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.

Depart the pier for a 50-minute coach ride to the Capelinhos volcano via the island's southern route through the towns of Feteira and Castelo Branco offering glorious views of Pico Island and its soaring mountain.

The Capelinhos submarine eruption occurred in 1957, with the volcano rising from the sea and remaining active for 13 months. This natural phenomenon created one of the most remarkable volcanoes in the world and became a significant part of Faial island's history. Today the site houses a wonderful underground Visitors' Centre, which illustrates the story of the eruption as well as the geological history of the Azores.

Round off your tour with a stop at a leading hotel at or near Horta's Fort of Santa Cruz, sit back and relax with refreshments of tea, coffee and pastries and marvel at the breathtaking views over the bay.

This eco experience is designed for active people in good health who are able to swim, have a spirit of adventure and wish to get close to nature.

A 10-minute drive takes guests to the Whale Watching Base, whose staff will be pleased to answer questions and share their knowledge of marine life and the fascinating history of whaling in and around the Azores.

After an introductory briefing jump into a RIB with your skipper and marine biologist and head out to sea.

The northeast mid-Atlantic location of the islands attracts 24 species of cetaceans, of which sperm whales are the most common. Other whales encountered include the humpback, minke, blue, sei, northern bottlenose and Sowerby's beaked whale. The dolphin species most commonly seen are pilot whales, orcas, false killer whales, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins and Risso's dolphins. This tour ensures sighting of at least one of these amazing creatures.

Meet your driver/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.

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.

Explore Horta at your leisure during a half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize 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.

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.

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.

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.