8-Day Running Adventure in Portugal

8 Days, Multiple Departures

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8-Day Running Adventure in Portugal
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Location
  • Things to keep in mind
  • FAQ

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We'll spend our time on Faial and Pico islands, home to world class trails and Portugal's youngest (and largest) stratovolcano. Come along for a week of splendid scenery, colorful hydrangeas, and delicious wines and seafoods in "Europe's Hawaii."

Trip Highlights

Follow scenic trails through vibrant, volcanic-formed landscapes.

Enjoy locally produced wines and food — a product of rich volcanic soil.

Grab your binoculars, we're going whale watching!

Meet Your Host Country: The Azores, Portugal

Nestled in the heart of the North Atlantic Ocean, the Azores are a stunning archipelago of nine volcanic islands. As an Autonomous Region of Portugal, the Azores have its own regional government and administration. Of course, some matters like foreign and monetary policy still remain under the central government of Portugal.

These charming islands are known for incredible hiking, world-class snorkeling, and cheerful hydrangeas that seem to grow everywhere on the islands. The Azorean culture is a harmonious blend of Portuguese traditions and unique island influences. From its vibrant festivals like the "Festas do Espírito Santo" to its delectable cuisine featuring fresh seafood and the famed Azorean pineapple, the Azores offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

About

International flight not included

Hotels, meals, and local transport included!

Daily afternoon activities

Guided trail runs and hikes (7-12K each)

8 days/7 nights all-inclusive trip

Airfare

Arrival (Saturday):

Please plan to arrive on Faial island mid-afternoon on the first day of your trip

Horta Airport (HOR), Faial Island, Portugal

Check in at our group hotel & enjoy a welcome dinner! Taxi rides from the airport are an affordable - 15 minute ride costing - 20-25 euros.


Depart (Saturday):

You may depart anytime on the last day of the trip

Pico Airport (PIX), Pico Island, Portugal

Check out of our hotel on Pico island. Taxis to the airport should be an affordable 15 minute ride costing - 20-25 euros.


VR Recommended flights to purchase:

All Travelers:

The below recommended flights reflect the quickest and most economical way we have found to reach the Azores.

International Flight: Round-trip between your home airport and Lisbon, Portugal

Domestic Flight #1: Lisbon > Horta Airport (HOR) (~2hr 45min direct)

Domestic Flight #2: Pico Airport (PIX) > Lisbon (~2hr 30min direct)

East Coast US Travelers:

SATA operates flights from both JFK and BOS directly to the airports on Faial and Pico! These flights have one stop-over in São Miguel island, but are a good option for those who want to avoid a self-transfer in Lisbon.

These are fast-paced events. We'll send you a packing list before the trip to help you feel ready to tackle...well, just about anything!

"This was by far the best vacation ever! We have traveled to amazing places, eaten delicious food, went on cool runs, and met fun people, but never all in one trip. Top-notch!"

- Angela Delf, Ireland


"Experiencing a trip to Patagonia was life changing. I made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. I treasure the lessons I learned about South American culture and I loved meeting local guides throughout the trip."

- Sara Wormley

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About The Host

Tireless travel directors, local guides, trail runners, photography gurus, and staff medics...we're all here to make your experience one for the ages.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Faial, Portugal

Welcome to the Azores! You'll land on the island of Faial and then have a quick 15-minute car ride to the resort, the beautiful and quaint Azoris Faial Garden Resort. Grab a taxi at the airport for the easiest transfer. Get settled in and join us for our welcome dinner and presentation in the evening.

If you arrive early in the day and want to stretch your legs, walk around the resort grounds, or head into the town of Horta and check out the famous sailor's bar, Pete's Cafe Sport!

Day 2: Exploring Horta town

Horta is a wonderful town because it's so walkable. We'll enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then take a short walk to our first run of the week! See the town and cliff top views on this grassy and gravely course. At the finish line, you can cool off with a swim in the ocean.

Work up an appetite yet? We thought so. Fill up on a tasty lunch with the group in town because we're going on a historic whaling experience. Here, you'll get to ride on an original whaling canoe and see what it was like to hunt for whale before modern technology.

These canoes were built locally and designed to hunt sperm whales with harpoons. This method of whaling persisted on the islands until 1984. Of course, today they are used for fun.

Day 3: Visit Caldeira Volcano

Day three starts with breakfast at the hotel, then a quick drive to Caldeira, the tall volcano on the island...technically the volcano is the island, but you get the point. This is an epic and thrilling run around the crater rim that will take your breath away. A picnic lunch in Parque Cabouco follows.

Back to Horta we go for more leisure! This time, we'll enjoy a walking tour of Horta and discover Azorean maritime history at the whaling museum. Afterward, we'll enjoy a relaxing and delightful dinner together.

Day 4: Diving in the Azores

Rinse and repeat! Fuel up in the morning and then get ready to run. We're heading to Capelo Capelinhos on the west side of the island. You may want your trail shoes for this one. It's got mud, grass, lava stones, sand, and roots. We couldn't pick a more varied terrain if we tried. Cool off with an ocean swim afterward.

After such a thrilling run, indulge in a rich barbecue lunch complete with a Chamarrita dance show! Chamarrita is danced to a 3/4 rhythm and usually features fiddle as well. You're in for a lively treat!

Take the afternoon off and relax or explore in your preferred travel language — whether that includes sunning yourself on the beach, hitting the water on a paddle board, snorkeling, or casting a line into the blue ocean, we can help you arrange an activity.

Day 5: Journey to Pico's Vineyards

It's island hopping day. Luckily, this is a leisurely trip. We'll ride a boat from the island of Faial to the island of Pico and will look for dolphin and whale along the way. While wildlife is never guaranteed, this is one of the best spots to see these graceful sea mammals. Relax and keep your eyes on the horizon.  

When we arrive on Pico Island, enjoy lunch, have a bit of down time, and change into your running clothes. We're embarking on a sunset run through local vineyards. And yes, you will get to dine and sample the wine after our run. Yum!

Day 6: Running the Caminho dos Burros

El Caminho dos Burros. It's our longest run yet and you may wish you had a donkey to carry you to the finish line. Luckily, it's mostly downhill, so no pack animals are required. Take a dip in one of the island's natural swimming holes after your run, if you'd like.

In the afternoon, inviting blue waters gently rock our kayaks as we paddle around the sea. After kayaking, the afternoon is yours. Have dinner on your own with new friends that you've made. Ask us for recommendations!

Day 7: Free Time & Farewells

Our final race of the week takes us to our run, Mistérios do Sul. Enjoy your last jaunt around the island, stretch out those legs, and snap some epic running photos!

We'll enjoy swimming and lunch together after our run before chilling out for more free time. This is your chance to grab some souvenirs in town, explore a museum, and soak in the island life. We conclude our week with a farewell dinner at Cella Bar, known for its great food and unique architectural design. Together, we'll reminisce on beautiful landscapes, exhilarating trails, and memorable moments.

Day 8: Depart from Pico

We're sorry to say it but even this adventure must come to an end. You're free to stick around and explore some more on your own or head home to tell your friends and family about your week abroad. Either way, it's not "goodbye," it's "until next time."


Location
Things to keep in mind

Refunds are only available for trips that are happening in the future. You cannot receive a refund for an event that has passed. Further, you cannot receive a refund for a deferred or transferred registration. If your registration meets these two criteria, your refund options are as follows.

3+ months before the trip, you are able to receive a full refund on your payment contributions minus a 5% processing fee (this fee covers non-refundable costs we incur from our booking platform and card payment facility)

Between 1-3 months before the trip, you are able to receive a partial refund. Your refund amount is your payment contributions minus a 5% processing fee and minus $1,500 to account for non-refundable booking fees that we have paid our in-country hosts (these typically include payments for transportation, hotels, staff, meals, and activities).

Less than 1 month before the trip, you are still able to receive a partial refund. Your refund amount is your payment contributions minus a 5% processing fee and minus $3,000 to account for non-refundable booking fees that we have paid our in-country hosts (these typically include payments for transportation, hotels, staff, meals, and activities).

Covid-19 Policy (updated!)

As of September 1, 2022, a Covid-19 vaccination is no longer required to attend a trip. This decision comes after we’ve reviewed the recommendations from the United States CDC and the various health recommendations of the countries where we travel.

While not required, we recommend the vaccine for those who don’t have infection-induced immunity. We trust that you will make the best decision for your health.

Prices are subject to change without prior notice.


FAQ