2020 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

NEW

Hiking in the Azores ADVENTURES IN A BREATHTAKING ARCHIPELAGO

Discover an island world of traditional villages, lake-filled calderas, and ancient vineyards—the Azores! On this volcanic archipelago just a five-hour flight from Boston, we explore four enchanting islands—Sâo Miguel, Faial, Sâo Jorge, and spectacular Pico, each with its own personality and terrain. We’ll hike along crater rims and cross rugged moorlands above a deep blue sea, and follow ancient canadas (pathways) that crisscross the islands linking farms and villages. Complementing our hikes, we’ll head out for whale watching, dine on catch-of-the-day fish at delightful local spots, and relish the unhurried pace of Azorean life. Our accommodations include a refurbished 16th century fort, a 17th century townhouse, and an Art Deco hotel with thermally heated bathing pools. up to the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, and on Faial Island, known as “the blue island” for its long rows of hydrangea hedges, we’ll visit the native botanical garden and hike from Cabeço do Fogo to Ponta dos Capelinhos for coastal views. On our walk to dinner along the marina in Faial, we’ll pop into a café to sample the local passion-fruit-flavored gin. Overnights are in a restored 16th century fort, now a welcoming hotel. Days 1-3 São Miguel Island / Faial Island In Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island, we hike

Days 4-5 Pico Island / Wine Tasting / Whale Watching Ferrying to Pico Island, crowned by a dormant 7,713-foot volcano, Portugal’s highest point, we explore vineyards where wines have been produced since the 17th and 18th centuries, and go whale watching from the ancient town of Lajes do Pico. Once a whale-hunting hub, Lajes do Pico is now a major whale-watching destination, with 26 species of cetaceans documented in the deep waters offshore. We’ll have a choice between a moderate hike along the Caminho dos Burros, with fabulous views of Pico Mountain, or a challenging hike up to Picos’ summit at 7,713 feet. Days 6-7 São Jorge Island On São Jorge Island, we hike the island’s spine through high heather and past a series of ancient villages, and along a panoramic trail to charming Fajã de São João on the coast. While we’re here, we’ll sample the island’s own cheeses and locally grown coffee. Days 8-10 São Miguel Island / Furnas / Ribeira Quente / Terra Nostra Gardens Returning to São Miguel Island, we visit the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz, with its beautiful Portuguese azulejos (blue painted tiles), and explore the 19th century spa village of Furnas, nestled inside a huge caldera. In the village of Ribeira Quente, with its colorful small houses and busy fishing harbor, we enjoy a traditional Azorean feast of cozido nas caldeira s (beef slow-roasted on geothermally heated stones!). Overnights in Furnas are at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, with its thermally heated pools. Depart on Day 10 via Ponta Delgada.

HIGHLIGHTS • Hike and explore four lush volcanic islands, each with a unique culture and landscape • Taste Pico Island’s deep red wines from age-old vineyards • Search for whales and dolphins in one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries • Stay in a converted 16th century fort, a 17th century townhouse, and the Art Deco grandeur of Terra Nostra Garden Hotel DETAILS • 10-day trip begins and ends in São Miguel Island, Azores • 9 nights hotels • All meals included except 1 dinner

We bring you to the delightful Azores for fantastic hikes, exquisite landscapes, unique cuisine and wine, and a distinct island culture all its own.

DATES May 4-13, 2020 Aug 28-Sep 6 Sep 14-23

TRIP COST $6995 (8-12 members) $7295 (4-7 members) Single supplement: $750

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 hiking days on moderate trails (some steep sections), 3-5 hours a day, van support

GEOFF VALCOURT

COMBINE ANY TWO EUROPE TRIPS FOR A $400 PER PERSON DISCOUNT! 59