Page 35 - Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Downtown PORTUGAL Providing Fascinating Travel Experiences
Best of the Azores
11 days
Horta (Faial Island), Ponta Delgada (São Miguel Island), Madalena [Pico Island], Velas [São Jorge Island], Angra do Heroismo [Terceira Is.]
panoramic views that characterize this excursion offer you countless photo opportunities as you travel the northern ridge of this gigantic volca- nic crater, with the Sete Cidades Lake and its different colors as a backdrop. Come and enjoy the “Vista do Rei” viewpoint over the entire lagoon, passing by its banks, on a promenade that still shows you the narrowest part of the island from a completely differ- ent angle. Stops at Vista do Rei Viewpoint, Lagoa de Santiago Viewpoint and Silêncio Bay, Parish of Sete Cidades, visit the Pineapple Plantations. Return to Ponta Delgada. Free lunch and afternoon. Accommodation at the hotel. [B]
Day 9: Ponta Delgada
Departure to Furnas Valley (one of the main motivations for visiting the Azores) which is inserted in one of the three active central volcanoes of S. Miguel island. Here the smell of sulfur and bubbling fumaroles are character- istic. Stop at the Furnas Lagoon where the famous Furnas Stew is cooked on the ground, which we will have the opportunity to taste at lunch in one of the local restaurants. On the west bank of Furnas Lagoon is the Chapel of Our Lady of Victories, an impressive exam- ple of the neo-Gothic style, unique throughout the archipelago. In the afternoon, visit the volcano boilers and
the village. The next stop is Terra Nostra Park, a bicentennial garden with unique species and a splendid thermal pool (bathing possibility). The park is a unique repository of trees, plants and other plants species f rom around the world. Return to the hotel at the end of the day. Accommodation at the hotel. [B/L]
Day 10: Ponta Delgada
Enjoy a fun boat trip to see and learn about majestic whales and fun dol- phins, the great diversity of sea life from turtles, to fish and also birds. It is also an opportunity to see the breath-
taking coastline of these Volcanic Islands and discover the best kept secrets of Azorean Sea Life. This adven- ture begins with a 20-minute briefing with an introduction to Cetaceans (Whales and Dolphins), their natural habitat, communication and behav- iors. A Naturalist / Marine Biologist Guide will always be available through- out the tour to inform you of every- thing you are observing and to answer all your questions. Cetaceans are sighted from land by our Watchman, who provides their VHF radio location information to the vessels, which then head there. So, grab, have fun, and enjoy the coast of the island in the company of the Atlantic Whales and
Dolphins! Free Afternoon. Accommodation at the hotel. [B]
Day 11: Ponta Delgada, USA
Maybe some free time for last minute shopping. At the appointed time you’ll be picked-up for your transfer to the airport to board you flight back home. [B]
Your Tour includes:
F All airport transfers
F 10 nights’ accommodation
F Breakfast daily, 5 lunches (drinks included), 2 regional cheese tastings
F Walking tour of Horta
F Full-day tour of Faial Island
F Tour of Pico Island
F Excursion to São Jorge Island
F Full-day tour of Terceira Island
F Excursion to Sete Cidades (São Miguel Is.)
F Excursion to eastern São Miguel Island
F Sea excursion for Cetacean Watching (São Miguel)
F Entrance fees for. Sites visited
F Private vehicle for transfers and tours
F English-speaking guide services
F Round trip ferry tickets:
F Faial-Madalena (Pico Island)
F Madalena (Pico Island)-Velas (São Jorge Island)
F Economy class tickets: HOR/TER + TER/SMG including taxes and maximum 20 Kg luggage per person
F All local taxes
For prices and other details visit www.holidayswithdowntown.com 35