How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Erwin is an engaging and competent Tour Leader who enthusiastically came along on all the optional walks. His personal attention made a very good holiday into an excellent one.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Be prepared to go for all the optional activities so that you can appreciate and get a genuine feel for the differences between the individual islands.

Do you have anything else to add?

The Azores have a lovely laid back easy going feel. The scenery is spectacular and each island has its own character. If you're interested in volcanic scenery, good days out walking and if you're lucky a few marine mammals then I'd highly recommend this trip as it ticks all the boxes.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Tour leader was very good, even though he hadn't had as much time as he needed to check out some of the trails.  He knows them now though!

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

May weather was very changeable, and not as hot as expected; you need to wear layers and always take a mac.  Most of the trails start high and go to sea level, so anyone with knee problems benefits from walking poles.  Food and drink cheaper than expected, but if you are a veggie that doesn't eat fish you may get a bit hungry!   The optional taxis were expensive.  Be prepared to be delayed for hours, or even a day (we were) on your return from Faial.

Do you have anything else to add?

Hotels were mixed, and some better value than others, especially on breakfasts, and the one on Sao Jorge was very damp.  I wasn't that impressed by the food, and was disappointed by the range of fish considering we were in the middle of an ocean.  Some bread, cakes and local cheese and wine were lovely. 

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Erwin Verhagen was a great tour leader, always helpful and a pleasure to be with both during the day and in the evenings - but he needs to improve his pool!

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Pack everything you have if you plan to do a lot of walking - these islands really do get four seasons in one day - and when the wind blows when raining, it can be horizontal!

Do you have anything else to add?

Be prepared for paying a lot of extras, not just whale watching, museums, etc but the optional walks can incur big taxi bills, especially when not many fellow travellers are participating.

A lovely place, beautiful scenery and clean clean air. Each island was so different wiht St Jorge being my favourite .Some of the walks with steep descents were quite tough for some members of the group but the challenge was there for those who wanted it and there was certainly variety. The option to do our own self guided walks too was great and meant each level of walkers could find something that suited them. Lots of great local food especially the fish and wine. Prices were good, more economical than I expected. The tour leader was excellent and really went out of her way to help us. (AZ - 20th June 2011)