Saturday 9 - Saturday 16 September 2006 (8 days)
São Miguel extension to Monday 18 September 2006 (2 days)
Join us on what promises to be 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, with an extension to seek out the endemic and mysterious Azores Bullfinch.
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 four 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.
Itinerary
Days 1 - 2
We take a scheduled morning flight from London via Lisbon to Horta, the main town on the island of Faial, before transferring to our hotel.
We arrive in the afternoon with a chance to get our bearings, stroll around the impressive town of Horta, or visit the coast for a chance of seeing some migrant waders. There will be an introductory talk in the evening.
Next day we travel to Caldeira, an enormous crater in the centre of Faial, for a walk, birdwatching and botanising around its rim. Later we visit Capelhinos, the site of the Azores' most recent volcanic eruption on land. Here we have an opportunity to learn about the way these mid-oceanic islands form, and the life that starts to colonise them. There is some good seawatching in the area, and also the chance of seeing a few of the Roseate Terns that may still be on their breeding grounds nearby.
Two nights Faial
Days 3 - 4
We cross from Faial to São Jorge. The boat trip nearly always produces some dolphins and we have a good chance of seeing our first Cory's Shearwaters. After settling into our hotel, overlooking the sea and the island of Pico, we shall take a walk to the nearby headland for shearwaters, and enjoy one of the most spectacular views in the archipelago.
Next day we travel to the rugged north coast for a walk through the laurel forests to the fajas - landslip terraces at the foot of steep cliffs - of São Jorge. Scenically breathtaking, the area is also botanically interesting, with its surviving fragments of natural forest. We'll undoubtedly see some of the Buzzards that gave the archipelago its name (Açor is an old Portuguese word for hawk). After dinner there will be a chance to hear and perhaps see Cory's Shearwaters returning to feed their young on the nearby headland.
Two nights São Jorge
Days 5 - 7
We cross to Pico, our base for the next three nights. The island gets its name from the 2,300m volcanic peak at its centre. We see evidence of the island's dramatic geological past, and visit lava caves and other formations on our way to our hotel on Pico's south coast. We stay amidst impressive scenery right on the cliff-top with excellent chances of seeing cetaceans offshore.
Over the next two days we plan to take two whale-watching boat trips, weather permitting. There is a high chance of seeing Sperm Whales as well as a variety of dolphins and perhaps turtles. We should also get good views of Cory's and Great Shearwaters, with a chance of Bulwer's Petrel amongst others.
During our stay we'll also visit the village of Lajes where there is an excellent whale museum, and the chance of encountering waders along the shore.
Three nights Pico
Day 8
We take a morning ferry back to Faial from where we catch a midday flight back to London via Lisbon.
São Miguel Extension
Days 8 - 9
We travel to Pico airport from where we catch a flight to Ponta Delgada on the verdant and attractive island of São Miguel for a two-night stay.
Next day we travel to the north-eastern part of São Miguel. There amidst some spectacular forest scenery we will start our search for the Priõlo or Azores Bullfinch, endemic to this island. On our return if there is time, we will visit the hot spring area at Furnas for a reminder of the recent volcanism that created these islands.
Two nights São Miguel
Day 10
We catch a flight back from Ponta Delgada to London via Lisbon, arriving in the evening.
Please note that the itinerary is subject to change due to changes in flight schedules Lisbon-Azores. There may be an extra overnight in Lisbon involved either at the start or finish of the trip. We'll let you know in good time if this is the case!
Accommodation
will be in small hotels with all rooms en suite. Please note that lunches are excluded from the cost of the holiday. We'll visit cafés and local bakeries for clients to purchase their own lunch or picnics each day.
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