Monday, 13 September 2010 18:21
The authenticity, style, and romance of Europe is just 4 hours away from Boston with Azores Express/SATA’s newly announced fall and winter packages to the Azores.
The Azores are the closest and one of the more affordable destinations in Europe. Azores Express/SATA hotel and air packages give travelers the opportunity to explore five different islands while staying at one of 24 hotels.
There are four hotels offered on the island of Terceira, two on the island of Faial, one on the island of Santa Maria, one on the island of Pico, and 16 on the island of Sao Miguel.
All packages depart from Boston’s Logan Airport and include roundtrip, non-stop air, six nights lodging and daily breakfast. Flights depart and return on Tuesday and Fridays and passengers can upgrade from coach to SATA Plus Business-Class for just a few hundred dollars each way. Kids under six stay free, and pay only a child’s airfare.
The Azores Express/SATA packages cost $719 to $1,299 per person, before tax and are available through September 30, 2011. Availability depends on your choice of hotel, the islands you wish to visit and travel dates. To book travel, call 800-762-9995 or visit www.sata.pt for more details.
São Miguel- São Miguel, with its crater lakes, geysers, and seaside villages is the main island in the Azores and where all flights from Boston land in the fall, winter and spring. With easy access to the airport and major roads, Ponta Delgada is a great location to make day trips from to the rugged coastline. Venture to mountain crater lakes or visit the steaming thermal lakes and tea and pineapple plantations in the interior.
Terceira - Terceira’s lively and historic main city, Angra do Heroísmo, has been classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and has ample cultural offerings. The north coast offer black lava cliffs and a wine museum.
Pico - Meaning "peak" in Portuguese, Pico is characterized by the steep volcanic mountain that often rises above the cloud cover. Visitors can climb to 7,700 foot summit, the highest point in Portugal, or stay closer to sea-level and enjoy Pico’s signature wine known for carrying just a hint of lava.
Other Islands - Two of the other islands offered include Faial, famed for its harbors that are often filled with yachts from around the world, and sunny Santa Maria, known for having some of the best beaches in the Azores.
About the Azores: The Azores are the closet point in Europe to North America. The islands were created by volcanic activity millions of years ago which has created a stunning and dramatic environment. From the black lava cliffs of the island of Terceira, to mythical mountain Lake of Fire on São Miguel, the Azores offers an intensely green and sculptured landscape. This ocean-enveloped land enjoys a mild climate year-round between 60°F and 80°F.
The National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations recently named the Azores islands as the world’s second most appealing islands destination in its fourth annual Destination Scorecard survey. A panel of 522 experts reviewed conditions on 111 islands and archipelagos. The Azores received the title of “Authentic, unspoiled, and likely to remain so.”
Azores Express (part of the SATA Group) connects New England with the beautiful islands of the Azores. Year-round flights are available from Boston, with connecting service to Lisbon, Porto and Madeira. For information call 800-762-9995 or visit www.sata.pt.
Portugal National Tourist Office