The Azores: Gardens and Natural Wonders 9720
The Azores: Gardens and Natural Wonders 9720
The Azores: Gardens and Natural Wonders 9720
10 Days
Tour Overview
The nine islands of the Azores archipelago are a thousand nautical miles from anywhere. They stand in the Atlantic Ocean at the very spot where the tectonic plates for Europe, Africa and North America meet. The islands, built from ancient volcanic eruptions, have lush green scenery, enchanting lakes, picturesque villages and overall a peaceful yet mysterious aura. While these are without question some of the most beautiful islands in the world, they remain an emerging destination.
There are some 800-plus species of plants to be found on the islands, although only 300 of them are endemic. Newcomers include flowering hydrangeas, especially abundant at this time of year, along with roses, agapanthus and cannas. These we will find on our visits to notable gardens, established in the 19th century, while in the countryside we will see hibiscus, tree ferns and rare endemic plants, along with bubbling thermal pools (used as natural cookers), dazzling blue and green lakes and mountain tops clothed in mist. We also offer the opportunity to take part in one of the Azores specialist pursuits – whale watching.
Highlights
Itinerary
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals as per itinerary
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Entries to all sites as per the itinerary
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Services of a professional tour manager and local guide
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses are not included in the tour package.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
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Optional activities
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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International flights
International flights to and from the destination are not included.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy comfortable coach travel throughout the tour, ensuring a relaxing and convenient journey as you explore the natural wonders and gardens of the Azores.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes comfortable coach travel throughout.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, meals are included as per the itinerary.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, the services of a professional tour manager and local guide are included.
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Are entry fees to sites included in the tour?
Yes, entries to all sites as per the itinerary are included.
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.