Overview
What's included?
- Transfers: all transfers included
- Accommodation: 4 nights' in Hotel São Miguel Park with the option to upgrade to the Marina Atlantico.
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches
- The following activities are included in the holiday: whale and dolphin watching, tour to Furnas, Sete Cidades adventure tour with optional cycling (easy or difficult levels) and kayaking (the order of activities is subject to change)
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
Experience the best of Sao Miguel Island in this three-night short break. Cycle through the gloriously green landscape, kayak across ancient lagoons and go dolphin and whale spotting on the Atlantic. During your time here, you’ll experience how the Azores offer a perfect combination of slow island life with plenty to see and do for all ages.
First up, you’ll set sail for an exciting whale and dolphin watching tour, where you have the opportunity to spot more than 25 cetacean species, as well as sea birds and turtles!
The thrilling family adventure continues inland, where you can witness the evidence of the volcanic activity in your rugged surroundings. During a trip to Furnas, you’ll delve into the fascinating history of the volcanic action that shaped the islands as they stand today.
For even more adventure, an escapade to the stunning surroundings of Sete Cidades via jeep is also included. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to cycle around and kayak across impressive crater lakes, to enjoy the varied terrain from a different point of view.
With its picturesque landscape and seascapes, abundance of wildlife and a wealth of family-friendly activities on offer, the Azores promise to leave the whole family in awe, with something for everyone. Discover The Azores natural wonders and take the time to relax in this peaceful paradise.
Agenda
Agenda
Show full agenda-
Day 1 Arrival and Welcome
Upon arrival at João Paulo II Airport, the driver of your transfer vehicle will be waiting to take you and your family to your hotel which is approximately 10 minutes away, ready for check in.
Tonight is kept free to allow you free time to settle into Ponta Delgada and to charge up for the adventures ahead.
Included Meals: None -
Day 2 Whale and Dolphin Watching
Today, after breakfast, you will have the opportunity to see the fascinating marine life of the Azores as you set sail on a catamaran!
During the whale and dolphin watching tour, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some of the 25 cetacean species found in the Azores. Though there are no guarantees, whales and dolphins are regularly seen during these half-day tours.
As well majestic cetaceans, you’ll be in with a chance of spotting turtles, seabirds and other marine life. Before you head out on your Atlantic adventure, a marine biologist will provide a family-friendly briefing, making the experience educational and entertaining.
You’ll all get to learn about the different cetacean species, safety measures aboard, how to respect the animals as well as some historical facts.
It’s a brilliant trip for the whole family. Once you're back on land, your afternoon is free to spend as you wish.
Included Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3 Thematic Tour to Furnas
Today is all about exploring the captivating volcanic landscapes of the Azores.
First, you will visit Gorreana Tea Estates, one of Europe’s oldest remaining tea plantations.
Visit the growing areas and see the machinery in operation with your informative and friendly guide. It’s fascinating to learn about the process of this much-loved refreshment, which you will, of course, get to sample here.
Second stop is Caldeiras das Furnas where you can see the earths volcanic activity at work. Here, you’ll witness fumaroles and mineral springs and can even try the water from each spring to see how taste varies because of the different minerals present.
At lunch, you have the chance to try the local dish of Cozido das Furnas. This is the classic Portuguese ‘cozido’ which is a stew of slow-cooked meats and vegetables but with an Azorean twist. Here, the locals really make use of the geothermal activity and cook this delicious meal using the natural steam from the ground!
Following lunch, it's time to explore the remarkable Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens. Filled with a variety of plant life, this is an interesting visit which includes the fantastic opportunity for the family to soak in the iron-rich waters of a geothermal pool. The waters have a soothing temperature of around 35°C to 40°C and the minerals present will leave you feeling deeply relaxed. (Please take old swimming costumes as the mineral water can stain them a light brown colour).
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Day 4 Sete Cidades Adventure Tour
After fuelling up on breakfast, the whole family have an adventurous day ahead exploring the west side of São Miguel in a jeep.
On the way, you will all stop at spectacular viewpoints to enjoy this beautiful landscape. One of the stops will be at the Vista do Rei where you can enjoy the views of the ‘Lagoon of Seven Cities’ that consists of a twin lake formed in the crater of a dormant volcano, one is coloured blue and the other is green!
After arriving at the lake, you can explore the surroundings on an exciting 10km bike ride. The trail is largely flat, with only 10 minutes of uphill peddling which means it can be enjoyed by the whole family. There is an option to do a tougher route if you’re feeling up to the challenge!
Theres also the chance to try kayaking across the lake (family race is optional!)
A picnic lunch is included today.
Back at the hotel, you’ll have a free evening to spend your final night in Ponta Delgada. You could head out and sample more of the local cuisine. We’d strongly recommend trying Azorean tapas… black pudding with pineapple might surprise a few people. Especially the kids!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch -
Day 5 Departure
Following breakfast, it’s time for your family exploration to come to an end. If you have an early flight, we’ll box up breakfast for you before your transfer to the airport.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
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Hotel São Miguel Park
Nights: 1-4
Not far from the centre of Ponta Delgada, this four-star hotel is close to the city’s pretty Botanical Gardens and only ten minutes from the airport. Its fully-furnished rooms are perfect for families, with warm colours and splendid vistas of the surroundings. Parents will love the excellent on-site health club, and everyone will enjoy the exquisite Azorean buffets on offer at the hotel restaurant.
Hotel facilities
- Enjoy a mix of swimming locations with the hotel’s indoor and outdoor pools
- Lounge about in the Jacuzzi, replenish your energy in the spa or book a calming massage
- Gym-lovers won’t have to worry about missing workouts while away thanks to the Fitness Centre
- Why not sample tasty Azorean specialities in the restaurant, or try a colourful cocktail from the bar?
Room options
Triple Room
Each triple room contains a twin or double bed with an extra bed. The bathroom comes with a shower, toilet, and hairdryer. Keep cool with air-conditioning and chilled drinks from the minibar. Other facilities include internet access, a cable television, a telephone, and a safe-box.
Twin/Double Room
These rooms contain a twin or double bed, as well as a bathroom with a shower, toilet, and hairdryer. There is a telephone, cable television, and internet access. The rooms are air-conditioned and come with a minibar and safe box.
Other options
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Marina Atlântico
The 4-star Marina Atlântico sits right on the waterfront for exceptional views over the marina and out to sea.
With easy access to the airport and within walking distance of shopping, restaurants and bars, this hotel is the perfect combination of convenience and style. The spacious en-suite rooms are great for families and some come with spectacular sea views. Make sure you keep an eye on the water for the marine wildlife that could be playing in it!
Read more about this accommodationSample the local food, stroll along the streets and admire the architecture. The painted basaltic rock can, at first, feel imposing but it gives the town an almost colonial feel. Even the pavements are painted! The central location makes it easy to explore São Miguel but there’s also plenty to enjoy within the family-friendly hotel. Relax in the Escuna restaurant or Palhobote bar area and make use of the onsite pool and gym facilities.
Hotel facilities
- Enjoy the indoor pool as well as the fitness and spa area
- Dine in the excellent on-site restaurant
- Explore the nearby marina and outdoor pool by crossing the impressive white steel suspension bridge
Room options
Double room/Twin room
These rooms come with either a double or twin bed and many are sea-facing and you can enjoy the views from the balcony. All rooms come equipped with a private bathroom, air conditioning, telephone, cable TV, WiFi, radio, minibar, safe box and hairdryer.
Triple room
There are also triple rooms available. This will either be a double bed with an extra single bed or three single beds, depending on availability. The triple rooms all have views over the town.
Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Image credits: Hotel Marina Atlantico
Dates & Prices
We include more, no hidden costs
Local festival: the festivities of the Holy Christ of Miracles (Santo Cristo dos Milagres) are taking place from the 2nd until the 9th of May 2024, so some places will be a bit busier than normal.
Pricing note: the prices listed below are based on a family of three or four sharing a family room at the São Miguel Park Hotel. Other sharing options are available including one adult sharing with one child, please ask our Travel Experts for a quote.
Dates
Next season’s dates and prices
Our dates and prices for 2025/26 are now available to book, so get in early and secure your places now. Our Travel Experts will happily provide you with a full quotation including any additional activities or accommodation upgrades. We will advise you of your flight details when they are confirmed. This will normally be around nine months prior to departure.
Dates | |||
---|---|---|---|
Tue 01 Apr 2025
to Sat 26 Apr 2025 |
Adult price (per person):
£655.00
to £775.00 |
Child Price (Per Child):
£555.00
to £615.00 |
Enquire |
Sun 27 Apr 2025
to Mon 06 Oct 2025 |
Adult price (per person):
£715.00
to £785.00 |
Child Price (Per Child):
£615.00
to £685.00 |
Enquire |
Tue 07 Oct 2025
to Sun 02 Nov 2025 |
Adult price (per person):
£655.00
to £775.00 |
Child Price (Per Child):
£615.00
to £685.00 |
Enquire |
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate
Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.
Minimum and maximum age
The minimum age for this holiday can be found in the ‘Key Facts’ section of the holiday overview.
Younger family members may be able to participate but may not be able to take part in all activities. Please contact one of our Travel Experts if you have any questions.
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
It is vitally important that you advise us prior to departure of any medical or dietary condition relating to any member of your party so that we may notify our local staff before you arrive. We recommend only drinking bottled water from bottles with unbroken seals and be vigilant about the use of ice in drinks and ice cream.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Booking activities locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are correctly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc.) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
The Azores - additional trip dossier information
Additional Cancellation & Payment Terms and Conditions
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede those mentioned in section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.
- More than 84 days prior to departure - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- 83 to 43 days prior to departure - 50%
- 42 to 31 days prior to departure – 75%
- 30 or less days - 100%
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.activitiesabroad.com/booking-conditions
Please note: our payment and cancellation terms will be unique to each booking – they will be confirmed with you at the time of quotation. The terms listed above are noted as a guide only
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in Section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.
- Up to balance due date (this is normally 16 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- Between balance due date and 92 days prior to departure – 50%
- 91 to 24 days prior to departure – 75%
- 23 or less days – 100%