Sunvil Discovery adds activity and adventure in the Azores for 2014

Dec. 17, 2013 - PRLog -- Leading UK specialist tour operator to the lush, volcanic archipelago of the Azores, Sunvil Discovery adds a taste of adventure to its 2014 real Azores brochure. Featuring single, multi-centre and tailor-made itineraries to all nine of these unspoilt islands, Sunvil now offers a new, activity-based escape that’s sure to get the adrenalin flowing, plus three new guided Island Tours by minibus, all based on São Miguel. A three-island itinerary taking in São Miguel, Terceira and São Jorge, plus three delightful properties, have also been introduced.

The new brochure also features a handy two-page overview (pages 6 and 7) of each of the nine islands - São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, São Jorge, Graciosa, Pico, Faial, Flores and Corvo – highlighting their unique features and activities, enabling travellers to mix, match and plan their perfect itinerary.

NEW TOURS…

São Miguel Active Holiday (page 71)

The Azores’ largest island, São Miguel, with its beautiful, rugged landscapes, makes for an awe-inspiring backdrop to this seven-night activity-based itinerary. Observe the island’s rich population of whales and dolphins in their natural habitat and learn how they behave; experience the thrill of rock climbing at Ferraria; explore the majestic volcanic landscapes, craters and lakes of Sete Cidades and Furnas by canoe, mountain bike and on foot, then enjoy a relaxing spa experience in the healing thermal waters. Optional extras include a full-day canyoning experience on the island’s craggy rock faces, ravines and torrents, and a dip in the deep blue Atlantic waters with wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Swims are carefully supervised to ensure the wellbeing of both visitors and dolphins. The seven-night trip costs from £1,003 pp (two sharing), including direct flights, car hire and self-catering accommodation at the Furnas Lake Apartments, a whale and dolphin observation trip, rock climbing and canoeing activities, mountain bike tour and spa (Ferraria) visit. Canyoning costs an additional £63 per adult and £48 per child (aged 6-11 years); swimming with wild dolphins costs £68 per adult and £50 per child (aged 5-11 years).

Azores Three Island Tour to São Miguel, Terceira and São Jorge (page 63)

Experience the highlights and contrasts of these three distinctively beautiful islands on a new, seven-night tour. Explore the coastline, mountains and black volcanic pools of Terceira, stop for cheese- tasting in traditional villages, check out the locally-produced Verdelho at Biscoitos, then hike in the botanical garden at the Angra do Heroismo UNESCO World Heritage site. Fly to São Jorge and visit breathtaking viewpoints on the south coast, traditional shops selling handmade woven goods and decorative garments, historic churches, and the ancient tower that still stands after the devastating volcanic eruption of 1808. On São Miguel, visit the Gorreana tea factory, Caldeira Vehla geothermal spring and Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake), then explore the pineapple plantations at Faja de Baixo. The seven-night trip cost from £1,475 pp (two sharing), including scheduled flights, inter-island flights, B&B, transfers, guided excursions with a minibus or taxi/jeep and entrance tickets (botanical garden, caves, museum).

São Miguel Island Tours By Guided Minibus (page 21)

Sunvil has introduced three new, full-day guided tours departing Ponta Delgada, enabling guests to discover the island’s beauty spots in the company of an expert driver and guide, without the need to hire their own car. The tours cost from £61 per adult and £31 per child (aged 4 to 10), and include the beguiling Furnas valley area with its lake and astounding volcanic formations; Nordeste, the greenest part of the island on the eastern coast; and, finally, Sete Cidades with the unique sights of the west coast, plus Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake) with its viewpoints, lakes, craters and nearby pineapple plantations.

NEW PROPERTIES…

The Pousada São Sebastião (page 31), in Angra do Heroismo, Terceira, has reopened after two years, with the addition of a stylish and comfortable new guest wing, to complement the original features of this historic governor’s house, originally built in 1555. The outdoor pool, lawns and terrace of the Castelinho restaurant, which serves traditional Portuguese cuisine, all boast spectacular views of Mount Brasil and the Atlantic Ocean. Seven nights from £921 pp (two sharing, B&B)*

The four-star Hotel Faial (page 52), in Horta, lies five minutes’ walk from the marina in a private park, with panoramic views across the sea to the island of Pico and its impressive volcano. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, tennis and volleyball courts, health club with indoor pool, mini gym, Jacuzzi, sauna and Turkish bath. Seven nights from £930 pp (two sharing, B&B)*

Quinta do Canto (page 54) is another new addition on Faial: a charming, traditional farmstead in the rural village of Flamengos, offering a peaceful setting close to the botanical gardens, the Caldeira nature reserve and just five minutes’ drive from the main town of Horta. Seven nights from £980 pp (two sharing, B&B)*

The lead-in price for a week in the Azores is from just £601 pp (two sharing), staying at the Hotel Talisman on São Miguel. It includes direct flights on Saturdays (Gatwick) with SATA International, transfers and seven nights’ B&B.

Direct weekly SATA International flights run from Gatwick to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel, from 5 April to 24 October 2014. Alternatively, TAP Portugal offers flights from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester to Ponta Delgada - via Lisbon – throughout the year. An overnight stay in Lisbon may be advisable, depending on flight times.

*Prices are based on two sharing and include direct scheduled flights, inter-island flights (if not staying solely on São Miguel), transfers and/or car hire and accommodation on either a bed & breakfast or self-catering basis.

To order the new 2014 Sunvil Discovery Real Azores brochure, call 020 8758 4747. Alternatively, view the brochure online here.  For further information or to book, call the Sunvil Discovery experts on 020 8758 4722 or visit http://www.sunvil.co.uk.

Ends          17 December 2013

Press:   For further information and images, or to discuss a press trip commission to the Azores in 2014, please contact Sarah Belcher at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email s.belcher@travelpr.co.uk.

Note to editors: Sunvil has pioneered many specialist destinations in its 44-year history and has been at the forefront of environmental initiatives and Sustainable Tourism for well over 25 years. Sunvil consistently promotes owner-managed hotels and local tourism enterprises across all destinations in which it operates. Sunvil also uses local suppliers and representatives wherever possible and encourages its suppliers, through many initiatives, to protect and treasure their local environment.