Islands of the Azores: Environmental Science in Action

8 days

Portugal

Venture to the islands of the Azores, a breathtaking archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean known for its unique geological properties (it sits above the junction of three tectonic plates!). In Ponta Delgada, go whale watching, sample and analyze local water sources, and explore an ancient lava tunnel. On a day trip to Furnas, the center of the Azores’ geothermal activity, marvel at the fairytale-like greenery and natural wonders, including hot springs and fumaroles. Take a dip in the mineral-filled waters of a thermal pool and enjoy a meal that’s been cooked from the earth’s steam. After discovering the Azores’ natural beauty and participating in hands-on workshops with local scientists, you’ll return home with a whole new understanding of these islands’ ecosystem. Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Islands of the Azores: Environmental Science in Action tour

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Islands of the Azores: Environmental Science in Action tour

Day 1: Fly overnight to Portugal

Day 2: Ponta Delgada

Meet your Tour Director at the destination airport

Take a walking tour of Ponta Delgada

Visit a local science center

Day 3: Ponta Delgada

Participate in an environmental science interactive activity

Visit the Volcanology Center

Stop at a coastal viewpoint to admire the islands' striking geological formations

Day 4: Ponta Delgada

Learn about environmental science firsthand with a scientist in Ponta Delgada

Take a day trip to Sete Cidades, famous for its natural beauty and location in a dormant volcanic crater, where you will:

Hike to a scenic overlook
Stop for a photo at the Twin Lakes, two separate bodies of water connected by a strait and bridge

Take a guided hike to Sete Ciadades

Visit a lava tube

Day 5: Ponta Delgada

Participate in a whale watching excursion

Learn how to sample and analyze local water sources with local scientists

Day 6: Ponta Delgada

Visit a local farm

See the Logoa do Fago, a crater lake within a volcanic complex

Visit Caldeira Velha

Day 7: Ponta Delgada • Furnas

Take a guided day trip to Furnas village where you will

Tour a tea plantation
Visit Furnas Monitoring and Research Center (CMIF)
See Furnas hot spring

Enjoy a Cozido das Caldeiras lunch

Visit the Terra Nostra botanical gardens

Enjoy a soak in a thermal bath

Visit Caldeiras Furnas Village

Day 8: Depart for home

See what an EF tour is really like

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Your experience includes

Airfare & transportation

Full-time Tour Director

Expert Local Guides

Personalized Learning Support

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Includes airfare, hotels, meals, full-time Tour Director, and more.

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