Day One — Ponta Delgada
Arrival at the small Ponta Delgada airport, a very short taxi ride brings you straight into this charming city and our lovely hotel. Ponta Delgada began as a simple fishing village whose fishermen were once attracted by its safe coves, but soon began to play the role of main port of the São Miguel Island. The city grew and in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries the convents, churches and manor houses flourished and still today they integrate the historic center. Ponta Delgada is today a cosmopolitan city, outward looking, with a lively economic and cultural life. The extensive coastline road, which borders the harbor and the sea outlining the city, is the expression of its dynamism, adapting to new times and also the access road to the city. Accommodation: Hotel Marina Atlantico
4:30pm - Bike Fittings
7:30pm - GET TOGETHER DRINK in the lounge.
8:00pm - WELCOME DINNER
Day Two — Ponta Delgada to Furnas (45km / 28m; 913 m elevation gain)
A beautiful ride along the coast out of the city, the day can continue with a swim in an ocean lagoon formed by an extinct volcano (Ilheu island). Follow the coast in a spectacular climb up to Pizões pass and down to Furnas, our home for 2 nights in the art deco rich Hotel Terra Nostra, a building that reflects the architecture and spirit of the 1930s. Relax in a walk through the botanical park in the city center, a peaceful oasis filled with meandering trails, exotic species, lakes with water lilies and a camellia garden. Accommodation: Terra Nostra
Click here for elevation chart
Day Three — Furnas Bike or Hike (Ride of 74km / 46m - Hike 7km / 4.3m; 2030 m elevation gain )
Today you have the option of riding or hiking.
Ride: This ride is challenging but incredibly beautiful. We enjoy panoramic views along a secluded forest track of native vegetation, as we traverse from the rugged interior to the northeast. On the way through the mountain you will take a nice gravel road framed by dense plants, trees and rocks covered with moss from start to finish. The return route passes through numerous viewpoints over the Atlantic and Vila da Povoação, the first area to be populated on the island. The thermal hot-water pool at Terra Nostra Park is a leg balm at the end of the ride!
Hike: For those wanting a day off the saddle we transfer 30mins out to hike the Vigia da Baleia (whale watch trail) trail, it connects the village of povoação to Faial da terra. One of the highlights of this stunning trail is the whale watching tower. Accommodation: Terra Nostra. Group Dinner: At our lovely hotel.
Click here for elevation chart
Day Four — Furnas to Ribeira Grande (32km / 20m; 1400m cumulative elevation climb)
Ride to the North Coast, passing fishing villages, beaches and windmills. The orange trees you see around were introduced on the island in the 16th century, and became the main export until a plague wiped out the production in the 1800's. As a response, dairy farming increased and crops like pineapples, passionfruit, tobacco, and tea were introduced. This morning, you’ll take a look at one of the island’s “new” trades, riding north to Europe’s only tea plantation producing excellent organic tea. We’ll have the opportunity to stop and tour the Gorreana tea plantation. Accommodation: Hotel Verde Mar & Spa
Click here for elevation chart
Day Five — Ribeira Grande to Fogo Lake (fire lake) Loop (20km)
Free day to relax by the sea and get to know the historic center of Ribeira Grande, or a challenging loop ride that takes you up to the breathtaking Lagoa do Fogo. Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire) is a crater lake within the Água de Pau Massif stratovolcano in the center of the island. It's the highest lake on the island combining wonderful scenery, a reserve with endemic species of fauna and flora, and the always majestic geomorphology of a caldera. The route involves a start with a13km climb, so you will need a little bit of commitment to tackle this route. In our opinion, you should do it! Group Dinner: At our hotel serving delicious food.
Click here for elevation chart
Day Six— Riberia Grande to Ponta Delgada ( 71km; 1358m cumulative ascent)
The route follows the coast along the hydrangea-laden roads to Sete Cidades Lagoon and goes around the crater rim with views of the sea and the famous lagoons. Sete Cidades Lagoon is one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal. This volcanic complex includes centuries of geomorphological structures that include lava domes, cones, lava flows and maar geomorphology that have marked its history. Astonishing views guaranteed. As you set off you will notice that gradually you are gaining altitude until you arrive at the Canario Lookout, and from there you will go all the way down to Ponta Delgada. A long day in the saddle with incredible scenery at every turn. Accommodation: Hotel Marina Atlantico
Click here for elevation chart
Day 7 — Ponta Delgada (4.3km / 2.7m)
Our last day on this paradisiacal island sniff, sniff. In the morning we have a 15 min transfer to set off for a walk to Rocha da Relva, a hidden gem on the island accessible only by foot. Right by the sea there are some traditionally built summer houses. It is also possible to find some donkeys on this track, which are used as a means of transporting small loads. Hiking you will see some wine cellars and vineyards built in the traditional way in basalt rock. These structures, besides protecting from the sea spray, provides a milder environment for the crops giving them a distinctive taste. In the afternoon you can enjoy the city, local markets or visit a local pineapple plantation. Accommodation: Hotel Marina Atlantico. Farewell Dinner, we enjoy our last evening dining on the freshest catch!
Click here for elevation chart
Day 8 — Ponta Delgada
AM Transfers to the airport.
* Details subject to change.
