Blue, black, green, white, red and grey are the colours of this journey. Blue for the sea; black and green for the lava ground and the vegetation that is bursting through; white and red for the wine from the vines cultivated according to a unique technique; and finally grey for the matter, yours, that we propose to enrich in all relaxation.
Alternating with trips on the water to observe some of the 28 species of whales and dolphins off the coast of Pico, selected hikes, accessible to all walkers, will allow you to discover the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards, the primitive forest, the last remains of which are in Macaronesia, as well as the traditional agricultural landscape of the eastern area of the island. Then there is the climb of the Pico volcano for those considering themselves in the best shape; Pico is the highest volcano in the Azores, and the highest peak in Portugal (2,351 m).
Vine cultivation – the famous « Verdelho » wine – and whaling have had a profound impact, not only on the island’s economy, but also on the island’s landscapes, social and geographical organisation, and island lifestyle. You can better understand the Picarotos (inhabitants of Pico) by visiting their past in the whale museum of Lajes, located in the old whaling factory of São Roque and also in the museum of the Madalena vineyard.
In the evening, biologists or cetologist guides offer various talks on topics such as cetaceans, turtles, photographic identification of cetaceans, animal photography, the island of Pico, its geology, its fauna, its flora and its inhabitants.
Price:
From € 449.–
Length of holiday:
8 days (7 nights)
Departure dates:
Late March to early November
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Features of the holiday
| Destination: | Azores, Europe, Portugal |
| Season: | Autumn, Spring, Summer |
| Responsible travel: | Accommodation, Carbon offset, Environment, Food, Local food, Micro-economy, Sensitization, Small organization |
| Travel type: | Mixed holidays |
| Traveller type: | Couple, Family, Small group, Solo |
| Activities: | Observation, Tour, Trekking, Walk, Wine tasting |
| Accommodation: | Small hotel |
| Natural environment: | Birds, Dolphin, Flora, Geology, Island, Marine fauna, Sea, Volcano, Whale |
| Culture: | Agriculture, Architecture, Customs, History, Vernacular architecture, Viticulture |
| Climate: | Oceanic, Temperate |
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Itinerary of the holiday
- Day 1 (Saturday) : Flight from Geneva to Lisbon, then Horta (or Pico). Welcome at the airport, then a ferry to Lajes do Pico. Welcome drink & information concerning the planned activities.
- Day 2 (Sunday) : Whale watching excursion in the morning and Whaler’s museum in the afternoon.
- Day 3 (Monday) : Hiking on the eastern tip of the island, visiting a potter.
- Day 4 (Tuesday) : Hiking in the vineyards and visiting the wine museum.
- Day 5 (Wednesday) : Excursion on the sea in the morning, an afternoon stroll to the Vigia de Queimada.
- Day 6 (Thursday) : Hiking in the Laurisilva (primitive forest) and a visit to the whale factory in São Roque.
- Day 7 (Friday) : Free. (optional) Climbing of the Pico or day of wildlife-watching in São Jorge.
- Day 8 (Saturday) : Transfer to airport (Pico or Faial). Return flight to Switzerland.
The description of the trip is given as a guideline. The organisers may need to change or modify the trip depending on the weather conditions, security, number of participants and of course the presence of the whales.
Map
Length of the holiday |
8 days (7 nights) |
Departure dates |
Late March to early November |
Price |
Price per person from 2 persons in a double room, depending on season: € 449.–, € 499.–, € 599.– Optional: climbing of the Pico € 70.–, day of wildlife-watching from € 98.– (depending on the season) Supplements: single traveller € 199.–, single room € 95.–, half board € 105.–, 3 *** hotel € 180.–, sea view € 20.– |
Included with the holiday
- welcome and transfer from Faial or Pico airport to hotel in Lajes do Pico
- 7 nights accommodation in a 2 ** hotel (breakfast included)
- a road book with detailed descriptions of hikes and planned activities
- two 3-hour excursions on the sea (includes boat, fuel, harbour costs, equipment, etc.)
- access to the services of the BOCA
- 3 hikes in varied landscapes unique to Pico
- 5 talks on a variety of themes (such as: Pico, volcanoes, the evolution of marine mammals, turtles, photo identification, etc.)
- insurance
- free entrance to the Whaler’s museum
- government taxes and cetaceans observation permit
Not included with the holiday
- flights
- travel insurance (highly recommended)
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- Dense vegetation along the north coast
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- The wild northeast coast
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- Light contrasts
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- Downhill towards the south coast
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- Cows graze on the sides of the volcano
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- The volcano often produces its own cloud... and we're in it!
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- Hills in the centre of the island
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- Vigia de Queimada, a whale-watching observation point once used for whaling
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- Dolphins swimming near the zodiac
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- A family of dolphins swimming in front of the coast
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- The typical flat vineyard in squares protected by low walls, recognized as a World Heritage Site
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- Sunset from the port of Lajes
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- The church of Lajes
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- View on the volcano when arriving at Lajes do Pico by the south-east coast
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- The steep southeastern coast
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- The São Sebastião de Calheta de Nesquim church, typically black and white
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- Walking on the black volcanic rock
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- On the way to the eastern tip of the island
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- A group of dolphins swim along the zodiac
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- A group of pilot whales swim in front of the volcano
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- Briefing before boarding the zodiac
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- Hotel in Lajes do Pico
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- Another typical black and white church, here on the north coast
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- A view of the north coast
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- São Jorge Island seen from the north coast of Pico
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- Black volcanic stone house, unpainted, on the north coast
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- Madalena church
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- Arrival in Pico at dawn from Faial
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- Ponta da Ilha lighthouse on black lava cliffs at the eastern tip of Pico
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