Silversea Luxury Cruises A HORTA (Azores)

Admire beautiful green pastures as you drive along roads bordered with flowers on your excursion to Caldeira and the volcano of Capelinhos on this half day island tour.

Espalamca

Depart the port for a short drive to the belvedere at Espalamaca; from here view the splendid scenery of the Port and the charming old town of Horta. On a clear day you can see the Islands of Pico, São Jorge and Graciosa, which make up part of the Central Group of Islands that include the Island of Terceira.

Calderia

Proceed on a drive ascending 3,000 feet (914 metres) to the centre of the Island to inspect a vast volcanic crater known as "Caldeira", over a mile (1.6 kilometres) in diameter and 1,200 feet (366 metres) deep, surrounded by luxuriant vegetation.

Capelinhos Volcano

Continuing westward, passing the typical Azorean villages of Ribeira Funda, Praia do Norte and Norte Pequeno, you will have the opportunity to see magnificent views of Capelinhos, the famous volcano which rose from the sea in 1957. The volcano is now extinct, but you can see the effects of that devastating eruption.

The tour returns along the scenic south coast through Capelo and Castelo Branco back to Horta and the ship.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or for those who utilise a wheelchair. Walking will be on paved, unpaved and gravel surfaces at the volcano. Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen. The drive is on winding, steep roads. Guides are the best available in the area but may fall short of your expectations.

Meet your driver and guide and depart on this half day jeep tour around the Island of Horta giving you an opportunity to see the beauty and landscape up close and personal.

Espalamaca

After setting off in the jeeps you will begin your journey into the hills of the island. Your first stop will be at the Espalamaca look-out point, where you will have incredible views of Horta and the harbour.

Caldeira

After leaving the Espalamaca you will continue to climb higher to Caldeira at 3024 ft. (922 meters). Depending on the weather, you will continue your drive to the Capelinhos Volcano approaching by either the north or south coasts of the island. From this extinct volcano you will have spectacular views out into the ocean.

Varadouro

After leaving Capelinhos you will move onto the natural pools of Varadouro, a spectacular bay, overlooked by the jutting black rocks of Castelo Branco Hill. After relaxing in the pools or walking amongst the atmospheric setting you will return to your jeep for the return trip to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking; however guests may encounter uneven or unpaved surfaces. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. The ride may be rough at times and guests will experience bumpy, jerking motions. It is not suitable for guests with back/neck issues. Minimum age to participate is 6 years old.

Explore Horta at your leisure during a full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Horta at your leisure during a half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Horta at your leisure during a full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 6 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Horta at your leisure during a half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 6 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Drive along the south coast of the island to the Capelinhos Volcano, emerging from the sea in an eruption which occurred in 1957-58 and lasted for 14 months. Then travel to the Bay of Varadouro and explore this summer resort all on this half-day excursion.

Capelinhos and Volcano

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive along the south coast of the island en-route to the Capelinhos Volcano. Marvel at the new land created by the volcano's eruption in the late 1950s, and see the ruins of homes covered by volcanic ash.

Lighthouse and Varadouro

Next, take a guided stroll past a former whaling port and the Capelinhos Lighthouse, built to replace the one destroyed by the eruption. As you proceed towards Varadouro, take in wonderful coastal vistas.

Varadouro

Upon arrival at the Bay of Varadouro, see swimming pools along the coast made from black volcanic stones, and explore this summer resort and wine-producing area. There used to be a spa in Varadouro and still today it is a popular spot for summer houses due to its mild climate, which also allows for fine wine growing.

Following your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier in Horta.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 5 miles (8 km), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Minimum age to participate is 12 years old.