Azores Archipelago Tour Companies

Obviously I didn’t ask enough questions, because I was expecting a tour with other people for the seven days. I was travelling solo, and all I experienced was daily tours with different people each time. The guides were wonderful and took us to the best of Sao Miguel, but I stayed at the hotel by myself and that was disappointing and somewhat lonely. Won’t do that again.

Having previously explored Lisbon many years ago, we were eager to delve deeper into Portugal's diverse landscapes. Our second visit to Porto and Ponta Delgada, though bustling, reinforced our decision to return. The country's charm and hospitality are truly unmatched. Our accommodations, were impeccably located, clean, and comfortable. The Douro Valley hotel views were a standout. Sao Miguel Island, however, was the crown jewel of this trip and we will definitely be back to explore more islands in the Azores.

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.

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.

Our guide in Pnta Delgada was excellent. He was pleasant and acclimating and added in enroute things that he thought we would like and he was right on. Actually one place was one of the best places seeing, comparing volcanic area. The Picos. Excellent. He adjusted the order and so happy he did. We did the tea place and left the bathing in thermal waters til the end. I would not have wanted to go anywhere after that

This was a fantastic tour ... an excellent experience. The excursions were wonderful and the hotel was well situated and clean. This was our first Wingbuddy booking and certainly won't be our last! Thank you.

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.

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

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.

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.

Mit dem Mietwagen durch São Miguel. Einfach traumhaft! Wir sind schon ein paar mal mit Journaway verreist und wieder einmal war alles wunderbar! Die Buchung der Reise ist einfach und der Support im vorraus auch sehr gut! Die Route mit den Mietwagen war super und kann man einfach nur weiterempfehlen. Dies war auf jeden Fall nicht unsere letzte Buchung bei journaway.

Das ist jetzt, glaube ich, schon die fünfte Reise, die ich über Journaway buche, und ich bin wie jedes Mal sehr zufrieden. Die Buchung und der Kontakt sind auch schon vor dem Urlaub hervorragend. Die Reisen und die Erklärungen treffen genauso zu wie das, was man vor Ort antrifft. Mittlerweile nutzen auch Freunde von mir Journaway und sind ebenfalls begeistert. Ich finde es toll, dass man mobil ist und im Urlaub etwas machen kann und nicht nur faul rumliegen muss. Ich schreibe normalerweise keine Rezession, aber ich bin wirklich begeistert von eurem Konzept und freue mich auf die nächste Buchung.

Everything was amazing! I am extremely type A, and love to be in control of logistics. I found that they handled everything from island transfer, hotel bookings, and taxi service superbly. I also loved that we booked a tour but we were not in a group. We still had loads of free time to see the islands and never felt rushed. We could explore at our own pace, which is something we value on vacation. Will use them again!

All in all one of our best experiences so far! The archipelago of the Azores is very beautiful and diverse and we had the chance to explore a big part of it within just one week. The program was very good and we never had a problem to follow the trail descriptions we got. All were pretty clear. Local transfers went seamless and drivers were very helpful. The ascent of Pico was demanding but truly rewarding. Thanks again for organizing this holiday for us!