The Heart of the Atlantic: Azores Islands

Travel Theme Exploring the "Hidden Gem of the North Atlantic" – A Journey Through Nature and Culture in the Azores Itinerary Overview - Duration: 12 days (including round-trip transportation) - Transportation: International flights + island car rental/bus - Highlights: Volcanic landscapes, Blue Lake hot springs, whale and dolphin watching, cultural immersion in Europe's "Last Frontier" Detailed Itinerary Day 1-2: Shanghai → Lisbon (Portugal) - Transportation: Direct flight from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Lisbon (approx. 14-16 hours, options include TAP Portugal, Lufthansa). Stay in a boutique hotel in Lisbon's historic district. - Activities: - Stroll through Lisbon's iconic landmarks: Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, soaking in the maritime history. - Local cuisine: Try pastéis de nata (at Pastéis de Belém), seafood rice, and port wine. - Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Lisbon's old town Day 3: Lisbon → Azores (São Miguel Island) - Transportation: Flight from Lisbon to São Miguel (main island of Azores, approx. 2.5 hours, 1-2 daily flights by TAP Portugal). - Activities: - Rent a car upon arrival (recommended for exploring the Azores; book online in advance). Head to the eastern part of São Miguel to visit Furnas Lake, a volcanic crater lake, and admire the colorful lakeside houses. - Experience "geothermal cooking": local restaurants serve beef and vegetables slow-cooked using volcanic heat. - Accommodation: Hot spring hotel in Furnas village Day 4-5: In-depth Exploration of São Miguel Island - Day 4: - Morning: Visit Sete Cidades Twin Lakes (formed in a volcanic crater, one blue and one green, stunning from aerial views). - Afternoon: Hike through Gruta das Torres lava cave to explore underground volcanic formations. - Day 5: - Morning: Take a boat from Vila Franca do Campo for snorkeling or swimming around the islet, a natural swimming pool. - Afternoon: Head to Sanguinho viewpoint for coastal panoramas. Explore Ponta Delgada's local market in the evening. - Accommodation: Hotel in Ponta Delgada Day 6: São Miguel → Terceira Island - Transportation: Flight from São Miguel to Terceira (approx. 40 minutes, Azores Airlines) or ferry (longer journey; flight recommended). - Activities: - Terceira is the "historical heart" of the Azores. Visit Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and key port during the Napoleonic Wars. - Explore São Sebastião Church and wander through colorful streets. - Accommodation: Hotel in Angra do Heroísmo old town Day 7-8: Nature and Adventure on Terceira Island - Day 7: - Morning: Hike to the summit of Monte Brasil volcano for panoramic views of Angra do Heroísmo. - Afternoon: Snorkel at Biscoitos Beach, known for its crystal-clear volcanic rock bays. - Day 8: - Whale and dolphin watching (the Azores is one of the best spots in the North Atlantic; blue whales and sperm whales are common in summer). - Evening: Join a local family-style dinner and learn to make traditional Azorean bread. - Accommodation: Hotel in Angra do Heroísmo Day 9: Terceira → Faial Island - Transportation: Ferry from Terceira to Faial (approx. 1 hour, daily service). - Activities: - Faial is famous as the "City of Blue Hydrangeas" (best in May). Explore Horta, its capital, and the artist-painted breakwater. - Hike Cabeço Gordo volcano for moon-like landscapes. - Accommodation: Hotel in Horta Day 10: Faial → Lisbon - Transportation: Flight from Faial to Lisbon (approx. 3 hours). Free time in Lisbon (e.g., Rossio Square, Avenida da Liberdade). - Accommodation: Hotel in Lisbon Day 11-12: Lisbon → Shanghai - Day 11: Morning shopping for souvenirs (azulejo tiles, port wine). Afternoon flight back. - Day 12: Arrive in Shanghai, trip concludes. Travel Tips 1. Best season: April–October (mild weather, ideal for outdoor activities; whale-watching peak is June–September). 2. Visa: Schengen visa required (issued by Portugal). 3. Language: Portuguese; English is widely spoken in tourist areas. 4. Currency: Euro (cash recommended as some small island shops don’t accept cards). 5. Notes: Azores weather is unpredictable—pack wind/rain gear. Drive on the right side (left-hand traffic).