Flagler College: Azores Sustainable Tourism and Environmental Study Abroad Program  (2023)

We will take a nonstop flight leaving mid-morning to early afternoon from Orlando International Airport to the Azores. There is a 4-hour time difference, so we plan to arrive in São Miguel in the early morning. We head to our lodging in the Nordeste’ region and in the afternoon meet with the mayor of the region and local officials. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner.

Our first day on the island of São Miguel will include a walking tour of the area, specifically the capital at Ponta Delgada. We will explore popular tourist destinations as well as historic locations and eat at a small, local restaurant. This walking tour is key to better understanding the history of settlement on the Islands and why agriculture and the environment along with eco-tourism are a key factor in today’s Azorean economy.

Today will include a full day of working on The Farm with our partners João and Gena. We will take a short bus ride to the property and complete hands-on work with João including harvesting, milking the cows, etc. There will be a picnic lunch followed by continued work. Students will have the opportunity to partake in idea building around future local programming for education, new organic programs that the farm is implementing to become more sustainable and learn about Silvan Pasturing and how this helps the local environment.

Today we head to the Quinta and meet with the owners who are working to create a fully enclosed system whereby guests at the Quinta can be a solution to today’s environmental problems. We will tour the gardens, enjoy a full lecture on composting, wastewater, utilization of biodegradable toilet systems, and more. A wonderful lunch of totally locally grown foods will be provided.

Today will include a visit to the Portas do Mar Shop at Ponta Delgada where we will be taken out on the open water and spend time swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat while learning about the species. After our lunch break, we will embark on a jeep tour through highland and flatland routes to the beautiful Lagoa do Fogo. Following that, we will visit Caldeira Velha, a scenic waterfall featuring lush vegetation and hot springs before heading home to enjoy a hearty dinner. This day will really focus on ecotourism and sustainable tourism.

Enjoy a later wake-up call before heading to Ponta da Ferraria, where we will relax at the hot springs and learn all about the thermal heat that creates these natural wonders. We will eat lunch at a local restaurant before traveling to Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, a beautiful lookout point and a prime photo spot.

Enjoy São Miguel East and Northeast: Furnas & Nordeste Full-Day Tour! Explore the highlights of Furnas and Nordeste, the east of São Miguel Island. Visit the tea factory, Furnas, the hot springs, and discover the beautiful waterfalls of Ribeira dos Caldeirões.

Travel to the Sete Cidades. We will hike the beautiful volcanic crater and enjoy a unique lunch that is actually cooked in the lava vents all while we hike and enjoy taking in the breathtaking view. Following that, we will head back to Nordeste for an evening cookout with locals! The whole town will be invited to meet students and enjoy a traditional BBQ and bonfire experience.

Meet up with Gena and João again and learn about harvesting, and pasture rotation all while discussing ways in which sustainable agriculture and tourism can be implemented better on the islands.

Visit the Gorreana Tea Factory and meet with the family that has owned and operated the farm since 1883! Learn about the process of growing tea and how they incorporate sustainable farming practices into their business model.

On this final full day, we are taken out on a paddleboard/beach experience.

We will take an early evening flight from João Paulo II airport on São Miguel and arrive at Orlando International Airport in the early evening. After reuniting with family members, we will cherish the lasting memories that we have made.