Islands of the Azores: Environmental Science in Action
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Group Leader: Lori LaBorde
Requested Return Date: 7/7/2026
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.
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Day 1: Fly overnight to Portugal
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Day 2: Ponta Delgada
Meet your Tour Director at the destination airportTake a walking tour of Ponta Delgada
Visit the Seismic Volcanic Center
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Day 3: Ponta Delgada
Learn about environmental science firsthand with a scientist in Ponta Delgada
Participate in a hands on workshop
Visit the Volcanology Center
Take a walking tour focused on geology
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Day 4: 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
See the Twin Lakes
Visit a lava tube
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Day 5: Ponta Delgada
Participate in a whale watching excursion
Learn how to sample and analyze local water sources with scientists
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Day 6: Ponta Delgada
Visit a local farm
See the Logoa do Fago, a crater lake within a volcanic complex
Visit Caldeira Velha
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Day 7: Ponta Delgada • Furnas
Take a guided day trip to Furnas village
Tour a tea plantation
Visit Furnas Monitoring and Research Centre (CMIF)
See Furnas hot spring
Cozido das Caldeiras lunch
Visit the Terra Nostra botanical gardens
Enjoy a soak in a thermal bath
Visit Caldeiras Furnas Village
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Day 8: Depart for home
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Day 1: Fly overnight to Portugal
-
Day 2: Ponta Delgada
Meet your Tour Director at the destination airportTake a walking tour of Ponta Delgada
Visit the Seismic Volcanic Center
-
Day 3: Ponta Delgada
Learn about environmental science firsthand with a scientist in Ponta Delgada
Participate in a hands on workshop
Visit the Volcanology Center
Take a walking tour focused on geology
-
Day 4: 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
See the Twin Lakes
Visit a lava tube
-
Day 5: Ponta Delgada
Participate in a whale watching excursion
Learn how to sample and analyze local water sources with 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
Tour a tea plantation
Visit Furnas Monitoring and Research Centre (CMIF)
See Furnas hot spring
Cozido das Caldeiras lunch
Visit the Terra Nostra botanical gardens
Enjoy a soak in a thermal bath
Visit Caldeiras Furnas Village
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Day 8: Depart for home
Have questions about this tour? Give us a call at 800-665-5364
Your experience includes
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Airfare & transportation
Round-trip flights on major carriers; comfortable motorcoach
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Hotels
6 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms
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Regional-style meals
European breakfast and dinner daily
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Guided sightseeing
3 sightseeing tours led by licensed local guides; 1 walking tour led by your Tour Director
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Entrances
Azores Seismovolcanic Information and Surveillance Center (CIVISA); discussion with a professor at Expolab; Expolab workshop; Volcanological and Geothermal Observatory of the Azores; Sete Cidades hike; lava tunnel; whale watching; water sample study; farm visit; Caldeira Velha; tea plantation; Furnas Monitoring and Research Centre; Terra Nostra Garden; thermal pool; Caldeiras Furnas Village
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Full-time Tour Director
Your culturally connected Tour Director is with your group 24/7, providing deep local insight while handling all on-tour logistics.
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Expert Local Guides
Your expert local guides are natural historians, adding cultural insight and global perspective on your sightseeing tours.
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Continuous Support
Your dedicated EF team helps you every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travelers to planning and managing your tour.
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Worldwide Presence
EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide so wherever you go, we're there too.
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24-hour Emergency Service
Travelers and their families can count on EF's dedicated emergency service team.
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Peace of Mind Program
Feel secure knowing your group can change their destination or travel dates due to unforeseen circumstances. Learn more about your flexible options at eftours.com/peaceofmind.
Know Before You Go
We’ve helped girls explore the world for 55 years and counting. Here are some of the most common topics our travelers and parents ask about.
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Commitment to Safety
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Online Learning
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