Signature: The Azores' Terceira & Sao Miguel

Welcome to the Azores archipelago. Your expedition begins as you touch down on Terceira Island, sitting almost 1200km (745mi) west of Lisbon. You'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city of Angra do Heroismo. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader along with a reception and short presentation from the National Geographic Expedition Expert before a welcome dinner.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. There will be an included group welcome dinner after the meeting.Accommodation - Torel Terra Brava

Set off on foot and engage in discussion with your Expedition Leader and expert about the history of the Azores en route to the impressive Palácio dos Capitães Generais, a magnificent building which bears witness to the city's economic power over centuries. Continue to the Angra Museum, housed in a former Franciscan convent and take an exclusive tour with the curator for unique insights into Terceira's history through its naval artefact and decorative arts. After a delicious local lunch, take the remainder of the day at leisure, free to explore or relax.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Use free time to explore the UNESCO-listed streets of Angra do Heroísmo this afternoon, where you can wander past vibrant facades and historic plazas at your own pace.Activity - Explore the Palácio dos Capitães-Generais, a massive landmark in Angra do Heroísmo that showcases the historical wealth and strategic importance of the city. Originally founded in 1572 as a Jesuit college and convent, the building remains a powerful symbol of the order’s mission to educate and catechize the island.Activity - Explore the Museu de Angra do Heroísmo with the curator to discover the island’s heritage inside a former 17th-century Franciscan convent. This private visit showcases a diverse collection of Terceirense culture, including naval artifacts, historic textiles, and decorative arts.Transport - Set out on foot to the Palácio dos Capitães Generais.Accommodation - Torel Terra Brava

Immerse yourself in Terceira's geological origins on a full-day exploration of the island's spectacular volcanic landscape. Take in sweeping views from the Monte Brasil Caldera and Serra do Cume viewpoints, then descend into the Algar do Carvão, a striking volcanic chimney left behind from an eruption millions of years ago. Witness the sulfuric fumaroles to appreciate the powerful and raw forces of nature that shaped the geography of the entire archipelago. Visit the house and museum of a prominent Azorean author then continue to the vineyards of Biscoitos for a walk and wine tasting before returning to the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the summit of Monte Brasil for a panoramic view of the UNESCO-listed city of Angra do Heroísmo and the surrounding Atlantic. This short stop at the rim of the extinct volcano offers a unique perspective on the island’s dramatic geography and historic coastal defenses.Activity - Visit the village of São Sebastião to see the island’s oldest church with its rare medieval frescoes and the vibrant Holy Spirit Império, a chapel central to the Azores’ unique charitable traditions.Activity - Experience the breathtaking "patchwork" landscape of Terceira from the Serra do Cume viewpoint, where the rim of an ancient caldera overlooks a vast expanse of green fields divided by volcanic stone walls.Activity - Stepping into the Casa-Museu Vitorino Nemésio in Praia da Vitória offers an intimate look at the author's formative years through a preserved collection of personal artifacts and period furnishings. The exhibits masterfully bridge his literary legacy with his Azorean roots, capturing the "azorianidade" that defined his iconic 20th-century works.Activity - Enjoy lunch at Rocha, a seaside restaurant celebrated for its selection of fresh, locally caught fish. This coastal setting allows you to choose from a variety of island flavors while enjoying views of the Atlantic.Activity - Descend into the depths of Algar do Carvão, a rare volcanic chimney where you can walk inside an extinct magma chamber filled with unique silica stalactites and a crystal-clear underground lake.Activity - Sample the unique volcanic wines of Biscoitos at a traditional winery, where vines are grown in small plots protected by black basalt stone walls.Accommodation - Torel Terra Brava

Catch a short flight to the island of São Miguel, then head to a small farm for a personal encounter with a local family who work and live on the property. Join them for a home-cooked lunch from fresh ingredients and learn about what life is like on the island. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to the western side of the island for a visit to Sete Cidades, a stunning natural protected area. Take in the sweeping views from Vista do Rei of the famous twin crater lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. Hike along natural trails, learning about the unique history and species of plant life that thrive in this lush volcanic landscape.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Transfer to the airport to continue your journey.Transport - Sit back and enjoy the views from above on a short flight between Angra do Heroísmo and Ponta Delgada.Activity - Visit Quinta do Agricultor to explore a traditional Azorean farm and learn about the island’s rural heritage and agricultural practices. Following the tour, enjoy a farm-to-table lunch featuring regional specialties prepared in a rustic, authentic setting.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle, stopping at Vista do Reis for photos along the way.Activity - Experience the dramatic beauty of the Sete Cidades caldera, where a short walk along the rim offers iconic views of the twin green and blue lakes nestled within the volcanic crater. This stop provides a firsthand look at the island's most famous natural landscape and the unique geology that shaped it.Accommodation - Hotel Grand Açores Atlântico

Start the day by engaging with a local agriculture and sustainability project, getting hands-on insight into environmental initiatives that help to preserve the Azores through farming. Following a wine masterclass and open-fire lunch, set off on a guided walk through the stunning Parque Terra Nostra gardens, known for their unique collection of flora. Finish things off with the chance for a relaxing dip in the geothermal hot springs pool, allowing you to soak in the volcanic warmth and rejuvenate your body and mind.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Participate in a hands-on sustainability project that explores local harvesting techniques and the ongoing efforts to balance traditional land use with environmental preservation.Activity - Participate in a wine masterclass to explore the unique characteristics of volcanic viticulture and the diverse flavor profiles of Azorean grapes. Following the tasting, enjoy a lunch prepared over an open fire, highlighting traditional cooking techniques and seasonal local ingredients.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Join a local expert for a guided walk through Parque Terra Nostra, home to one of the world’s most diverse botanical collections and a famous geothermal pool. Discover the history of this 18th-century estate while exploring winding paths filled with rare exotic plants and century-old trees.Free_time - Enjoy free time to take a dip in the geothermal hot springs water.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Grand Açores Atlântico

Shifting focus to the surrounding waters of the Azores, meet with a marine biologist who will share insights into conservation and offer insights into the history of whaling in the islands. Next, set off in a private boat in search of resident sperm whales and depending on the season other migratory species like blue, fin and sei whales. Experience a truly thrilling marine encounter while gaining a unique and beautiful perspective of the islands from the water. Continue to a local craft cooperative working to rehabilitate individuals who have faced life challenges, learning about their work and meeting some members. The day concludes with a farewell dinner to celebrate the final night in the islands.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Join your Expedition Leader on a walk through the historic streets of Ponta Delgada, showcasing the city’s architectural heritage on your way to the harbor. This walk bridges the gap between land and sea before you board your vessel for an unforgettable whale watching encounter.Activity - Meet with a local marine biologist to gain expert perspective on the marine life surrounding the Azores and the historical impact of the whaling industry on island development. They will talk about the different species migrating through the waters around the Azores Islands and what you are likely to see when we take to the waters. Then experience the rich marine life of the Azores on a private tour through a vital migratory hub for blue, fin, and sei whales. In addition to these seasonal visitors, you have the opportunity to see the resident sperm whales that frequent these deep Atlantic waters year-round.Activity - Visit the ARRISCA cooperative in Ponta Delgada to learn how this social organization supports the community through vocational workshops and the creation of traditional Azorean handicrafts. During the visit, you can see their artisans at work and browse a unique selection of handmade tiles, ceramics, and textiles that blend local heritage with social impact.Accommodation - Hotel Grand Açores Atlântico

Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.