Azores?

[39august]

Do the Azores belong to Portugal? And how interesting is Punta Delgada as a port of call?

[barbyj]

I believe it is. I have been there 3 times now, it is beautiful.

[stompy]

Do the Azores belong to Portugal? And how interesting is Punta Delgada as a port of call?

 

Yes they do. Ponta Delgada is a very modern city and since the fall of facism in Portugal they are pushing tourism very hard, realizing how lucrative it can be for the island.

 

It is unspoiled and uncrowded and we've had a lovely time both visits.

 

If you do a bus tour ask for Anna!

 

2010 pics start at:

http://www.chaseclub.com/cruise/2010/index6.htm

 

2009 pics at:

http://www.chaseclub.com/cruise/2009/index10.htm

[CruisinBates]

Do the Azores belong to Portugal? And how interesting is Punta Delgada as a port of call?

 

We had a terrific time in Punta Delgada. It's a unique city and the countryside is beautiful. Our tour ended with a folk dancing celebration and wine and cheese tasting. What fun we had! Would love to go again.

[magtb]

Sao Miguel is a beautiful island, it is well worth getting a local taxi to take you around. The Rhodedendrums will be in full bloom and a trip out to Sete Cidades where one lake is green one blue side by side is certainly pretty also they will probably tell you about the shepherd boy who fell in love with the princess who walked the hills around when her father found out she was forbidden to meet him the lakes are the tears one shed by the shepherd one by the princess.

There is a large shopping mall at the top of the town and a smaller one near the harbour. Ther tourist staff were very helpful and friendly. Have a good day there.

[Hlitner]

That island (yes, it is controlled by Portugal) has amazing natural beauty. The highlight is the National Park that has a road that goes above 10,000 feet (its an extinct volacno) that has wonderful vistas. Our favorite activity in this port is to simply rent a car and drive to the park and then come down the back way to the other side of the island and finally drive back to the port. The best car rental place is a local company called Cicar (you can Google them). Their rental car office is a short walk from the port (about 2 blocks).

 

Hank

[Pinot]

For a real close look at the Azores beyond Punta Delgada contact Gary Travassos at www.azoreantours.com Gary and his Dad will give you a real in depth look at the island, its geography, sights, smells and culture.

A number of us from Celebrity Eclipse used him in late April and it was a beautiful day full of surprises. The Azores:....the Hawaii of Portugal.

 

Pinot in Portland

[Grimm]

We will be coming through Ponta Delgada on a return Trans Atlantic on the NCL Epic. Is there a convenient place to get my VAT refund near where the ships dock? Since we are not flying home will not be going through any airports.

[loves2read]

In December we had a very reasonable and enjoyable tour with Ricardo of Amazing Tours. Ricardo has a wonderful sense of humor and comfortable Mercedes van. The Azores are beautiful! Check out the website at www.amazingtours.se.