Hiking the Azores 7/15/2027

Details

Trip Notes & Expectations

Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program contained on this page. Our programs are quite adventurous, and we find that clients who read the trip details in full are happier with their experiences.

1. ACCOMMODATION: Our program fees are based on double-occupancy accommodation (see “Single Travelers” below if you do not have a travel companion and would be interested in a private room). Our accommodations are selected for safety, cleanliness, and convenient locations. While they are comfortable and well-suited for group travel, they are generally simple rather than luxury properties in order to keep the program affordable.
   Important: Single room accommodations in European hotels are often smaller, and may not be to the same service level as double-occupancy rooms.
2. LUGGAGE: You must be able to easily carry or roll your luggage, so do not over-pack.
3. FOOD: We recommend always carrying snacks with you. Meals can sometimes be far apart.
4. ACTIVITY LEVEL: This trip includes hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels as long as you can handle going up and down hills. You may go at your own pace on the hikes.
5. TOUR LEADER: Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip. All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure’s group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.

Single Travelers

Half of GEEO’s participants travel by themselves, so please don’t worry if you do not have a travel companion for your trip. Our program fee is for one traveler in double-occupancy accommodation, and GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender if you do not have a travel companion. Most of our programs have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that you can pay to have a room to yourself. You will only incur an additional charge if you specifically request a single room. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please find your program on our extra services page. If you want to room alone, please email travel@geeo.org to request a single room.

Emergency Contacts

Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS:
G Adventures Berlin office: +441858378000

If you are unable for any reason to contact the local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with the 24-hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

Packing List

Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels. As a rule, we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags, which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30 lb. Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. No XXL bags please! A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person plus a daypack per person.

*Laundry: Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. You can also use a local laundromat, if necessary.

Passports and Visas

All GEEO participants must travel with a valid passport. If you need to apply or renew, see our passport FAQ. Visa rules can change without notice, so treat the details below as a guide and confirm the latest requirements on the U.S. State Department’s website.

PASSPORT
In Europe’s Schengen area, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. At present, the Schengen area includes most European Union (EU) countries, except for Cyprus and Ireland.

VISA
Currently, U.S. citizens can enter Schengen Area Countries visa-free for up to 90 days. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which approves entry for short-term stays into the European Union for visa-exempt visitors, was expected to go into effect in 2022 but has been continually delayed and is not scheduled to be implemented until late 2026. No action is required from travelers at this point, and the EU will announce a start date for ETIAS several months prior to its launch. If this changes and ETIAS will affect your trip, GEEO will let you know, and you will need to apply online and pay €7 for a travel authorization (see more here).

Money Exchange

Portugal is part of the Eurozone and uses the common currency, the euro (EUR). For current exchange rates, visit www.xe.com.

We recommend that you obtain cash from ATMs while traveling; they will dispense the local currency. We do, however, recommend that you bring at least $200 USD in cash for emergency use or in case you have trouble with the ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, but you may be charged an international transaction fee; ask your financial institution about their international fees. Please note that if you are carrying U.S. dollars, the bills should be in good condition (i.e., not torn, wrinkled, or marked on in any way) and dated recently.

Tipping

It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service. Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of this program and an expression of satisfaction with the people who assist you on your trip. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.

There will be opportunities during the trip to tip your local guides or drivers. You may do this individually, or your tour leader may offer to collect the money and give a tip on behalf of the group. Ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and expectations. Also, at the end of your program, if you felt your G Adventures tour leader did an outstanding job, a tip would be appreciated. Tipping amounts are entirely your personal preference, but as a guideline:

• Service providers/Waiters: €1-2 EUR for snacks or 10% of a meal bill
• Local guides and drivers: €3-5 EUR per person per day
• Tour Guide (CEO): €30-40 EUR per person per week

Flights

We find the best prices for flights are often available around 90-120 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly from route to route and year to year. You should wait until this trip is confirmed before you book non-refundable flights. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed.

This program begins in Ponta Delgada and ends in Angra do Heroísmo. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Ponta Delgada, which usually means departing the U.S. one day prior. You may want to arrive in the Azores or Portugal one or more days early in case you have flight disruptions. You can arrive at any time you choose, but try to make it in time for our 6:00 p.m. Welcome Meeting on Day 1. You can depart from Angra do Heroísmo at any time on the final day of the trip.

Most flights to and from the Azores will involve transferring in Lisbon, but there are direct flights from Boston through Azores Airlines that are worth trying to route through. For your return home the nearest airport to Angra do Heroísmo is Lajes International Airport, which has the airport code TER.

Plugs and Converters

There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers (also called electrical converters). The adapter is for your device’s plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two- to three-pronged power cord to fit the local outlets. The transformer/converter changes the local voltage to the voltage used in the U.S.

Portugal has type C outlets for two circular prongs, and the voltage is 220-240V. (Standard U.S. electrical outlets are 120V.) Most new devices, including phones and laptops, are made to work with the different voltage rates, but some devices, like hair dryers, may only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device’s plug or manual to see what voltage range it requires. Most transformer blocks will have an “Input” line that defines its voltage capacity; for example, “Input: 100-240V” means that it will work with voltages between 100V to 240V. If your device can’t handle the higher voltage, you’ll need to purchase a transformer/converter. You can find world transformers/converters online or at many retail stores in the travel section.

Weather

July is the most popular time to visit Azores due to the excellent weather. Temperatures range from the mid-60s to mid-70s F. There is limited rainfall, light breezes, and around 14 hours of sunlight each day, so the weather is perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.