Beyond The Volcano Fly Drive

Arrive at Sao Miguel airport and collect your hire car. Drive to the hotel Sao Miguel Park and check in for 3 nights.

After breakfast, drive to the Sete Cidades Massif, an area with a central volcanic crater and lake filled caldera, with various cones, deposits of pumice, lava domes and maars.

Visit Ferraria in the south west of the island with its thermal springs and spa. Travel on to Ponta Delgada and see the Grutado Carvao, the longest lava tunnel in Sao Miguel measuring some 1912 metres. The cave’s age is between 5000 and 12000 years old, and is classified as a Regional Natural Monument. (B)

Drive to the village of Lagoa and visit the OVGA (Volcanology Centre), the science centre for applied research and scientific dissemination in the field of volcanology, seismology and geothermal energy. Learn about the Azores' volcanic history before visiting an actual volcano at Furnas, a village with two ancient calderas, and the beautiful Lagoadas Furnas lake. Enjoy a traditional meal called "cozido" - cooked using the underground vapours of the volcano.

Visit the fumerols and try the hot springs in the centre of the village, or enjoy a stroll through the botanical garden of Terra Nostra with its large natural warm water swimming pool. On the way back to Ponta Delgada drive to the top of the mountain of Lagoado Fogo, the central volcano on the island, for an amazing view. Stop for a swim at Caldeira Velha, a natural tepid water swimming pool. (B)

After breakfast, drive to the airport and drop off your car before boarding the flight to Terceira.

On arrival collect your car and drive to the Hotel Praia Marina. Check in for 2 nights.

Drive to Angrado Heroismo, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beautiful town seemingly untouched by time. Stroll through its cobbled streets and witness the view of Monte Brasil across the harbour. Drive to Monte Brasil and marvel at the extinct volcano that emerged naturally from the sea and joined the city of Angrado Heroísmo. (B)

Drive to Serrado Cume, a viewpoint with a beautiful landscape, locally known as the Patchwork Quilt. Visit the Algardo Carvao, an ancient lava tube located in the centre of the island. Considered a geological Nature Reserve, it has an altitude of about 550 metres above sea level, with majestic stalactites and stalagmites and a pool of crystal clear water.

Visit the Natal Cave, an extensive geologic formation composed by fluid lavas solidified that formed several tunnels, ramifications and stalactites. (B)

After breakfast, drive to the airport for your flight to Pico. On arrival, collect your car and drive to the hotel Caravelas. Check in for 2 nights. (B)

Today, witness the sights of the beautiful Pico island. Geologically the youngest island in the Azores, its active volcano is the highest point in the country with an altitude of 2351 metres. Visit Grutadas Torres in Criacao Velha and marvel at the 5 kilometre long cave with its enormous stalactites and lava stalagmites, altiers and lava balls.

Drive through Criacao Velha and Santa Luzia for an impressive view across the island and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Currais, built by hand with volcanic stone to protect the thousands of vineyards scattered across Pico from the wind. Enjoy a stop at Adega da Buraca for wine tasting and sample other local products. (B)

This morning, drop off your car at the harbour before boarding the ferry to Faial Island. Collect your car on arrival and drive to the Hotel Canal. Check in for 2 nights.

Visit the Cabeco Gordo Cauldron, which marks the highest point of the island at 1043 metres above sea level and offers awe inspiring views of Faial and the ocean. (B)

Drive to Capelinhos, situated in the Capelo volcanic complex and the last volcano in the Azores to erupt, in 1957. Witness the unique volcanic landscape in this region before driving to the Cape Linhos Lighthouse which offers an excellent panoramic view across the area. Spend some time at the Interpretation Centre and learn about volcanic phenomenon and the history of volcanic activity on Faial. (B)

After breakfast, drop off the car at the airport before your flight back to the UK. (B)