AZORES AND MADEIRA 10 DAY PHOTO TOUR
Embark on an extraordinary 10-day photo tour exploring the captivating beauty of the Islands of Terceira, São Miguel, and Madeira. Immerse yourself in the rich landscapes, vibrant cultures, and hidden gems that make these islands truly unique.
8-17 OCTOBER 2024
Created by local photographer Bruno Ázera and Renato Machado
Embark on an unforgettable 10-day photo tour as we unveil the captivating beauty of the Azores and Madeira. Join us on a journey that delves into the lush landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and unique cultural gems of these Portuguese islands.
Whether you’re an amateur photographer eager to refine your skills or a seasoned pro in search of fresh perspectives, this photo tour promises an unparalleled opportunity to capture the very essence of these awe-inspiring destinations through your lens.
Our adventure will lead us through the picturesque landscapes of Terceira, São Miguel, and Madeira Islands. Seamless transitions between private shuttles and commercial flights ensure a travel experience thoughtfully designed for ease and tranquility. All transportation, local flights, and accommodations are included within the tour package, allowing you to focus solely on capturing the beauty that surrounds you.
While a specific itinerary guides our journey, we also embrace spontaneity, providing flexibility to seize photographic opportunities encountered throughout each day. This ensures that you not only follow a curated path but also have the freedom to capture the unexpected moments that make these islands truly extraordinary.
Join me on this remarkable photo tour, where every day offers a new chapter in the exploration of the Azores and Madeira. Let your lens capture the magic of these landscapes, and immerse yourself in an experience designed to showcase the unparalleled beauty of these Portuguese gems.
These photo tours are always for small groups, a maximum of 5 participants per guide, it’s a one-on-one experience.
TOUR PRICE
starting from 4500.00€
Twin shared hotel rooms
DATES
8-17 OCTOBER 2024
GROUP SIZE
6-10
TOUR GUIDES
Bruno Ázera and Renato Machado
EXPERIENCE
amateur / advanced
PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY
Medium
small hikes are involved
DESTINATION
Azores
Terceira / São Miguel / Madeira
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotel Cruzeiro / Hotel Gaivota / Melia Madeira Mare
- Discover 3 island paradises: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of Terceira, São Miguel and Madeira, each boasting its own distinct charm and natural wonders.
- Guided by 2 professional photographers: Benefit from the guidance of local and seasoned photographers intimately familiar with the islands’ most picturesque locations, ensuring you capture the perfect shot.
- Diverse landscapes: From the rugged volcanic landscapes of the Azores to Madeira’s emerald-green mountains and terraced vineyards, every day offers a new and captivating backdrop for your photographs.
- Cultural immersion: Engage with local traditions, interact with the warm island communities, and capture the authenticity of daily life through your camera lens.
- Small group experience: To facilitate personalized attention, our tour is limited to a small group of passionate photographers, fostering an environment for shared learning and inspiration.
- Skill enhancement: Refine your technical skills and artistic vision, taking your photography to the next level.
- Unforgettable Memories: Create a collection of photographs that not only tell a story but also serve as timeless memories of your incredible journey through these Atlantic gems.
- 2 Professional photo guides (fluent in Portuguese, English and Spanish)
- Photographic field instructions
- Tips and tricks along the day
- Image reviews
- Transportation in a comfortable vehicle
- 9 nights accommodation in hotels, twin shared rooms
- All Breakfasts
- Park fees
- Local flights to transfer between islands
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from the airport
- Welcome lunch and farewell dinner
- Personal accident insurance and liability.
- Lots of fun
- Alcoholic beverages and other drinks
- Snacks, lunch, and dinners are not mentioned in the inclusions
- Flight tickets to Ponta Delgada from the original departure point
- Visas (if needed)
- Gratuities for photo guides, local guides, and/or drivers
- I also advise everyone making travel plans for the near future to book a cancellation insurance
- Camera (DSLR / Mirrorless)
- Wide angle lens / midrange zoom / telephoto (optional)
- Drone (recommended)
- Tripod (recommended)
- Comfortable clothes, a waterproof jacket, and hiking shoes
Welcome to the enchanting Terceira Island, where our journey begins amidst the charm of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Angra do Heroísmo. Your adventure kicks off with a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, providing the perfect opportunity to connect with your fellow travelers. Feel free to inquire about any details regarding the upcoming trip; we’re here to ensure you have a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Following lunch, we venture into the captivating Black Forest, a unique location defined by its dense vegetation. The interplay of light within this forest creates an ever-changing atmosphere, making each photographic endeavor a distinctive experience.
Just a short drive away, we reach one of the island’s highlights – Algar do Carvão. This extraordinary site allows you to step inside a volcano, a rare opportunity as only two such locations exist in the world. Keep in mind that tripods are not allowed, so having your fastest and widest lens is essential to capture the awe-inspiring surroundings.
As we navigate through picturesque forest roads, hidden gems await our exploration. Depending on the weather, we’ll ascend to Serra de Santa Bárbara for a mesmerizing sunset. This vantage point, the highest on the island, provides a breathtaking panorama to conclude our day on Terceira.
Get ready to capture the essence of Terceira Island, where each moment promises a blend of natural wonders and unique cultural experiences.
Today’s itinerary is full of scenic views and coastal landscapes. We begin our journey at Serra da Ribeirinha, where we can admire the stunning vista of the shoreline from the edge of a volcanic crater. We can also see Serra do Morião and Serra Santa Bárbara on our right, as well as Monte Brasil and the islands of São Jorge and Pico in the distance.
Our next destination is Pico Dona Joana, a beautiful volcanic cone that offers a unique perspective of Ilhéu das Cabras, a small islet off the coast. This is one of the most photogenic spots in the Azores.
After lunch, we will explore the historic city of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will walk along the colorful streets and admire the architecture, culture, and life of this charming city. Pay attention to the details, such as the doors, windows, and balconies, that make this city so special. You can also capture the patterns and textures of the cobblestone streets.
To end our day, we will head to Serretinha natural basalt pools, where we can enjoy the sunset over Ilhéu das Cabras. This is a perfect spot to take some amazing photos of the golden hour.
We start our morning at Ponta das Contendas lighthouse and its surrounding seascapes. A beautiful area with a not-so-common brown and black colored rock for the Azores. Depending on the weather, there is also a cave only accessible by sea that provides really interesting photo opportunities.
At noon, we arrive at Praia da Vitória and to truly complete the Azores experience, I invite you to enjoy a homemade lunch in a restaurant of a local family and get to know what it’s like to live in these islands.
We head out to the north part of the Island, to Ponta do Mistério. One of the Island’s most attractive coastal areas. A mysterious green-glazed lunar landscape, with the blue Atlantic Ocean in the background, creates an amazing sight.
Next, we visit the popular summer spot of Biscoitos. A picturesque town, known for its wine-growing region and even more for its beautiful natural pools. The rugged black-colored lava fields sculpted by waves make for really interesting landscapes.
Considered the most beautiful viewpoint in Portugal, we reserved the best for the last sunset in Terceira. The unique view of the interior of the island, known as the “patchwork”, consisting of walls of volcanic stones dividing the farmer fields into square-shaped figures, makes Serra do Cume the epic spot to photograph the last light of the day.
We say goodbye to Terceira and welcome you to São Miguel. After we settle on our accommodation, we head to the oldest tea plantation in Europe, Gorreana Tea factory. Get to know the factory and explore its surroundings. The landscape here is unique, the shape and texture of the green tea leaf’s creates endless photography possibilities.
Waterfalls, streams and lush vegetation of Ribeira dos Caldeirões on the northeast is our next location. The park also has a historical and cultural value, as it preserves some of the old water mills that were used for grinding cereals in the past.
Depending on the weather, for sunset we visit the beaches of Santa Bárbara and Monte Verde, or the jagged cliffs of Miradouro do Cintrão, overlooking the north coast and Sete Cidades volcano in the background.
The day starts at Lagoa do Fogo volcanic lake, and one of the highest points of the island. It usually tends to be cloudy or foggy during the day and ultimately ruin any potential view to be had. If you have a drone take full advantage of it. You can create really unique perspectives up here.
After breakfast we travel west and explore the volcanic crater of Sete Cidades, two multi-coloured lakes of Lagoa Verde and Azul. It’s an incredible sight and the best way to have a sense of the surrounding area.
We arrive at one of the highlights of the Azores, Grota do Inferno viewpoint. The crater lakes of Sete Cidades can be viewed from several different viewpoints, but it’s hard to beat this spot. If you have a drone, Lagoa do Canario by air reveals a really interesting shape.
For sunrise, we visit one of the most iconic locations in São Miguel, Vila Franca Islet. The islet is famous for its unique geological formation. It is essentially a volcanic crater that has partially collapsed and allowed seawater to enter, forming a natural circular pool inside the crater. To create really unique perspectives here, you need a bird’s eye view of a drone.
Next, we head out to Lagoa das Furnas, a spectacular crater lake where you will have the chance do photograph mud pools and other steaming geothermal features. We will try the famous local dish known as Cozido at das Furnas, which is unique to this town and is cooked by volcanic steam, as well as the sweet muffins called bolo lêvedo.
Terra Nostra Park is our next spot and considered one of the most beautiful gardens, with the added bonus of having thermal pools. Be sure to bring your swimwear, with temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius, provides a sensation of rest and relaxation for the rest of the day.
In our list is Ribeira Quente waterfalls, the unique brown and orange colours from the rich iron waters makes this a must visit location in São Miguel.
In the afternoon we head back to the coastline of the island to photograph the sunset.
Welcome to Cristiano Ronaldo airport of Madeira Island. Our first destination is Eira do Serrado, a place with breathtaking views of the mountains, the valley and the picturesque village of Curral das Freiras, makes this a fantastic place to have a glimpse of the landscape.
In the afternoon we head out to one of the best sunset locations of Madeira Island, Pico do Areeiro. The ever-changing lighting conditions, combined with its breathtaking panoramic views and the rocky terrain make it a playground for landscape photographers.
The eight day starts at Ponta de São Lourenço coastline, the furthest eastern point of Madeira, with its unique geological formations, rugged cliffs, and vibrant colors provide fantastic opportunities for the sunrise.
Driving along the winding mountain roads we arrive at the old bridge in Faial, knowned for its cobblestone pillars and arch, surrounded by green vegetation, makes it a very interesting subject.
Next, we arrive at Aguage waterfall, a less known but also a beautiful location with so many possible compositions.
After lunch, explore the traditional houses of Santana also known as “casas de colmo”. Their distinctive design, colorful decorations, and historical significance make them an integral part of the unique cultural tapestry of Madeira Island. We’ll also visit the Queimadas Forest Park, another excellent place to observe the Laurissilva Forest’s characteristic biological richness.
Our last spot of the day is Pico Ruivo for a sunset at the old trees. The combination of the elevated vantage point, the landscape and the changing colors of the sky provides a breathtaking scene atmosphere.
We begin our day at Ribeira da Janela Islets for sunrise, a group of towering sea stacks formations that create a fantastic subject with Madeira’s rugged coastline in the background.
Next we head back to the picturesque village of Seixal, its stunning natural beauty and black sand beach, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the north coastline of Madeira. Learn how to capture the motion of the waves and experiment with long exposures in challenging lighting conditions.
Also on our list is Nossa Senhora de Fátima Chapel, situated on the top of a hill, this small temple, contrasts with its green surroundings. Its unusual typology catches the eye. On one side of the chapel, the majesty of the mountains covered by a dense forest mantle, on the other, the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery is completed with the typical houses that sprinkle the slopes – especially the parish of São Vicente, which can be seen in its entirety here.
For lunch we stop at Porto Moniz, a place with volcanic natural swimming pools, ideal place to try out long exposure photography.
After a lunch at Porto Moniz, the enchanted forest of Fanal is our next destination. This is a place that offers a captivating canvas of mist-covered trees, lush vegetation, and the interplay of light and shadow. The unique atmosphere and ancient trees make it an excellent spot for capturing enchanting images.
We end our day exploring one of the most scenic spots in Madeira Island, the Lighthouse Ponta do Pargo, located on the westernmost tip of the island. The lighthouse stands on a cliff that offers a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline.
Enjoy a final breakfast together, reminiscing about the incredible moments shared during the tour. Unfortunately, it’s time to say goodbye and fly home. Transfers to the airport are arranged based on the hour of your flight with no additional costs.
I hope you cherish all of these amazing memories and fantastic photographs from Madeira and the Azores.
TOUR GUIDES
Bruno Ázera is a landscape photographer from Terceira Island with years of experience in the field. Being a local, He leads photo workshops and tours in the Azores and Madeira.
Renato Machado is landscape and nature photographer from Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, in Brazil. Author of the books – Paisagens Secretas Sul do Brasil and Cânions e Balões. He also leads photo tours and workshops in places like Patagonia, Vietnam, Brazil, Norway, Bolivia and Antarctica.
ACCOMMODATIONS
8-17 OCTOBER 2024
AZORES AND MADEIRA 10 DAY PHOTO TOUR
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