Our full-day car tour on Faial will take us all around the island in a fun and engaging way. We will visit Caldeira do Faial, Capelinhos Volcano, Fajã da Praia do Norte, as well as a few other places. Our itinerary is always a surprise. Since the tour is private, we have the flexibility to adapt each tour to our clients’ preferences and to the weather conditions. Our Guides love to share our island’s history and culture, and their knowledge about Azores in general. If you’re interested, we are happy to stop for a swim in the ocean during the summer or for a small hike. Our car tour on Faial is an 8 hours tour with lunch included.
Atividade: Culture
Faial Lay-over tour
Make the most of your time on Faial with our Lay-over Tour, a half-day car tour that takes you to some of the island’s most iconic locations. This approximately four-hour tour will visit the Caldeira of Faial and the Capelinhos Volcano, along with a few other notable spots. The exact itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions.
The Caldeira of Faial is a large volcanic crater, about 2,000 meters in diameter and 400 meters deep, formed by ancient volcanic activity. It is one of the most striking examples of a caldera in the Azores archipelago. Inside the caldera, you can admire lush vegetation that thrives due to the island’s humid climate and fertile soil, offering a glimpse into Faial’s natural beauty.
The Capelinhos Volcano, on the other hand, is one of the most significant geological sites in the region. Its eruption in 1957 dramatically changed the landscape of the island. The eruption lasted for about a year, creating a new area of land where there was none before. The surrounding area, with its lava fields and remnants of the eruption, creates a unique and striking landscape that is both historic and visually impressive.
This Lay-over Tour is perfect for those with limited time who want to explore Faial in a short but comprehensive way. We are also happy to arrange airport pick-up or drop-off if you wish to book the tour on your arrival or departure day.
Banana Trip
The Banana Trip is a full day cultural tour in Pico island. Usually, we focus on the South coast of Pico island. We will learn about the wine culture and the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards landscape. And we will better understand the importance of the Azores Whaling culture, by visiting a few heritage sites, like the Whaling Museum. A traditional lunch is included at Lajes village. In between, we will appreciate several natural tide pools and visit the interior of the island, Pico Central Plateau. We call it Banana Trip, because the final goal is to visit our own banana plantation. To check and see if there’s a ripe bunch of bananas, ready to harvest. The Banana Trip is a private cultural tour in Pico island that offers an exclusive experience. The price includes all expenses from Faial island and back.
Azorean roots
During our Azorean Roots tour, based on the information you have about your family, we will visit the parishes where your ancestors lived, explore the main churches and historical monuments. And gain insight into how they experienced life on the island and what might have led them to leave. The emigration from the Azores to the United States and Canada was significant, and these countries have always had strong ties to the islands.
Many Azoreans left in search of a better life, driven by economic hardships, natural disasters, and the promise of opportunities abroad. The whaling industry played a major role in establishing early links with North America, as many Azoreans found work aboard American whaling ships, particularly in New England. Later, during the mid-20th century, the eruption of the Capelinhos in 1957-58 forced many families to leave their homes, adding another wave of emigration to the United States and Canada. These historical events created a strong cultural and familial bond between the Azores and these countries, with many descendants now looking to reconnect with their roots.
Throughout the Azorean roots tour, we will explore these stories and their impact on the families that left, while also discovering how the island’s history and these international connections have shaped the lives of both those who stayed and those who left.
Throughout the day, we will also make several stops at important locations, including the protected landscape of the wine culture of Criação Velha and/or Lajido – a UNESCO World Heritage site. The lunch will be at a local restaurant in the village of Lajes, known as the whaling village.
Azorean roots
During our Azorean Roots tour, based on the information you have about your family, we will visit the parishes where your ancestors lived, explore the main churches and historical monuments. And gain insight into how they experienced life on the island and what might have led them to leave. The emigration from the Azores to the United States and Canada was significant, and these countries have always had strong ties to the islands.
Many Azoreans left in search of a better life, driven by economic hardships, natural disasters, and the promise of opportunities abroad. The whaling industry played a major role in establishing early links with North America, as many Azoreans found work aboard American whaling ships, particularly in New England. Later, during the mid-20th century, the eruption of the Capelinhos in 1957-58 forced many families to leave their homes, adding another wave of emigration to the United States and Canada. These historical events created a strong cultural and familial bond between the Azores and these countries, with many descendants now looking to reconnect with their roots.
Throughout the Azorean roots tour, we will explore these stories and their impact on the families that left, while also discovering how the island’s history and these international connections have shaped the lives of both those who stayed and those who left.
During the day, we will also make several stops at significant landmarks, including Caldeira, Capelinhos Volcano, and other key sites. The lunch will be at a local restaurant, serving typical Azorean cuisine.
Horta city tour
Embark on a captivating journey through the historic city of Horta with our Horta city tour. Discover the rich culture, history, and beauty of this unique Azorean city.
Our Horta city tour lasts around 3 hours and takes you through the heart of this vibrant port city. We will first explore landmarks that highlight the city’s important role during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Horta was a crucial stop for many vessels, including American whaling ships and companies involved in transatlantic submarine cables from Germany, England, and the United States. Its natural bay provided a safe haven for these ships. Today, Horta’s marina remains famous as a stopover point for yachts crossing the Atlantic. Sailors from around the world often leave colorful murals and artwork on the marina walls, adding to the city’s charm.
As we walk through the streets of Horta, you will learn about the first settlers who arrived in the 15th century. These early settlers laid the foundation for the city’s growth. We will also visit important churches and landmarks that have stood the test of time. These sites offer a glimpse into Horta’s rich architectural and cultural history.
During the tour, you will have the chance to visit one of Horta’s museums. These museums house unique artifacts, including detailed fig tree core carvings and local art. The museum provides insight into Azorean artistic traditions and showcases the islands’ rich heritage.
By the end of the tour, you will gain a deeper understanding of Horta’s past and present. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or simply exploring, the Horta city tour offers something for everyone.
