Arrive on the island, collect your hire car and make the short journey to your hotel in the capital of the Azores, Ponta Delgada. Depending on the time of your arrival you will have time to explore the city; once a simple fishing village which attracted fisherman to its calm coves. The once sleepy village soon became the key port for the island and is today a cosmopolitan city that embraces its 5 centuries of history to create a captivating atmosphere for you to enjoy.

Take a stroll under the three arched city gates and through the historic centre filled with cobbled streets, informative museums and manicured gardens. The white buildings edged in the native black volcanic rock provide a photogenic backdrop to the cities everyday life as you relax in one of the inviting cafes. We recommend paying a visit to the Convento de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, a convent dating back to 1545 which is one of the most important convent in Portugal thanks to its statue of Santo Cristo dos Milagres gifted by Pope Paul in the 16th century. The statue has such significance that it is the star of the Santo Cristo festival when the statue is paraded around the churches of the city illuminated by thousands of lights.

SANTO CRISTO FESTIVAL: The ritual dates back to 1700 and take place on the fifth Sunday after Easter and is well worth seeing if you are visiting the Azores at this time.

Your first walk of the week will explore the mysterious nature reserve of Lago do Fogo; translating to 'lake of fire'. The journey is a delightful part of the day as you watch the landscape change before you, as you move away from the urbanised port to the start of your walk. Sao Miguel is known as the green island thanks to its dense and incredible vegetation. Your route will take you to the stunning 'lake of fire', surrounded by steep sided cliffs within a nature reserve and your walk will be a great introduction to this magnificent landscape, the diversity of the island and the magnificent endemic flora and fauna which thrives on the fertile soils.

Today begins with the short journey to the magnificent Sete Cidades Caldeira and its two crater lakes; one blue and one green, separated by a seven arch bridge that represents the 7 cities of lost Atlantis. Your route will explore this magnificent area taking you past sweet smelling hydrangeas to a viewpoint for simply breath-taking views of this natural marvel. Legend has it that the lakes were formed by the tears of a shepherd and princess on the island who shared a forbidden love, but we will let you make your own conclusions.

On your drive home we recommend taking a little detour to explore the northern coastal road. Here you will find peaceful villages with traditional white houses, quaint harbours and secluded swimming areas to enjoy a dip in the Atlantic waters. In the evening, you will return to Ponta Delgada where you can enjoy one of the island's many culinary delights in a nearby restaurant.

Today you will drive to your second base for the week within the volcanic phenomena of Furnas on the west side of the island. The entire Furnas valley is in fact a giant crater that has been dormant since 1630 and there is no mistaking this part of the island is very much alive! The lush verdant forest and beautiful bright hydrangeas flourish in the fertile volcanic soils, while the hot springs bubble away, and steam holes put on a show for passers-by.

Along your drive, there is opportunity to stop off at Gorreana to discover Sao Miguel's unexpected crop, tea. The island is home to the only tea planation in Europe having been in operation since 1883. Here you can walk the fields, take a tour of the factory and discover the process of making the popular English brew before driving on to the small village of Maia on the north-east coast of the island where you can walk between nature and culture along the Praia da Viola. This fantastic walk will take you out to the coast to one of the most beautiful natural beaches of the archipelago.

Your route today will take you to explore the crater of Furnas, surrounded by lush vegetation that has prospered in the fertile soils of this active volcano. It is this bubbling volcano which heats the delightful hot springs this part of the island has become so well known for. This natural heating system has influenced all parts of traditional island culture, not just with the social aspects of relaxing in the hot springs but the health benefits they bring to the islanders and they have even utilised the volcano in the cooking of the islands yummy cuisine; cooking the famous cozido with geothermal heat. This stew-like one pot dish is considered part of Portuguese heritage and is hearty meal for any walker.

After your walk you will have time to test out the benefits of the islands thermal springs for yourself at the Parque Terre Nostra (approx. €8). The tranquillity of these natural springs within the woodlands and gardens make for a unique experience with nature not to be missed - and let's be honest it is the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring!

Today will take you to discover the landscapes of the south-eastern part of the island where you will hike through the exuberant vegetation of the Ribeira do Faial da Terra. Your route will ascend the vibrant valley, punctuated with historic old mills and dramatic waterfalls to lead you to the village of Sanguinho, known as the lost village. The traditional stone houses of Sanguinho were home to the wealthy population of the island for over a century. The remote location provided refuge from the Faial da Terra River. However mass emigration for the Americas in the sixties and seventies and the quest for the amenities of modern life have left this once bustling village abandoned, waiting for you to explore. The views from here are fantastic and you will soon understand the locations appeal.

Returning to your accommodation you will have time to enjoy a dip in the pool or visit the Parque Terre Nostra once more to further relax in the inviting warm springs. In the evening why not venture out to delight in the tasty Azorean cuisine in one of the nearby restaurants.

What better way to spend your final day on the green island of the Archipelago than hopping on a boat to undertake a spot of whale watching! After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your accommodation you will drive along the southern coast to the charming village of Vila Franca; a typical fishing port who came into prosperity thanks to pineapple cultivation. The town is full of architectural charm but its crowning glory sits just off the coast; the islet of Vila Franca do Campo. The islet is a result of a sunken volcanic crater that has created a tranquil lake protected from the wild Atlantic by the crater rim and endemic vegetation. You will have time to enjoy a coffee and a stroll through the town before, weather permitting, you board your boat for a 3 hour whale watching excursion (included).

The Azores are one of the world's largest whale sanctuaries with whale watching season lasting from April right through to October, during that time some 20 different cetaceans pass through the waters surrounding the islands, some of which are resident in the area and others passing through on their annual migration. There is simply nothing quite like the exhilaration of witnessing whales frolic in their natural habitat and dolphins jumping alongside the bow of the boat. This is a day to bring your binoculars with you and hopefully the whales will be happy to put on a show for you before you return to Ponta Delgada to raise a glass to a great week in the Azores.

Enjoy a leisurely morning on the island and take a final stroll along the coast before making your way back to Ponta Delgada Airport where you will return your car.