Discover the magic of Azores Islands! An unforgettable journey to one of the most beautiful corners of the Atlantic, where volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, green valleys and ocean horizons create a feeling of true paradise with Journey Group.

Imagine walks among impressive nature, crater lakes, hot mineral springs, picturesque coastal paths and small towns with characteristic Portuguese architecture…

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of island life, enjoy incredible panoramic views and discover one of Europe's best-kept natural secrets!

Journey Group invites you on a journey to the Azores - an exotic adventure filled with nature, freedom and unforgettable emotions.

Day 1 | Welcome to the Azores

Departure from Sofia Airport with a flight to Ponta Delgada – the capital of the island of São Miguel and the main city of the Azores archipelago. The flight has a stopover in Lisbon – the Portuguese capital, which connects Europe with this remote Atlantic paradise. Upon arrival on the island we will feel the first charm of the Azores – the fresh ocean air, the green volcanic slopes and the peaceful atmosphere of a place where nature still determines the rhythm of life. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation.

Free time for first impressions of Ponta Delgada – a city with colonial architecture, beautiful churches made of black volcanic stone and a picturesque promenade, from which a view of the endless Atlantic Ocean opens.

Dinner. Overnight.

Day 2 | Western part of São Miguel Island – Vista do Rey – Boca do Inferno – Sete Cidades – Mosteiros

Breakfast. Today our real introduction to the beauty of the island of São Miguel begins.

We head to the western part of the island, where one of the most recognizable natural landmarks of the Azores is located – the Sete Cidadês volcanic region.

Thousands of years ago, a huge volcanic eruption shaped this impressive crater, which today is home to picturesque lakes, green pastures and small villages. From the panoramic platform „Vista do Rei“ (King’s View) you can see the famous Blue and Green Lakes – two connected lakes whose different colors gave rise to one of the most beautiful legends on the island.

According to local legend, their colors are the tears of two lovers - a princess and a shepherd, who could not be together and left behind the blue and green traces of their love.

We continue to the panoramic site "Mouth of Hell" (Boca do Inferno), from where an impressive view of several volcanic lakes surrounded by dense vegetation and dramatic landscapes opens up.

Next, we will visit the peaceful village of Sete Cidade, located in the heart of the crater, where we will feel the authentic atmosphere of island life. Later, we will reach the west coast at Mosteiros - a place known for its black volcanic rocks, natural pools and beautiful sunsets over the Atlantic.

Return to the hotel. Overnight.

Day 3 | Lagoa do Fogo – Caldeira Velha – Ribeira Grande

Breakfast. Today we head to the central part of the island and one of the most impressive natural sites in the Azores – Lagoa do Fogo or „Fire Lake“.

Situated high up in a protected natural area, the lake impresses with its calm blue waters surrounded by steep green slopes. The area is one of the best examples of the unique relationship between the island’s volcanic history and its rich vegetation. Along the way, we will pass through some of the most picturesque parts of São Miguel – an island where pastures, hydrangeas and volcanic landscapes create postcard-worthy pictures.

Next, we will visit the Caldeira Velha Natural Park – a place where tropical vegetation, hot springs and small waterfalls create the feeling of a true natural oasis. Here we will have the opportunity to learn about the geothermal power of the island and the role of volcanoes in shaping its landscape.

We continue to the city of Ribeira Grande – one of the oldest and most beautiful cities on the island of São Miguel, located on the northern coast of the island, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean.

During the walking tour with our guide, we will learn about the history and architecture of this charming place that has preserved the authentic spirit of the Azores.

We will pass by the island's characteristic buildings, built of white limestone and black volcanic stone - a material that tells of São Miguel's fiery past and is present in the facades of churches, bridges, and historic buildings.

We will explore one of the symbols of the city – the Church of Our Lady of the Star (Nossa Senhora da Estrela), impressive with its architecture and rich Portuguese heritage.

During the walk, we will learn more about the role of Ribeira Grande in the development of the island - about its importance as an agricultural and commercial center, about the traditions of the local residents, and about the way the volcanic nature has influenced life here.

We will enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the city, its beautiful squares and riverside spaces, where modern life intertwines with the centuries-old history of the island. The coastal area reveals another characteristic feature of the Azores - the dramatic meeting between the black volcanic rocks and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

After the walk we continue to the hotel. Dinner. Overnight. and remove all links in the text

Day 4 | Fournages Valley

Breakfast.

Today we will head to one of the most unique places on the island Sao Miguel – Furnas Valley, located in a huge ancient volcanic crater. This is an area where nature constantly reminds us of the power of the earth's forces - clouds of steam rise from the soil, thermal springs gush to the surface, and the air carries the characteristic aroma of volcanic minerals.

The journey passes through some of the most picturesque landscapes on the island – green hills, spacious pastures dotted with hydrangeas, and small villages where traditions and a peaceful way of life have been preserved for generations.

Upon arrival in Furnas we will explore the valley of the same name and Lake Furnas – a picturesque body of water surrounded by lush vegetation and known for its active geothermal areas. We will see the famous fumaroles and hot springs, which are among the most interesting manifestations of volcanic activity in the Azores.

We will also get acquainted with one of the most interesting local culinary traditions – the famous „"Cozido das Furnas" (Cozido das Furnas). This traditional specialty is prepared using natural volcanic heat. Meat, potatoes, vegetables and other ingredients are placed in a pot that is lowered into the ground near the geothermal springs, where the dish is slowly cooked for several hours.

It is the unique method of preparation that gives the dish its characteristic flavor and makes it Cozido das Furnas in one of the most authentic culinary experiences on the island of São Miguel.

Next is a visit to the magnificent botanical garden „"Terra Nostra" (Terra Nostra) – one of the most beautiful places in Furnas. Created in the 18th century, the garden impresses with its romantic alleys, lakes, centuries-old trees and a rich collection of exotic plants from different parts of the world.

For those who wish, there will be an opportunity to relaxation in the famous thermal pool with naturally warm mineral water – one of the most pleasant and memorable experiences on the island.

At the end of the day return to Ponta Delgada.

Dinner.

Overnight stay.

Day 5 | Goriana Tea Factory – Ribeira dos Caldeirones

Day 6 | Ponta Delgada – whale and dolphin watching

Day 7 | The South Coast of São Miguel – Pineapple Plantations and Ocean Landscapes

Breakfast.

Our last day of Azores Islands will reveal another different face of São Miguel - a combination of local traditions, ocean landscapes and unique volcanic nature.

In the company of our guide, we will head to the southern part of the island, where some of the most interesting places in the vicinity await us. Ponta Delgada.

Our first stop will be at a traditional pineapple plantation – one of the characteristic agricultural attractions of São Miguel. Thanks to the mild ocean weather, fertile volcanic soil and specific microclimate, the famous Azorean pineapples are grown on the island. We will learn more about the traditional way of growing them in special glass greenhouses and the long process necessary for the fruit to reach full maturity.

We continue to Lagoa – a picturesque coastal village in the southern part of São Miguel. The area impresses with its characteristic black volcanic rocks, green hills and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. We will have time for a short walk and photos while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of island life.

Next is a visit to Caloura – a small coastal village known for its picturesque harbor, natural volcanic pools, and beautiful ocean views.

Thanks to the calm waters and impressive volcanic relief, the place is preferred by both locals and visitors to the island.

In the afternoon we will head to Ponta Delgada, where we will take a final walking tour through the historic city center.

We will see the iconic City Gates (Portas da Cidade), built in the 18th century, as well as the church „"Saint Sebastian" (São Sebastião) – an impressive example of the island's traditional architecture, in which white stone contrasts with the characteristic black volcanic stone.

We will walk through the beautiful squares and streets of Ponta Delgada, have time for last-minute shopping and enjoy the atmosphere of the city before saying goodbye to the island of São Miguel.

We will end our journey with some final moments amidst the unique atmosphere of Azores – a place where volcanoes, the ocean and lush greenery have created a world unlike any other.

Return to the hotel.

Dinner.

Overnight stay.

Day 8 | Departure from Ponta Delgada 

Breakfast. After the last moments on the island we leave the hotel and head to the airport in Ponta Delgada.

Departure by flight to Sofia with a transfer in Lisbon.