Price

$1472

Available: 7+ spaces

Secure your place on this program with a $350 lifetime deposit. Final payment is due 60 days before departure.

    Sorry, this program is full. Please provide your information below so that we can add you to our waiting list.

     







       



      This program also pairs well with our Portugal program on June 22–28.

      • Hotels: Standard Class

      • 07/07/2025 - 07/12/2025

      • Max Participants: 16

      • 6 Days / 5 Nights

      Overview

      Maybe you’ve been to the Azores before — but definitely not like this. Spend six incredible days hiking this mid-Atlantic archipelago, and experience a side that few ever see. Trek to pristine waterfalls, wander through storied towns, and hike through some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes you'll ever see. Visit the Azores with us, all while earning professional development credit with other educators.

      What's Included:
      • Hike from Ribeira Funda to Maia
      • Visit to the Terra Nostra geothermal hot springs
      • Lagoa do Fogo hike
      • Sete Cidades Parish hike
      • Rocha do Chambre hike
      • Angra do Heroísmo walking tour
      • Mistérios Negros trail hike and Algar do Carvão lava caves
      • G Adventures Tour Leader throughout
      • 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches – allow $160-210 USD for meals not included
      • Hotels (5 nights)
      • All transport between local destinations and to/from included activities via plane or private vehicle
      What's Not Included:
      • International air travel
      • Incidentals
      • Travel health and cancellation insurance
      • Applicable visas
      • Tips or gratuities
      • Airport taxes
      • Beverages
      • Meals not mentioned in itinerary
      • Optional tours and admissions
      • Airport transfers

      Itinerary Download PDF

      Arrive in Ponta Delgada at any time. The international airport for Ponta Delgada is Aeroporto João Paulo II (PDL). Due to the potential for flight delays or cancellations, we recommend that you plan to arrive in the Azores or Portugal at least a day in advance. This will also give you time to adjust to the time difference and overcome any jet lag. We can book extra hotel nights for you in Ponta Delgada before the trip. Hotel Check-in and Welcome Meeting Please note that check-in at the hotel is usually around 2:00-3:00 p.m. There are no planned activities until an intro meeting around 6:00 or 7:00 p.m., usually in the hotel lobby. Check for a sign or ask at the reception desk about the exact time and location of the group meeting. Please make every effort to arrive in time for this meeting. If you are delayed and will arrive late, please inform us. Your tour leader will then leave you a message at the front desk informing you of where and when to meet up tomorrow. After the meeting, you might choose to get dinner at a nearby restaurant with your traveling companions and your tour leader to further get to know one another. Joining Instructions The distance from Ponta Delgada - João Paulo II Airport to the center of Ponta Delgada is approximately 3 miles. To get from the airport to the starting hotel, you can take a shuttle bus, a taxi, or pre-arrange airport transfers. Shuttle Bus A shuttle bus runs to and from the city every 40 minutes. The route has 21 bus stops, and one can be found at the airport in front of the terminal. Bus stop 8 (Avenida Infante Dom Henrique) is a central location in Ponta Delgada, within walking distance of hotels and Igreja de São Sebastião. Travel time from Ponta Delgada Airport is 20 minutes. Tickets are available from the ANC Aerobus desk at the airport, and you can ask an employee which bus stop is closest to your accommodation. It is also possible to buy tickets from the bus driver. Seniors older than 64 will receive a discount. The bus has a capacity of 25 passengers. Prices: €4.50 one-way, €6 round-trip; seniors €3 one-way, €4 round-trip. Taxi Taxi is the quickest and most comfortable way to get to and from Ponta Delgada Airport. By car, it takes about 10 minutes to get to the center of Ponta Delgada. The price for a taxi ride from the airport to the center of Ponta Delgada is about €15 EUR. Accommodation: NEAT Hotel Avenida Ponta Delgada (or similar) * For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

      Hike from Ribeira Funda to Maia along the dramatic and beautiful north coast of the island of São Miguel. Stop to eat lunch at Praia da Viola, a secluded beach that can only be reached by foot. Along the hike, there are multiple viewpoints overlooking the island's coastline. After arriving in Maia, head into the town of Furnas for a visit to the Terra Nostra Gardens and geothermal hot springs. While there, the group will have a chance to take a dip in the natural hot waters or wander around the 24-acre botanical garden. Afterward, return to Ponta Delgada. Approximate travel time: 2 hrs via private vehicle; 4 hrs hiking Accommodation: NEAT Hotel Avenida Ponta Delgada (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

      This morning we will travel to the highest body of water in the Azores, Lagoa do Fogo, a lake that formed at the bottom of the caldera. Hike through a forest of Eucalyptus, Japanese Cedars, and along a levada waterway on your way down to the shores of Lagoa do Fogo. After a light picnic lunch, walk the rolling hills along groomed trails in the Sete Cidades parish. Hike about 3 hours around the caldera for spectacular views of the crater lakes formed within the former volcano. Marvel at the blue-green lake reflecting two different colors due to sunlight and algae growth. Approximate travel time: 2-2.5 hrs by private vehicle; 5.5 hrs hiking Accommodation: NEAT Hotel Avenida Ponta Delgada (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

      Board a plane with your group for a quick flight to Terceira Island, considered the capital of Azorean culture. After checking into the hotel your group will hit the Rocha do Chambre trail. This 6-mile circular route takes place in the middle of the island, exploring the rich agriculture of Azorean heather, laurel, and juniper plants. The Rocha do Chambre trail is considered rolling terrain. It has some flat sections through the forest which provide very dramatic scenery and a few steep inclines. It crosses a forest and meanders along a small stream up to the top of the Pico Alto crater at just over 2,300 feet. Enjoy beautiful views of the Azinhal Valley and Biscoitos village with its rocky lava formations that meet the sea. The total elevation of the hike is about 1,180 feet. In the evening, enjoy a 30-45 minute walking tour of the capital city, Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city maintains its stunning Renaissance architecture, housing fortresses, churches, and manor houses. Walk through this beautiful city and discover the hidden history of the main streets, squares, and monuments. Approximate travel time: 1 hr by plane, 1 hr by private vehicle; 4 hrs hiking Accommodation: Hotel Monte Brasil (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

      Hike about 7 kilometers (4.35 miles) on the Mistérios Negros trail, which starts near the site of the last volcanic eruption on Terceira in 1761. Learn about this incredible landscape while traversing uneven trails, over hardened lava flows, and volcanic rock. The highlight of the day is a visit to the Algar do Carvão lava caves, which are a naturally formed tunnel of air developed under the warm lava. Approximate travel time: 1 hr by private vehicle; 5-6 hours hiking Accommodation: Hotel Monte Brasil (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

      There are no planned activities today, so you may depart Angra do Heroísmo at any time. If you wish to extend your stay in Angra do Heroísmo, consider booking post-tour accommodation with us. Please note that check-out time from the hotel is usually mid-morning, but luggage storage services are available at the reception desk. The nearest airport to Angra do Heroísmo is Lajes International Airport (TER). If you prefer to fly out of João Paulo II Airport (PDL) in Ponta Delgada, you can travel back from Terceira to São Miguel by a short domestic flight. Want more adventure? Book two or more GEEO programs in the same school year and receive a discount! GEEO will give you 10% off of the lesser value program(s) (up to 3 programs per year). If you would like to extend your time abroad but don't see another GEEO program that interests you, let us know. We can work with you to find a trip from our tour operator’s much larger catalog. Their tours are open to the general public and not designed specifically for educators, but we can still offer you and your travel companions a discounted educator price on any additional tours that you book. Meals included: Breakfast


      *Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the routes described on our website, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The information on our website is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

      Details

      Frequently Asked Questions
      Please read our general FAQs, where you can find essential information that applies to all of our programs.
      Resources to Learn & Teach about the Azores
      Visit our recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have lesson plans and Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.
      Terms and Conditions
      It is very important for you to visit our Terms and Conditions page before signing up for this program.
      GEEO Program Confirmation Process
      We require a minimum of 6 participants for most GEEO programs. We officially confirm that a program will run once at least 8 people have signed up, which provides a margin for individual cancellations. Nearly all GEEO programs ultimately meet this enrollment quota, and in the rare event that a program does not meet the minimum requirement and GEEO cancels the program, we will work with you to find a suitable alternative or provide a refund of your deposit if you prefer. We encourage you to sign up for any program that interests you, and we will notify the entire group once 6 people are booked and again once 8 people are booked. We always emphasize the importance of exercising caution when making non-refundable travel arrangements, especially given the unpredictable nature of travel. For example, we typically recommend booking flights with flexible change/cancellation policies.
      Cancellation Policy
      All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in written form by emailing your request for cancellation to travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your written cancellation request, please call us at 1-877-600-0105. Verbal cancellation requests will not be honored.
      • If you cancel 60 days or more prior to the start of your program, all payments will be refunded excluding your $350 deposit, which is kept on file for future use and never expires. (Exception for participants who receive grants from our university partners: To address disruption caused by cancellation from grant recipients, deposits paid by grant recipients are forfeited upon cancellation.)
      • If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.
      • If you cancel within 30 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive no refund, but your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.

      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: The purpose of the accommodation is to provide a safe, well-located place for you to sleep. Sometimes you will be pleasantly surprised, but do not expect luxury, however, as our priority is keeping our programs as affordable as possible. 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. Suggested Checklist
      • Face masks,
      • Hand sanitizer
      • Water-repellent, wind-proof rain jacket
      • Personal clothing for mild weather (lows in the 50s, highs in the 60s and 70s) – we recommend packing 7 days of outfits so you don’t have to do laundry
      • Sturdy walking shoes or light hiking boots
      • Hiking pants
      • Wool socks
      • Daypack
      • Sunblock
      • Sunglasses
      • Sun hat
      • Water bottle or bladder (like a Camelback)
      • Watch or alarm clock (or use your phone)
      • Toiletries – important: some hotels do not give you soap and shampoo
      • Camera (or use your phone)
      • First-aid kit, including lip salve, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking
      Optional Checklist
      • Hiking poles
      • Swimsuit
      • Travel pillow
      • Money belt
      • Phone/tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
      • Chargers for electronics as well as converters/adapters, if needed
      • AirTags or Tile trackers
      • Packing cubes
      • Earplugs
      • Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can also buy snacks when you get there too, so don’t go crazy here
      • Ziplock bags
      • Reading/writing material
      • Hand sanitizer/Baby wipes
      • Light fleece top
      Document Checklist
      • Passport (with photocopies)
      • Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
      • Travel insurance ID card
      • Flight itinerary/boarding pass(es)
      • USD/EUR cash
      • Credit/debit card
      • G Adventures vouchers
      • GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent a few days before departure
      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 programs require that the participant have a valid passport. Please see our general FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double check the information we provide below by searching the U.S. State Department's International Travel Guidance. U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to the Azores (Portugal). Non-American participants should check with their government and local Portuguese Embassy to find out if they need a visa.
      Money Exchange
      Portugal is part of the Eurozone and uses the common currency, the euro (EUR). As currency exchange rates fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: 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 days 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.

      Costs

      Please keep in mind that this trip offers some free time to pursue activities that interest you. Make sure you look over all of the optional activities and note these additional costs when deciding whether you can afford this program. The prices below are rough estimates for budgeting your trip.
      • Tour Company Fee: See our price in the top right corner
      • Optional Activities: $10-150 USD
      • International Airfare from the United States: Roughly $600-1,600 USD If you require assistance in searching for international flights, we would be happy to help you.
      • Airport Transfers: $20-40 USD
      • Insurance: $79-200 USD Please note: It is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 USD. We also strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance as an add-on.
      • Tipping: $45 USD for your G Adventures tour leader.
      • Meals Not Listed in the Itinerary: $160-210 USD
      • Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, etc.: Make sure you budget for these types of expenses
      • Souvenirs: Variable. At your personal discretion.
      • Non-Educator Donation: $100 USD (suggested donation) This is only for non-educator guests traveling with an educator on a GEEO trip. Educators and retired educators should not make this donation.

      Optional Activities

      Most optional activities are booked and paid for locally in the local currency. You do not have to decide in advance which activities you would like to sign up for. The prices listed are based on the latest information we have received from our participants and G Adventures. They are not guaranteed to be accurate. Please feel free to use them as a guide for budgeting your trip. The prices below are in Euros (EUR).
      PONTA DELGADA
      Forte de São Brás: €3 EUR per person Visit Forte de São Brás, a Renaissance-style fortress dating back to 1552 which is home to the Azores military history museum. Jardim António Borges: no charge Visit Jardim António Borges, a local urban botanical garden with trails and grottoes that dates back to 1858. Ponta Delgada Foodie Walking Tour: price varies Take a walk with an expert guide sampling some quick bites along the way. Whale Watching: $60-120 USD per person The Azores Islands are one of the best places for whale watching in the Atlantic, with sightings possible all year round. Mountain Biking: €30-100 EUR per person A vast network of trails crisscross the island of São Miguel, taking you in and around calderas and volcanic hotspots, with plenty of amazing views to admire along the way.