If the changes in the following conditions have been clearly communicated in writing to the client before the conclusion of the contract and they are properly provided for in the program;
Any changes subsequent to the conclusion of the contract are subject to prior agreement of both the agency and the client, except as provided in the "impossibility of comply" clause.
These general conditions comply with the provisions of Decree-Law 61/2011 of May 6th, as amended by Decree-Law 199/2012 of August 24th.
The general conditions, which refer to an organized trip described in this program, along with the specific conditions provided to the client in the travel documentation at the time of booking, constitute the travel contract that binds the agency and the client.
The technical organization and sale of the activities included on this website are the responsibility of Papa-Léguas, a travel and tourism agency, with home office at Rua Manuel Assunção Mestre, nº22, 7780-199 Castro Verde, registered in the Commercial Registry Office of Lisbon with Taxpayer Identification Number 504163590. It has a share capital of €99,759.60 (ninety-nine thousand, seven hundred and fifty-nine euros and sixty cents). Papa-Léguas is also registered with the National Registry of Travel Agents and Tourism Operators (RNAVT) nº2275 and the National Registry of Tourist Animation Agents (RNAT) nº67/2014.
At the time of registration the client must deposit 30% of the service price, paying the remaining 70% up to 21 days before the service begins. If the registration takes place 21 days or less before the service begins, the total price of the service must be paid at the time of registration. Papa-Léguas, Agência de Viagens e Turismo Lda. reserves the right to cancel any booking that has not been paid for under the conditions mentioned above. Reservations are subject to the obtaining of a confirmation from suppliers for all services.
The prices of tours are presented per person and based on the occupation in a room shared by two people. The organizing agency will group clients who sign up individually for the same tour in pairs, by gender, and in chronological order of registration. Clients who are singled out must pay the respective individual supplement, when required by the service provider.
INFORMATION UNDER LAW N.º 144/2015 OF SEPTEMBER 8:
According to Law No. 144/2015 of September 8th, we inform that the customer may resort to the following Alternative Consumer Dispute Resolution Entities:
i) Customer Authority of Travel and Tourism Agencies at provedorapavt.com;
ii) Arbitration Commission of Tourism in Portugal at turismodeportugal.pt;
iii) Or any of the entities indicated in the list provided by the Directorate-General for Consumer Affairs at http://www.consumidor.pt, which we recommend consulting.
Complaints will only be considered if submitted in writing to the agency within a maximum period of 30 days after the completion of the services.
In the event of a complaint regarding non-compliance with contracted services, the customer may activate the Travel and Tourism Guarantee Fund provided for in DL 61/2011 of May 6, in its current wording, by submitting the respective complaint:
i) To the Customer Authority, as Papa-Léguas, Travel and Tourism Agency Ltd., is a member of the Customer Ombudsman for Travel and Tourism Agencies at www.provedorapavt.com. To benefit from this service, you must submit your written complaint within 20 business days after the end of the trip. Agencies are bound to comply promptly with any decisions issued by this entity.
ii) To Tourism of Portugal I.P. at www.turismodeportugal.pt within 30 days after: (i) the end of the trip; (ii) the cancellation of the trip attributable to the agency; (iii) the date of knowledge of the impossibility of its realization due to the agency; (iv) the closure of the establishment.
iii) To any of the entities listed on the website of the General Directorate for Consumer Affairs at http://www.consumidor.pt.
1) The agency is responsible for the luggage in the legal terms;
2) The Client has the obligation to complain to the service provider at the moment of subtraction, deterioration or destruction of luggage.
3) In international transport, if the luggage is damaged, the complaint must be made in writing to the carrier immediately after the damage is verified, and no later than 7 days after delivery. If the luggage is merely late in delivery, the claim must be made within 21 days from the date of delivery.
4) The presentation of such a claim will be an essential basis for Papa-Léguas, Agência de Viagens e Turismo Lda. to hold responsible the entity providing the service.
The responsibility of the agency will be limited to the maximum amount that can be demanded from the service providers, in accordance with the Montreal Convention of May 28, 1999, on International Air Transport, and the Bern Convention of 1961, on Rail Transport.
Regarding maritime transport, the liability of travel agencies, concerning their clients, for the provision of transport services or accommodation, when applicable, by maritime transport companies, in the event of damages resulting from their willful misconduct or negligence, will be limited to the following amounts:
a) € 441,436, in case of death or physical injury;
b) € 7,881, in case of total or partial loss of baggage or its damage;
c) € 31,424, in case of loss of a motor vehicle, including the baggage contained therein;
d) € 10,375, in case of loss of baggage, whether accompanied or not, contained in a motor vehicle;
e) € 1,097, for damages to baggage resulting from the damage to the motor vehicle.
Where applicable, the liability of travel agencies and tourism for the deterioration, destruction, and theft of baggage or other items in tourist accommodation establishments, while the client is staying there, is limited as follows:
a) € 1,397, in total;
b) € 449 per item;
c) The value declared by the client regarding the items deposited under the custody of the tourist accommodation establishment.
The agency's liability for non-bodily damages may be contractually limited to an amount corresponding to five times the price of the service sold.
For each reservation the following will be charged:
Reservation Expenses:
Alteration Expenses:
For each alteration (names, dates, type of apartment or room, travel, etc) : 50€ (fifty euros). Please note that the acceptance of such changes depends on the acceptance by the respective suppliers.
The client must have their personal or family documentation in good order (identity card, military documentation, authorization for minors, visas, vaccination certificates, and any other documents that may be required). The agency disclaims any responsibility for visa refusal or the client's denial of entry into a foreign country. The client is solely responsible for any costs incurred as a result of such a situation.
Travel in European Union:
Travel outside the European Union:
If the travel suppliers involved allow it, whenever a customer who is registered for a particular trip wishes to change their registration to another trip or the same trip with a different departure date, or any other changes, they must pay a fee as alteration expenses. However, if the change takes place 21 days or less before the departure date of the trip for which the customer is registered, or if the service providers do not accept the change, the customer will be subject to the expenses and charges specified under the “cancellation (termination)” section.
Once the trip has started, if a request is made to change the contracted services for reasons not related to the agency (e.g., extending the number of nights of stay, changing the flight), the prices of the touristic services may not correspond to those published on the website that prompted the contract.
The customer may transfer their registration by being replaced by another person who meets all the required conditions for the trip, provided that they inform the selling agency at least seven days in advance and such transfer is possible under the applicable air transport regulations. In the case of cruises and air travel, the prescribed period will be fifteen days in advance.
The transfer of the registration makes both the transferor and the transferee jointly responsible for the payment of the trip price and any additional charges incurred.
Whenever there are external reasons that justify it, the organizing agency may change the order of the itineraries, modify the departure times, or substitute any of the planned hotels with others of similar category and location. The agency must inform the client of such changes as soon as they become aware of them.
When the tour is dependent on a minimum number of participants the Agency reserves the right to cancel the organized tour if the number of participants reached is less than the minimum. In such cases, the Client will be informed in writing of the cancellation within 15 (fifteen) days.
The prices in the program are based on the costs of services and exchange rates in effect on the date of printing of the program, and are therefore subject to change resulting from variations in the cost of transportation or fuel, duties, taxes, fees, and exchange rate fluctuations up to 20 days prior to the date of departure.
Once the tour has begun, no refund is due for services not used by the client due to unforeseeable circumstances or for reasons attributable to the client, except for refunds by the respective suppliers. Failure to provide services foreseen in the travel program for reasons attributable to the organizing agency and if it is not possible to replace them with equivalent ones, entitles the client receive a refund for the price difference between the originally anticipated services and the services actually provided.
If, prior to the start of the journey and due to circumstances beyond the control of the organizing agency, it becomes unable to fulfill any essential service included in the travel program, the client has the right to cancel the trip and immediately receive a refund of all amounts paid, or alternatively, accept a modification and possible price variation.
If the aforementioned circumstances beyond the control of the organizing agency result in the cancellation of the trip, the client may choose to participate in another organized trip of equivalent price. If the proposed replacement organized trip is of a lower price, the client will be refunded the price difference accordingly.
The client or their companions are free to cancel the trip at any time.
i) Such cancellation implies that the client is responsible for the payment of all charges arising from the beginning of the fulfillment of the contract and their withdrawal, as well as a percentage that can go up to 15% of the price of the trip.
ii) If applicable, the client will be refunded the difference between the amount paid and the aforementioned amounts.
iii) The cancellation of travel services/organized trips whose reservation has been made using the voucher issued under Decree-Law No. 17/2020 of April 23rd is subject to a cancellation fee equal to the price of the service, in order to prevent simulated or fraudulent reservations made solely with the intention of anticipating the receipt of the voucher-entitled values.
If for reasons not attributable to the client, the agency has to cancel the organized tour before the departure date, the client can choose to:
i) Being immediately refunded all amounts paid;
ii) Optionally, choose to participate in another organized tour and be refunded for any difference in price.
The liability of the travel agency organizing the trips included in this program and arising from the assumed obligations is covered by a civil liability insurance policy with Fidelidade Insurance Company, under policy number 9257343, for an amount of 75,000€ (Seventy-five thousand euros), in accordance with the applicable legislation.
The prices mentioned in this program already include the Value Added Tax at the current rate of 23%
This program is valid from 01/01/2025 to 12/31/2025.
Arrival or departure times:
Departure and arrival times are stated in the local time of the respective country of destination and according to respective airline schedules at the time of printing this program, and may therefore be subject to change.
Hotels / Apartments:
Apartments - In case the accommodation is contracted in apartments, the client is responsible for informing the number of people that will occupy the apartment. If there are more people than booked, the apartments may refuse admittance.
Hotels - The prices shown are per person and are based on double occupancy. Not all hotels have triple rooms and usually an extra bed is placed in the room, which may not be of equal quality. In rooms equipped with two beds or a double bed, the triple may consist only of those beds.
The list of hotels and apartments in the program is indicative, as is their category, which is based on local criteria and classifications that are sometimes different from those used in your home country.
Meals:
Unless otherwise indicated, the prices shown for the Half Board and Full Board supplements do not include drinks.
On arrivals at the hotel after 7PM the first meal service will be breakfast the next day, on the last day and except for the possibility of late check-out, the last service of the hotel will be breakfast.
Check-in and check-out times:
The check-in and check-out times on the first and last day, will be defined according to the first and last service. As a rule, without binding character, the rooms can be used from 2PM on the day of arrival and should be left free by noon (12PM) on the day of departure.
In the apartments, the entry takes place generally at 5PM on the day of arrival and must be left free by 10AM on the day of departure.
Special conditions for children:
Given the conditions applied for children (destination and provider) it is recommended to always question the special conditions that may apply to the tour in question.
Insurance:
The agency offers the sale of insurance that can be purchased depending on the tour to guarantee assistance situations and cancellation expenses.
See our full Data Protection and Privacy Policy here.
Number of guides with the group: till 8 people 1 guide; more then 8 people, 2 guides.
Drink with meals: Alcoholic beverages are included with the included meals: one bottle of wine for every two people or, two beers per person per meal.
Lunch-box: A lunch box typically includes a balanced meal such as a sandwich or wrap, some fresh fruit or vegetables, a snack like a piece of cake or nuts, and a drink (such as water or juice).
Airport transfers are not included. However, they can be arranged upon request for an additional fee.
The leader of this tour is provided by the operator we work with at the destination.
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This remote archipelago of nine volcanic islands still carries the same adventurous spirit, alive today, in its dramatic landscapes and enduring traditions.
With coastal paths lined with vibrant blue hydrangeas, untouched forests, and unique geological wonders, the Azores offer a rare connection to nature. Towering sea cliffs give way to fertile fields where generations of islanders have adapted to the land’s rhythm—growing coffee, producing distinctive cheeses, and crafting wines shaped by the volcanic soil and ocean air.
Just offshore, the deep Atlantic waters teem with life. Over 25 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises can be spotted here, including the majestic blue whale, the largest animal on Earth. This makes the Azores one of the best locations in Europe for marine wildlife encounters.
We journey across four of the archipelago’s most scenic islands. From hiking along crater rims and exploring lava-sculpted coastlines to relaxing in natural hot springs and swimming in ocean-fed pools, each day offers a new way to experience the islands. We’ll taste traditional dishes made with local ingredients, meet craftspeople keeping regional heritage alive, and take to the sea for unforgettable whale watching.
Evenings invite rest and reflection. Whether by the ocean or at the base of volcanic peaks, we end our days with fresh seafood meals and the gentle hush of wind through the trees.
Welcome to the Azores! We meet in the hotel lobby for a welcome session, where we share key information and get a glimpse of what’s ahead in the coming days.
For our first adventure in this lush archipelago, we head to Sete Cidades. These two strikingly colored lakes: one deep blue, the other vibrant green, sit side by side in the crater of a dormant volcano, right in the heart of São Miguel. As we hike along the western rim, we discover the region’s diverse flora and fauna, its geological origins, local history, and the poignant legend that explains how the lakes came to be.
Later in the day, we unwind with a swim at Ponta da Ferraria, a natural thermal spring by the sea that has been cherished for its healing waters since the 15th century.
In the evening, we gather for dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants.
After breakfast, we catch a brief flight to Faial, affectionately nicknamed the “blue island” for the vibrant hydrangeas that flourish along its roadsides and trails. With its strategic mid-Atlantic location, Faial has long served as a welcoming port for sailors crossing the ocean.
Our day begins with an introduction to the island’s dramatic volcanic past. Our guide recounts the powerful eruption of Capelinhos, which began in 1957 and reshaped the coastline over 13 continuous months, creating nearly a square mile of new land.
We set off on foot to explore the vast volcanic crater measuring more than a mile across and plunging 400 meters deep. As we follow the path around its rim, we’re rewarded with panoramic views of Pico and São Jorge islands, as well as the small villages dotting Faial’s lush hillsides. Along the way, we pause for a scenic picnic lunch.
In the afternoon, we make our way to Capelinhos itself. The rugged, moon-like terrain left behind by the eruption is stark and captivating, with layers of ash and solidified lava still marking the landscape.
We return to Horta, Faial’s colorful port town, where we’ll spend the night.
We start the day in Horta, exploring this lively port town known for its marina filled with colorful murals left by sailors from around the world. As we stroll through its charming streets, we learn about Faial’s maritime traditions, the island’s role in transatlantic navigation, and the stories behind its iconic cafes and churches.
In the afternoon, we take a scenic ferry ride across the channel to Pico Island. If accessible, we’ll visit the Manhenha Lighthouse at Ponta da Ilha, located on the island’s easternmost point, an isolated, windswept spot with sweeping ocean views and a strong connection to local maritime history. If the lighthouse visit isn’t possible, we’ll instead take a short walk through Lajido, where we’ll learn about the island’s volcanic past and how wine was once transported across this rugged terrain.
We begin the day with a visit to Gruta das Torres, the longest lava tube in the Azores, stretching nearly 17,000 feet beneath the surface of Pico Island. Formed approximately 1,500 years ago during an eruption from the Cabeço Bravo volcano, this natural tunnel offers a fascinating look into the island’s volcanic origins. Guided by a local expert and equipped with flashlights, we carefully explore a portion of the cave while learning about the geological processes that shaped it.
Later, we head to the western side of the island and arrive in Madalena. There, we take a relaxing stroll through the vineyards of Criação Velha, a remarkable cultural landscape recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Growing grapes in this rugged volcanic environment has never been easy, but over time, winemakers developed ingenious methods to adapt.
As we walk among the vines, we discover the unique characteristics of Pico’s wines. We’ll have the chance to taste several varieties, from crisp, mineral-rich whites to bold reds with spicy undertones, as well as the island’s signature fortified wines.
We round out our day with a relaxed dinner in town, reflecting on the stories, flavors, and landscapes we've encountered.
We begin the day in the quiet coastal village of Calheta de Nesquim, tucked away in a less-traveled corner of the island, this small community was once at the heart of the Azorean whaling industry. While those days are long gone, the memory of that era still echoes through the stories and traditions of the area.
Our looped trail sets off from the harbor, where wooden boats gently bob in the water. As we follow the scenic route, we come across an old lookout used to spot whales—now offering panoramic views and a chance to reflect on how the community’s relationship with the ocean has evolved.
In the afternoon, we reach Lajes do Pico, one of the island’s most historic towns. Here, a local marine expert introduces us to the region’s efforts to protect marine life, guiding us through a museum dedicated to the island’s whaling past and its shift toward conservation and ecotourism.
Later, we take to the water on a small, agile vessel in hopes of encountering some of the many marine species that frequent these Atlantic waters, from dolphins to the majestic whales that migrate through the Azores.
As the sun dips low, we come together for a hearty dinner, reflecting on a day rich in nature, culture, and connection to the sea.
This morning, we hop on a ferry once again for São Jorge, our home for the next two nights. Characterized by its slender shape and steep volcanic ridges, the island is famed for its dramatic cliffs and the flat, green plateaus at their base, known as fajãs. These rare landforms create distinct microclimates, ideal for agriculture and coffee cultivation thrives here.
Upon arrival in the coastal town of Velas, we head to the tranquil village of Fajã dos Vimes to visit Café Nunes, a small but well-known coffee producer. Here, Arabica beans are grown, harvested, and roasted just steps from where they’re served.
Later in the day, we set out on a scenic walk along the northern coast, making our way toward the area of Portal. The trail offers stunning views and a glimpse into rural island life. To round out the afternoon, we’re introduced to one of São Jorge’s most iconic culinary treasures: its rich, semi-hard cheese. Originally developed as a long-lasting food source for sailors navigating the Atlantic, this robust cheese is now a proud symbol of the island and a favorite across Portugal.
We enjoy a tasting session before heading back to Velas to unwind, enjoy a delicious meal, and settle in for the evening.
Today’s hike is a standout moment of our trip, leading us along the island’s central ridge from Serra do Topo down to Fajã dos Cubres. The landscape is striking, shifting between thick forests, patches of vibrant heather, and steep valleys. As we descend, we pass by several deserted fajã villages, all while soaking in expansive views of the coastline and the neighboring islands of Terceira and Graciosa.
After our morning trek, we’re rewarded with a meal at a cozy, local restaurant. If time permits, we’ll take a refreshing swim in a nearby natural lagoon before returning to the hotel The day wraps up with a shared dinner, bringing everyone together to reflect on the adventures of the day.
A late morning flight takes us back to São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores. Upon arrival, we visit the historic Gorreana tea plantation, which holds the distinction of being the oldest tea estate in Europe.
Next, we make our way to Furnas, a charming spa town set within a vast volcanic caldera. This unique landscape is dotted with steaming fumaroles and natural hot springs, famed for their healing properties.
In the afternoon, there’s an opportunity to unwind and explore Furnas at your own pace. One highlight is Terra Nostra Park, celebrated as one of Portugal’s most stunning gardens, featuring a thermal pool and over 2,000 different tree species.
Furnas is also home to numerous geothermal features, including small geysers and bubbling hot springs scattered throughout the village. These natural heat sources are famously used to prepare the traditional cozido, a stew slow-cooked underground in pots heated by volcanic steam.
For our farewell dinner, we’ll enjoy this iconic dish together, raising a toast to our incredible journey and the unforgettable experiences shared across the Azores.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your departing flight home.
