The bucket-list things to do — and who runs each one.
Here’s the bucket list for your day ashore: the most extraordinary thing to do at each stop, who runs it, and how to book it direct — so you can weigh it against your ship’s excursion and pick what suits you.
In port at Horta, the bucket-list move is Pico Mountain Private Climb with Round-Trip Ferry from Faial. Below: 5 bucket-list things to do on a Horta port day — worth weighing against whatever your ship offers.
Summit Pico, Portugal's highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage volcano, on a private guided ascent with round-trip ferry from Horta. Standing above the clouds at 2,351 m is a once-in-a-lifetime Azorean moment.
Book itPico Mountain Climbing private tour - with round trip from Faial$272 per person
Explore the entire island of Faial in exclusive style — from the dramatic Capelinhos volcano moonscape to the lush Caldeira caldera rim — with a knowledgeable local guide entirely at your disposal for the day.
Book itFrom Horta: Full-Day Island Tour$122 per person
The waters between Faial and Pico are among Earth's richest cetacean corridors. A private RIB charter with a marine biologist guide brings you face-to-face with sperm whales, blue whales (seasonal), and several dolphin species.
Book itHorta, Faial: Research Whale & Dolphin Expedition$103 per person
Run by Whale Watching Peter · 4.50 from 49 reviews
Walk the full rim of Faial's ancient caldera — a UNESCO-listed volcanic crater swathed in cryptomeria and hydrangeas — then descend to the eerie Capelinhos lava fields, one of the 20th century's most dramatic volcanic events.
We have not yet verified a bookable operator and price for
this one, so we are not quoting either.
Cross to Pico Island for an immersive day of UNESCO-listed black-lava vineyard walks, barrel-aged Verdelho wine tastings at historic adega cellars, and a seafood lunch overlooking the island's volcanic coastline.
Book itPico Island: Wine and Vineyards Tour with Tasting$61 per person
Cruise Faial's most scenic highlights aboard a vintage VW Samba microbus with a private local guide — the most stylish and convivial way for a small group to absorb the island's blue hydrangea hedgerows, volcanic drama, and maritime heritage.
Book itHalf-Day VW Samba Private Bus Tour around Faial Island$515 per person
Your day in HortaNothing picked yet — tick what you fancy
$0for two, booked direct
Now plan the rest of it
You know what to do on the day. Here is the trip it belongs to —
each one opens as a whole plan, not a list: where to fly in, every port, what it runs.