Excursion Silver shore privato - sete cidades crater lakes by private van tour at Ponta Delgada

This exclusive tour includes a private van and an english speaking driver acting as guide and is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. You will be promised scenic beauty and contact with one of the oldest villages in São Miguel where the old traditional way of living in the Azorean villages is still kept alive.

Sete Cidades

The entire region of Sete Cidades is dominated by the impressive Caldeira, with its almost 7.5 mile (12 km) diameter; this is the most spectacular volcanic view in the Azores. The Azores are actually some of the tallest mountains on the planet, measured from their base at the bottom of the ocean to their peaks, which thrust high above the surface of the Atlantic. Because these once-uninhabited and remote islands were settled sporadically over a span of two centuries, their culture, dialect, cuisine and traditions vary considerably. King Charles I of Portugal contemplated this impressive panorama in 1901, discovering there lays two volcanic lakes, the Green and the Blue Lake, separated by a narrow bridge.

Crater Lakes

Together the Green and Blue lakes have an area of 482 hectares (2 miles), and they are 19 metres (62 feet) deep at their greatest depth. On the shores of the Blue Lake is the village of Sete Cidades, enigmatic as its own name (Seven Cities) and surrounded by the dark forest covered walls of the Caldeira.  Have the opportunity to see the lakes not only from the highest point but also to admire up close.

Santiago Lake

On the way back to Ponta Delgada you will also have the opportunity to see Santiago Lake. The Santiago Lake is situated in the Devassa Mountain, nearby the amazing Sete Cidades Lake, on the wonderful São Miguel Island, on the Azores Archipelago. In a place of great natural beauty, the lake amazes for its surrounding of greenish mountain slopes filled with natural richness and different species of flora and fauna, proud of the lake waters in dark green tones.

The Santiago Lagoon occupies a volcanic crater, quite visible in the Lagoa do Canário viewpoint, this offers a panorama of great beauty, such as the pure image of the greenish Azores Archipelago.

Pineapple Plantation

One of the more unusual sightseeing destinations on São Miguel is the well-known Pineapple Plantation, located just outside of Ponta Delgada. You can see the greenhouses (the Azores are not warm enough to cultivate the fruit outdoors), and take a tour of the plantation and learn of the growing stages and cultivation.

Your private vehicle then returns you to the pier and your ship after your day of discovery.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Sete Cidades, Santiago Lake, Crater Lakes, Carvão Belvedere, Pineapple Plantation

Note

Please note: On this tour the Driver act as Guide, so there is no official Guide. This tour involves a moderate amount of walking at times over uneven terrain. 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. This Silver Shore Privato 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 Desk on board.