This is an ideal full day tour for families with kids during the Summer time. You will be able to have fun and acquire more knowledge about the places we visit in a different way, since this tour is a slow walk through unique pleasant landscapes.
During the morning we can swim and snorkel in 3 natural tidal pools. Most of the walk is at the sea side of São João Civil Parish and we can appreciate a number of cultural features. From the popular architecture to the beautiful fruit and food gardens. We will also see and learn about the Historic eruption of 1718, when lava flows destroyed part of the parish.
We can also taste at lunch the delicious local gastronomy that combines new cooking techniques with the traditional flavors of the Azores. At afternoon we will be able to relax and enjoy the pleasant feelings that nature transmits. Spending time in nature and swimming in the ocean is always a good idea for the whole family!
Here is a video about it on our blog.
Azorean Roots tour is about your origins. Emigration in the Azores has always been very significant. Starting in the 19th century, most of these emigrants were going to the United States of America or to Canada. This was when American Whale ships started to touch our islands. Since then, that we have a strong cultural connection to North America. On the other side, many Americans and Canadians have their origins in the Azores. However they’ve naturally lost their cultural connection to Portugal has generations passed. But now they are curious about their relatives who left the Azores and went for a new life in North America.
Azorean Roots is a special and personalised tour to back track those origins. Customers share with us information about their ancestors: names, birth dates, or birth places, letters, etc. Any clue that will allow us to make some research and ultimately find a house, a birth certificate, or only help them understand how their azorean ancestors lived and what made them leave.
Our Azorean Roots Tour is about our origins. Emigration in the Azores has always been very significant to us. Starting in the 19th century, many Azoreans emigrated to the United States of America or Canada because American whaling ships started to reach our islands. Since then, we have developed a strong cultural connection to North America. On the other side, many Americans and Canadians have their origins in the Azores. As generations have passed, many have lost their cultural connection to Portugal. However, many are now curious about their relatives who left the Azores for a new life in North America.
Azorean Roots is a special and personalised tour to backtrack those origins. We ask clients to share information with us about their ancestors, such as names, birthdates, birthplaces, letters, etc. These clues aid our research and help us find information like birth certificates or houses, or simply to help clients understand how their Azorean ancestors lived and what prompted them to leave.
Our 4 hours Cooking class in Faial will give you a taste of true Azorean tradition and culture. In other words, we combine experience, learning, art, pleasure, and hospitality into a journey towards authenticity. Not only will you be cooking during the class, you will be eating as well. Possible dishes include combinations of fruit and local cheeses, squid salad with rock samphire, coastal fish ceviche with coriander and lime, grilled limpets with lemon butter, chili and herbs, Caldo de Peixe from Pico (fish stew), or grilled pelagic fish skewers on laurel wood. As for our meat options, we offer regional steak with yam and verdelho sauce, lamb with pumpkin and orange, feijoada Flores Island style, and roasted octopus. For dessert we offer dishes such as fruit salad, regional sweet rice, or green tea pudding. Our cooking class in Faial is true to our traditions with a hint of innovation. This class will teach you our culinary techniques and traditions and give you the chance to taste new flavors.
Embark on a captivating pedestrian journey through the historic city of Horta, where we delve deep into its culture.
Over the course of approximately 4 hours, we’ll explore various landmarks in this vibrant port city, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The natural bay served as a haven for a wide range of vessels, from American whaling ships to transatlantic submarine cable companies (German, English, and American). Today, Horta’s marina remains a renowned stopover for yachts crossing the Atlantic.
As you wander through the streets of Horta, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the island’s earliest settlers who arrived in the 15th century, visit iconic churches and landmarks, and explore the Horta Museum, home to an exceptional collection of intricate fig tree core carvings and other masterpieces.
The Trail Running tour in Pico starts in the heart of the central plateau. We start running in the road for about 3 km until we find the Caminho dos Burros trail. Our ancestors built this old path. And they’ve did it in perfect harmony with nature. Because the trail goes along historical lava flows, formed by an eruption in 1562/64. The spell of native flora around this area is also amazing. As are the cones that spilled the lava in the 16th century eruption. Our route ends at baía de Canas. Therefore, if the conditions are good, we can swim there. The guide will also make sure to adjust the right pace so everyone feels comfortable by the end of the adventure. The Trail Running tour in Pico is a round trip. Furthermore, all transportations from Faial island and back are included. Feel free to contact us if you’re looking for a shorter or different route to run.
Trail running on Faial is a fun way to get to know the island. The 10 Volcanoes Trail is arguably the best medium distance trail running route on Faial and is actually part of the Azores Trail Run race. This trail offers an easy way to sight-see for those who carry their running shoes with them wherever they go. During the tour, we will have the chance to learn about the nature and culture of the island while we run. Our trail runner guide will set the right pace so everyone feels comfortable during the adventure. Depending on the weather, there will be some time to relax and possibly swim when we finish.
Although the 10 Volcanoes Trail is a great choice for trail running in Faial, we understand that it might be too challenging or just might not be what you’re looking for. Our tours are private, so please feel free to contact us if you’re looking for a shorter trail or a different running route. We are happy to design a different trail running option. Check out our last adventure with Mirna Valerio and her team, “Mirnavator”.
Our Mountain bike tour in Pico island is a round trip starting by taking the ferry in Faial island. We start to ride trough Hawaiian type volcanic landscape. When we get to São Roque, we climb the way up to Pico central plateau. Therefore, the second part of the ride is mostly down hill until we arrive at the southwest coast. Here we will have the chance to see and learn about the Pico vineyards landscape, part of UNESCO World Heritage. Then we head to Madalena and take ferry boat back to Faial island. This ride is designed for amateur cyclists or sports enthusiasts that practice endurance sports consistently, at least once a week. The route covers 50 km and 950 m of elevation gain. In this Mountain bike tour in Pico, our cyclist guide will adjust the pace and route accordingly to the weather conditions and group fitness. Feel free to contact us if you’re looking for a shorter or different custom made route.
Our mountain bike tour crosses Faial Island from east to west. We start riding at Horta and finish in the Capelinhos Volcano. In between, we will see the Caldeira of Faial. This ride is designed for amateur cyclists or sports enthusiasts who practice endurance sports consistently, at least once a week. The route covers 45 km, and 1320 m of elevation gain. We will use mostly dirt roads and secondary roads. The itinerary can change, for our guide will adapt the route depending on the weather conditions and group fitness. The guide will ride at the right pace so everyone feels comfortable by the end of the adventure. After the ride we may have some time to relax and swim, if weather conditions are right. Our mountain biking tour is a great way to cross Faial Island, see many different landscapes, and also learn quite a lot about the island. The tour includes bikes and transportation back to Horta. Feel free to contact us if you’re looking for a shorter or different, custom made route.
