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Call 1-800-387-1483 or email us
Call 1-800-387-1483 or email us
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Walking through Pico’s heritage vineyards
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Exploring the lush highland laurel forests
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Cruising for the legendary Sperm Whale
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Watching for the endemic Azores Bullfinch
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Enjoying the distinctive Azorean way-of-life

The Azores: Mystical Islands of the Mid-Atlantic

Apr 21-28, 2023

8 days | Portugal | Quest Nature Tours

Limited space remaining on this confirmed departure!
 
The Azores have long held a privileged place as one of Portugal’s earliest outposts during the Age of Exploration. They have longer still enjoyed an important place in natural history. Situated along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge on the border of two tectonic plates, this archipelago has literally risen from the ocean’s depths, gradually colonized by far-flung organisms whose descendants adapted to the local conditions and constitute a distinctive set of endemic species and subspecies found only here, with plants and birds as the standouts. The islands would also become a beacon for many cetaceans who either made the Azores their permanent home or an annual migratory port-of-call. On this inaugural tour, we will have a chance to discover this archipelago on the edge of two worlds and contemplate the seeming impossibility of its existence!

Our explorations will cover both land and sea. On São Miguel, we’ll get a first taste of the rugged volcanic landscapes and shorelines that define the Azores. We’ll explore the woodlands of a type found nowhere else. The bird life is also distinctive and various species here have diverged from their nearest relatives in Europe. Over 25 cetacean species have been recorded here and their ranks include several dolphin species as well as the legendary Sperm Whale and Blue Whale, so our time on land will be complemented by our time at sea, where we can watch for whales and dolphins on our private boat tours. The timing of our tour coincides with the return of several ‘great whale’ species so we have the chance to see the largest variety. Various hardy seabirds call the Azores home and accompany us on our forays! The distinctive feel of the islands is enhanced by their unique culture, which we’ll discover in part through their food and fine beverages. The Azores are well know for their vines, dubbed 'volcanic wines' given the bedrock upon which they grow!
Quest Nature Tours Worldwide Explorers Club
Tour Cost (per person):
US$4895  Includes all taxes and gratuities.
Group Size:
10 - 12 participants

What’s included: Accommodations based on double occupancy; gratuities for services provided by Quest; all activities; ground transportation and park entrance fees; airport transfers; most meals; services of local English-speaking guides; bottled water on bus; services of your Quest leader Alan Watson

FEATURED ON THE BLOG

What I’m Looking Forward to in the Azores

By: Alan Watson

Itinerary at a Glance

DayActivity
1Arrive at Ponta Delgada Airport, São Miguel
2Whale watching, Sete Cidades
3Fly to Faial, Capelinhos Volcano
4Pico and Faial
5Capelinhos Volcano, fly back to São Miguel
6São Miguel, Nordeste
7São Miguel, Lagoa de Fogo
8Departure day
Optional Extension: Southern Portugal in Spring
Download Itinerary

Your Tour Leader

As a former faculty member in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Guelph, Alan Watson taught nature interpretation, environmental stewardship and a conservation field course. With over 25 years of experience leading nature tours, Alan has guided groups in southern Ontario, Canada's Maritime Provinces, Trinidad and Tobago, the Lesser Antilles, Costa Rica, Brazil, Tanzania, and the Galapagos.

Email Us

Or call 1-800-387-1483 with any questions or to reserve your spot!

Quest Nature Tours Worldwide Explorers Club
Tour Cost (per person):
US$4895  Includes all taxes and gratuities.
Group Size:
10 - 12 participants

What’s included: Accommodations based on double occupancy; gratuities for services provided by Quest; all activities; ground transportation and park entrance fees; airport transfers; most meals; services of local English-speaking guides; bottled water on bus; services of your Quest leader Alan Watson

What You'll See:
What You'll Taste:
Where You'll Stay:

FEATURED ON THE BLOG

What I’m Looking Forward to in the Azores

By: Alan Watson
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The Azores: Mystical Islands of the Mid-Atlantic

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Privacy Policy:

We abide by the new Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) and take your privacy very seriously. We will not share, sell or otherwise make your mailing list subscription information available to any third parties. By submitting your email address, your grant us explicit consent to send you e-newsletters as detailed above. You may withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link found at the foot of every email that we send to you. You may also withdraw consent by sending an email request to: travel@worldwidequest.com.

We use your address information and details that you provide about your personal preferences or past trips to mail you selected brochures. If at any point you wish to have your name removed from our mailing list, please email or call us toll free at 1-800-387-1483.

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