Geography School Trip to The Azores

Fly to Ponta Delgada

Arrive in Ponta Delgada to explore the small capital city.

You will find cobbled streets, a dramatic coastline and distinctive painted houses.

Furnas, Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens, Tea Plantation

One of the highlights of any trip to the Azores is the quaint village of Furnas.

Set in the green fields of Sao Miguel, Furnas has a variety of geothermal characteristics which give the village its unique features.

In Furnas you will not ony find bubbling hot mud pools but also a large caldera lake. You can find out more about the village and its geography through the interpretation centre.

Nearby your students will enjoy a visit to Terra Nostra Gardens. The gardens are lush, with brightly coloured flowers, water features and tropical plants. There is also a large geothermal pool. The pool is brown in colour from the iron in the water.

Next stop is the local tea plantation where the expert guides will lead students around the factory to explain the production process and allow the students to sample the teas.

Lago de Fogo, Caldeira Velha, Geothermal & HEP stations

Lago de Fogo (Fogo lake) has been a nature reserve since 1974 and is a stunning place for your students to hike. Geographers will also be keen to learn more about the caldera which formed the lake here.

On the north slope of the Fogo volcano you will find Caldeira Velha, a series of warm waterfalls and hot pools where students can have a relaxing soak.

Connect with the curriculum during your afternoon walking trail. The trail heads into the green forest and snakes past waterfalls and scenic look out points as well as both a geothermal and hydro-electric power plant.

Fly to Pico, Whalers’ Museum, UNESCO Vineyards, Gruta das Torres

On this tour you will visit more than just the main island, Sao Miguel, on day 4 you will take the short flight to Pico.

You will begin with a look back in time. Whaling was a very important business to the Azores until the 1980s and at the Whalers’ museum students will gain an understanding of how both the economy and culture of the Azores has adapted without this industry.

The fertile volcanic soil means the archipelago has ideal conditions for many plants. Your school group’s next stop is to visit the vineyards on Pico. The grape plants are protected by man-made black stone walls. The whole site was recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004.

Geography school trips aren’t complete without a lava tube visit and at 5km Gruta das Torres is one of the longest in Europe. Students will strap on their helmets and head in to explore the cave with the help of an experienced guide.