Islands of the Azores: Environmental Science in Action
Venture to the islands of the Azores, a breathtaking archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean known for its unique geological properties (it sits above the junction of three tectonic plates!).
In Ponta Delgada, go whale watching, sample and analyze local water sources, and explore an ancient lava tunnel. On a day trip to Furnas, the center of the Azores’ geothermal activity, marvel at the fairytale-like greenery and natural wonders, including hot springs and fumaroles. Take a dip in the mineral-filled waters of a thermal pool and enjoy a meal that’s been cooked from the earth’s steam. After discovering the Azores’ natural beauty and participating in hands-on workshops with local scientists, you’ll return home with a whole new understanding of these islands’ ecosystem.
-
Day 1: Fly overnight to Portugal
-
Day 2: Ponta Delgada
Meet your Tour Director at the airportTake a walking tour of Ponta Delgada, a port city full of historic architecture and stunning natural beauty
Learn about seismic activity at the Azores Seismovolcanic Information and Surveillance Center
-
Day 3: Ponta Delgada
Visit Expolab, an interactive science center, where you will:
- Have a discussion with members of the research team and learn more about their work
- Participate in a hands-on workshop
Visit the Volcanological and Geothermal Observatory of the Azores
See the Azores’ unique geological properties on a coastline walk
-
Day 4: Ponta Delgada
Take a day trip to Sete Cidades, famous for its natural beauty and location in a dormant volcanic crater, where you will:
- Hike to a scenic overlook
- Stop for a photo at the Twin Lakes, two separate bodies of water connected by a strait and bridge
Discover Gruta do Carvão, the longest lava tunnel on São Miguel Island
-
Day 5: Ponta Delgada
Take to the seas with a marine biologist, where you will:
- Look out for whales
- Collect water samples
Analyze your water samples with local scientists
-
Day 6: Ponta Delgada
Learn about agriculture in the Azores on a visit to a local farm
Take in the beauty of Lagoa do Fogo, or Lake of Fire, on a nature walk
Visit the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Center, a natural monument made up of hot springs, thermal pools, and museum exhibitions
-
Day 7: Ponta Delgada • Furnas
Take a day trip to Furnas with an expert local guide
Tour an organic tea plantation
Learn about citizen science on a visit to the Furnas Monitoring and Research Centre (CMIF)
Stop for a photo at the Pico de Ferro hot spring
Enjoy a Cozido das Caldeiras lunch that’s been cooked underground by steam from geothermal springs
Explore the beautiful Terra Nostra Garden and take a dip in a thermal pool
Discover the geothermal pools and geysers at the Caldeiras Furnas Village
-
Day 8: Depart for home
-
Day 1: Fly overnight to Portugal
-
Day 2: Ponta Delgada
Meet your Tour Director at the airportTake a walking tour of Ponta Delgada, a port city full of historic architecture and stunning natural beauty
Learn about seismic activity at the Azores Seismovolcanic Information and Surveillance Center
-
Day 3: Ponta Delgada
Visit Expolab, an interactive science center, where you will:
- Have a discussion with members of the research team and learn more about their work
- Participate in a hands-on workshop
Visit the Volcanological and Geothermal Observatory of the Azores
See the Azores’ unique geological properties on a coastline walk
-
Day 4: Ponta Delgada
Take a day trip to Sete Cidades, famous for its natural beauty and location in a dormant volcanic crater, where you will:
- Hike to a scenic overlook
- Stop for a photo at the Twin Lakes, two separate bodies of water connected by a strait and bridge
Discover Gruta do Carvão, the longest lava tunnel on São Miguel Island
-
Day 5: Ponta Delgada
Take to the seas with a marine biologist, where you will:
- Look out for whales
- Collect water samples
Analyze your water samples with local scientists
-
Day 6: Ponta Delgada
Learn about agriculture in the Azores on a visit to a local farm
Take in the beauty of Lagoa do Fogo, or Lake of Fire, on a nature walk
Visit the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Center, a natural monument made up of hot springs, thermal pools, and museum exhibitions
-
Day 7: Ponta Delgada • Furnas
Take a day trip to Furnas with an expert local guide
Tour an organic tea plantation
Learn about citizen science on a visit to the Furnas Monitoring and Research Centre (CMIF)
Stop for a photo at the Pico de Ferro hot spring
Enjoy a Cozido das Caldeiras lunch that’s been cooked underground by steam from geothermal springs
Explore the beautiful Terra Nostra Garden and take a dip in a thermal pool
Discover the geothermal pools and geysers at the Caldeiras Furnas Village
-
Day 8: Depart for home
Reviews
Refer a friend or colleague to EF and we’ll thank you with $1,000. Learn more
Your experience includes
-
Airfare & transportation
Round-trip flights on major carriers; comfortable motorcoach
-
Hotels
6 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms
-
Regional-style meals
European breakfast and dinner daily
-
Guided sightseeing
3 sightseeing tours led by licensed local guides; 1 walking tour led by your Tour Director
-
Entrances
Azores Seismovolcanic Information and Surveillance Center (CIVISA); discussion with a professor at Expolab; Expolab workshop; Volcanological and Geothermal Observatory of the Azores; Sete Cidades hike; lava tunnel; whale watching; water sample study; farm visit; Caldeira Velha; tea plantation; Furnas Monitoring and Research Centre; Terra Nostra Garden; thermal pool; Caldeiras Furnas Village
-
Full-time Tour Director
Your culturally connected Tour Director is with your group 24/7, providing deep local insight while handling all on-tour logistics.
-
Expert Local Guides
Your expert local guides are natural historians, adding cultural insight and global perspective on your sightseeing tours.
-
Continuous Support
Your dedicated EF team helps you every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travelers to planning and managing your tour.
-
Worldwide Presence
EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide so wherever you go, we're there too.
-
24-hour Emergency Service
Travelers and their families can count on EF's dedicated emergency service team.
-
Peace of Mind Program
Feel secure knowing your group can change their destination or travel dates due to unforeseen circumstances. Learn more about your flexible options at eftours.com/peaceofmind.
Lowest price
Price is valid for students under the age of 20 at the time of travel that room in triples and quads. Minimum participation is required. Change and cancellation fees of up to the total price will apply. Applicable airline baggage fees are not included and can be found at www.eftours.com/baggage. Program price is valid today only.
Price displayed includes an Early Enrollment Discount; restrictions apply. To determine if you qualify, please contact your Tour Consultant. Tours departing between 10/1/2023 and 9/30/2024 may be eligible for a $100 discount. Tours departing 10/1/2024 and beyond may be eligible for a $200 discount; restrictions apply.