Azores Island Hopping 2018 1
Itinerary Day 1: Arrival day For those arriving on the HF Holidays flight from the UK to Ponta Delgada, there is a short transfer to your hotel, which is situated on a pedestrian street between a small park and the square of Praca 5 October. Accommodation: Hotel Talisman (1 night) Day 2: Ponta Delgada, fly to Faial The Azores are a lush green archipelago in the mid-atlantic. The five islands we ll visit offer breathtaking mountains, quiet valleys, enchanting lakes in extinct craters, pleasant hill country, fantastic hydrangea hedges and wonderful coasts lined with picturesque villages and historical towns. The pace of life in the Azores is more relaxed, so whilst you explore these islands you have time to savour them too. Our walks are not route marches but a relaxed exploration, providing ample time for photography, observation of flora and fauna and to appreciate the beauty of the scenery, the history and the culture of the places through which you will be passing. Depending on flight times we may take a leisurely orientation tour of Ponta Delgada through the cobbled streets of the old city, passing the fortress of Sao Bras, the 17th century Baroque Igreja do Colegio, the cathedral of Largo Martires, city gates and marina where you can stop for a coffee (1.3 miles / 2km - no ascent). In the afternoon we fly to Faial and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation: Hotel do Canal (4 nights) Day 3: Caldeira and Capelinhos Faial, known as the blue isle, is part of the central group of islands which include Pico, Sao Jorge, Terceira and Graciosa. Today we have a busy day exploring the island by bus and on foot. We start the day with a short drive to the caldera in the centre of the island. The crater floor is a protected area, but for those wanting to stretch their legs you can walk from the view point to the highest point on the island, Cabeco Gordo at 1,043m (120m ascent). From the caldera we head down towards the coast and Capelinhos where the last volcanic eruption in the 2
Azores was in 1957. There are options for short walks in the area and a visit to the Capelinhos museum, which tells the story of the eruption (5.6 miles / 9km, 380ft / 116m ascent, 1,175ft / 358m descent - based on the caldera to levada walk) There is an option to ascend Mt Pico, the highest mountain in the Atlantic, for a supplement. This involves a steep ascent and descent of 1,120m with some difficult terrain, and stout boots are required. The walk takes about 8 hours. If the mountain is covered in cloud it is recommended not to attempt the ascent. Day 5: Monte Guia and Porto Pim Day 4: Sail to Pico A short ferry ride today takes us to the nearby island of Pico, and a short morning tour. Pico is the most obviously volcanic of all the nine islands and is dominated by its impressive volcanic cone of Pico Alto (2,351m), the highest point in Portugal. Today we have a morning walk to Monte Guia and Porto Pim on the outskirts of Horta (1.87 miles / 3 km, 475ft / 145 m ascent). The afternoon is free allowing you to explore on your own or just relax around the hotel. An option for you this afternoon could be a whale and dolphin watching trip (approx 50pp). In the afternoon we head up towards Mt Pico to start our walk at Frei Matias, gradually descending back to Madalena along farm trails and paths. Along the way we pass cultivated fields, fertile orchards and a small botanical garden at Quinta das Rosa. Cobbled streets and plane trees line our way in Madalena; we carry on past the church to the harbour and on to the ferry terminal for our return to Faial. Walking time: about 5 hours (8.7 miles / 14km, 2,132ft / 650m descent). Day 6: Sail to São Jorge We take a morning ferry to Velas, São Jorge and transfer to the hotel. For the next 3 nights we are based in Velas, the island s pretty capital. Like most of the smaller islands, this is a sleepy place with a few small hotels, shops, cafés and restaurants. This afternoon we have an optional guided walk from the hotel to the small volcanic cone opposite and chapel of Senhora 3
Livramento. En route we pass a couple of bathing areas where you can swim or snorkel in the warm Atlantic (approx 22 C) (1.87 miles / 3km, 500ft / 152m ascent). Accommodation: Hotel São Jorge (3 nights) Day 7: Three fajãs walk Day 8: São Jorge spine walk This high level walk follows a cinder track along the spine of the island circling between the green crater peaks (including the island s highest, Pico da Esperanca at 1,053m). The walk undulates across the top of the island before descending to the small village of Norte Grande. This is purported to be the best walk in the Azores. Most of Sao Jorge s population is concentrated along the numerous island fajas - the small coastal plains created by the erosion of the steep cliff sides. For those who have walked far enough today we can arrange for you to be picked up from the café and transferred down to Faja Ouvidor on the north coast (where the walk ends) for a refreshing dip in the sea! This walk begins at the top of the island and descends 700m to sea level through some of the archipelago s most beautiful scenery. The hydrangea-lined path takes you through forests of tree heather and pastures down to Faja do Santo Cristo where clams are farmed in its sweetwater lagoon. The undulating path continues through two more fajas before ending at the café in Faja dos Cubres (6.2 miles / 10km, 2,215ft / 675m descent). The top of the island is often shrouded in cloud which blows in and out during the day but, when clear, there are spectacular views to Terceira and Graciosa on one side and Pico and Faial on the other (10.6 miles / 17km, 880ft / 270m ascent, 3,450ft / 1,053m descent). Day 9: Fly to Terceira, Angra do Heroísmo A late morning flight to Terceira, and a 20 minute transfer to the Pousada Sao Sebastao in Angra. Our hotel is situated just above the harbour and is a short walk from the historic city centre. This afternoon we walk down 4
into Angra do Heroismo with its wonderful 17th and 18th century architecture. The city was devastated by an earthquake in 1980 and has since been meticulously restored to its former glory. In 1983 Angra was declared a UNESCO Historic World Heritage Site. For those wanting to walk a little further we can continue up to the volcanic cone of Monte Brasil where there is an old fortress, small chapel and vagia (whale lookout post) (1.86 miles / 3km, 970ft / 295m ascent). Accommodation: Hotel Pousada, Sao Sabastaio (2 nights). Day 10: Island exploration Today we enjoy a full day tour of Terceira with some short walks. We head into the centre of the island, which is a mix of farmland and pristine forests of juniper and areas of dense sphagnum moss. These wild areas give you an idea of what the islands were like before they were colonised by the Portuguese. Azorean volcano you can follow a well-lit tunnel to the small lake at the bottom. From here we head north to the wine growing region of Biscoitos which is known for its Verdelho wines. In the afternoon we return via Praia and visit the small bird reserve near the harbour which is popular with waders. Day 11: Fly to São Miguel A late morning flight takes us back to Ponta Delgada. Accommodation: Hotel Talisman(4 nights) Day 12: Sete Cidades A real highlight of the day is a visit to Algar do Carvao (Cavern of Coal), with its cathedral-like dome. The name is misleading as this geological feature is actually a volcanic lava tube formed from trapped gases. There is a small visitor centre which explains how the tube was formed and for those wanting to explore the depths of an This morning we drive west to the famous crater lakes known as Sete Cidades (Seven Cities). The lakes are known locally as Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde. The crater itself is the largest in the Azores measuring 5km across and 15km in circumference. The rim lies at 700m and is covered in lush vegetation: Himalayan ginger, blue hydrangea hedges and green dairy meadows. 5
The path contours half the crater rim giving wonderful views down towards the mystical blue and green lakes inside and over the deep blue Atlantic on the other side. The walk then descends, quite steeply, into the village of Sete Cidades on the shores of the two lakes (7.5 miles / 12km, 1,890ft / 577m descent) Day 13: Sightseeing around Furnas Today we drive east to the volcanic basin of Furnas. As the name implies this area is a volcanic hot spot where the earth s crust is thin enough to allow rains to permeate through to the hot rock below. The water is then forced back to the surface where it is possible to see pools of boiling mud, water and sulphurous steam being forced out of the ground. We spend part of the morning walking around Furnas lake (1hr) before heading down to the Parque Terra Nostra and its thermal pool, in which you can swim. Day 14: Geo Tour Full day Geo-Tour, driving from Ponta Delgada. Today we are accompanied by a local geologist who will explain how the island was formed, the changes that have taken place from various eruptions and how this affects the landscape today. We will concentrate on the centre of the island and head up towards Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lakes). This crater lake forms one of three volcanoes which make up the island of Sao Miguel, the others being Sete Cidades and Furnas. Later in the morning we head north towards Caldeira Velha and the new geo-thermal power station which produces approximately 50% of Sao Miguel s electricity. We usually have lunch in Caldeiras (small spa village), which you can explore on foot. Throughout the day there will be short walks to points of interest. Hotel Talisman (Meals included, breakfast, lunch, dinner) Day 15: Departure day Return flight back to the UK (Meals included: breakfast) The gardens of Parque Terra Nostra were first created in 1770 by Thomas Hickling (the US consul to the islands). Since those early days the gardens have been extended and have matured into one of the finest to be seen anywhere in the world. (2.5-3.5 miles / 4-6km, minimal descent). 6
Accommodation We stay in the carefully selected 3 & 4- star hotels chosen for their high standards, good food and accessibility to our sightseeing and walking tours. The art deco 3-star Hotel Talisman in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, has two restaurants, a café terrace and a rooftop pool. It is in the centre of town, just minutes from the seafront. http://www.bensaude.pt/hoteldocan al/en/ The 3-star Hotel São Jorge is located right on the seafront in Velas, São Jorge, looking out over the sea towards Pico. All the rooms have balconies overlooking the sea and there is a large outdoor pool. www.hoteltalisman.com The 4-star Hotel do Canal is situated opposite the marina with views of the marina and Pico beyond. This modern hotel is in keeping with the marine feel of Horta with a decked balcony and nautical photographs. This is a great base for exploring Horta. All rooms are en-suite with air conditioning, TV, mini bar, hairdryer, WiFi and tea and coffee making facilities. On Terceira, we stay in the historic Hotel Sao Sebastiao, one of two Pousadas on the Azores. Situated within a fortress, it has 28 bedrooms. All rooms have an en suite bathroom, heating/air conditioning, mini bar, phone, cable TV, hairdryer, safe and internet access. 7
https://www.pousadas.pt/en/hotel/po usada-angra 8
Before your holiday We hope you find this information comprehensive if not please visit our website for more details or contact us. All details correct at time of writing (Feb 2017). Passport and visa requirements are subject to change; please check with your consulate before you travel. We would advise that you check your government s travel advisory before travelling. For UK travellers, please check www.fco.gov.uk In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be your HF Holidays leader or local leader. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as follows: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm Tel +44 (0)345 470 7558 or +44(0)20 8732 1250 ( from overseas) Fri - Mon 7pm - 9am Tel +44 (0)7918 737777 Airport parking & accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote HX031 or book online at www.holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Suggested Kit List Please try to keep luggage to a minimum as you will need to carry it yourself at airports and between your transport and your hotel. Walking boots (worn in) with good ankle support and spare bootlaces Walking socks Sandals or approach trainers you may find these more comfortable for sightseeing Lightweight fleece Lightweight waterproof trousers and jacket Shorts Long trousers and long-sleeved light coloured shirts with collars to protect from the sun your clothing should ideally be pretreated with insect repellent and in-built sun protection (available from specialist clothing stores such as Rohan, Cotswold Outdoor) Warm fleece, hat and gloves Sun hat Scarf/buff Comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings and sightseeing Sun protection sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and lip protection Water bottle at least 2 litre capacity Lightweight survival bag Small/medium rucksack (30 litre) a bin liner will keep contents dry if it rains Soap and hand sanitizer gel Insect repellent Universal adaptor plug Universal sink plug Personal first aid kit including: personal medication, tissues, plasters, blister kit, painkillers, 9
antiseptic wipes, Imodium, rehydration sachets Passport (and copies); booking confirmation; insurance cover note; HF Holidays registration form Optional: trekking poles, camera, umbrella, binoculars, swimming costume Please ensure you have access to emergency funds should you need them; carrying a credit card is probably the most convenient method. Please note that your HF Holidays leader reserves the right to refuse to take any guest on a walk should they consider that a lack of suitable clothing/footwear may affect safety. Baggage allowance 1 piece checked-in luggage (max 20kg) for inter-island flights. Please check details of your airline s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked. Passports & visas Passports must be valid for 3 months beyond the length of stay. Visas are not required for UK, Australian, Canadian & US passport holders. Other countries should consult the embassy for advice. Travel insurance If arranging your own travel insurance, please ensure it is adequate for your specific itinerary. This is subject to change and we would highly recommend that you consult your doctor before travelling. For further information on country specific advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk Tetanus vaccine is recommended. EU citizens should carry an up-to-date European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or overthe-counter medicines is banned in some countries. If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country s embassy/ consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution: Keep your medication in its original packet Take a copy of your prescription too If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country that you re visiting Dietary requirements Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate you. If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel. Travel tips for a comfortable flight We ve put together a few simple tips to help make your flight as comfortable as possible, ensuring you begin your holiday in tip-top shape. Health advice 10
Move about. Change position and avoid crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in the development of clotting disorders. Get out of your seat and walk around as regularly as possible to improve circulation No pills. Unless advised by your doctor, do not take sleeping tablets on the flight; this will reduce your mobility and make you feel sluggish Protect your ears. If you experience discomfort due to the cabin pressure changes, suck a sweet, chew, or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose; this should equalise the pressure. If you still experience problems, speak to a member of the cabin crew Drink plenty. Ask a member of the cabin crew if you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or carbonated drinks as these will dehydrate you. Instead, try to drink plenty of fruit juices or water Eat light. Avoid heavy meals and foods air expands at altitude and heavy meals will result in that bloated feeling Moisturise. Your skin, especially your lips and nostrils, may feel dry so moisturising creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you, as your eyes may feel dryer than usual Stay loose. Wear loose fitting, comfortable shoes and clothes Flight socks are recommended to help prevent DVT on longhaul flights Lost/damaged luggage If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport. They will assess the damage and in some cases the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately. You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if settlement cannot be reached. In many cases baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport. HF Holidays with-flight guests For those travelling on our HF Holidays group flight, please proceed to the arrivals hall once you have passed through passport control, customs and baggage reclaim, when you arrive at your destination. Your local leader will assemble the group in the arrivals hall. Look out for the HF Holidays sign. Independent travellers If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the HF Holidays leader or local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group. If your flight arrives before the group flight and you would like to join the transfer to the first hotel, please contact our Abroad Administration team on (0)20 8732 1271. They will have a list of the relevant transfer costs. 11
Safety on your holiday Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we ask for details of next of kin, and insurance details. We need to have this from you at least 4 weeks before travel. Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday Please listen to any safety instructions from the leader Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor If you become separated from the group, please stay where you are, the leader will retrace their steps to find you Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines, and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 112. Please then call our emergency number (see page 8) and let us know there is a problem. Tipping Tips have been included in your holiday price for key services such as local guides/ driver/restaurants. Any additional tips are at your own discretion. Climate The Azores have a mild climate influenced by the warm Gulf Stream. Expect daytime temperatures to be in the region of 15 C to 20 C with temperatures at night dropping to about 13 C. Ponta Delgada has an annual rainfall of 70cm so it is likely that there will be some rainfall during our visit. However, rain is rarely persistent. Local currency & money matters Euro (EUR,). Credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs (Multibanco) are available at larger supermarkets / shopping areas. Traveller s cheques are not advised. Suggested reading and maps David Sayers Azores (Bradt Travel Guides) 2016 Maps can be obtained in advance from The Mapshop www.themapshop.co.uk Electricity 220V, round 2 pin plugs Group size Maximum group size will be 18 guests plus local guide/s Time difference During our months of travel, the Azores is the same time as GMT/UTC or 1 hour behind British Summer Time. HF Holidays Ltd, Catalyst House, Centennial Court, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SY, UK 12