Ponta Delgada, Azores
Since their discovery in the early 15th century, the Portuguese Azores have played an important part in oceanic navigation. They were a logistical point for the discovery of new worlds; a port of call for ships engaged in trade between Europe, America and India; and a place to lay anchor for the galleons bringing the wealth of the Americas back to the old world.
The Azores, located 1,450 kilometres (900 miles) from the coast of Portugal and 3,200 kilometres (2,000 miles) from America, became a bastion of Portuguese power, protecting lines of communications to newly discovered lands. The Azores became known as the gem in the Atlantic for ocean travellers. The nine islands of the Azores are spread over some 600 kilometres (370 miles) of ocean and represent the European Union’s remotest outpost. The islands separate conveniently into three groups. São Miguel is part of the Eastern Group, and is home to Ponta Delgada.
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Fire Lake & Ribeira Grande (Tour A)
PONTA DELGADA, AZORES
From the pier in Ponta Delgada, we head north-east along pleasant roads bordering agricultural areas stretching across the island to the small town of Ribeira Grande. Ribeira Grande is the oldest town on the north coast and it has a Portuguese feeling – we will see this in the house facades and verandahs.
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Furnas Valley (Tour B)
PONTA DELGADA, AZORES
After departing Ponta Delgada, we will proceed to one of the main Pineapple Plantations, where the system of cultivating and marketing this fruit will be explained. Here we will be able to sample a pineapple liqueur.
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Sete Cidades Crater Lakes (Tour C)
PONTA DELGADA, AZORES
Leaving Ponta Delgada by way of the coastal road, we pass through a number of picturesque villages before arriving at Feteiras. From here the route ascends towards Sete Cidades and the main crater of this extinct volcano, some 575 metres (1,900 feet) above sea level.
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