
Highlights
- Taking in the stunning Blue and Green Lake of Sete Cidades
- Sampling tasty Cozido de Furnas at the Caldeiras da Lagoa
- Sipping tea at the world famous Gorreana Tea Plantation
- Going on an exciting whale watching adventure
- Walking through the lush vegetation of Faial de Terra
- Splashing about in the hot waterfalls
So many highlights! Cycling round the rim of a volcano, swimming in a waterfall, whale watching and many more. The guides were extremely knowledgable and very friendly.
Itinerary
Following your arrival into Ponta Delgada airport you will be transferred to your charming hotel in Ponta Delgada town centre. Depending on flight times, the day is yours to spend at leisure exploring the town and come the evening you’ll be able to sample your first meal at one of the small restaurants in the city.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
This morning your guide will meet you at your hotel to chat through your upcoming holiday and to provide your hire bikes. We will transfer by vehicle to Sete Cidades, from where we’ll start today’s ride, taking us to the western side of São Miguel. During today’s ride we will have the chance to learn about the legendary love story behind the formation of the lakes of Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde.
Along the way, we’ll pass several view points where you’ll have superb views over the coast, before descending to the bottom of the crater; once at the bottom, it’s time to explore the tranquil (and flat) lakeside routes! We will most likely have lunch on the shores of the Blue Lake of Sete Cidades. After lunch we‘re back on the bikes and we’ll visit the church of Igreja São Nicolau. From here, we’ll transfer by vehicle to a beautiful view point, previously used for spotting whales and dolphins!
Another transfer will take us to Ferraria where the family can switch cycling shorts for swimming costumes and take a swim in a seaside pool – often heated by a volcanic crack, it’s a great place to relax! The heat of the water is dictated by tide times, so we’ll do our best to make sure we arrive at the perfect time. Once we‘re dried off, we’ll load the bikes onto the vehicle and whisk you back to Ponta Delgada.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
This morning we will be picked up from our hotel for a whale-watching excursion. During our time at sea, we’ll have the opportunity to watch some of more than twenty species of whales, dolphins, and other marine species that can be found in the Azores. The Sperm Whale is the whale most frequently seen, but we might also get the chance to see migrating whales such as the Blue Whale, Pilot Whales and even Orcas!
In the afternoon, it’s time for our Jeep Safari (approx. 3.5 hours). Having been picked up from whale watching, we will have lunch in Ribeira Grande. Then the wonderful jeep safari begins, combining highland and flatland where we will witness Azorean nature at its best. This trip includes time at the fascinating landscapes of Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake). This huge blue lake is around 2km long and 1km wide and fills the ground of an extinct crater. Surrounded by high mountains and luxuriant endemic vegetation, this mystical lake is now a nature reserve. We will also spend time at Caldeira Velha, a warm waterfall where we can swim in the steaming waters.
Please note that should conditions not be suitable for whale watching then we may alter timings, or even switch days around, so as to give us the best opportunity to undertake the whale watching.
Please note, whale watching and jeep safari are only available for children aged 2 and over.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Faial de Terra is a small village belonging to Povoação, in the South East of São Miguel Island. Our walk today starts along a steep, narrow road that leads us to Sanguinho, a village that was abandoned in the early 70s and is now being restored. The rest of the trail is in the woods, with some short ups and downs, between very dense vegetation (giant ferns!). This really is a walk where we’ll be surrounded by nature!
Reaching Salto de Prego waterfall, we can have a refreshing dip before, or after, our picnic lunch. When we’ve finished our hike, we’ll head back in the support vehicle and head back to the hotel where you can relax and explore the local surroundings.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Today’s ride begins in the centre of Furnas. We’ll soon reach Caldeiras da Lagoa. This is where natural hot springs are used as ovens. It’s a local tradition to boil (only with steam) a meat and vegetable stew, known as Cozido, in huge pots which are placed underground for up to seven hours. We’ll continue onto Furnas Lake; watch out for the majestic views as we circle the lake. On the way back to the hotel, we’ll retrace our steps a little so that we arrive back into Caldeiras da Lagoa in time to see the Cozido being removed from the ground. We’ll head back to the hotel, in time for lunch, to have our first taste of Cozido.
This afternoon we have the opportunity to explore the superb botanical gardens of the hotel and then take a relaxing swim in an iron-rich, heated swimming pool. Our accommodation tonight will once again be in Furnas and there’s no better way to end your day than with a short wander to the pool for a final dip before bed.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
This morning we will pick you up from Furnas and we’ll drive to visit the Tea Plantations. Following a stop here, we head on to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Azores, Miradouro de Santa Iria. From this lofty vantage point you’ll have great views across the Atlantic Ocean, as well as to the nearby beach and thermal baths of Santa Iria, precariously situated on the cliffs below. These ‘viewpoints’ were where whales used to be spotted when whale hunting was still allowed in the Azores. Don’t worry, whale hunting has been illegal since 1986, with the emphasis in the Azores very much focused on conservation nowadays.
We will then get onto our bikes for the first time today, pedalling towards Praia de Santa Bárbara beach. The afternoon is yours to have fun on the beach with your family, then when everyone’s ready, we’ll be there to transfer the group to our hotel in Ponta Delgada.

- Meals: Breakfast
Today is yours to to do with as you please, whether that be relaxing completely, or filling it to the brim with all sorts of leisure activities. You could consider riding your bikes in the Pinhal da Paz area or in the surroundings of Ponta Delgada, or you could visit an ethnographic museum which will have you feeling like you’ve travelled back in time, or you can even swim with dolphins!
(If you’d like to cycle today, please do let your guide know as bikes may be picked up the night before if not requested!)
- Meals: Breakfast
Sadly your time in the Azores is at an end, although depending on flight times you’ll hopefully have time to spend some final hours exploring! We’ll transfer you to Ponta Delgada airport in time for your return flights.

Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
During your time in the Azores, you will be cycling on a variety of terrain. These will vary from quiet, asphalted and mostly traffic-free countryside and coastal roads / lanes (around 60% of the route), to wide ‘off road’ trails which, whilst not asphalted, are well compacted. At certain times there will be slightly bumpier / rougher sections, but these are non technical. Approximately 17% of the route is traffic free. Day 2 (your first day of riding) will prove the most challenging, with more downhill, off-road sections. We recommend mountain bikes, with 2.0 tyres, for this tour.

Family Cycling Grade
Distances generally between 10-20 miles / 15-35 kms per day
For those looking for an accessible cycling holiday
Manageable daily distances
Predominately flat terrain
Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!
For more information about our grading system click here.
Is this suitable for you?
If your little ones are new to cycling, or perhaps you haven’t ridden your bike for while, then the relaxed rides on our Grade 1 tours might be for you. Of course no route can be pancake flat the entire way, with some gentle slopes being inevitable, but if you‘re looking for short, daily distances on mostly flat terrain, (with plenty of time to go at your own pace and explore your destination), then these trips would be a good place to start. We’d expect those on a Grade 1 tour to be able to ride their bike confidently and generally be fit and healthy.
Extremely efficient, professional, helpful, customer focused and friendly – the best service I’ve ever had from a travel company!
Dates & Prices

We have various children’s discounts available dependent on children’s ages, rooming arrangements and family size.
Please contact us on 1-888-414-6437 or info@skedaddle.com to check availability for a specific date and for a full quote for your family.

Private Departures
Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.
Whats Included 
A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms) in 4* hotels
B) Meals as per the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
C) Full tour service, including English-speaking riding guide and support vehicle
D) Unless stated otherwise, at least one leader qualified in first aid
E) 1 x morning whale watching (on day 3) – children aged 2 and over
F) 1 x afternoon jeep safari (on day 3) – children aged 2 and over
G) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Ponta Delgada airport (PDL)
H) Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Ponta Delgada airport (PDL)
What's not Included 
A) Bike hire (available if required)
B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
C) Single room (available if required)
D) Travel insurance
E) Meals not stated in the itinerary
F) Personal clothing and equipment
G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities, etc.)
H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route
I) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days
The Essentials
News, Reviews & Stories
Reviews
Sam, London, UKReally excellent job...An excellent holiday with excellent service. Our tour leader, Carlos was brilliant – great with both the adults and the kids, very knowledgeable, very friendly. Really excellent job.
Alan, Hampshire, UKBest family holiday!Our guides Nuno and Carlos were outstanding and an absolute delight to be with. They were both very relaxed, extremely knowledgeable and interacted extremely well with the both the adults and children alike. The island of Sao Miguel is a treasure and took our breath away with its beauty. The week exceeded expectations and was the best family holiday we have experienced. Thank you to everyone at Skeddadle for making such a memorable trip possible.
The highlight for me was actually one of the non-riding days when we went dolphin watching. It was an exhilarating and wonderful sight to see these beautiful creatures playing under and around the boat. What a privilege!
Ruth, Derbyshire, UKGreat value for money!Both leaders were fantastic. They were great with the children and good fun. Nuno was extremely knowledgeable and told us masses about the Azores and Sao Miguel, which really added it the experience. He was always very careful to stay at the back of the group but never made anyone at the back feel they must go faster. The boys at the front loved Carlos and he was fun but firm with them, ensuring they rode safely and stayed behind him.
The whale watching was an absolute highlight, we were very fortunate to have a clear sunny day so there was fantastic visibility in the sea. We saw lots of dolphins swimming right beside the boat, a sperm whale and a loggerhead turtle. The walk was also great and a really good opportunity to see the density and beauty of the forests. The kids loved swimming in the icy waterfall.
The quality of the hotels were excellent! It isn’t a cheap holiday but everything is great quality and you get value for money.
Mark, Shropshire, UKThe whole holiday was excellent!So many amazing experiences! Highlights include: The mix and quality of the activities – Cycling, Kayaking, Hiking – Sea and Thermal Pool swimming/bathing and Whale watching. The warm friendly and informative guide Nuno – (Who told us lots abut the Geology, Flora/Fauna, History and Politics etc of San Miguel), the great hotels with great facilities. ( Especially the Terra Nostra in Furnas – most amazing place in a remarkable setting with a evocative history.) The food provided was part of our package was excellent. Having the lunch Cozido das Furnas was a special experience. It may well be the best family holiday we have ever had!
Alison, Berkshire, UKThe best service I've ever had from a travel company.Extremely efficient, professional, helpful, customer focused and friendly – the best service I’ve ever had from a travel company. Wonderful guides. They took great care of us and were brilliant with the children. Would love to do a part 2 family guided cycling holiday in the Azores if you can come up with a different itinerary!
Stuart, Derbyshire, UKOur whole family loved this tripA holiday which included so many highlights: cycling round the rim of a volcano, swimming in a hot waterfall, whale watching and many more. The guides were extremely knowledgable and very friendly, and the team at Skedaddle were really helpful in planning our trip. Thank you!
Lynsay, Stirlingshire, UKExcellent, faultless organisation.First day of cycling was best due to the magnificent scenery. Nuno is a tremendous guide. Warm, engaging and informative. He really made the holiday for us all. What a lovely man. Any dealings with the company were pleasant. All staff were pleasant and helpful.
Ian, Kent, UKPass on our thanks!We had the best guide you could hope for and was always on time and very knowledgeable of the area – please pass on our thanks!