A journey between sea and mountains that combines two southern islands of the vast Atlantic archipelago that is the Azores: São Miguel and Santa Maria. Geographically neighbours, they are nevertheless very different. São Miguel, the largest and most visited, boasts all the natural wonders of the Azores: crater lakes, active volcanic sites, lush vegetation, natural volcanic pools.... Just a lava stone's throw away is the island of Santa Maria, the geological oldest of the archipelago but also one of the smallest.
Nicknamed “the island of the sun” for its much warmer climate, it offers not only beautiful sandy beaches but also unique geological sites with ochre colors such as the "red desert", authentic villages with traditional limewashed houses, a very beautiful laurel forest on its summit, the Pico Alto (587 m) ...
The tranquility and gentleness of these two islands with their well-preserved nature will surely seduce you!
Arrival on the island of São Miguel, the largest of the archipelago. Transfer by taxi to Furnas, a small village with undeniable charm, nestled in a lush green setting and especially known for its active volcanism: fumaroles, bubbling mud, sulphurous hot spring etc ... Accommodation for 2 nights in this enchanting setting.
Meals included : none
Night : Furnas
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Transfer to the eastern part of the island. From the peaceful village of Santo Espírito and its white houses, hike between pastures, cryptomerias forests and a beautiful waterfall to the Maia lighthouse standing tall on its rock. You take the "giants' stairs" formed by the terraced cultivation of vines on the cliffsides of the coastal village of Maia. In Maia, you have the possibility to swim before continuing to the Gonçalo Velho lighthouse. 
Transfer to the top of the island: Pico Alto (587 m), which on a clear day offers a panoramic view of the entire island. This protected mountainous area is home to a beautiful Laurel Forest that divides the island into two parts: the eastern part of the island (mountainous) and the western part (flattened and with less vegetation). Descent through the endemic vegetation to the "red desert" of the Azores: the site of Barreiro da Faneca, which fascinates visitors with its undulating, arid and clayey landscape with reddish tones. Continue through the pastures to the sea and the small village of Anjos. It was in this Bay of Angels that Christopher Columbus dropped anchor on his way back from his discovery of the Americas. Transfer back to the accommodation, then in the early evening transfer to the airport for your return flight to Sao Miguel. Transfer to your hotel in Ponta Delgada city centre.
Transfer to the region of the emblematic lake of Sete Cidades. The hike starts at Lagoa de Canario with the grandiose viewpoint of the Azul and Santiago lakes. Then, via a path along the lips of the crater, you go around the lake. The viewpoints of the Azul and Verde lakes follow one another in succession before you descend to the village of Sete Cidades nestled at the bottom of the Caldera. Free time to discover the village and its bridge with 7 arches symbolizing the 7 cities of the lost continent of Atlantis, said to be buried under these two lakes. Transfer back to Ponta Delgada.
