Hiking the Azores: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Hiking the Azores was an experience that I will treasure for a long time. The islands are a gem to behold!

If you like to hike (nothing crazy) and love nature, this trip to the Azores would be hard to beat. The islands (Terceira and San Miguel) are beautiful! The Azorean government has blocked large commercialization -- so no huge Hilton resorts, Mickey D's, Starbucks to be seen. Our guide, Daniel Torres, was excellent (also very talented, listen to his music at https://www.youtube.com/c/DANTORRESMUSIC)! He is personable and fun -- also very patient when I asked him for the 3rd time to help me with my listening device on trail. Our local guides, Pedro, Filipe, Diogo, and Carlos -- hope I haven't forgotten anyone -- were interesting, easily understandable speakers with a lot of experience. I travel alone and felt very comfortable with the people, both single travelers and couples in our group. For me, getting a single room provides some down time to balance the interesting conversations with the group and the tour activities. I went in late September. The Azores usually have a humidity level of >80%, so it was comfortably warm. Dress in layers -- short sleeves with a light jacket. Take a rain jacket -- the local saying that you can experience 4 seasons in a day is accurate. Take an old bathing suit to go in the spa -- the iron in the water will stain, but don't skip the experience. I learned a lot about volcanoes, the whaling industry (which is now banned), US and European history, and LOTS about plants -- so much diversity. I wish RS would offer a trip to Faial, Pico, and Sao Jorge. I would sign up immediately!

Hiking in the Azores was a wonderful and enriching experience. The coordinators and guides were excellent and made the trip interesting, fun and stress free. The activity level and experiences were just as reflected in the catalog description. I would heartily recommend this tour.

Great program - exceeded my expectations

The Azores is a fascinating mix of geology, nature, culture, and history. Good food! enough challenging hiking to make you feel accomplished! Good rest time. Marcus and all of the guides on both Teceira and San Miquel were the best! Funny, personable, and knowledgeable. I would go again.

What an amazing trip! I highly recommend that you give this one some consideration!

This archipelago gem is a botanical paradise, a lush, green volcanic landscape, lined with miles of blue and pink hydrangeas; it's beauty to behold. A lyric in Pink Martini’s song, “Let’s Never Stop Falling in Love” renders a line, … life is a beautiful heaven … can be said about the Azores. Journey (almost) to the center of the Earth to Algar do Carvo. “Spirit Divine” by Morse, J.Pool & M Kalli captures, and will fill you with a similar kind of magic & awe you’ll experience inside this ancient lava tube vent. It’s an Azorean trifecta: its slower paced charm, deep culture and connection to nature. There’s a strong connectiveness to family in these islands, and a determination to preserve their cultures and traditions for future generations (visit the Oficina Museu and Gorreana Tea plantation). Along with therapeutic thermal pools to lounge in, the Azorean government very impressively taps into its geothermal resources to provide cleaner energy for the needs of their people. Give a listen to Nusrat Fateh as he sings of deep bonds and strong connections in his lyrically beautiful song, “My Heart, My Life”. And move over pineapple growers in Hawaii, because I have tasted pineapples from both places. For me, the meticulously groomed fruit at the Anananas Arruda Pineapple Plantation takes 1st prize for a most delicious flavor. Daniel Torres was our impeccably organized Group Leader Extraordinaire who allowed us to experience the authentic side of the islands and its people. Highlights include his inviting locals to join us for dinner at a local restaurant and of course, local expertise guides Pedro, Filipe, Diogo and Carlos gave us a fun and deeper connection to the islands through storytelling, education and many hearty laughs along our journey. This Azores Road Scholar hiking trip added sunlight to my soul. And if you want to catch feel that feeling, listen to Angelique Kidjo belt out, “Sunlight to My Soul” as you peruse your next Road Scholar trip.

Great trip, terrific guides, very nice accommodations in convenient locations. Really enjoyed the hikes and other walking opportunities available right outside your hotel. Introduced to the eating habits of the locals. Very glad I got to check out the Azores.

Hiking the Azores: A Nature Lover’s Paradise was an amazing experience. It is everything as advertised. Dainiel Torres is a phenomenal group leader and his colleagues are knowledgeable and gracious. You won't be disappointed choosing this adventure!

The combination of the beauty of the Azores, our amazing guides, incredible scenery and great accomodations made for a perfect experience. We would recommend this proram to anyone!

What an extraordinary trip! This program satisfied my curiosity about the Azores and showed me such incredible beauty. I loved the programming. There were plenty of full and enriching days with just enough free time for exploring. Each orientation walk showed us varied options for further exploring on our free afternoons. The balance was perfect. Daniel Torres is a joy. He never missed a beat and kept us organized, relaxed and always entertained. Pedro, Diogo, Felipe and Carlos are talented, knowledgeable and delightful. We split into 2 groups to best match pace and assure we all had a great time. All were passionate about the Azores and intent on making sure we had great experiences. The food and lodging were top-notch. I loved every destination and experience. I'm also awed by fellow Road Scholars. What a smart and interesting group of people. This was a top-of-bucket list trip for me and exceeded my expectations.

What beautiful islands, and such a caring environment. Marcus, our group leader, was great, showing great energy, organization, care for details, and was very kindly attentive to needs. Thank you Diogo, Phillipe, Pedro, and Carlos for your amazing knowledge and humor on the hikes. Some past reviews mentioned too much free time, Our experience was full days-our days started with breakfast about 7:30 and we returned to the hotel/resort typically between 3:30 and 4:30 for free time prior to dinner at 7. The hikes were 2 to 3 hours, 3-4 miles, and then afternoons were walking in the villages or historical/geological/botanical walks. We had a full group of 24 (larger than our previous RS trip), with our group divided into two smaller groups for hiking; not divided into rate of walking/hiking. We did find that in the first group the first 2 days we felt rushed to move on from view points, etc before group two arrived. We would have enjoyed more time to look around etc. If you enjoy the outdoors, volcanoes, gardens, oceans, volcanic rock pools inthe Atlantic, thermal pools,sustainability efforts, beautiful lodging, great food, meeting and enjoying new friends with similar interests this is a perfect match. The islands are truly remarkable and the trip was fantastic and well executed by Marcus and team.

I absolutely loved this program! Stunning scenery on sell curated hikes. Experts everyday! Wonderful food! I'm thinking of taking this trip again with a friend!

Wonderful trip. If you are a plant lover, this one is for you!!!

I chose this trip because I was intrigued by the picture in the program literature - but it was so much beautiful than the picture! I urge all my friends who want to travel to choose Road Scholar - I love learning about the culture and hiking through the country side.

Breathtaking scenery, excellent accommodations, delicious meals, and knowledgeable instructors, made our hiking tour of the Azores a very memorable experience. Arianna took such good care of our group. Road Scholar is lucky to have her as a leader of the Azores program.

Hiking the Azores is a fantastic trip with the most beautiful scenery you will see anywhere in the world!

Trip far exceeded my expectations.

The Azores are a very beautiful group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Definitely worth a visit. Local guides were outstanding and made the trip very educational. Be prepared to do some flying. Six flights during the trip!

Hiking is a perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the Azores. The accommodations were outstanding, our guides were amazing and the Azores are a hidden gem that I feel fortunate to have visited.

The trip exceeded expectations in every way!! If you enjoy nature, hiking and outdoor activities, this will be a travel pleasure. I will add what I hope is helpful info about the travel logistics which should not be a deterrent but could impact planning. The airplane leg to Boston and then to the Azores are two separate tickets. Checked luggage has to be picked up in Boston and can not be rechecked until a specified time prior to the Azores departure. On the return, evening arrival in Boston necessitates a hotel overnight at the traveler's expense. Minor aspects to an overwhemlingly memorable trip!!

A wonderful trip!

BEAUDACHUS

Hiking the Azores is a GREAT program!!! Wonderful scenery, good hikes, experienced & knowledgeable guides, and not a lot of bus time. Lots of little surprises and BIG WOWS!!! Highly Recommended

I loved every minute of my trip to the Azores (except the plane rides). The islands are magically beautiful and the group leader as well as local guides were knowledgeable and fun to be with. They made the trip extra special. I highly recommend this adventure.

What an amazing adventure and introduction to Road Scholar! We were able to experience the history, geology, flora, fauna, culture, language and food of such a wonderful group of islands. The accommodations were excellent, comfortable, and attentive. The itinerary was well organized and flexible as we learned with multiple schedule changes due to flight delays. The pace was active but still allowed time for self-exploration and relaxation. Overall, we hiked/walked between 5-9 miles a day. A couple of hikes had pretty steady inclines; however, the use of two groups was helpful to accommodate the paces of all the participants. Above all, what made the trip so spectacular was the team of guides. Dan was so caring, empathetic, and attuned to our needs. He brought a positive energy that was infectious and provided quick response and comedic relief when scheduling conflicts arose. He also had a great ability of getting to know each of the participants and pointing out places that would be of interest to each individual. The other guides (Diogo, Pedro, Carlos, Philipe...I think I'm missing someone) were so knowledgeable and enjoyed sharing their islands with us. I really cannot say enough about this trip. It has definitely set a high bar for future Road Scholar adventures!

Wonderful trip Great food.As a regular hiker the hikes were not difficult for me but gorgeous and extra walking opportunities existed if one wanted to fo a bit more .

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. the accommodations, food, guides, and setting are hard to beat. The guides were so flexible when the weather didn't corporate always finding another spot to visit or route to take. I would have wished for a bit more hiking. The food amounts could have been cut down some . Most everybody on these excursions don't eat that much at our ages and we hate to waste good food. We've mentioned it to several of our friends as it is so close to the United States and not such an arduous travel issue. Thank you again for taking such good care of us. Sincerely, Cheryl Conley

This was my first trip with Road Scholar and I cannot say enough good things about my experience. Arianna did a fantastic job, the guides were all very knowledgeable and as a solo traveler I felt comfortable and welcomed by everyone. The size of the group was just right, not too large so we all had a chance to get to know one another. The Azores are breathtakingly beautiful. The accommodations were very comfortable, the food was excellent, good thing we hiked most every day as we definitely did not go hungry! I hope Road Scholar adds a new trip visiting a few other islands, I would love to learn more about this fascinating place.

What a wonderful trip! The Azores are beautiful, and the educational pieces added immeasurably to my enjoyment and appreciation. I hadn't realized the Azores are so volcanic and relatively new!

The Azores are beautiful. This may be Southern Europe, but it is not at all Mediterranean. This was an active trip, between the hikes and “field trips” I usually walked 7-9 miles each day. With the exception of one or two more challenging days, the hikes were relatively easy but beautiful. If you want very rigorous hikes, this isn’t the trip for you. It was a great trip if you want a sense of 2 of the 9 islands, volcanic activity and beautiful scenery.

If you enjoy amazing natural beauty, well organized activities, quality accommodations, good food, knowledgeable, friendly instructors and an unbelievable experience, this program is for you! Excellent in every way!

Outstanding tour. The Azores is lush and green with many different mini climates. Wonderful hikes and walks. Great guides.

We appreciated every aspect of Hiking in the Azores. The hikes, the group, the food, the accommodations, the scenery, and all the special places we visited helped us learn about a place previously unfamiliar to us. The Monte Brasil and Sanguinho trails at the beginning and end of the trip were definitely challenging, but we were able to keep up and felt a major sense of accomplishment after completing them. Our leaders, Altair, Felipe, Diogo, Pedro 1, and Pedro 2, were all terrific. They were knowledgeable, engaging, and fun to be around. Al handled all the logistics well, and the four hike leaders shared information while watching out for our welfare on the trails. Our only suggestion would be to mix up the hiking groups so that we can interact more with all the leaders and participants. We were in group two, and we didn’t seem a lot slower than group one, just behind them on the trails. Our entire RS group was very friendly and interesting – each member added to the flavor of the experience. This tour is highly recommended if you enjoy hiking, admiring fabulous landscapes, viewing volcanic activity, dining on delicious food, drinking an abundance of complimentary wine and beer, lounging in an iron-rich thermal pool (bring a dark-colored bathing suit!), and hanging out with like-minded folks.

The hiking the Azores trip was very enjoyable because of many reasons: it is a beautiful destination, the leaders are excellent, and the accommodations and food were very good. Some of the hikes were mostly level or mostly downhill. One hike had more uphill than I was comfortable with. The last hike I did not do because I had fallen and hurt my ankle. I was surprised that beer and wine was offered gratis throughout the trip.

This is a great trip. There was a perfect balance between free time exploration and planned events. The hikes were diverse with good interpretation of cultural and natural history such as the whaling industry. The food (especially seafood and cheese) was excellent. The local wine was outstanding and part of every dinner and most lunches. Stellar organization by our trip leader. Stunning scenery: volcanic landscapes, ocean vistas, streams, waterfalls, forests, a cave, quaint villages, a garden tour, and thermal springs (to soak in).

The hiking , guides and group leader made this trip wonderful.

The Azores are incredibly beautiful and this hiking trip was an ideal way to see more of these amazing islands.

This trip was amazing. The Azores are beyond beautiful. The tour is well organized and paced. The trip leader, Daniel Torres, is great. He is kind and patient and kept the group informed each day of the activities. He also explained why the day might not go as planned. The group was always on time. There were 9 single women on the trip and I think all of them felt comfortable. The hikes are divided into 2 groups so different levels can be accommodated. The hiking guides are informative and lots of fun. Please bring hiking sticks, I did not and regretted it. A kind fellow hiker lent me one and all was well. The weather changes frequently so be sure to put a rain protection in your day pack every day. If you are reading these reviews trying to decide to take this trip, just pick your best date and GO!

Great hiking, spectacular views, great meals. Beautiful countryside where beautiful flowers grow like weeds everywhere.

The Azores are truly a unique and amazing place. The hikes were at the level described in the program description. The beauty of the two islands was different yet stunning in both. All the leaders were informative, congenial and enjoyable. The food and wine was outstanding. I’d recommend this trip to hikers looking for a great new place to explore.

Hiking the Azores was a "Wow" trip. Breathtaking scenery! The hiking trails progressed from easy to more difficult. The difficulty included steep inclines and walking on cobblestones. If the trails had been wet, that would have added to the difficulty. The hiking pace was adequate and dependent on the group. Always have a raincoat with you. Weather can change quickly. Couldn't have asked for better guides!

Hiking the Azores was a remarkable experience. Al Silva was our primary guide who led an exceptional team. I knew very little about the Azores prior to the tour, but the guides informed us about the geology, history, culture, agriculture, fauna and flora and much much more. The islands are remarkably beautiful and the people very welcoming. The hikes were well worth the effort. The food and accommodations were excellent. We had a wonderful group of participants. I highly recommend this program. J Young

This was an excellent trip with hikes to some spectacular scenic locations. Group leader, Daniel Torres, was exceptional as were the other tour guides that assisted with various parts of the trips. He sent a daily email detailing the events for the following day, which was a great way to stay organized. All of the hotels we stayed in were excellent, as was the food. My only suggestion is that we had three dinners on our own and I would prefer to have all the dinners organized by Road Scholar. We had excellent weather except for our last hike when it rained. We were divided into two groups for hiking so participants had the ability to choose a faster or slower pace, which was very helpful. I would definitely recommend this trip and hope to take another trip to the Azores with Road Scholar if some of the other islands are added to future trips.

Everything about this hiking trip was outstanding. In addition to learning about the natural world and enjoying incredible vistas, we also learned a great deal about the history and culture of the Azores. The food and accommodations were excellent, but best of all was our group leader, Daniel, and his team of guides. They were so knowledgeable, caring, organized, and personable. This trip sets the bar mighty high for future Road Scholar trips!

This was one of the best trips I have ever taken. The Azores are stunning, the weather was fantastic, but the best thing about the trip was our group leader, Daniel Torres, and his team. Food and accommodations were terrific. The range of hikes and activities were very diverse and interesting. There was the right balance of free time and planned activities. I came back from my holiday refreshed and energized.

Great program full of getting close to many natural wonders by hiking throughout the two islands visited. Good variety of activities lead by an exceptional team of knowledgeable guides both in breadth and depth. Top notch places to stay especially the Terra Nostra gardens and thermal bath hotel. Azores is wonderful Portuguese islands full of natural and historical things to learn.

The Hiking the Azores program is well-described as "a nature lover's paradise". But it also provided me with a wonderful introduction to the fascinating history, geography, culture and culinary delights of these beautiful islands. All the instructors were knowledgeable, personable and passionate about creating a memorable experience for participants. And tour leader Daniel Torres is simply the best!!!

The program, "Hiking the Azores" exceeded our expectations! The Azores Islands are a beautiful place...lush & green with European charm! The guides and educational opportunities extended the sites and sounds of this beautiful place. Many thanks! We highly recommend this program! Krista & Dan Gerhart

"Hiking the Azores; A Nature Lover's Paradise" is exactly that. Enjoy!

Everyone must visit the Azores at least once in their lives and Road Scholar is the best way to go- great leadership and guides, gorgeous hikes, fantastic people, delicious food and lodging, and Arianna is the perfect group leader. Be prepared to eat well and often!

This guided tour of two islands in the Azores (Terceira and Sao Miguel) was a terrific value and all-around excellent experience. Led by UK-national, Daniel Torres, and several Azorean guides, this Road Scholar package lasted 11 days. Beginning on Terceira, highlights included a stay in a charming boutique hotel in the UNESCO Heritage City of Angra, within walking distance of scenic gardens, a protected bay, and the hiking trails on Monte Brazil. Nearly all meals were included and were of good quality and variety, with special appeal to seafood lovers. Our daily schedule typically included a short (never more than 45 minutes) bus ride to a hiking trail at a caldera or seaside cliffs, hiking for 2-4 hours with guides and commentary on earpieces, and a late lunch either back at the hotel or as a picnic. Afternoons usually included leisure time with suggestions for local museums or other attractions. Trails were easy to moderately challenging. On the downside, our group was larger than we anticipated (23), but we often split into smaller subgroups (e.g., for the hikes), and our bus had a large capacity. Our leader, Daniel, was outstandingly caring and accommodated everyone's varying needs regarding diet and physical ability.The volcanoes, thermal pools, calderas, cow-dotted hillsides, stone walls, and quaint villages provided something new every day. Weather can be variable, so our itinerary was flexible, and we were very fortunate to have clear days on which to take in the higher elevation sights. Wildlife is limited. However, there are some endemic bird species to watch for, and one can see lizards and even bats during the daytime. The not-to-miss spot is the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel's thermal pool and botanical garden. The pool is huge and naturally heated to 100 degrees. The garden has 31 acres of winding paths, grottoes, streams, forests, cycads, fern trees, and just about any plant you can imagine. Eden indeed!

The Azores are beautiful with spectacular views all around. I enjoyed our hikes and the places we visited. Daniel Torres, our tour manager, was great as were my fellow travelers. For those who want to hike in a beautiful and interesting location, this is a great tour.

The program is well run and enjoyable. A bonus- I didn’t realize how totally lush and beautiful the Azores is. The guide Daniel is a gem!

The hiking trip in the Azores was my third Road Scholar trip, and my first solo trip. It was absolutely wonderful! Our RS leader was Arianna, and she was great. Thorough, attentive, and able to adapt our itinerary to the sketchy weather conditions. She was on top of every detail. The participants were so welcoming, I never felt like I was alone. As a group, we learned so much about the history, culture, botany, and geology of the Azorean islands. The hikes were true to the descriptions, and just so gorgeous! The Azores are truly a magical place in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

Serious hiking in uniquely beautiful areas on Islands formed by volcanoes.

I could not have asked for a more stimulating, fascinating, entertaining and learning 10 days.

What a great adventure!

Azores are amazingly beautiful with gorgeous views at every turn! The local guides add so much to this program!

The Azores are beautiful and fascinating. The hiking trip is physically demanding but includes a wonderful balance of towns, islands, and activities. It suits a small group. We were 12 which was lovely, though it was planned for 16 (4 cancelled at the last minute).

Very nice and well organized. The hiking was great, the guides knowledgeable and personable.

Beautiful and historic area of the world with kind, interesting people and great food!

Awesome trip! I knew nothing about the Azores prior to registering for the trip, and I am so glad that I decided to travel to the beautiful islands. Our leader Daniel Torres was excellent, along with all of the experts. This was my first road scholar trip. It was a perfect balance of hiking, education, and fun!

After waiting 3 years to take this trip due to Covid, it lived up to and surpassed my expectations. I knew nothing about the Azores and was impressed with ecological approach with respect to the environment. The US could learn a lot from these islands. And the views were spectacular.

Hiking the Azores was a fabulous experience! We saw a great deal of the Islands with an interesting group of travelers and an expert group of guides. The accomodations and food were icing on the cake!

This trip went beyond my expectations!

I had the opportunity to travel to the Azores on this incredible trip with my Aunt. We had the best time touring, learning, eating, hiking, and making new friends. Daniel was an excellent tour leader and the guides were all incredibly lovely, knowledgeable and entertaining. The islands were stunningly beautiful. This was the perfect first adventure with Road Scholar.

This was a terrific program and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to have an active visit to another country. The scenery is spectacular from architecture to volcanic calderas and the flowers are amazing. The green is reminiscent of Ireland,in that there are so many variations. The activity level was perfect for people who are used to active hiking up and down hills. Nothing was very difficult. Bring your hiking sticks though. You'll need them. The history of the islands is so interesting and how the people adapted to this volcanic terrain. Angra was beautiful and easily explored. I would love to go back!

There are so many reasons to join this trip - the beauty of the place, the outstanding leadership and educational presentations, the opportunity to experience the Azores... Just can't say enough. If you are not in good enough shape to do it - get going and get ready so you don't have to miss it!

This was a well organized trip with beautiful scenery, interesting history of the islands, nature, and a great group of travelers who enjoyed walking, hiking and learning. Our wonderful tour guide, Daniel, kept us informed and happy to be on this excellent adventure. The local guides were knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their subjects . This was my first Road Scholar trip, and hopefully the first of many more. Thanks!

"Hiking in the Azores" far exceeded my expectations. The hikes covered a wide variety of terrain and the instructors were very knowledgeable of each area we visited. I also enjoyed all the scenic areas and villages we stopped at along the way.

The program was very well done. The access to customer service is so poor that I would probably opt for other companies who offer similar tours

This was an amazing trip if you love nature and hiking. Daniel Torres was a fantastic guide and had a wonderful sense of humor. The food, hotels and activities were perfect. We were looking for a trip with more physical exercise and this worked out nicely. My husband had double knee surgery 9 months ago and was able to do this trip easily. We hiked along the rims of volcanos and the coast, in addition to other nature hikes with breathtaking vistas of the many lakes. We had several local guides, Diogo, Phillipe and Carlos, in addition to Daniel, and all were extremely professional and knowledgeable. We have done several trips with Overseas Adventure but this was our first trip with Roads. We plan to do more with Roads in the future!! The Azores and its peoples are simply charming in every way!

This was a great trip! The Azores are beautiful and the hiking along the coasts and in the volcanoes was really interesting. And who doesn’t like hot springs or a swim in the Atlantic after a day of hiking?

If you love nature and its beauty, this program is for you. The Azores are easy to get to and well worth discovering. The natural beauty we experienced was phenomenal and the walks and hikes a great pleasure. I would recommend this program to anyone who loves nature and can walk a few miles a day.

I’ve been on 14 Rhodes Scholar trips and this trip was one of my top three favorite! The nature was extraordinary, as well as the guides. A real effort was made to show us the beauty of the islands and immerse us in the culture of the Azores, including the local foods, as well as an abundance of local wines and cheeses!

Best program ever!

I cannot say enough about how wonderful of an experience the trip to the Azores was. So professional, comfortable and filled with learning.

This was a trip of a lifetime! The views, vistas, hikes, tours, and unique geography amazed me at every turn. The other participants were delightful. Arianna and the expert guides were truly experts and also lots of fun. The two islands we visited were distinctly different and truly fascinating and left me eager for more. Thank you to Arianna and the entire Road Scholar team for creating this wonderful adventure.

Have done 19 Road Scholar trips and this trip was a very good experience and enjoyed it very much.

This was a wonderful hiking/walking experience - great group leader ( Arianna) and knowledgeable guides , wonderful food , lovely accommodations . Enjoyed learning about the Azores.

This was my first international trip since the start of the pandemic, and a good opportunity to get my sea legs back, so to speak. I was concerned that I had gotten out of shape during the pandemic, and certainly older since my previous spirited trips in my late sixties. Each day the group divided into two, by preferred pace, and I never felt unable to keep up. Our two groups certainly were not much different in pace, and I felt that I had earned the daily meals at the end of the trail, but was never pushed too hard. Strolls through the towns, the beautiful sites at the twin lakes, hot springs, caves, and botanical gardens were delightful. I hope you like hydrangeas, they're everywhere! Our leader, Danial Torres, was extremely attentive to the needs of each individual in the group, be it dietary, social, or physical. He is clearly matched well to his occupation. The tour covered Terceira and San Miguel Islands, hiking daily with local guides who knew the local culture, as well as the trails. The hikes themselves were not difficult, but the pace kept us moving. The temperatures in July were comfortable, with fog and mist an unpredictable companion.

This trip exceeded my expectations in so many ways. An airline cancellation complicated my arrival; however, Daniel’s Zoom meeting motivated me to persist alone all the way to Terceira where he met me at the airport. So glad I did! From the first gathering online and daily, Daniel set the tone for easygoing, seamless, and lively exploration. Expert instructors shared ecological and cultural history wherever we traveled. Hikes varied in difficulty with most challenging at start and conclusion of the program. Never thought I would step within a dormant volcano or dine on Cozido! Plenty of time to explore on our own as well. Drivers were dauntless. Daniel led by example, encouraging us all with comaraderie and confidence. This post- pandemic excursion has made me eager for many more. Excellent adventure!

Hiking in the Azores was like living in a postcard. The scenery was beautiful and the hiking was spirited. Our group leader, Dan Torres, made the trip fun and kept everyone organized and safe. I can't say enough about this trip - it was perfect from start to finish!

If you love being outdoors among beautiful flowers and panoramic vistas, Hiking the Azores: A Nature Lover's Paradise, is the next trip for you. Words and photographs cannot describe the breath-taking scenery of the volcanic valleys, the thermal pools, and the picturesque quaint villages we experienced while learning about the history of the Azorean islands too. As we toured the two islands, our leader, Daniel Torres, and the other instructors were top-notch--warm and engaging and full of fascinating facts about the Azores to share with us. This was our first RS trip and we hope there will be many more adventures to follow! Five star trip!

Wonderful, varied hikes over 2 different islands. Breathtaking scenery. Great weather. Daniel was a fabulous leader. Very active trip with hikes that were easy to moderate in intensity. Bring hiking sticks & good hiking boots and be prepared to enjoy the Azores.

This was a truly wonderful program. The hikes were all interesting; the multiple hikes were unique experiences and not just variations on the same theme also. I learned a great deal of this very unique flora, fauna, and geology. The instructors were knowledgeable and always availaable and approachable.

A terrific trip with a nice mixture of half-day hikes in diverse settings with gorgeous views. Interesting cultural activities and lectures by excellent guides. The leader, Arianna, was fabulous at her job - friendly, flexible, well-prepared, skilled problem solver. Hotels were very nice, well-located, making it easy to do independent exploration during free time. Somewhat unexpected for a hiking trip, lunches were multi-course, seated affairs with wine; all excellent food, with lots of local specialties, a far cry from the sandwich-and-apple lunches I anticipated for a hiking trip.

This was our first Road Scholar trip and it definitely exceeded our expectations! Our trip leader, Daniel Torres, was amazing! He was extremely organized, had a wonderful sense of humor and, most importantly, was able to adapt and deal with some challenging situations during the trip which kept us on track and allowed us to continue to enjoy the wonders of the Azores! We appreciated that the group was allowed to choose from 2 different levels of hiking to accommodate the various skill levels. Even so, we would have enjoyed a few more opportunities for hiking and a bit less time left to explore on our own. The instructors was fantastic! We learned so much about the Azorean history, culture, geography, geology and the impact of these islands on the world throughout the ages. We would certainly consider another hiking adventure to some of the other islands in the Azores, especially if led by Daniel Torres.

Wonderful trip! I can't imagine a better Leader than Dan Torres.If the prospectus appeals to you, I highly recommend this offering.

The islands are absolutely beautiful. Well put together program with an excellent leader, Daniel Torres, and informative and friendly hiking instructors and lecturers. Accommodations were very good and close to getting around in town. There were more walks than there were hikes, and the walks could have been a bit longer. The scenery was spectacular.

What a fantastic trip! The countryside is beautiful with stone walls everywhere and lush and green scenery and the ocean often in sight. The towns are charming and the people are very welcoming. The hiking and the leaders that led the kikes did a great job of showing us the beauty of the Azores. The hotels were modern and in towns that you could easily walk to. The leader of the trip, Daniel Torres was great! I would highly recommend this trip.

What a gorgeous country...flowers and greenery everywhere!! Varied hikes in gorgeous settings...around the rim of volcanoes, along the coast, and through forests. The people of the Azores were warm and welcoming. Lovely hotels, charming small towns, beautiful gardens, and a fun group of people. Our group leader Daniel Torres was exceptional and the local guides excellent.

An amazing area to visit.

I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of this program & especially the walking & hiking (some easier walks & a couple of more challenging hikes). Our group leader & expert hiking guides were great! And I loved the beautiful, varied, & dramatic landscape.

Had a great time on this 8-day introduction to Azorean wonders. Hikes in this breathtaking landscape varied in physical demands as well as terrain (vast shapely caldeiras, craggy lava fields, rainforesty lushness, coastal cliffs, &c) but were all splendid. Our group leader Arianna, hiking guides Diogo, Filipe, Pedro, Carlos, bus drivers, hotel & restaurant staff, were all terrific. Food was by & large great (but less would have been plenty!). Arianna & the guides, all engaging, charming, caring individuals, worked very well as a team, changing arrangements on the fly to accommodate ability levels, weather, injury, illness. I found this a very thoughtfully-planned tour. Our first foray into the big wide world since the global pandemic began, & while there were anxieties about that, it was so full of delights! Be ready for rain, shine, &/or to have your mind blown by natural wonders!

What a wonderful adventure! Arianna as our group leader was wonderful, along with all the other local guides. They gave us a wonderful experience of the Azore Islands.

This trip hit all the major targets: great leader and hike instructors. great country, balanced itinerary, good accommodations and generally excellent meals. Two rather challenging hikes: train for steep uphill and downhill to fully enjoy them. Raingear essential--light to moderate rain pretty common, apparently.

Just completed my first Road Scholar and it was an excellent experience. Nice balance of activity/instruction and free time to explore our environment/host cities. I enjoyed the expertise of our Group Leader and guides and the company of my fellow travelers. Excellent hotel accommodations and delicious meals. Overall an excellent value!

The Hiking the Azores trip was excellent. Interesting geology, beautiful hikes and Arianna was a wonderful group leader.

This was a wonderful trip; I loved it! Prior to this trip, I knew nothing about the Azores; I had no idea what I was missing. I'd definitely recommend this trip and would enjoy going on it again (if there weren't so many other places to go). I've recommended the Azores to multiple friends/family members, even if they don't go as part of a group.

A wonderful trip in all respects. Great walks, great guides and very compatible group. The Flora and scenery was spectacular. Learning the very interesting geological and political history of the Azores was a plus. Two cautionary points which did not detract from our particular trip: 1) It rains a lot in the Azores(hence the lush greenery) so be prepared to walk in the rain. We were lucky that we only had one day of rain and our time on the volcanic peaks was very clear. 2) If you are into serious hiking, this trip only involves pleasant walks under 3 miles rather than serious hikes. But there are also often afternoon city or garden excursions and free time to do some of your own exploration which made the trip particularly pleasant and interesting.

This was my first trip with Road Scholar and it certainly set a high bar for my future trips. It was a great way to get back into the swing of traveling again. Everything was perfect: accommodations, guides, hikes, and the pace of the trip. The food was awesome. The only downside to that was that I came home a few pounds heavier. It's a very good thing we did all those hikes! Lastly, kudos to our tour director, Daniel Torres. He was professional, attentive to detail, caring, and just very fun to be around. Yes, Road Scholar, I think I am hooked!

The Azores are an awe inspiring area of the world! Our group of twenty jelled quickly and we thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent with each other, an outstanding leader and our expert guides learning about and exploring cities and villages, numerous volcanic geological features and hiking in the woods, around a crater, by lakes and the ocean. If you love nature and hiking this is an outstanding program to add to your bucket list.

Go to your computer right now, carefully read the descriptions and then book this trip. It's a dandy. The Azores itself is a miraculous place to travel--beautiful beyond words, safe, friendly people, authentic, and terrific infrastructure, so everything just works. Beyond that, Daniel Torres' leadership of the group was superb. He had an unusual knack of finding out what would make the trip more enjoyable for each person and working really hard to make sure those pieces fell into place. He is warm, open, personable and funny, not just with participants but with the folks at all the restaurants, hotels and sites we visited. The guides were very knowledgeable about a wide range of topics. The hikes were all lovely. They were mostly relatively short (3-4 miles) and only 2 were a bit challenging for someone who walks and hikes regularly. I appreciated the balance of having well-chosen hiking experiences that were a part of each day, but didn't overwhelm the rest of the journey. I'd do this trip again in a flash. P.S. Bring your rain jacket!

This is an amazing experience in a place I had no idea about before a friend suggested this program. I have been on many RS thrip and this one ranks high. The levels of hikers were accommodated but it is hiking, not strolling. The scenery is beautiful and quite unlike most other places. The volcano sites are wondrous and the lush landscape is unique. If you know nothing or everything about the Azores take this trip. The accommodations are luxe, the food is great and the activities are varied and well planned. Go!

A great hiking trip to visit the lush islands of the Azores. You will be amazed with the natural beauty and warm welcoming people.

What a marvelous experience! Gratitude extended to Daniel for his leadership and to all the great guides. You will learn so much on this trip and be physically challenged by the incredibly gorgeous hikes to landscapes beyond your wildest dreams! The Azores is charming, refreshing, and stimulating. Your senses will be enlivened by the fresh fragrant air, the greenery and flowers, and the steamy volcanic adventures! Sign up today!

This Azores hiking adventure has it all! The destination defies description with every type of topography and landscape--thermal pools, volcanic craters and calderas, superb hiking vistas, astounding coastline, and rock-lined pastures. The cuisine is unparalleled, culture and Portuguese people friendly and welcoming. This trip will make you wish you could stay for weeks!

The Azores proved a wonderful destination with great scenery. Enjoyed the free time to explore areas and meet locals. The hikes pushed time over enjoyment. Disappointed the guide, Daniel, specified he is logistics only also is not local so didn’t have native familiarity (a first on my RS trips), but all our other experts proved much better qualified, knowledgeable and patient answering questions. Daniel also was discourteous to single women in the group, so try for a different guideHad a super group of women on this trip which uniquely consisted of more singles than couples. High humidity made masking more challenging. Wish the return evening flight arrival didn’t leave everyone having to spend the nite in Boston.

This was a wonderful trip - so good to be back traveling again. We didn't realize the Azores was one of the safest places(highly vaccinated) in Europe. We were lucky to have great weather - only one really rainy day and that was on a non-walking day. The Azores are absolutely gorgeous. We were very impressed with the cleanliness, environmental sensitivity and land stewardship on the islands. Most of the walks were pretty easy, with the exception of the last one. Although short (3 miles), the first half was a stiff, uphill climb. We were happy we brought our sticks, especially for that walk. Of course, the challenge might have been related to the appalling shape we were in! We would definitely recommend this trip.

How can the best part of Europe not actually be attached to Europe? Visit the Azores and find out.

A wonderful trip. The islands are amazing to see. My comment for anyone going on this trip is to be prepared for weather. If you are a hiker you know how to prepare for the weather conditions and be able to enjoy the outdoors no matter what mother nature throws your way. A place not to be missed. Of course, our group leader was great. He was a pleasure to travel with.

Terrific program! Hiking with beautiful ocean vistas and exotic volcano mountains. Lots of streams, waterfalls, and exotic plants. The meals and hotel accommodations were excellent and the guides were knowledgeable and fun to be with. The group leader was superb! Highly recommended for the outdoor enthusiast.

This was a fabulous trip. I really liked the level of hiking. Not too strenuous and left me fresh to do more exploring in our free time. Lots of meals were included on this trip and I especially liked the variety of food across the meals. The wine was excellent too. Here's a few additions that I recommend: - Add a water sport - kayaking, SUP, etc... - Add a visit to a chapel of the Holy Ghost - Add a quick stop at the viewpoint in Prada Vitoria. It would be so easy for the busy to stop there for a 15 minute photo op. This was my first Road Scholar trip and I would definitely recommend this trip. I'll be back for another trip soon!

First and foremost, our trip leader, Daniel Torres, was outstanding. He is charming and engaging. Having said that, I'm afraid that the trip did not live up to my expectations. And I know I'm in the minority with this viewpoint. This was my 19th RS trip, the majority of which were hiking trips and rated more challenging. So I knew that the level of hiking here would be at a shorter and slower pace. I was willing to do that in order to experience the Azores. However, the hiking was both slow, unchallenging and short. It never reached the stated level of "up to 5 miles". More like up to 3 miles. For many, or most, of the participants, that was just fine. So future participants would gauge their desire to come by that metric. A few of us joked that the title of the trip should more properly read "Lots of wine, lots of free time, and some walking around the Azores". So yes, the wine flowed at all meals. And there was way too much free time, often in towns where there was really nothing to do or see. Clearly this was to fill time. I'd sometimes see participants just sitting on park benches waiting for the trip to continue. Perhaps the Azores isn't really geared up for tourists quite yet as the towns lacked some of the tourist infrastructure such as craft or artist shops. But there are great views of the mountains, the ocean, the fields, the greenery. Some of the non-hiking parts were quite interesting including the tour of the gardens at The Terra Nosra Garden Hotel (wonderful guide) and the tour of the Gorreana Tea Plantation. So if someone is looking for leisurely paced walks/hikes, some good and abundant food and lots of wine, and lots of down time, this is a trip for you. Given the option, I'd rate this between 3-4 stars.

We were completely satisfied with our experiences, both the hikes we did, and the side excursions taken. The Azores is like no other place with such a green landscape year round, amazing vistas, and friendly people. It also, in a time of Covid, felt as safe as any trip could be.

I couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable first Road Scholar adventure. The trip was very well organized. The accommodations were first rate and the food very nice. The leader was fantastic - knowledgeable, organized and a "nice guy" as well; he had anticipated every question and issue before we got there. the individual guides on the separate islands also very good. Being a "spirited" trip, I expected hikes and scenery, and they did not disappoint; there were also a few strolls around the cities and villages that were nice as well. I don't know how they could make this trip any better!

My first foreign tour, my first Road Scholar tour. Absolutely wonderful. Well thought out, attentive and knowledgeable guides. Great accommodations. And the Azores is one of the most stunning places I've seen. If all the programs are this good, I'll be back for more. We met others who have employed Road Scholar on 15 or more trips. That says something about the company.

We thoroughly enjoyed Hiking the Azores. Daniel Torres is an excellent leader: very organized with a charming and engaging personality, and the local guides were all fun and informative. The scenery is spectacular and the Azores have a fascinating history. Although the many hikes were relatively short--usually no more than 3 miles--trails can be slippery and muddy with somewhat steep ascents and descents, though this is clearly communicated in the trip description and materials.

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed Hiking the Azores this September. Our tour leader, Daniel Torres, enhanced the experience with his warmth, charm and friendliness. He made sure our transitions went smoothly. He did his best everyday to accommodate everyone's needs and make it the best experience for each person. We had wonderful meals, fabulous accommodations, and interesting conversations with our fellow travelers. Our local guides and educators were very knowledgeable of the islands and gave us great insight into the history and ecology of the area. The landscape was breathtaking and unique. We highly recommend this tour for anyone who loves the outdoors.

I highly recommend Road Scholar's Hiking the Azores for those who enjoy an active vacation that stimulates one's mind and body. Thoughtful, well-prepared guides lead the hikes and the islands and people of the Azores are amazing. I came away with a new appreciation of the role of Portugal and the Azores in world history as well as a deep admiration for the Azorean people. A highlight was traveling with fellow Road Scholars who enjoy the outdoors and active nature of this trip.

Don't miss out on this adventure to the Azores! I was blown away with the two islands on the tour, the people and beautiful vistas, not to mention the hiking, food and amazing tour leaders/guides. I would definitely go back to visit other islands. What made this, my first RS trip, extra special was the group of people on the tour. Everyone was interesting, fun and thoughtful.

This was our first experience with Road Scholar and the trip exceeded all of our expectations in every way. Group leader Daniel Torres took care of our every need, even arranging for required U.S. entry COVID testing at our hotel rather than having to go to a lab facility. Both Daniel and his local teams were very gracious and extremely knowledgeable / informative without being pedantic. In particular, the various meals “at local restaurants” were amazing with free-flowing wine. The hikes through incredibly scenic landscapes were pleasant and not overly challenging. The highlight of the trip for me and my wife was the 2 ½ days at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel in Furnas. Absolutely magical with vast exquisitely manicured gardens and thermal pools. We vowed to return there for our 50th wedding anniversary.

Beautiful hikes, excellent hotels, and food with wine , beer , desserts at each meal. Covid test, airline questionnaire before hand mask worn even on bus,, and had to pay for covid test to return to the USA. This trip went 9/1/21 and may change. Also due to arriving late (8:00 p.m. )in Boston and few flights out after that, you must arrange own accommodations to stay over in Boston.

The Azores Islands are spectacular! This was my first adventure with Road Scholar and it far exceeded my expectations. Beautiful scenery, delicious food and wine, great hikes and superb knowledgeable guides. I can't wait for my next trip!

I could not have chosen a better trip for my first Road Scholar experience. Daniel, the Group Leader, created a wonderful atmosphere for our group of 21, keeping us informed of potential changes due to weather, and maintaining control of the group with humor, charisma, and kindness. The field experts, Paola, Felipe, Pedro and Carlos, provided terrific insight and knowledge which greatly enhanced the experience. Logistically, Daniel ensured a smooth running trip; the lodging was lovely, the food was incredible, transportation ran smoothly, meet-up times were clearly explained (not just when, but also why), and Daniel made himself available for our questions and/or concerns (if any) during our free time. The itinerary descriptions provided are very accurate and extremely helpful. The scenery on the hikes was magnificent and experiencing the local culture was an added bonus to each day. I highly recommend this trip and am looking forward to spending my retirement years completing my wish list with Road Scholar. Educational Wanderlust! Bunnie J - Class of 2020

A terrific group of guides in a beautiful environment hiking so many special trails.

Spectacular! That describes everything about this trip - guides, food, accommodations, scenery, hiking, wine, etc. Daniel Torres was an excellent group leader who found fun alternatives when an activity had to be changed. Some hikes included steep ascents and descents and we walked in the rain, but we all did them and it was well worth it. In less than hospitable weather conditions it was good and in the sun it was stupendous.  Even with concerns about coronavirus we had a good time. Highly recommend this trip.

I would recommend the Azores hiking program. The islands have wonderful natural beauty, the views are spectacular and the program leader and guides are first rate. Plus, it's an area that many Americans have never visited.

Fabulous!!! Our first RS trip. The Azores were beautiful in spite of some rain. Tip: take a waterproof jacket and hat, not just water repellant. You’re hiking even if it rains. An excellent itinerary, everything was so well organized. Daniel was beyond terrific and our local guides were as well. Hotels were wonderful, food was delicious. We loved the whole trip! I do think RS needs to better describe the hikes, the original description sounded like we would be strolling along but there is some serious up and down and elevation changes. Five miles on a flat road is a LOT different than five miles up and down. Take hiking poles. Five star trip!

I had a really great time on this trip. Our leader Daniel was wonderful and he, along with our instructors on both islands, provided us with lots of fun, lots of food and wine and lots of cool information and learning experiences. The accommodations were excellent, the meals were excellent and all o the activities memorable. No matter the weather we carried on safely and happily due to the professional and fun loving manner of our leader, instructors and amazing bus drivers. The other group members were fun loving too and friendly so that just added to the good experience.

If you are an avid hiker looking for a beautiful outdoor experience this program is for you. The leadership quality is excellent as well as the food and lodging. This is a wonderful way to meet others who have a spirit of adventure and who love the outdoors.