DISCOVER AZORES

Day 1: Arrival in São Miguel

Welcome to João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada! Your morning is free to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Later, we’ll gather for a welcome lunch at a local restaurant — a perfect chance to meet fellow participants, ask questions, and kick off the workshop in a relaxed setting.

In the afternoon, we visit Gorreana Tea Plantation, the oldest in Europe. You'll capture the green rolling fields and historic factory before heading out for sunset. Depending on conditions, we’ll photograph the beaches of Santa Bárbara and Monte Verde, or the dramatic cliffs of Miradouro do Cintrão overlooking the north coast and Sete Cidades.

Day 2: Lagoa do Fogo & Sete Cidades

We begin the day at Lagoa do Fogo, a high-altitude volcanic lake often blanketed in mist — ideal for long exposures or drone photography.

In the afternoon, we explore Sete Cidades, a volcanic caldera featuring twin crater lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. This iconic location offers breathtaking compositions from above and at water level.

We finish the day with a seascape sunset session at Mosteiros Beach, known for its jagged rock formations and golden light.

Day 3: Sunrise & Furnas Valley

We start early at Santa Iria viewpoint, where rugged cliffs meet the Atlantic in soft morning light.

Then it's off to Furnas to explore Terra Nostra Park, where lush botanical gardens surround thermal pools — bring your swimwear! Lunch includes the famous Cozido das Furnas, cooked underground using volcanic heat.

In the afternoon, we visit Grota do Inferno, one of the best elevated views over Sete Cidades — ideal for layered compositions and moody weather shots.

Day 4: Vila Franca Islet & Terceira Island

We begin with a stop at Vila Franca Islet, a volcanic cone turned natural lagoon — best seen from above with a drone.

After breakfast, we fly to Terceira Island, beginning with a walk through the UNESCO World Heritage city of Angra do Heroísmo, followed by a photography session in the shadowy Black Forest, where light and texture play beautifully.

Later, we explore Algar do Carvão, one of the only volcanoes in the world you can enter on foot. A fast wide-angle lens is essential, as tripods aren’t allowed. We end the day (weather permitting) at Serra de Santa Bárbara for a dramatic sunset shoot.

Day 5: Coastal Wonders of Terceira

At sunrise, we photograph the volcanic pools of Serretinha, with Ilhéu das Cabras in the background — perfect for minimalistic compositions.

Next is Pico Dona Joana, a beautiful volcanic cone with textures and shapes ideal for aerial shots.

After the morning shoot, we’ll take some time for a Lightroom editing session, reviewing selected images and discussing workflow, color grading, and post-processing techniques. It’s a great opportunity to get feedback and see how others approach the same scenes.

Afterward, we head to Praia da Vitória for lunch, then continue north to Ponta do Mistério, a surreal location where green cliffs fall into deep blue waters.

We wrap up the day with golden-hour photography in Biscoitos, known for its natural pools and dramatic lava formations.

Day 6: Terceira’s Scenic Landmarks

We begin at Ponta das Contendas lighthouse, where unique rock patterns provide strong foreground interest.

After lunch, we return to Angra do Heroísmo for a relaxed photo walk through its colorful streets and traditional Portuguese architecture.

Our day ends at Serra do Cume, one of Portugal’s most striking viewpoints — with its iconic “patchwork” landscape, perfect for wide shots or drone captures at sunset.

Day 7: Arrival in Pico Island

After a short flight to Pico, we check in and start exploring the rugged northeast coast. Ancient lava flows and twisted formations provide powerful compositions.

We also visit the Laurissilva Forest, where fog and gnarled trees create a mystical atmosphere.

For sunset, we head to Lajes do Pico, where the iconic red windmill and towering Pico Mountain form a perfect Azorean silhouette.

Day 8: Lagoa do Capitão & Whale Watching

We begin the day at Lagoa do Capitão, a scenic lake known for its dramatic views of Pico Mountain. If we’re lucky with the wind, the calm waters can offer a stunning reflection of the peak — a truly rewarding shot when conditions align.

Later in the morning, you can join an optional whale watching tour with local experts. The Azores are one of the best places on earth to photograph whales and dolphins in their natural environment — a thrilling experience for both photography and wildlife lovers.

In the afternoon, we return for a dedicated editing session and image review. We’ll go over selected images from the past few days, refine our editing techniques in Lightroom and Photoshop, and share feedback in a relaxed group setting.

For sunset, we photograph the UNESCO-designated Criação Velha vineyards — where neat rows of vines wind between black lava walls, offering strong compositions and textural contrasts.

Day 9: Farewell Sunrise & Departure

Depending on conditions, we may return to Lagoa do Capitão for one final sunrise session. Even without perfect reflections, the early morning light and mountain backdrop offer beautiful opportunities to end our workshop on a high note.

After breakfast, we’ll arrange your transfer to Pico Airport based on your departure time.

We hope you leave with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a collection of images you’re truly proud of.