The Azores Islands
“Bem Vindo aos Açores
Maria Trip Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival at São Jorge Airport in the Azores where Maria will meet you and take you to your accommodations. Enjoy an afternoon tour of the city of Velas including stops at a supermarket and a local restaurant for dinner.
Day 2:
Experience Cultural Week in Velas, an annual festival held every July. This popular week-long event features musical concerts, folk dances, parades, and other exciting activities that fill the day and evening. Enjoy authentic island cuisine in the many mini-restaurants available in the festivity area.
Day 3:
A tour of Sete Fontes Park in São Jorge; a tranquil setting for photographs and bird watching amidst the native plants and trees.
Day 4:
Departure by boat to Pico for a tour of the island’s most interesting points. Return to São Jorge by late afternoon.
Day 5:
A tour of Fajã do Ouvidor and Fajã da Ribeira da Areia. Visit a local restaurant to relax and enjoy the beautiful views. If you like to hike, you can make special arrangements to hike from Fajã do Ouvidor to Pico das Caldeirinhas. This is a hike of about 5 hours. The special arrangements include a tour guide (if you need one), and a taxi driver to pick you up after your hike. The taxi and the guide are at your expense, so be sure to discuss the cost before contracting the driver or guide.
Day 6:
A tour of Fajã dos Vimes and Fajã das Almas. Fajã das Almas requires a 10 minute walk up a steep and narrow path and is optional for any student who does not feel up to it. Students who like to hike can make special arrangements to hike from Fajã dos Vimes to Fajã de São João. This hike is approximately 4 hours. Special arrangements include a tour guide (if you need one) and a taxi driver to pick you up after your hike. The taxi and the guide are at your expense, so be sure to discuss the cost before contracting the driver or guide.
Days 7-10:
Study program begins in Velas. Classes take place from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Lunch is from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., with afternoons reserved for tours of special interest places on the island. Visit a cheese factory, and the water falls near Topo. See Santa Catarina, Santa Barbara, Nossa Senhora do Rosario, São Francisco and Santiago Maior churches and other cultural attractions. Visits to Topo and Calheta are other points of interest.
Day 11:
A cruise to Faial and a tour of this fascinating Island. Includes frequent scenic picture stops to capture the beauty of this location.
Day 12:
A day on your own to review and practice the first week’s lessons. Visit with locals, go shopping, or dine in a restaurant using your new language skills.
Day 13:
Tour of the Fajã dos Cubres. We will walk by the lagoon, take pictures of the beautiful sites, and visit a great local restaurant.
Days 14
Walking tour to Fajã de Santo Cristo, a distance of almost 9 miles. This tour is optional for students not up to walking this distance. However, for participants who would like a motorcycle taxi ride to the fajã have to make arrangements ahead of time in the Fajã dos Cubres.
Days 15-18:
Classes resume in Velas. Afternoon tours and visits continue.
Day 19:
Free day. You may choose to explore on your own, interact with the natives, or simply rest and enjoy the beautiful weather and views.
Day 20:
Time to wish you a safe trip as you head to São Jorge airport for your departure home.
Maria Trip Itinerary
“Boa Viagem!” – Maria
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