Pico & São Miguel: A Food & Wine Journey with Portugal’s Best

Day By Day Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Pico Island & Welcome Dinner

   

   Welcome to the Azores! Relax and unwind from the moment you arrive. We'll handle your airport transfers on arrival and departure, ensuring your adventure's seamless start and finish. You and your fellow travelers will check into your luxury accommodations on Pico Island.

   • From 7 PM: Enjoy an introduction to fellow travelers during a welcome dinner at one of Madalena’s most acclaimed traditional restaurants. Indulge in a selection of signature local dishes, featuring highlights such as succulent blue tuna, tender Azores PGI beef, and fresh barnacles, all showcasing the region's rich culinary heritage.
2. Day 2 Food & Wine Exploration of Pico Island Tour (Included)

   

   From 9 AM: A full day dedicated to discovering the rich winemaking traditions and gastronomy of Pico Island.

   • Your morning begins with a leisurely walk around Criação Velha, where you’ll be captivated by the stunning, UNESCO-protected landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture and the charming Lajido area. Following your exploration, visit a multi-generational wine-producing family to hear their stories firsthand while tasting exclusive wines and enjoying a multi-course lunch inspired by traditional recipes in an authentic ‘adega.’ This is a wonderful opportunity to savor family-produced wines and traditional festive dishes rarely found in restaurants. After a stroll through São Roque village, the evening culminates with an exclusive tasting of rare wine, guided by the local producer renowned for crafting some of the world’s finest wines, once served to Russian tsars, adding a truly regal touch to your experience.
3. Day 3 Culinary Experience with Locals and Exclusive Wines Tour (Included)

   

   From 9 AM: Immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of Pico with a day spent alongside the locals.

   • Your day starts with an exclusive visit to the esteemed Azores Wine Company, where you’ll enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour and tastings of rare wines. For lunch, indulge in a curated multi-course meal inspired by traditional and forgotten local recipes. Next, explore the charming town of Lajes do Pico, soaking in its rich history and scenic views. Delve into local culture at the Museu dos Baleeiros (Whalers’ Museum), highlighting the island’s historical ties to whaling. For dinner, experience fine dining at Bioma restaurant, featuring expertly crafted dishes using fresh, locally foraged ingredients and the island’s finest seafood, perfectly paired with select wines.
4. Day 4 Workshop Day (Included)

   

   From 9 AM: Take part in hands-on workshops led by renowned winemakers, where you'll master wine pairing and culinary techniques.

   • Throughout the day, you can choose from optional activities such as trekking through UNESCO-protected vineyards, visiting local museums, enjoying wine tastings, engaging in water sports, savoring a traditional meal of charcoal-grilled fish and meat, or indulging in a relaxing massage. The day culminates with a farewell dinner, exclusively prepared by our private chef, complemented by a curated wine tasting featuring selections from various regions of Portugal and a local independent producer. As we reflect on our time in Pico, we've likely formed new friendships among fellow foodies and wine lovers, perhaps even enjoying a nightcap to celebrate our shared experiences!
5. Day 5 Flight to São Miguel Island

   

   Welcome to the second part of your trip! Airport transfers are also included upon arrival and departure. 

   Suggestion for the day: Explore Downtown Ponta Delgada

   It’s time to explore Ponta Delgada, the main city, that beckons not only with its charming streets and vibrant atmosphere but also with its status as the economic heart of the archipelago. Ponta Delgada evokes all the charms of Europe with cobbled streets, sidewalk cafes, and a thriving culinary scene. 

   Don’t Miss:

   • Simply Stroll Through Ponta Delgada’s Cobblestone Streets: Start your São Miguel discovery with a stroll along Ponta Delgada's charming city streets. Admire the architecture, from historical buildings to colorful houses. Peek into local shops and soak in the atmosphere.
   • Portas da Cidade: Standing proudly at the entrance to Ponta Delgada, the Portas da Cidade (City Gates) serves as a symbolic gateway to the city's rich history and vibrant culture. 
   • Matriz Church: Visit the impressive Matriz Church, a beautiful example of Azorean religious architecture right in the city center.
   • Pineapple Paradise: Embark on a unique adventure to a nearby pineapple plantation. Learn about the island's pineapple production, witness these fascinating plants, and perhaps even enjoy a refreshing pineapple treat.

    

6. Day 6 Private Dinner with Locals (Included)

   

   Suggestion for the day: Sete Cidades 

   São Miguel Island, the largest in the Azores archipelago, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, and Sete Cidades is one of its most captivating gems. Today, embark on a journey through volcanic landscapes, serene lakes, and charming villages, and discover the essence of this enchanting island.

   • Sete Cidades (A Realm of Twin Lakes): Begin your adventure in Sete Cidades, a village nestled within a vast volcanic crater. As you descend into the caldera, prepare to be awestruck by the sight of Lagoa das Sete Cidades a mesmerizing twin-lake complex. One of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal, this show-stopping crater full of lakes has become one of the signature and most famous images of the Azores. 

   • Mosteiros & Ferraria: Venture to the neighboring village of Mosteiros, a photographer's paradise known for its breathtaking sunsets. As you explore the western region, don't miss the chance to rejuvenate at Ferraria's unique ocean thermal baths. Remember, these thermal pools are best enjoyed during low tide when warm spring water mixes with the ocean for a truly luxurious experience. 

   From 7 PM to 10 PM: Dinner with Locals (Included in Your Package)

   • Step into the warm embrace of Azorean hospitality with our exclusive, private experience. Visit a charming local home and savor an authentic taste of island life as you connect with the friendly residents. Delight in a feast of traditional Azorean flavors, from delectable specialties to exquisite local wines, all while gaining a heartfelt glimpse into the rhythms of daily life on these stunning islands.
   • Immerse yourself in the unique stories and traditions of the Azores, discovering the joys and challenges of island living. This intimate adventure offers more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of genuine connections, rich cultural insights, and unforgettable moments. Join us for a truly special experience where every dish tells a story and every interaction brings you closer to the soul of the Azores.
7. Day 7 São Miguel Island

   

   Suggestion for the day: Furnas & Tea Plantations

   The thermal hot spot of the Azores! Furnas Valley is the center of São Miguel's unique geothermal activity. Here you can visit two active volcanic sites to see the boiling calderas in action, as well as the gorgeous Terra Nostra Park and so much more.

   Don’t Miss:

   • Lagoa das Furnas: Visitors can enjoy several hiking trails around the lake, as well as several beautiful parks and the iconic Neo-Gothic Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias.
   • Cozido das Furnas Lunch: A longstanding tradition among the locals, this beloved popular dish is a Portuguese stew (cozido) cooked in holes known as fumaroles that are dug in the hot volcanic soil in Furnas. 
   • Caldeiras das Furnas: In the center of town, Furnas boasts close to 30 bubbling, steaming calderas and fumaroles of different temperatures and biological compositions, the strong smell of sulfur wafting through the air at every turn. 
   • Terra Nostra Park: Terra Nostra Park is one of the Azores’ main attractions and with good reason. From its super cool thermal pools to its lavish and rich botanical gardens, Terra Nostra is at the top of every tourist’s itinerary. 
   • Poça da Dona Beija: Also located in Furnas is the lovely Poça da Dona Beija, which offers visitors an exotic and unique array of six natural thermal pools. Each of Poça da Dona Beija’s pools rests at different temperatures, making it possible for every single person to find their perfect fit. 
   • Gorreana Tea Plantations: Immerse yourself in history and nature at Gorreana Tea Plantations, Europe's oldest still-operating tea farm (established in 1883). Explore verdant fields, breathe in the fresh scent of tea leaves, and learn the secrets behind Azores' world-renowned tea.

    

8. Day 8 Return Flight Home

   

   Thank you for traveling with us, and we look forward to being your travel companion again in the future!