Madeira and Azores

Day 1. November 12, Friday

Upon arrival in Madeira, participants will make their own way to our hotel, ****. The hotel offers airport transfers for a reasonable fee. We will do our best to coordinate airport pickups whenever possible, but unfortunately, we cannot guarantee transportation for every arrival.

For those who arrive at the hotel before 4:00 PM, we’ll head to the eastern tip of Madeira for our first sunset experience on the island. Trust us — this is one of those views you’ll remember long after the trip is over.

Later in the evening, we’ll gather for our first group dinner, a chance to meet fellow travelers, relax after the journey, and start getting to know the island together.

Overnight in Funchal.

Day 2. November 13, Saturday

We start early, heading to a scenic cliffside viewpoint where all the elements of a perfect image come together — the sun rising above the Atlantic, warm light illuminating towering cliffs, waves crashing below, and layered mountain silhouettes in the distance.

After sunrise, we will drive along a winding scenic road with several breathtaking viewpoints. Along the way, we will make one or two stops to photograph Madeira’s colorful traditional houses, iconic symbols of the island’s rural heritage.

We will then arrive at one of my favorite locations — a dramatic high cliff with a “million-dollar view.” Here, we will pause to enjoy breakfast while taking in the sweeping ocean panorama.

In the afternoon, we visit one of Madeira’s most spectacular locations — Ponta de São Lourenço, the island’s easternmost point. This protected nature reserve is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, rugged volcanic terrain, and sweeping Atlantic views. The landscape feels wild and elemental, with layered rock formations, wind-carved slopes, and endless ocean horizons.

To reach the best viewpoints, we will hike approximately 2.4 km (1.5 miles) one way along a scenic coastal trail. The route is moderately easy, with gentle elevation changes and constant panoramic views that make every step worthwhile.

We will time our walk to enjoy a sunset photography session, when the low golden light enhances the textures of the cliffs and paints the surrounding ocean in deep, shifting colors.

Overnight in Funchal.

Day 3. November 14, Sunday

We begin the day at sunrise at São Tiago Fort, one of Funchal’s most recognizable landmarks. Its vibrant yellow walls, historic stonework, and coastal position create a striking foreground against the Atlantic Ocean and the hillside city glowing in the soft morning light.

After sunrise, while the streets remain quiet, we will explore Rua de Santa Maria, located in the Old Town (Zona Velha). This charming street is famous for the Arte de Portas Abertas (“Art of Open Doors”) project, where local artists transformed ordinary doors into vivid murals.
Each doorway tells a different story — from maritime themes and island folklore to abstract designs and portraits — turning the street into an open-air gallery. The textures of aged walls, cobblestones, and morning light make this area especially rewarding for photography.

Our next stop is the enchanting Monte Palace Tropical Garden in Funchal. This stunning garden features exotic plants, koi ponds, intricate tile artwork, and serene pathways, offering a peaceful escape with panoramic views over the city and coastline.

In the afternoon, we will ascend to Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest peak on the island at approximately 5,900 ft (1,818 m) above sea level. From here, sweeping views reveal jagged mountain ridges, deep valleys, and clouds drifting through the peaks, often creating a mystical, otherworldly atmosphere.

This area is home to one of Madeira’s most iconic hikes — the trail toward Pico Ruivo, a challenging 6.7-mile route with more than 3,600 ft of elevation gain.

• Participants who wish to hike will be rewarded with dramatic alpine scenery, but we don’t need to hike to the end — we can return at any moment.
• Those preferring a relaxed pace may remain near the parking area and café, where panoramic views are still spectacular.

To reach the best sunset viewpoint, a short walk of 0.3–0.4 miles from the parking area leads to an outstanding overlook where we will photograph the golden light illuminating the mountain peaks and cloud layers.

Overnight in Funchal.

Day 4. November 15, Monday

Our sunrise location is in the northern part of Madeira, where dramatic sea stacks rise from the shoreline — a spectacular setting to start the day with the sound of waves and soft morning light.

No visit to Madeira would be complete without exploring its famous true natural gems — Fanal Forest. This ancient laurel forest, often shrouded in mist, creates an otherworldly atmosphere with its twisted trees and soft green landscapes — a dream setting for photography and quiet exploration.

In the afternoon, we will continue to Porto Moniz, a coastal town famous for its natural volcanic swimming pools formed by ancient lava flows. Here, the Atlantic Ocean fills crystal-clear basins carved into black basalt, creating one of the most unique coastal landscapes on the island.

In the late afternoon, we will enjoy a sunset photography session just steps from our restaurant, capturing waves crashing against the volcanic shoreline and the warm evening light reflecting in the natural pools.

Overnight in Funchal.

Day 5. November 16, Tuesday

This morning, we will check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport. All participants should book Azores Airlines flight S4163 from Madeira Airport (FNC) to Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL).

Upon arrival in São Miguel, we will pick up our rental cars and head to our hotel.

For our stay in the Azores, we have chosen the unique Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, located in the heart of one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the Atlantic. As hotel guests, we will enjoy 24-hour access to the gardens, as well as the famous thermal pool and natural hot springs.

This remarkable property is an attraction in its own right, making it the perfect place to begin our exploration of the Azores.

The hotel is also home to one of the island’s best restaurants, so after a day of travel, there will be no need to go anywhere else. We can simply relax, enjoy a great dinner, and soak in the atmosphere of this special place.

Overnight at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel.

Day 6 — November 17, Wednesday

We begin the day before sunrise, driving to the easternmost point of São Miguel Island — Farol do Arnel, a charming lighthouse perched on a dramatic cliff above the Atlantic. From here, we’ll watch the first light of day illuminate the rugged coastline, fishing villages, and endless ocean beyond.

After sunrise, we’ll return to Furnas on a scenic drive through the eastern part of the island, stopping at several spectacular viewpoints along the way. This region is one of the most beautiful and least visited parts of São Miguel, with green cliffs, rolling hills, and sweeping ocean vistas around nearly every corner.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Later in the morning, we’ll visit one of the island’s most beloved hot springs — Poça da Dona Beija. We’ll spend about an hour relaxing in its warm mineral-rich waters, spread across six inviting pools surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, one of the most picturesque parks in the Azores. Waterfalls cascade through a lush valley filled with giant ferns, hydrangeas, and dense subtropical vegetation. Historic watermills, stone bridges, and winding pathways create a magical atmosphere that feels more like a scene from a fairy tale than a European island.

Depending on weather conditions, we’ll finish the day in one of two equally beautiful ways.

Our first option is to follow the island’s dramatic northeastern coastline, stopping at scenic viewpoints where powerful Atlantic waves crash into towering cliffs and volcanic rock formations. Few places capture the raw energy of the ocean quite like this stretch of coastline.

Alternatively, we may head to a spectacular overlook high above the Furnas Valley. From this elevated vantage point, the entire valley unfolds below — emerald hillsides, the famous Furnas Lake, patches of geothermal steam rising from the earth, and the surrounding volcanic landscape. As the late afternoon light softens, the view becomes even more breathtaking and offers one of the finest panoramas on the island.

Overnight at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel.

Day 7. November 18, Thursday

We begin the morning on a scenic hilltop overlooking a volcanic crater, with a patchwork of divided farmers’ fields spreading out below — a landscape that perfectly illustrates the island’s deep connection between nature and agriculture.

Shortly after sunrise, we visit Aqueduto do Carvão, an impressive 18th-century aqueduct built to transport water across the island in support of local communities and farming. Its historic stone arches set against the green volcanic terrain create a striking photographic subject.

From here, we continue toward Sete Cidades, a small town nestled inside a massive volcanic caldera. This area is famous for its twin lakes — one blue, one green — whose contrasting colors are shaped by light, depth, and mineral content. Surrounded by steep crater walls, rolling hills, and lush pastures, Sete Cidades offers some of the most iconic landscapes in the Azores.
We’ll pause here for a relaxed breakfast/lunch while enjoying the serene scenery.

In the afternoon, we travel to the island’s western edge, where the Atlantic meets dramatic volcanic shores. Here, you’ll photograph natural swimming pools carved into black lava rock and capture powerful waves crashing against the rugged coastline.

We’ll spend time soaking in natural hot springs by the ocean before photographing another picturesque lighthouse — Farol da Ferraria — standing resilient against the elements.

For sunset, we head to one of São Miguel’s most famous viewpoints — Boca do Inferno. The surrounding area is filled with natural wonders: lagoons, rolling green hills, and layered mountain ridges fading into the horizon.

To reach the viewpoint, we will walk a scenic trail of approximately 1.2 km (0.75 miles) round trip with about 80 m (260 ft) of elevation gain — an easy-to-moderate hike suitable for most fitness levels and well worth the effort for the breathtaking panorama that awaits.

Day 8. November 19, Friday

Today we’ll spend most of the day exploring Ponta Delgada, the charming capital of the Azores and the cultural heart of São Miguel Island.

Unlike many European capitals, Ponta Delgada feels relaxed and inviting. Historic churches, elegant squares, black-and-white volcanic stone architecture, oceanfront promenades, cafés, and small local shops create a pleasant atmosphere that is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

Among the highlights of the city are the famous Portas da Cidade (City Gates), the beautiful Church of St. Sebastian, the lively marina, the historic waterfront, and the colorful local market where residents shop for fresh produce, fish, cheeses, and other regional specialties. We’ll also have time for souvenir shopping and perhaps one last relaxed lunch overlooking the Atlantic.

In the late afternoon, we’ll make our way to one of the island’s most spectacular viewpoints, Miradouro da Barrosa overlooking Lagoa do Fogo, one of the most beautiful volcanic lakes in the Azores.

From high above the crater, we’ll watch the changing colors of the landscape as the sun slowly drops toward the horizon. Rolling green hills, volcanic slopes, clouds drifting through the valleys, and the deep blue waters of the lake create an unforgettable scene and a perfect finale to our time on São Miguel.

Overnight at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel.