7 nights fly drive Sao Miguel Package Holiday

All our package holidays include flights, hotel bed & breakfast and stated tours and activities. ** denotes Excluding entrance fees.

Itinerary 7 nights / 8 days inc car rental 5 days
Day 1  Hotel Canadiano  Ponta Delgada 3 nights
Fly from your departure airport and transfer to the hotel Canadiano for 3 nights. The late afternoon early evening gives time to get to grips with the town of Ponta Delgada find a restaurant for dinner.
Day 2  Hotel Canadiano Whale watching and Ponta Delgada..
In the morning enjoy the wonders of dolphin and whale watching. Stroll along to the harbour, literally a 10 minute walk, and board the whale watching boat. Don't forget to wear shoes with a rubber sole, a waterproof bag if you intend to take a camera or phone and a waterproof jacket.
Take time in the afternoon to explore this old wonderful town and it's 3-arched city gates also the Gothic-style Church of St. Sebastian, don't forget the farmers market mercado da graca, and the botanical gardens of which there are three to choose from with Jardim Botânico José do Canto being the oldest and a UNESCO World Heritage Designation. Return to hotel Canadiano.
Day 3  Hotel Canadiano to Sete Cidades.
Pick up your hire car after breakfast and head towards the spectacular Sete Cidades where you will see the most breathtaking view of the twin lakes, one blue, one green set within a giant caldera, drive down towards the lakes were you can explore the small town and it's beautiful church. In the town there is a small bar where you can purchase food or, by the water front there is a modern café for you to find refreshment.
Day 4 . Furnas Boutique Hotel 2 nights.
After breakfast check out and head up the coast to Caloura is a small fishing village with its own little harbour, here you can swim in purpose built sea swimming pools or just swim in the sea, there is also a good fish restaurant here. In the afternoon you may like to visit Vila Franca do Campo which is a small picturesque town that boasts a volcanic Islet (the ring of the princess) just off the main land, it is possible to book a boat ride to the Islet but tickets are limited as this is a protected sight. Whilst in Vila do Campo you may want to visit Nossa Senhora da Paz, a beautiful chapel built on a hillside above the town. A winding road leads to this wonderful spot where you will be able to see spectacular views over Vila Franco do Campo.
Then head to your next base the beautiful town of Furnas stopping on the way to explore Furnas lake where you can witness the local restaurant's cooking the famous stew, cozido das Furnas, by burying it underground and using the natural thermal heat to cook it. Continue on to the town and check into the Furnas Boutique hotel. The hotel offers many spa facilities and thermal waters in which to swim in and relax. Spend the day exploring the town where you will be able to experience rising fumarole's, boiling geyser's and the stunning scenery.
Day 5  Furnas Boutique Hotel and Terra Nostra Gardens Furnas.
Today you could spend the day at leisure exploring the town and take in the wonderful Terra Nostra Gardens. Explore the 200 year old gardens of Terra Nostra and its thermal pools which you can swim and relax in so don't forget to take your costume and towel. Terra Nostra is truly a unique place and not to be missed when visiting the Azores not only are the gardens of historic value but the attached Art Deco hotel is definitely worth a look. Return to Furnas Boutique hotel.
Day 6  Verde Mar and Spa Ribeira Grande 2 nights.
After breakfast check out of Furnas Boutique hotel and drive up to Lagoa do Fogo (lake of Fire) parking your car at one of two viewpoints either Miradouro da Barrossa or Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo, from here you can a take hike down to the lake. Miradoura Lagoa do Fogo is a short walk around 40 minutes to the bottom, and Miradoura da Barrossa is a longer hike around 6km taking around 4 hours, if you would like to take a circular walk of the lake this is around 11km. If you do hike be aware that the weather can be changeable, take waterproof clothes and wear walking shoes, also take water and food.
In the afternoon Head down the road towards Ribeira Grande where you will check into the 5 star Verde Mar and Spa hotel, from here you can explore the town and it narrow streets and churches. Perhaps you would like to visit one of the tea plantations just outside Ribeira Grande around 12km or 20 minute drive away. Cha Gorreana is the largest of the two plantation's and is Europe's oldest operating since 1883. It is free to visit and you may also be invited to taste the tea and experience the tea making process.
Day 7 Verde Mar and Spa Ribeira Grande.
A day at leisure to enjoy this wonderful spa hotel with swimming pool and enjoy a stroll along the seafront. Take a side trip to that place you have missed or pop back to town for some shopping.
Day 8  Fly Home.
Leave Ribeira Grande and drive back to Ponta Delgada airport where you can leave your hire car and check in for your return flight home.