Portuguese Language Immersion Program in the Azores
Tentative Itinerary
"Bem Vindo aos Açores" - Maria Oliveira
Day 1:
- Arrival at São Jorge Airport in the Azores where Maria will meet you and take you to your accommodations.
- Enjoy an afternoon tour of the city of Velas including stops at a supermarket and a local restaurant for dinner.
Day 2:
- Experience Cultural Week in Velas, an annual festival held every July. This popular week-long event features musical concerts, folk dances, parades, and other exciting activities that fill the day and evening.
- Enjoy authentic island cuisine in the many mini-restaurants available in the festivity area.
Day 3:
- A tour of Sete Fontes Park; a tranquil setting for photographs and bird watching amidst the native plants and trees.
Day 4:
- Departure by boat to Pico for a tour of the island’s most interesting points. Return to São Jorge by late afternoon.
Day 5:
- A tour of Fajã do Ouvidor. Visit a local restaurant to relax and enjoy the beautiful views.
- And a tour of Fajã da Ribeira da Areia to enjoy beautiful natural sites.
Day 6:
- A tour of Fajã dos Vimes.
- And Fajã das Almas. Fajã das Almas requires a 10 minute walk.
Days 7-10:
- Study program begins in Velas at our facilities in São Jorge. Classes take place from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
- Two hours free for Lunch (12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. (meals are not included but at this time every restaurant in town offers the "prato do dia" at a great price). Afternoons are reserved for tours of special interest places on the island.
- Visit and tour of a cheese factory either in Beira or Topo.
- Visit to the church of Santa Barbara in Manadas.
- Visit to the Cruzal waterfall near Topo.
- Visit to Vila of Topo for picture taking of some points of interest.
- And a tour of Vila of Calheta.
Day 11:
- A cruise to Faial and a tour of this fascinating Island. Includes frequent scenic picture stops to capture the beauty of this location.
Day 12:
- A day on your own to review and practice the first week's lessons. Visit with locals, go shopping, or dine in a restaurant using your new language skills.
Day 13:
- Tour of the Fajã dos Cubres. We will walk by the lagoon, take pictures of the beautiful sites, and visit a great local restaurant.
Days 14:
- This optional tour to Fajã de Santo Cristo, a walking distance of almost 9 miles, can be organized for students who would like to visit it. For participants who would like a motorcycle taxi ride to the fajã have to make arrangements ahead of time in the Fajã dos Cubres and pay the required fee.
Days 15-18:
- Classes resume in Velas. Afternoon tours and visits continue.
Day 19:
- Free day. You may choose to explore on your own, interact with the natives, or simply rest and enjoy the beautiful weather and views.
Day 20:
- Time to wish you a safe trip as you head to São Jorge airport for your departure home. "Boa Viagem!" - Maria Oliveira
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Read more about the Azorean culture