to nearly 609 metres above sea level, you will reach the extinct Sete Cidades. A giant crater eight miles in circumference, where they say at the bottom were once ‘Seven Cities’. From the edge of the crater, you will see there are now lakes, the two largest of which, will particularly attract your attention. One is bright blue, reflecting the colour of the sky, and the other is bright green reflecting the vegetation of the crater walls.

Your next stop will be at the famous Antonio Borges Botanical Gardens. Planted in the mid-19th century, the Botanical Gardens are a peaceful haven with exotic trees, wooded groves and lush lawns.

Afterwards, continue to the suburb of Abelheira and enjoy a short stop at the small Pineapple Plantation. Discover the various growth stages of the pineapple, which can take up to two years to grow, before returning to Ponta Delgada.

Note: The views at the lakes are dependent on the weather conditions on the day. This tour involves approximately 30 minutes walking over some rough and uneven ground, including steps. Comfortable, flat non slip walking shoes are recommended.

An opportunity to discover Ponta Delgada on foot, and enjoy the charming Botanical Gardens.

Setting off from the port, enjoy a brief drive to the centre where, upon arrival, you’re walking tour will commence. Ponta Delgada is well known for its churches and you will head to one of the most visited, the Church of St Sebastian. The Gothic style church is believed to have been constructed between 1531 and 1547.

Your walk will then continue through the bustling main streets of Ponta Delgada before making a stop at the Convent and Chapel of Our Lady of Hope. The richly decorated 16th century chapel is home to the statue of ‘Jesus Christ of the Miracles’, a present given to the nuns of the convent by Pope John Paul III in 1530.

After your walking tour, you will rejoin your coach for a short drive to the Jose Canto Botanical Garden. Here, you can learn the history of Jose Canto, a renowned gardener and botanist, and enjoy a stroll through the pleasant gardens. To round off your tour, another short drive will take you to the Antonio Borges Botanical Gardens, established by local politician and merchant trader António Borges Medeiros, an avid 19th century amateur botanist. Take a wander through the gardens, before the return drive to the port.

Note: This tour involves around 2 hours of walking which includes some cobblestoned surfaces and steps. There are also gravel surfaces at the gardens. Flat, non slip walking shoes are advised. Modest attire is required when entering churches. Services may be held without notice which may prevent an inside visit.