Internationale groepsreis Walking in the Azores

Mid-Atlantic Adventure

A memorable trip providing a series of spectacular walks on volcanic islands, each with its own distinct topography and character. Though still part of Portugal, this archipelago offers its own unique combination of a relaxed, scenic destination, with plentiful attractions for those liking their food and wine, and a distinctive mix of hikes among the flora, forests and classical cones. Our ferry trips and flights between the islands added further perspectives to an already appealing itinerary.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The early morning ferry trip from Horta to Sao Jorge stands out most in my mind, for the perfect conditions and the impressive views across to Pico and its dominant volcano. Seeing four islands in a relatively short time was also rewarding and whets the appetite for a return visit before very long.

What did you think of your group leader?

Deeply knowledgeable and eager to share information on his native islands, he was a great source on all manner of topics from flora, to geology, through food and wine to local history and its dominant themes and characters.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Anyone liking good hiking country, on varying island landscapes, with that extra something special yet only a couple of hours from mainland Europe should certainly consider the Azores - a most intriguing destination, European for sure but with a certain something from its mid-ocean position.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Nothing I can think of!

Azores Walking

The organisation and accommodation of the holiday were excellent. The group gelled from the start and were excellent company. The islands themselves were spectacular.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing the site of the Capelinhos volcano.

What did you think of your group leader?

Pedro was very knowledgeable of the islands and was in tune with the group. He was friendly and attentive throughout and was good company. He was not afraid to offer good advice on restaurants and other things to do. The local guides on Faial and Sao Jorge were particularly good.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The level of difficulty of the terrain was fine for us but we would have liked longer walks and less time spent in the minibus on a couple of the days. The first walk on Pico may have been through a UNESCO world heritage site but was not very inspiring especially as the introduction.

Walking in the Azores

Beautiful volcanic islands with well marked walking trails. The walks were shorter than the trip notes stated but were interesting and scenic. Each island is quite different which makes the walking more fun.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The beauty of the islands. The walk on San Miguel to Lago de Fogo (fire Lake) and the hot springs

What did you think of your group leader?

Seraphina is very enthusiastic about the beautiful islands and all the elements of the trip. She didn't always explain when we could leave things on the coach so people ended up carrying swimwear shoes etc for hours unnecessarily. She treated us like naughty school children if we walked to far in front as the group had people of mixed ability. This may have been a result of a guest ending up in hospital halfway through the first walk.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Whale watching was an option on this trip, the weather stopped the trip on the option day but some people went on the following morning. The captain of the whale watching boat said spring was the best time to go as the migrating whales pass through at that time.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The weather is warm but very humid and one guest was taken ill with dehydration. You need to be of a reasonable level of fitness to do the walks and make sure you keep hydrated.

Walking In The Azores

A great trekking trip. The Azores are an unknown quantity to most people, but I fell in love with the islands natural and unspoilt beauty. The hotels that we stayed at were apparently new to this year and were excellent. Friendly staff and very pleasant food (and wine!)

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Going from the stark and rugged coastline one minute, to the lush green and tranquil Sete Cidades another. Climbing Mount Pico was also another highlight with spectacular views from the top. Make sure your camera is charged!

What did you think of your group leader?

Both leaders were great. Very Knowledgeable about pretty much everything to do with the Azores. Nothing was too much trouble for them.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for wet weather – the islands have their own climate and it can change very quickly, although the weather we had was mostly dry and sunny.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Make sure you try the local liquor! It’s a local speciality and apparently has very good medicinal qualities!

WALKING IN THE AZORES

I liked the Azores. The scenery is really good so is the food and wine. However although the the Hotel in Ilha Do Pico is good and the staff are friendly I would rate the facilities as 2 star not 4 star as claimed in the Exodus brochure. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting to the summit of Pico on the only fine day.

What did you think of your group leader?

Both leaders were efficient and friendly.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for changeable weather!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

There is a case for reorganising the itinerary on the last 2 days on Sao Miguel. Perhaps the meal cooked in hot vents could be on the evening of Day 6 and the evening meal on Day 7 could be at Restaurante San Pedro. We had to get up at 0600 on Day 8 to catch the 0840 flight back to Gatwick only to find when we reached the Airport that it had been rescheduled to 1150.  I sat next to someone on the plane who knew the previous evening. I think in future the Exodus leader should check with the Airport in advance.

Suzanne Rawlings - Walking in the Azores June 2016

An excellent trip which incorporated 4 different islands. Would highly recommend.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Completing all of the walks and climbs. Great sense of achievement when reaching the fabulous viewpoints.

What did you think of your group leader?

Brilliant! Bruno's knowledge was excellent and he ensured the group got the best out of the holiday at all times. He always went the extra mile assisting with restaurant bookings for the group and helping us to book a whale watching trip. Best guide experienced in my travels.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Would highly recommend.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Can you add a holiday covering walking on the other islands :-)

Walking n the Azores

Walking in the Azores was as good as expected - the islands are quite stunning and to see so many islands in one week and to do so much made it very special. It is a busy trip but we managed to see quite a lot. The walking was varied but not difficult, I used a walking stick on most days when going downhill. The views are amazing when the weather is clear, it was mostly hot and sunny and when it rains lightly (which it probably will even in August) it is never for long.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The best for me were the trip to Sao Jorge were we started in quite heavy rain with limited visibility and ended up in hot sunny weather swimming in natural pools in the sea and the walks on Sao Miguel. The Azores: lush, green, easy walking and stunning views.

What did you think of your group leader?

Bruno was an excellent group leader with an impressive knowledge of the islands and its history and a pleasure to be with. He took great care to know our interests and highlighted specific details to suit, we were very well looked after. Bruno has great passion for the Azores.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It was quite warm and humid so dress lightly, it will rain at some point. I used lighter walking boots which were fine but didn't intend going up Mt Pico. If needed go walking in hills to strengthen legs before you come as there are some easy but steep paths. One of the ferry journeys was nearly 2 hours so take travel sickness pills if you are not good on boats.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It was a full week visiting four islands but I would have loved an option to extend for another few days to see another island especially Flores island in the western archipelago.