8 days
Portugal

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.
Azores islands of Portugal
  • Day 1: Fly overnight to Portugal

  • Day 2: Ponta Delgada

    Meet your Tour Director at the airport

    Take 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

Interested in learning more about this tour?
  • Day 1: Fly overnight to Portugal

  • Day 2: Ponta Delgada

    Meet your Tour Director at the airport

    Take 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

Interested in learning more about this tour?

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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.

  • Personalized Learning Support

    Our personalized learning experience engages students before, during and after tour, with the option to create a final, reflective project for academic credit.

  • 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

Includes airfare, hotels, meals, full-time Tour Director, and more.
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      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.

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