WONDERS OF AZORES

Day 1 – Arrival & Aerial Introduction to São Miguel
Welcome to Ponta Delgada! After landing at João Paulo II Airport, you’ll have the morning to rest or explore some of the city’s vibrant streets and markets. While this day is more relaxed, it’s also a chance to ease into the slower rhythm of the Azores and get a feel for its textures and colors—ideal for handheld photography if you arrive early.

In the early afternoon, we gather for a welcome lunch to connect with the group and go over workshop logistics, drone regulations in the Azores, and our goals for the week.

Our first drone session takes us to Gorreana Tea Plantation, where the long rows of tea fields roll down to the Atlantic, offering strong leading lines and layering opportunities from above.

As the sun begins to set, we’ll fly at Santa Bárbara Beach or Miradouro do Cintrão, depending on weather. One offers golden reflections over the waves, while the other reveals jagged sea cliffs and sweeping coastal perspectives—both perfect for our first evening flight.

Day 2 – Lagoa do Fogo & Sete Cidades from the Sky
We begin early at Lagoa do Fogo, a volcanic lake nestled high in the mountains. Conditions here can be foggy, which makes it even more dramatic for drone photography—especially from elevated angles that reveal the full crater.

We then head west to the Sete Cidades caldera, where we’ll fly above Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. These twin lakes display a striking color contrast best captured from the sky. We’ll work on flight path planning and exposure bracketing for wide panoramic sequences.

Later, we descend into the crater to explore the small village and wrap up with a sunset flight at Mosteiros Beach, where offshore sea stacks and volcanic formations meet crashing waves—ideal for cinematic aerial compositions.

Day 3 – Furnas from Above & the Iconic Viewpoint
Our day begins with drone flights at Miradouro de Santa Iria, one of São Miguel’s most scenic coastlines. The early light reveals dramatic headlands and the rhythmic curve of the shoreline—perfect for contrast and shadow play.

In the lush valley of Furnas, we'll explore thermal landscapes and fly over geothermal vents, hot springs, and surrounding hills (weather and safety permitting). Terra Nostra’s dense botanical layout also makes for interesting patterns when seen from above.

We enjoy lunch featuring the iconic Cozido das Furnas, slow-cooked underground by volcanic heat.

To finish the day, we head to Miradouro da Grota do Inferno, one of the most spectacular lookout points in the Azores. The wide caldera and patchwork of lakes below offer one of the best opportunities for high-elevation panoramic shots.

Day 4 – Vila Franca Islet & Terceira Arrival
Our final morning on São Miguel brings us to Vila Franca do Campo Islet, a unique circular volcanic formation just off the coast. This spot is tailor-made for drone photography—the perfect geometry of the inner lagoon is only visible from above.

After a short flight to Terceira, we settle in with lunch in Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its colorful streets and tiled rooftops—great for top-down architectural detail shots.

We then dive into our first editing and image review session, focusing on drone-specific editing workflows in Lightroom and initial grading techniques to help define your aerial style.

In the afternoon, we explore Mata da Serreta (the Black Forest), where light filters beautifully through thick vegetation.

Later, we visit Algar do Carvão, a volcanic chimney you can walk inside. While drones are off-limits here (and for good reason), it’s the only indoor site on the itinerary—and an awe-inspiring exception.

We end the day with a golden-hour flight from Serra de Santa Bárbara, the island’s highest point, offering sweeping vistas across the north and south coasts.

Day 5 – Volcanic Cones, Coastlines & Biscoitos Sunset
We begin the day at Serretinha Natural Pools, where Ilhéu das Cabras sits just offshore—an excellent location to practice dynamic flyovers and coastal shots at sunrise.

Then it’s off to Pico Dona Joana, one of the most photogenic volcanic cones in the archipelago. The scale and symmetry of this formation make it a highlight of any drone portfolio.

Lunch is in Praia da Vitória, followed by an afternoon at Ponta do Mistério, where the green-glazed volcanic terrain looks like another planet when viewed from the air.

We wrap the day at Biscoitos, known for its lava-formed pools and jagged coastline. The interplay of low light and dark rock is a dramatic end to a visually packed day.

Day 6 – Lighthouse Coastlines, Whale Watching & Serra do Cume
If conditions allow, we begin at Ponta das Contendas Lighthouse, where unique black and brown rock formations and a hidden sea cave create exciting compositions. This area is a great exercise in working with contrast and strong natural textures.

Mid-morning offers an optional whale-watching tour, giving you a chance to photograph marine life from the boat. While drones aren’t flown during the trip for safety, it’s a rare opportunity to add wildlife to your story of the Azores.

After lunch, we hold our second editing and review session, diving deeper into Lightroom and Photoshop to build on your post-processing skills and develop visual consistency in your aerial work.

We finish with a sunset session at Serra do Cume, a vast viewpoint that reveals Terceira’s agricultural patchwork—a drone favorite that looks like a natural mosaic from above.

Day 7 – Final Flight & Farewell
Our last morning is spent at Porto Martins, where the rocky coastline and pounding waves provide strong leading lines and foreground textures—ideal for top-down compositions and cinematic pans.

After a relaxed breakfast, we say our goodbyes and prepare for airport transfers, arranged according to your individual flight times.

You’ll leave with a curated portfolio of aerial images, sharper drone skills, and a new perspective on one of the most beautiful and diverse regions in the Atlantic.

Day 1 – Arrival & Introduction to São Miguel
Welcome to João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada! You have the morning to relax or explore some of the city’s highlights, such as Mercado da Graça, Forte de São Brás, or the historic Portas da Cidade. These locations offer fantastic street photography and a chance to capture the essence of Azorean life.

In the early afternoon, we gather for a welcome lunch at a local restaurant, where you’ll get to know your fellow travelers and discuss the exciting days ahead. This is a perfect opportunity to ask questions and prepare for the journey.

Our photographic journey begins at Gorreana Tea Plantation, Europe’s oldest tea factory, where lush green fields meet the Atlantic.

For sunset, we’ll choose between Santa Bárbara Beach or Miradouro do Cintrão, depending on weather. Expect golden waves or dramatic cliffs with a view toward Sete Cidades.

Day 2 – Lagoa do Fogo & Sete Cidades
We begin early at Lagoa do Fogo. If mist rolls in, it adds drama to your shots—and it’s an excellent opportunity for drone work.

Later, we explore the Sete Cidades crater, focusing on Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul from Miradouro da Vista do Rei. We’ll review how to use light and composition to bring out the contrasts between the lakes.

In the late afternoon, we visit Sete Cidades village and finish with sunset at Mosteiros Beach, perfect for seascapes and long exposures.

Day 3 – Furnas & the Best Viewpoint
We start at Miradouro de Santa Iria, a coastal gem ideal for early light.

Then we head to Terra Nostra Park for photography in its lush gardens and vibrant thermal pools.

Lunch includes the traditional Cozido das Furnas, cooked underground with geothermal heat.

We finish at Miradouro da Grota do Inferno, one of the most iconic crater viewpoints in the Azores—especially magical in the afternoon light.

Day 4 – Vila Franca Islet & Arrival in Terceira
In the morning, we photograph Vila Franca Islet, a volcanic crater island best captured by drone.

After a short inter-island flight, we arrive in Terceira. We’ll enjoy lunch in Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO city with colorful colonial streets and classic Portuguese charm.

Before we head out again, we hold our first editing and image review session, focusing on Lightroom techniques and discussing how to develop your own editing style.

In the afternoon, we explore the mystical Black Forest, then descend into Algar do Carvão, a rare volcano you can walk inside.

We end the day with sunset at Serra de Santa Bárbara, the highest point on the island.

Day 5 – Volcanic Cones, Coastlines & Biscoitos Sunset
We begin with sunrise at Serretinha Natural Pools, facing Ilhéu das Cabras.

Then it’s off to Pico Dona Joana—an ideal location for aerial photography of a perfect volcanic cone.

Lunch is in Praia da Vitória, a relaxed seaside town.

The afternoon takes us to Ponta do Mistério, where lava rocks and ocean blues meet surreal landscapes.

For sunset, we head to Biscoitos’ lava pools, capturing the play of light over textured volcanic formations.

Day 6 – Lighthouse Views, Optional Whale Watching & Serra do Cume

An optional whale-watching tour offers the chance to photograph dolphins and possibly whales.

After lunch, we hold a second editing and image review session, diving into Lightroom and Photoshop workflows, sharpening your post-processing techniques and discussing portfolio building.

Explore Angra do Heroísmo historic charm before heading to Serra do Cume—a sweeping viewpoint over the island’s mosaic of green fields, perfect for a final wide-angle landscape session.

Day 7 – Sunrise & Farewell
Our final session takes place at the unique shoreline near Ponta das Contendas Lighthouse and, if tides allow, a nearby sea cave.

Afterward, we gather for a final breakfast, reminiscing about the incredible moments and photographs captured throughout our journey.

Transfers to the airport are arranged according to your flight schedule at no additional cost. I hope you leave with cherished memories, new friendships, and a collection of stunning photographs that truly capture the magic of the Azores.

Safe travels, and I hope to see you again.