The Azores
Birds, whales, flowers and geology

Tuesday 14 - Tuesday 21 September 2010 (8 days)

Join us on a thrilling combined bird- and whale-watching holiday in the Azores - one of Europe's best-kept secrets! Straddling the mid-Atlantic ridge around 950 miles west of Lisbon, the visit promises spectacular scenery, masses of seabirds, excellent whale-watching possibilities, the possibility of American vagrants, and the chance to seek out the endemic and mysterious Azores Bullfinch.

download a report of one of our previous trips to the Azores The Azores, Europe's westernmost point, form an archipelago of nine emerald-green islands nearly a thousand miles out into the Atlantic. Sometimes described as the tips of the lost continent of Atlantis, these isles have spectacular volcanic scenery, with vast blue-green crater lakes, impressive black lava seacliffs, and, towering above them all, the highest mountain in Portugal, Pico Volcano. The volcanic activity continues - there are active geysers and hot mineral pools - and you can walk on land that rose from the sea just 50 years ago! The countryside also has a gentler side, of green fields, distinctive hydrangea hedgerows and forests.

Mass tourism has bypassed these 'jewels' in the Atlantic, so the proud local people are still genuinely friendly and welcoming to visitors.

The archipelago is possibly the best location for cetaceans in Europe. Sperm Whales, Bottlenose, Common, Risso's and Spotted Dolphin are regularly seen. Other possible species include Beaked Whales, Striped Dolphin and, very occasionally, a Baleen Whale such as Fin Whale. September is probably the best time to see both a variety of species and good numbers of these giants of the deep.

September in the Azores can also be an amazing time for birdlife both on land and at sea. The seabirds are attracted to the same fish shoals as the cetaceans. The islands' isolated mid-Atlantic position means that they regularly attract vagrants from across the Atlantic, and the chance of finding one of these always adds spice to the birdwatching here.

During the tour we will visit three of the islands and, as well as looking for birds, we will have a chance to watch whales and dolphins both from the land and from boat trips. The great bird, whale and dolphin watching to be had in the Azores, coupled with the beautiful landscapes and friendly local people makes this a real autumn treat, whatever your interests.

Outline Itinerary
Days 1-2 We take a scheduled flight from London to Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel, before transferring to our hotel in Furnas. Two nights Sao Miguel
Days 3-5 We fly from Sao Miguel to the island of Pico, our base for the next three nights. Three nights Pico
Day 6 We take the short ferry crossing from Pico to our next island of Faial. Overnight Faial
Day 7We return to Sao Miguel in the morning and in the afternoon visit the dramatic crater of Sete Cidades to soak up the scenery and look out for the Azores subspecies of Common Buzzard. We'll return to Ponta Delgada and spend our final night there. Overnight Sao Miguel
Day 8We can spend some time in the morning exploring Ponta Delgada or, if the winds have been favourable, perhaps we'll search for vagrants near the harbour and coast before travelling to the airport to catch our return flight to London.

Click here for a full, printable itinerary

Price: £ 2,295
Single supp.: £ 385
Deposit: £ 400 per person

The prices are per person and include scheduled direct return flights London-Azores, internal flights, airport taxes, ground and boat transportation as outlined above, accommodation on a full-board basis, admissions, local taxes, incidental tips, and the services of the leaders.

The prices exclude travel insurance, drinks, and other personal expenses.

Principal Leader: Andy Jones


the Azores map