Arrive in Ponta Delgada, the largest and most vibrant city in the Azores, you’ll find an ideal starting point for your upcoming days of exploration. Resembling a miniature Lisbon, this charming city boasts a wealth of shops, restaurants, cafes, and a lively waterfront area. Your journey begins with a warm welcome as your private guide awaits to escort you to your boutique hotel, formerly an enchanting orange farm. With the remainder of the day at your disposal, take the opportunity to unwind and savor the surroundings.

Uncover one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders: Lagoa das Sete Cidades. Situated at an elevation of 260 meters (approximately 855 feet) above sea level, this picturesque locale boasts a landscape adorned with verdant meadows, gentle hills, and pockets of lush woodlands. Carved by ancient volcanic forces and now flooded with two striking lagoons —one azure and the other emerald— Sete Cidades’ breathtaking scenery firmly establishes it as a must-visit destination within the Azores.

Explore the island’s charming villages in the company of your private guide and driver. Begin in Furnas, a village similar to other picturesque hamlets in the Azores, featuring whitewashed buildings, ornate churches, and meandering cobblestone streets, however, what sets Furnas apart is its renowned hot springs and the enchanting Terra Nostra gardens.

Next, visit Lagoa das Furnas, one of Sao Miguel’s three principal crater lakes. The hallmark of exploring these caldera lakes in the Azores lies not only in the breathtaking vistas but also the unique experience of tasting “cozido”, a traditional Portuguese stew, meticulously cooked by harnessing the volcanic heat. Pots filled with ingredients are lowered into the naturally bubbling waters of the caldeiras (hot springs) and left to simmer for several hours. Around noon, watch as locals unearth these pots, brimming with delectably cooked food. The stew has a specific and authentic taste which you will get to experience with your guide!

Following a satisfying lunch, continue on to Gorreana, Europe’s oldest and sole remaining tea plantation. Since its inception in 1883, Gorreana has steadfastly adhered to the age-old eastern traditions, as well as preserving ancestral practices passed down through five generations. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to venture into the verdant tea fields and sample a variety of both black and green teas at the plantation’s inviting teashop.

Enjoy the day at leisure in Ponta Delgada, a city with a fascinating history. Originally a fishing village, Ponta Delgada became the capital in 1546, following the near-total devastation of Vila Franca do Campo by an earthquake in 1522. By 1544, Ponta Delgada had flourished into a thriving port, exporting grain, corn, and oranges. The city’s heyday as a bustling international trade hub unfolded during the 18th and 19th centuries. This period of prosperity left an indelible mark on Ponta Delgada’s architectural landscape, giving rise to numerous remarkable baroque-style palaces, churches, and manor houses. These architectural gems now grace the historic streets of the city, which stretches along a picturesque bay framed by gentle, rolling green hills.

Depart Ponta Delgada this morning for mainland Portugal or back home.