The Azores: Gardens and Natural Wonders 9720

The Azores: Gardens and Natural Wonders 9720

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10 Days From

$3390

The Azores: Gardens and Natural Wonders 9720

10 Days Starting in London, United Kingdom and ending in Ponta Delgada, Portugal

Visiting: Ponta Delgada, Lagoa do Fogo, Sete Cidades, Azores, Furnas, Nordeste, London

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BAZR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

From: $3390

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the Azores, exploring its lush gardens and breathtaking natural wonders. This tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, with comfortable coach travel ensuring a seamless experience. Begin your exploration in Ponta Delgada, where you'll wander through vibrant gardens and historical sites. Discover the enchanting Lagoa do Fogo and the picturesque village of Sete Cidades, with its legendary twin lakes. Visit the unique pineapple plantations and the last remaining tea plantation in Europe. Delight in the stunning Terra Nostra Garden and the scenic beauty of Nordeste, with its waterfalls and lush landscapes. Enjoy leisure days with optional excursions like whale watching or a chef-led food tour. With professional guides and inclusive accommodations, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of the Azores' rich botanical and cultural heritage.

Highlights

  • Ponta Delgada's flower-filled municipal garden and historic churches.

  • Explore Jardim José do Canto with its exotic plant species from around the world.

  • Visit the gardens of the Presidential Palace, featuring native Azorean plants.

  • Discover Lagoa do Fogo, a serene volcanic crater lake with protected plant species.

  • Experience the mythic beauty of Sete Cidades' twin lakes, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde.

  • Explore the picturesque village of Furnas, known for its hot springs and volcanic activity.

  • Visit Terra Nostra Garden, home to a unique collection of Malaysian Rhododendrons.

  • Enjoy the scenic beauty of Nordeste, with its lush forests and cascading waterfalls.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Location: Ponta Delgada

Accommodation Name: Lince Azores Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

We depart from London to Ponta Delgada. On arrival, we transfer by comfortable coach to hotel.
 

Day 2

Location: Ponta Delgada

Accommodation Name: Lince Azores Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today following breakfast we will have an introductory tour, on foot, of Ponta Delgada. We will pass churches and the flower filled municipal garden, near to the government building, with its Jacaranda tree. In the afternoon we will enjoy a tour of two of the notable gardens in the area, where endemic and exotic plants grow in wild profusion. Firstly, we will visit Jardim José do Canto, which was created by José do Canto, one of the most knowledgeable gardeners of his time. The garden is made up of several thousand species of plants, all of which were imported from nurserymen around the world such as London, Paris and Rio de Janeiro. José do Canto was a hard-working enthusiast who even had a list of species he did not want to grow in order to create his perfect garden! Exotic trees line the drive and as the drive nears the house it is edged with giant pale pink crinum. Steps from the house lead down to flower beds filled with pink cannas and bright blue Ipomea leari.
We will continue next door to the gardens of the Presidential Palace, otherwise known as Sant’Ana Palace. The palace, formerly the home of the Correia family, was designed by an English architect in 1846. Its pink washed walls contrast well with the avenue of dark leaved Trachycarpus. In the extensive gardens you can find native Azorean plants, interesting shrubs and a long allée of box trees. The palace is presently home to the President of the Regional Government of the Azores.

Day 3

Location: Lagoa do Fogo

Accommodation Name: Lince Azores Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Following breakfast we will travel east to Lagoa do Fogo, the Fire Lake. Situated at the bottom of a steep crater this is the most recent volcanic crater on the island with the last eruption in June 1563. A ferocious glow could be seen from the central islands, almost 100 miles away, however today the lake stands silent and there is a narrow path leading down to the lake where many protected plant species can be seen.
In the afternoon we will return to the hotel, stopping en route for a visit to Veiria Ceramics at Lagoa.
 
 

Day 4

Location: Ponta Delgada

Accommodation Name: Lince Azores Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, following breakfast, we continue our exploration of Ponta Delgada, once again on foot, with a visit to the market and the museum (formerly a monastery) with its little garden coloured with agapanthus, roses and gazanias. We will include a visit to the garden at the Ponta Delgada University campus. There are many trees in the garden including a Phytolacca dioica from Uruguay, which has a table-like root formation.
This afternoon we will travel to Quinta Bom Jesus, the former British Consulate in Pico da Pedra, where we will see a pineapple plantation. Pineapples replaced oranges as the main crop on the Azores around 1850. They are grown in greenhouses as the climate in the Azores is not warm enough for outdoor cultivation. Long ago on the island, they discovered the process of ‘smoking’ during the growing period, which is the burning of vegetation to create a dense smoke. This smoke causes all the plants to grow at the same time, which means the crop can be cleared quicker for the next cycle. We will learn about the production process and will have the chance to see the new venture fields of Protea and Leucospermum used for cut flower and foliage production.
 

Day 5

Location: Sete Cidades

Accommodation Name: Octant Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today following breakfast, we depart for the west of the island to explore Sete Cidades, a tranquil village located on the shore of two lakes, Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake). The lakes take their name from mythology where it was believed a princess fell in love with a local shepherd. The King forbade them to marry but let her see the shepherd one last time to say goodbye. As they bid farewell, they shed so many tears that two lakes were formed – one blue lake from the eyes of the princess and one green lake from the eyes of the shepherd. The lakes lie isolated by the high walls of the crater, and it will look more like an image from the middle of the alps rather than from an island in the middle of the Atlantic.
We will continue to Capelas, a large village that was once used as a whaling centre. The country roads to Capelas are very picturesque as the meadows are lined with hedges of blue agapanthus, pink rambler roses and scarlet and yellow cannas.
 

Day 6

Location: Azores

Accommodation Name: Octant Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Following breakfast, you have the day at leisure or alternatively join our optional excursion, a whale-watching expedition. The rich waters around the Azores attract a variety of different species of whale, the most common being sperm and pilot whales, beaked whales and false killer whales. Add to these sightings of rare birds such as Cory’ shearwaters and Roseate terns, loggerhead turtles and sharks, and an afternoon at sea here can be a most rewarding experience.
 

Day 7

Location: Furnas

Accommodation Name: Octant Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, following breakfast, we depart for the village of Furnas in the south east of the island, formerly a popular spa in the 19th Century. Furnas, surrounded by high slopes from the crater with cows grazing on the green pastures, is one of the most picturesque images of Sâo Miguel, if not of the Azores, and we are sure it will be the highlight of our tour. Volcanic activity is still present in this town which is awash with small geysers, hot springs of bubbling water and mud and caldeiras, literally cauldrons. Pêro Botelho was the name given to the largest and noisiest spring, the 16th Century nickname for The Devil! Hidden behind a small mountain ridge and above the village lies Lagoa das Furnas (Furnas Lake). The lake appears tranquil but underneath its surface the earth bubbles and boils. Further along at Caldeiras das Furnas, steam clouds can be seen from afar, rising from the hot springs.
Located across from the lake is a chapel built by José do Canto, the great gardener, which was dedicated to Our Lady of Victories. Nearby is another garden of José do Canto, locally as Mata Jardim. This enchanting garden, which has been asleep for many years, has a melancholy charm. Paths wander through a romantic woodland of palms and tree ferns like a New Zealand forest.
While we are here we will enjoy a local speciality, Cozido das Caldeiras, a stew of beef, potatoes and vegetables cooked in the natural hot springs. The pot is lowered into the ground and left for several hours to cook in the ‘natural cooker’.
We also explore the famous Terra Nostra Garden, now a 30-acre garden situated in the grounds of a hotel. Originally created in the late 18th Century by Thomas Hickling, the former American
vice-consul to the Azores, the garden was later extended by the noble Praia family after Hickling’s death in 1834. The Praia family re-shaped the garden and planted more trees and flowers. The garden has since been restored on several occasions and now has a fern garden, an abundance of trees and a formal flower garden with native Azorean species. There is also a collection of Malaysian Rhododendrons, native to tropical mountains, which is the only collection that can be seen growing out-of-doors in Europe. The gardens host the best arboretum in the Azores. Flowers to look out for are blue Diachroa, white star like Syzygiums, giant pink Crinums, white flowered paper barked Melaleucas, blue and white Agapanthus, hydrangeas and various coloured waterlilies.
In the afternoon we visit the Gorreana Tea Plantation, the last remaining tea producer in the Azores and the only one in Europe, where we will learn about the process involved in growing and harvesting tea. A guided tour is included with free tastings and a shop where you will have the opportunity to purchase the finished product.
 

Day 8

Location: Nordeste

Accommodation Name: Lince Azores Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We check out of the hotel after breakfast and embark on a full-day tour of the eastern part of the island – Nordeste. This is Portugal’s outermost region, known for its scenic beauty featuring lush forests, waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints and steep sea cliffs green with native and exotic vegetation. We enjoy a spectacular drive along the east coast to pay a visit to Ribeira dos Caldeirões park renowned for its cascading waterfalls that flow through a verdant landscape of dense vegetation. One of the highlights of the park is the picturesque watermill houses that dot the landscape, providing an insight into the island’s rural heritage. We will spend some time exploring the walking trails that wind through the park, offering scenic views of streams and the surrounding countryside.
Afterwards, we continue our journey to the village of Nordeste to visit the Nursery Gardens before returning to Ponta Delgada.

Day 9

Location: Ponta Delgada

Accommodation Name: Lince Azores Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Following breakfast, you have the day at leisure or alternatively join our optional excursion, a Chef-led food tour of Ponta Delgada. This half-day food tour offers a delightful culinary journey through the local flavours and traditions of the region. You will have the opportunity to get a personalised and immersive culinary experience, guided by a local chef who can provide insights into the Azorean cuisine, its ingredients, and cooking techniques. This tour promises a memorable and educational culinary adventure, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich gastronomic heritage of the Azores.
 
 

Day 10

Location: London

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning following breakfast we check out of the hotel. We will then transfer to the airport for our flight back to London.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is included throughout the tour.

  • Meals as per itinerary

    Meals are provided as per the itinerary.

  • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary

    Entry fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary are included.

  • Services of a professional tour manager and local guide

    The services of a professional tour manager and local guide are included.

  • Comfortable coach travel throughout

    Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses are not included in the tour package.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.

  • Optional activities

    Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.

  • International flights

    International flights to and from the destination are not included.

Mode of Transport

Enjoy comfortable coach travel throughout the tour, ensuring a relaxing and convenient journey as you explore the natural wonders and gardens of the Azores.

Accommodation

Stay at the Lince Azores Hotel and Octant Hotel, offering comfortable accommodations as you explore the stunning landscapes and gardens of the Azores.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides comfortable coach travel throughout, ensuring a relaxing and convenient journey as you explore the natural wonders and gardens of the Azores.

  • What is the significance of the gardens visited on Day 2?

    On Day 2, the tour visits Jardim José do Canto, which was created by José do Canto, a knowledgeable gardener who imported several thousand species of plants from around the world. The tour also visits the gardens of the Presidential Palace, known for its native Azorean plants and interesting shrubs.

  • What can I expect to see at Lagoa do Fogo on Day 3?

    Lagoa do Fogo, or Fire Lake, is situated at the bottom of a steep crater and is the most recent volcanic crater on the island. Visitors can see many protected plant species along a narrow path leading down to the lake.

  • What unique agricultural practice is observed at Quinta Bom Jesus?

    At Quinta Bom Jesus, visitors will see a pineapple plantation where pineapples are grown in greenhouses. The Azores use a unique 'smoking' process during the growing period, which involves burning vegetation to create dense smoke, causing all the plants to grow simultaneously.

  • What is the story behind the lakes at Sete Cidades?

    The lakes at Sete Cidades, Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake), are named after a myth where a princess and a shepherd fell in love but were forbidden to marry. Their tears formed the two lakes, with the blue lake from the princess's eyes and the green lake from the shepherd's eyes.

  • What is Cozido das Caldeiras and how is it prepared?

    Cozido das Caldeiras is a local specialty stew made of beef, potatoes, and vegetables, cooked in the natural hot springs of Furnas. The pot is lowered into the ground and left for several hours to cook in the 'natural cooker'.

  • What can visitors expect at the Gorreana Tea Plantation?

    At the Gorreana Tea Plantation, the last remaining tea producer in the Azores, visitors will learn about the process of growing and harvesting tea. The tour includes a guided visit with free tastings and an opportunity to purchase the finished product.

  • What is unique about the Terra Nostra Garden?

    The Terra Nostra Garden, originally created in the late 18th century, features a fern garden, an abundance of trees, and a formal flower garden with native Azorean species. It also hosts the only collection of Malaysian Rhododendrons growing outdoors in Europe.

  • Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?

    You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.

  • What facilities do your coaches have?

    Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.

  • Do I have to go on the included excursions?

    Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.

  • Is there time to relax?

    Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.

  • Do I need to be an expert?

    Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.

  • How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?

    You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding

  • Do you have self-drive holidays?

    Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!

  • What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?

    There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.

  • Where are your departure points?

    UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .

  • What about the company that will be kept?

    For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.

  • What is a Brightwater Holiday?

    Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.

  • Why is there a single supplement?

    Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.

  • How much are your optional excursions?

    Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.

  • Can I pre-book my coach seats?

    Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.

  • How to get there? Easy!

    With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Brightwater Holidays offers great value

28-Nov-2019

I would highly recommend Brightwater Holidays. It offers excellent service and value for money. This was my first tour as I normally arrange holidays myself, but this tour - which was to the gardens of Kent and Sussex - was a very pleasant change of pace.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Brightwater Holidays Customer  

My experience with Brightwater Holidays

08-Aug-2019

The tour was well managed, the sites visited were all interesting and linked to the theme of the Picts and their place in history, the hotel was comfortable and the coach journeys were well paced. I have been with Brightwater before and will certainly travel with them again

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Alan Hawkes (Google Reviewer)  

We were on the Tour...

28-Aug-2022

We were on the Tour of the Outer Hebrides. We had a great experience, in no small part due to the excellence of the tour manager and driver.

Brightwater Holidays Custome  

Wonderful experience with brilliant information

31-Jul-2019

The most important factor was an amazing guide in Alastair Walker whose knowledge and care for clients was fantastic. The whole trips are superbly organised

Feefo Trusted Reviews
David MacLennan (Google Reviewer)  

Noted a comment on taking...

23-Aug-2023

Noted a comment on taking coaches on A814 by a local person who didn't know the facts: When the A82 was blocked and the POLICE divert you onto that road you do as instructed not what a you know are tight roads but they only way to your destination as intructed by officials. We know this route is not suitable for large vehicles but the driver does as instructed by someone in authority.

Eric Webb (Google Reviewer)  

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday...

07-Oct-2023

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday not so good. Various 'issues' to do with scheduling and organisation. I'm happy to report however that - after an interval - a letter expressing disappointment brought a full response - including a generous refund. So - with fingers slightly crossed - we'll be booking with Brightwater again in due course.

Kevin Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

The recent tour in Northumberland...

30-Sep-2023

The recent tour in Northumberland turned out to be a shambles. Our South London driver took us to Newcastle, but no guide to meet us. Next day still no guide and the bus driver attempted to salvage the tour the best he could despite having no knowledge of the attractions. Fortunately one of the passengers Googled the tides for Holy Island. No holiday guide ever showed up. Coach and hotel were fine. Do these people only offer self guided tours? Take Shearings next time.

ALEXANDRA MCQUEEN (Google Reviewer)  

Been trying to get a...

17-Oct-2023

Been trying to get a reply from them for over a week. Booked Xmas tour, confirmation said pick up subject to numbers, they never said anything when booking and theyve been paid in full. Would not recommend!

Dp Green (Google Reviewer)  

I had heard this company...

20-Feb-2024

I had heard this company was a nightmare to deal with, but thought I'd give it a go. Signed up for a tour, then emailed them about how to pay off the balance. No response to 3 emails. I've never encountered a tour company that ignored questions on how to pay off a balance. Looked into other reviews and found many complaints about cancelled tours and refusals to refund deposits.

Kieran Thompson (Google Reviewer)  

Two of your tour busses...

26-Jul-2021

Two of your tour busses used the A814 from Garelochhead to Arrochar on 24th July 2021. This route is not suitable for large vehicles and your drivers should not have taken the huge coaches that way. There are clear signs at both ends of the road indicating it is not suitable for HGV's. Our car had to go off into the soft verge to allow your coaches to pass. Please amend your routes to avoid this road in future.

1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Thursday

Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025
$3390

Tuesday - Thursday

Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025
$3477

Including UK Flights

Prices last published on 31-Oct-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.

    At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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