Sao Miguel Island Land Tours

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1 O U R T O P 4 M U S T S E E A R E A S O F S A O M I G U E L I S L A N D, A Z O R E S Sao Miguel Island Land Tours 1. SETE CIDADES WALKING, BIKE OR JEEP TOUR 2. LAGOA DO FOGO & CALDEIRA VELHA JEEP TOUR 3. FURNAS GEOTHERMAL GUIDED TOUR 4. ISLET OF VILA FRANCA DO CAMPO & WHALE WATCHING

2 wilder WELCOME TO OUR LAND TOUR MAGAZINE HIGHLIGHTING SOME OF THE BEST TOURS THAT THE STUNNING ISLAND OF SAO MIGUEL HAS TO OFFER. OUR GUIDES KNOW THE ISLAND VERY WELL & WANT TO SHARE THEIR EXPERT KNOWLEDGE WITH YOU. THEY WILL TAKE YOU TO ALL THE SPECIAL PLACES WHILE YOU JUST SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL SCENERY. Amanda Stafford, Director - The Dolphin & Whale Connection Ltd

3 1. SETE CIDADES WALKING, JEEP OR MOUNTAIN BIKE GUIDED TOUR The blue green lakes WALKING TOUR HALF DAY 43 PP (CHILD 22) WALKING TOUR FULL DAY 60 PP (CHILD 30) The starting point of this walk is the amazing Vista do Rei belvedere, where we learn about the geological formation of the caldera of Sete Cidades. Next we start walking the dirt path along the rim of the crater. The views are wide and open to the right we see the caldera and the twin lakes; to the left we have the sea and several coastal villages. The trail ends in the centre of the village. The walking tour takes 3hrs 30 mins and you will cover approx. 7km in distance. TOUR INCLUDES: - Nature guide Walking stick Visit to Sete Cidades village Pick up and drop off at the tourism office or your hotel JEEP TOUR HALF DAY 50 PP (CHILD 25) JEEP TOUR FULL DAY 80 PP (CHILD 40) This tour takes you through the rim of the caldera of Sete Cidades passing points with stunning views over the green and blue lakes. This tour includes a stop in Ferraria with the possibility of bathing in the ocean (in a natural swimming pool that is heated by a volcanic fissure) when the tide is low. TOUR INCLUDES: - Nature guide - Visit to the volcanic region of Sete Cidades - Visit to Ferarria (with the possibility of bathing) - Lunch in a local restaurant (full day tour) - Short walk to Santiago lake viewpoint (full day tour) - Visit to Mosteiros (full day tour) - Pick up and drop off at the tourism office or your hotel

4 FULL DAY MOUNTAIN BIKE TOUR 75 PP (CHILD 37) On this tour we explore the west side of São Miguel and the volcanic complex of Sete Cidades. Across a stretch of 25 km, you will have the opportunity to learn about the fauna, flora, history, volcanic formation of the island, and of course, you will hear the legendary love story behind the formation of the lake. Along the route, as we pedal across the rim of the crater, we have superb views over several lakes in the region as well as the adjacent coastline. Lunch is on the shore of the blue lake of Sete Cidades. At the end of the journey we stop in Ferraria where there is a magnificent ocean bathing area, where the salt water is heated from inside a volcanic fissure. TOUR INCLUDES Nature guide Mountain bike Visit to the surrounding volcanic region of Sete Cidades Visit to Ferarria Picnic lunch (sandwich, cake, fruit, water, juice) Pick up and drop off at the tourism office or your hotel

5 2. LAGOA DO FOGO & CALDEIRA VELHA The fire lake crater & bathing in hot thermal pools & waterfalls HALF DAY JEEP TOUR 50 PP ( 25 CHILD) This wonderful tour combines some off the road routes in both the highlands and flatlands, taking you to the amazing natural reserve of Lagoa do Fogo to enjoy nature at its best. Ascend to the highest point of the island to see the fire lake with dramatic views of 2 coasts from the summit. This jeep tour takes you through some breath taking scenery and includes a visit to the liqueur factory to sample some Azorean speciality tipples! On the route back, there will be a stop at Caldeira Velha where a short walk through some tropical rain forest will take you to an absolute gem where hot thermal pools and hot thermal water fall under the canopy of a volcanic outcrop. If you are lucky, bats that come out in the day time can be seen. Remember to bring your bathing suit so you can spend some time in the mineral rich, hot thermal waters.

6 explore the Azores

7 3. FURNAS GEOTHERMAL GUIDED TOUR Hot springs, steaming fumaroles & stunning botanical gardens FULL DAY TOUR 80 PP ( 47 CHILD) Furnas is the epicentre of the geothermal activity of the island. The Azores Archipelago is of volcanic origin and is considered by many to be composed of exceptional landscapes due to its unique characteristics. The effects of recent eruptions are visible and locations of these events can be visited. The volcanic origins of the islands have created mountains and valleys covered in rich and varied vegetation, lakes in ancient volcano craters and even caves made up of lava chambers. One hour from the centre of Ponta Delgada through lush countryside will take you to the geo thermal pulse of the island full of bubbling hot mud pools, hot springs, steaming fumaroles and thermal hot water falls. Dine on the local meat stew "Cozido das Furnas" buried underground and cooked using natural heat. You will be taken to a stunning hot thermal swimming lake set in a botanical garden (this was designed 100 years ago by the Kew gardeners). Take a towel and a bathing suit so you can spend some time in the mineral rich, hot thermal waters..

8 bathe in mineral rich hot thermal waters

9 WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING AND SNORKELLING IN THE REEF AT THE ISLET OF VILA FRANCA MARINE RESERVE - FULL DAY TOUR A natural salt water lagoon where the sea is calm with beautiful coral and colourful fish - a magical underwater world to explore. FULL DAY TOUR 130 PP ( 70 CHILD) Please note: This activity is only available during the summer season. The Islet is open to the public between June 13th and September 13th You will board the RIB zodiac boat at the base and be taken along the coast to Vila Franca. During this activity you will have the opportunity to see some of many of the species of dolphin and whales that can be found in the Azores. Although nature offers no guarantees, whales and dolphins are regularly seen during our full day tours, along with turtles, seabirds and other marine life. You are also going to be away from the main tourist boats as you will travel further along the coast. Before the boat trip our biologists give you a briefing to explain which cetacean species can be observed, safety measures aboard, how we respect the animals and rules of observation at sea as well as some historical facts. After the 3 hour tour we stop in Vila Franca do Campo to have lunch in a local restaurant.

10 Then we board a converted traditional fishing boat and head to Vila Franca do Campo islet, a volcanic crater off the coast that encloses a natural lagoon where the sea is calm and there are some beautiful coral, colourful fish and a magical underwater world to explore. The islet is a natural reserve, so here you will be able to view the diversity of fish species that have been preserved due to this protection (masks and snorkels are provided). Included in the tour: Return transfer from Ponta Delgada by boat or van. Pre-tour briefing Raincoat and pants Life jacket Marine biologist or nature guide aboard Lunch in a local restaurant Boat trip to and from Vila Franca Islet Mask and snorkel Refreshment after the trip

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