Azores, Sao Miguel - Pleasure Week
On the Pleasure Week, you will combine fantastic riding experiences with the island’s breathtaking nature, volcanic craters, lakes, lush landscapes, and charming villages. You will ride through green pastures, along the coastline, and on scenic trails with spectacular views. The programme also includes excursions to some of the Azores’ most famous attractions, relaxing thermal baths, and time to enjoy the local culture. A perfect holiday for those who want to experience the unique beauty of São Miguel both from horseback and on foot.
Program
Preliminary day-by-day program
Day 1
Arrival and transfer from the airport to the riding centre. Dinner.
Day 2
Breakfast. 1-hour riding lesson (getting to know your horse). Lunch. This afternoon's ride takes you through the village and along impressive stone walls that are best appreciated from horseback. You will pass lush pastures with dairy cows and continue into an area that almost resembles a tropical rainforest. Dinner.
Day 3
Breakfast. Half-day ride in Remédios, located on the southern side of Lagoa do Fogo. You will ride along quiet country roads and across green pastures. A large part of the ride passes through grazing areas with dairy cows. From the rolling fields, you will enjoy beautiful views of the central parts of São Miguel. Lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner.
Day 4
Breakfast. Excursion by car with a driver-guide to the spectacular volcanic crater of Furnas. Furnas is an area renowned for its volcanic activity, natural beauty, and unique landscapes in the heart of São Miguel. You will visit the magnificent Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, where you can enjoy a swim in the warm natural thermal pool, with water temperatures ranging from 34–37°C (93–99°F). You will also have the opportunity to taste naturally sparkling mineral water directly from the spring and explore the beautiful surroundings. Lunch in Furnas. Dinner.
Day 5
Breakfast. Visit to Ponta Delgada for shopping or an optional whale and dolphin watching excursion. Lunch. Today's ride offers a little bit of everything, including enjoyable canters. You will begin near the ocean before riding up and over Pico da Multa. The trail continues through the village of Gramas and finishes near Ribeira Grande. Dinner.
Day 6
Breakfast. Today you will travel by car to one of the island's most spectacular locations, Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake). From the mountain summit, you can admire the stunning crater of an extinct volcano and its vast lake. You will also enjoy a relaxing thermal bath. The excursion includes a visit to the historic Gorreana Tea Plantation, Europe's oldest tea plantation. Lunch. In the afternoon, you will ride from the farm through the village of Livramento along quiet roads lined with traditional stone walls. The route continues to the area of Peixe Assado and into the island's lush vegetation. Along the way, you will encounter calla lilies, eucalyptus trees, acacias, and bay laurel trees. The ride then climbs to a viewpoint offering magnificent views over the northern coast of São Miguel. Dinner.
Day 7
Breakfast. An unforgettable day that feels like riding through a fairytale landscape. Today's ride follows the rim of a volcanic crater, with views of the famous twin lakes on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. The tranquillity of the lakes and the fragrance of the hydrangeas that line the crater rim contrast beautifully with the steep volcanic slopes, creating a truly breathtaking setting. You will then descend into the crater and visit the picturesque village of Sete Cidades, home to the famous Green and Blue Lakes. Lunch at a local restaurant in Sete Cidades. Dinner.
Day 8
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.