Overview
Itinerary
This is the Azores. A set of islands virtually untouched by urban development. Your adventure begins on São Miguel, the largest of the nine volcanic islands. Relax and explore as you wish, perhaps sit along the seaside promenade and breathe in the mild air of the Atlantic. Stay: Vila Gale Collection São Miguel (4 Nights)
Get to know Ponta Delgada, the capital city of São Miguel, on a morning walking tour of the area. This afternoon, take a ride up to Sete Cidades caldera's highest point and discover some of Mother Nature's finest work: the twin blue and green lakes that make up this caldera and are explained by local legend: They are apparently the tears of star-crossed lovers, a green-eyed princess and a blue-eyed shepherd.
This evening, celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)
Start the day with a visit to one of the few remaining basket weavers on the island. Learn how willow basket making has evolved and how this father-son enterprise has kept this traditional craft alive. Then, it's your choice! Enjoy the thermal waters at the Terra Nostra pool, built in the 18th century by the American consul to the Azores -OR- embark on a guided visit to the organic paradise that is the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden.
For lunch, enjoy a traditional cozido das furnas meal, where your food is cooked in the earth's volcanic heat. Later, continue to the green fields of a nearby tea plantation to learn about this unique crop before an evening of leisure in São Miguel. (B/L)
Today enjoy a full free day to explore São Miguel at your own pace. Perhaps you will take to the waves on an optional ocean excursion to watch for whales and dolphins, followed by a lunch at a local restaurant. Regardless of how you choose to spend your day, gather tonight for a home-hosted dinner at a local village. (B/D)
Say bom dia (good morning) to Faial with a walking tour of Horta. Its marina and painted murals are a testament to the island's importance to the sailors who have visited the island on voyages crossing the Atlantic.
Later, encounter the volcanic vitality of Faial when you take in the surrounding rocky landscape and ash hills with a fascinating visit to the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre. (B/D) Stay: Hotel do Canal (2 Nights)
The day is yours to enjoy on your own and relax on Faial Island! You may also consider joining an optional tour to Pico to encounter the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture (UNESCO) and explore this scarcely populated island's scenery, a sublime mixture of lava rock and exotic vegetation, during a walk along Lagoa do Capitao. (B)
Board your flight to Terceira and say hello to the colorful capital of Angra do Heroismo (UNESCO) with a local guide. Restored in traditional style, the city features white facades and vibrant trims. Learn about the Holy Ghost Chapels, known locally as Imperios, and customs surrounding this tradition.
Tonight, get a taste of the culture at a local restaurant. (B/D) Stay: Zenite Boutique Hotel & Spa (3 Nights)
Start your day with a swim in the natural volcanic pools of Biscoitos. Later, on your way to Algar do Carvao, stop at Serra do Cume viewpoint where views of the agricultural fields and their neat orderly stone walls will take your breath away. At Algar do Carvao, the “Cavern of Coal,” feel the quiet stillness as you descend into this ancient lava tube. Enjoy the evening exploring Angra do Heroismo as you wish. (B)
Today, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may choose to join an optional tour to the western side of Terceira in the morning, sipping coffee at an organic coffee plantation and tasting locally grown bananas along the way and ending at a family-owned cheese factory for a light lunch made up of local products. End the day at a petiscos home-hosted dining experience. (B/D)
Say farewell to the Azores archipelago as you head to Lisbon in continental Europe. Lisbon, known as the city of the seven hills, and the starting point of many of its 15th century explorations, was also the departure point of many of its immigrants that crossed the Atlantic searching for a better life. (B) Stay: Bessa Hotel Liberdade (2 Nights)
Start your morning with a panoramic tour of Belem. See the imposing 16th century Jeronimos Monastery and the Belem Tower, a fortress built to protect Lisbon and later used as a prison. Join a special tour exploring the grandeur of the Ajuda National Palace, once a royal residence of King Luís I. Then return to downtown Lisbon and enjoy some free time before you gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)
Say adeus (goodbye) to Portugal and the Azores as you depart this coastal paradise. (B)
This is the Azores. A set of islands virtually untouched by urban development. Your adventure begins on São Miguel, the largest of the nine volcanic islands. With no scheduled sightseeing today, spend the day as you wish, exploring Ponta Delgada independently, perhaps strolling along the seaside promenade and breathing in the mild air of the Atlantic. Stay: Vila Gale Collection (4 Nights)
Get to know Ponta Delgada, the capital city of São Miguel, on a morning walking tour of the area. Discover the city's rich history, culture, and beauty alongside your Tour Manager, seeing highlights like the iconic 18th-century Portas da Cidade and the stunning Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, and perhaps even catching the farmers market, the vibrant Mercado da Graça.
This afternoon, take a ride up to Sete Cidades caldera's highest point and discover some of Mother Nature's finest work: the twin blue and green lakes that make up this caldera and are explained by local legend! On the way back, visit a pineapple plantation and learn about unique cultivation methods on the island, producing pineapples renowned for their sweetness and flavor.
This evening, celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)
Start the day with a visit to one of the few remaining basket weavers on the island. Learn how willow basket making has evolved and how this father-son enterprise has kept this traditional craft alive. Then, it's your choice! Enjoy the thermal waters at the Terra Nostra pool, built in the 18th century by the American consul to the Azores -OR- embark on a guided visit to the organic paradise that is the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden.
For lunch, enjoy a traditional cozido das furnas meal, where your food is cooked in the earth's volcanic heat.
Later, continue to the green fields of a nearby tea plantation to learn about this unique crop with a hands-on experience before an evening of leisure in São Miguel. (B/L)
Today, enjoy a full free day to explore São Miguel at your own pace. Perhaps you will take to the waves on an optional ocean excursion to watch for whales and dolphins, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Regardless of how you choose to spend your day, gather tonight for a home-hosted dinner in a local village. (B/D)
Say bom dia (good morning) to Faial with a walking tour of Horta. Its marina and painted murals are a testament to the island's importance to the sailors who have visited the island on voyages crossing the Atlantic.
Later, encounter the volcanic vitality of Faial when you take in the surrounding rocky landscape and ash hills with a fascinating visit to the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre. (B/D) Stay: Hotel do Canal (2 Nights)
The day is yours to enjoy on your own and relax on Faial Island! You may also consider joining an optional tour to Pico to encounter the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture (UNESCO) and explore this scarcely populated island's scenery, a sublime mixture of lava rock and exotic vegetation. (B)
Board your flight to Terceira and say hello to the colorful capital of Angra do Heroismo (UNESCO) with a local guide. Restored in traditional style, the city features white facades and vibrant trims. Learn about the Holy Ghost Chapels, known locally as Imperios, and customs surrounding this tradition.
Tonight, get a taste of the culture at a local restaurant. (B/D) Stay: Torel Terra Brava Hotel & Spa (3 Nights)
Start your day with a swim in the natural volcanic pools of Biscoitos.
Later, on your way to Algar do Carvao, stop at Serra do Cume viewpoint where views of the agricultural fields and their neat, orderly stone walls will take your breath away. At Algar do Carvao, the “Cavern of Coal,” feel the quiet stillness as you descend into this ancient lava tube. Enjoy the evening exploring Angra do Heroismo as you wish. (B)
Today, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may choose to join an optional tour to the western side of Terceira in the morning, sipping coffee at an organic coffee plantation and tasting locally grown bananas along the way and ending at a family-owned cheese factory for a light lunch made up of local products. End the day at a petiscos home-hosted dining experience. (B/D)
Say farewell to the Azores archipelago as you head to Lisbon in continental Europe. Lisbon, known as the city of the seven hills, and the starting point of many of its 15th century explorations, was also the departure point of many of its immigrants that crossed the Atlantic searching for a better life. (B) Stay: Bessa Hotel Liberdade (2 Nights)
Start your morning with a panoramic tour of Belem. View the imposing 16th-century Jeronimo's Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline and Gothic architecture, its facade adorned with intricate carvings, maritime motifs, and religious symbols. Then, join a local expert to visit the National Coach Museum, which showcases beautifully decorated coaches from the 16th to 19th centuries and highlights the craftsmanship and artistry with each coach telling a unique story. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon as you wish before gathering tonight for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)
Say adeus (goodbye) to Portugal and the Azores as you depart this coastal paradise. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Explore colorful Horta Marina and its importance to sailors crossing the Atlantic.
- On São Miguel, learn about traditional basket weaving from local artisans.
- Encounter the striking scenery of Capelinhos Volcano's ash hills.
- Venture to Sete Cidades caldera's highest point and gaze upon the twin lakes.
- Descend into Algar do Carvao, an ancient lava tube, with a local expert.
- Swim in natural volcanic pools.
- Experience a truly unique cozido das furnas lunch in Furnas valley.
- Enjoy a home-hosted meal at a village in the São Miguel Island.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Explore the vivid Horta Marina and its importance to sailors crossing the Atlantic.
- On São Miguel, learn about traditional basket weaving from local artisans.
- Encounter the striking scenery of Capelinhos Volcano's ash hills.
- Walk through the colorful capital of Terceira, Angra do Heroismo (UNESCO).
- Venture to Sete Cidades caldera's highest point and gaze upon the twin lakes.
- Experience a truly unique cozido das furnas lunch in Furnas valley.
- Enjoy two home-hosted meals — in a village on São Miguel Island and on Terceira Island.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
With a maximum of 24, dive deeper into your destination & access places and experiences that larger groups can’t. Read more
Purchase Collette's Travel Protection Plan, & you can cancel for any reason and get your money back! Read more
Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive Collette bookings. Read more
With a maximum of 24, dive deeper into your destination & access places and experiences that larger groups can’t. Read more
Purchase Collette's Travel Protection Plan, & you can cancel for any reason and get your money back! Read more
Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive Collette bookings. Read more
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Sao Miguel, Azores. Cost: $145.
- Go searching for gentle giants on a whale watching excursion! Venture out into the blue Atlantic and search for some of the 28 species of cetaceans. Learn about the culture of whales in the Azores from an expert biologist, detailing the social shift of whale treatment in the area. From whale hunting to whale watching, you’ll understand the cultural evolution that has led to respecting these peaceful animals in present day. Sperm whales, pilot whales, and pods of dolphins frequent the Azorean waters, and you might be able to catch some blue whales or fin whales migrating through the area. After you’re back on land, reflect on your adventure with a lunch featuring local flavors. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 4 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This optional tour is weather-dependent and may be cancelled without previous notice. If cancelled due to weather, you will be reimbursed. This option is not suitable for travelers with back problems due to impact by waves.
- Location: Terceira, Azores. Cost: $85.
- This morning, see what lies on the western side of Terceira Island. Take in the beautiful coastal views along the way before visiting a banana plantation, where bright green banana leaves and blue skies meet. After sipping on coffee and sampling some bananas or other seasonal fruits, you’ll visit a family-owned cheese factory. The family owns cows that roam freely with plenty of space and grass at a nearby farm, and many say the milk of these “happy cows” leads to a tastier cheese. After learning about the production process and the family history, gather for a light lunch of local products. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 4 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
- Location: Faial, Azores. Cost: $175.
- The scarcely populated Pico Island landscape is a sublime mixture of lava rock and exotic vegetation. Get to know this dramatic island, just a short ferry ride from Faial. Start with a visit to the Pico Wine Museum, where you will learn about the uniqueness and adaptability of wine production on the island. See firsthand why the vineyard landscape is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the afternoon, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and enjoy a trek along Lagoa do Capitão, taking in views of Sao Jorge Island in the distance. Duration approximately 8 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 6 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. An opportunity to visit the 4th island in an archipelago of nine.
- Location: Sao Miguel, Azores. Cost: $150.
- Go searching for gentle giants on a whale watching excursion! Venture out into the blue Atlantic and search for some of the 28 species of cetaceans. Learn about the culture of whales in the Azores from an expert biologist, detailing the social shift of whale treatment in the area. From whale hunting to whale watching, you’ll understand the cultural evolution that has led to respecting these peaceful animals in present day. Sperm whales, pilot whales, and pods of dolphins frequent the Azorean waters, and you might be able to catch some blue whales or fin whales migrating through the area. After you’re back on land, reflect on your adventure with a lunch featuring local flavors. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 4 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This optional tour is weather-dependent and may be cancelled without previous notice. If cancelled due to weather, you will be reimbursed. This option is not suitable for travelers with back problems due to impact by waves.
- Location: Terceira, Azores. Cost: $85.
- This morning, see what lies on the western side of Terceira Island. Take in the beautiful coastal views along the way before visiting a banana plantation, where bright green banana leaves and blue skies meet. After sipping on coffee and sampling some bananas or other seasonal fruits, you’ll visit a family-owned cheese factory. The family owns cows that roam freely with plenty of space and grass at a nearby farm, and many say the milk of these “happy cows” leads to a tastier cheese. After learning about the production process and the family history, gather for a light lunch of local products. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 4 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
- Location: Faial, Azores. Cost: $190.
- The scarcely populated Pico Island landscape is a sublime mixture of lava rock and exotic vegetation. Get to know this dramatic island, just a short ferry ride from Faial. Start with a visit to the Pico Wine Museum, where you will learn about the uniqueness and adaptability of wine production on the island. See firsthand why the vineyard landscape is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the afternoon, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and enjoy a trek along Lagoa do Capitão, taking in views of Sao Jorge Island in the distance. Duration approximately 8 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 6 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. An opportunity to visit the 4th island in an archipelago of nine.
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Collette Explorations (2025-26)
Download Brochure
Collette Explorations (2025-26)
Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
