Nine islands on the seam of three tectonic plates, the Azores are green in a way that looks edited. Hydrangeas line the roads, tea grows on the hills, and the ground itself is warm enough to cook a stew in.

Why we love it

We split the week between São Miguel’s crater lakes and Pico’s black-lava vineyards, with a morning on the water to meet the sperm whales who pass through all year.

What’s included

• Hand-picked stays, chosen and visited by our team

• A local guide who calls this place home

• All ground transport and most meals

• A 24/7 trip designer on the other end of the phone