Azores Archipelago Tour Companies

Great communication throughout the booking process. Just before going they send a really useful link to a detailed step by step itinerary. Hotel was good and all transport and tours were great. Going home with amazing pictures of San Miguel so all in all a great trip.

We were lucky and had the same Tour Guide for almost all of our days. The weather wasn’t perfect, but the island is beautiful, no matter the weather. When I had questions, the tour operator was responsive as well.

Could have been (should have) a day or two longer. I think there is enough to see in Ponta Delgada to justify a day there. Also, I would like to see the tour end where it starts. In Ponta Delgada.

Trip very good Organization could be greatly improved

The individual activities were quite good however considering I signed up for an active trip there was very little activity, mostly sight seeing and the activities were very placid which was disappointing. They never begin on time either you just wait around for 40 mins until they decide to start. Secondly, this is not a tour - they just book you into day trips and book your accommodation..no guide or group. Thirdly, the communication from this company is awful. You will need to do a lot of independent research to even know what gear you need each day or what you are doing. My transfer from the airport did not arrive despite the company having my flight details and have got radio silence regarding a refund for this. I also apparently had a lunch included but didn't get told this or where or what time but they had the audacity to ring and say where are you. Guests need to be mind readers to get their meals apparnetly. All in all this island is magnificent but you can book all of this independently without paying their fees.

The hotel was very comfortable and well located. The daily hikes were really interesting, as a result of the excellent local guides who shared their knowledge and experience of the island. I found the hikes much more challenging than expected from the description of 'soft trekking' suitable for people up to age 90. The terrain was difficult at times and the hikes involved a lot of up and down hill.

Having a balance of planned activities with the opportunity to travel around the islands together with time to explore the main towns is more important to me than individual highlights. But probably the main highlight was the walk through the Calderia de Cima gorge.

Flores was a highlight for me as less touristy. Optional boat ride was excellent and the walk was really good. Also walk in Sao Jorge down to the villages on sea level.

Overall the tour was good. The response coordinating the trip was great. They did change 1 item on the itinerary but it was no problem. I didn't like the location of the hotel. There was nothing close by (shops, restaurants, etc.). This also wasn't a tour where you were with the same group of people. It was more solo where you met different people on different days and no one stayed in the same location so very little group bonding. It was nice on the days I had the rental car so I was able to get out to stores, restaurants and sights. The last day there was a dinner but it was so far from the location of the hotel, I didn't even bother going. Note: the canyoning was well worth it!

I had an absolute blast on my trip. I needed some customization on the tour as I wanted to visit other islands on the Azores and the operator was quick in adapting to my needs and sent me through various options. This was a self-drive tour and everything from the accommodation to car hire was great. The operation suggested some great accommodations that I probably would have not found myself. Stayed in some local Adegas on Pico Island and got to experience everything Pico and Failal had to offer - from whale watching, hiking, and wine tasting. Destination Services Portugal was always prompt in replying and even provided some great local suggestions on what to do and see. Highly recommend this trip to any nature lover, hiker, and someone who simply wants to have a relaxed vacation.

I Will not use Wingbuddy again. This was a poorly organized trip and reflects badly on the company's overall ability to function during less than ideal situations. I had difficulty setting up the actual tour. I was not given any specifics until 3 days after payment was made on first contact. There were hidden airline costs that arose once I had booked. The Whale Watching tour was cancelled because of weather conditions and safety concerns. However, Wingbuddy did not have a plan 'B' in place to cover the vacant time. Instead, it was given as a free day without any thought to compensation. As well, the thermal baths in Furnas were closed because of the end-of-season maintenance. This is a yearly scheduled occurrence that Wingbuddy should have been on top of and offered a solution: another thermal bath location. When asked about compensation for the two cancellations, the run-around happened: call the Whale watching company, etc., etc. Also, there was no one answering the emergency line. The Hotel was great. The guide for the 2 1/2 day tours and 1 full day tour was very nice, so was the van driver.

George was very knowledgeable and a fun tour guide.

The itenary was too intensive. I felt the age range was incorrect . It certainly was not 12 - 90. You had to be very fit as some of the trails were very arduous. Unless you’re fit I wouldn’t recommend it for over 60’s. The tour guides were good and certainly by offering alternative options they made this holiday enjoyable .

The guides were excellent. Hikes had just the right amount of challenge and were interesting and beautiful. Accommodations were great.

I liked the Azores. The scenery is really good so is the food and wine. However although the the Hotel in Ilha Do Pico is good and the staff are friendly I would rate the facilities as 2 star not 4 star as claimed in the Exodus brochure.  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Getting to the summit of Pico on the only fine day. What did you think of your group leader? Both leaders were efficient and friendly. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for changeable weather! Is there anything else you would like to add? There is a case for reorganising the itinerary on the last 2 days on Sao Miguel. Perhaps the meal cooked in hot vents could be on the evening of Day 6 and the evening meal on Day 7 could be at Restaurante San Pedro. We had to get up at 0600 on Day 8 to catch the 0840 flight back to Gatwick only to find when we reached the Airport that it had been rescheduled to 1150.  I sat next to someone on the plane who knew the previous evening. I think in future the Exodus leader should check with the Airport in advance.

Great Tour, many beautiful sites.

The whole trip was wonderful!