Play Bridge & Explore in the Azores
Join us on a special bridge tour to the Azores, considered one of the most beautiful places in the world with its truly breathtaking natural beauty. We stay on the island of Sao Miguel, the largest of its nine islands, and experience stunning volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches, as well as deep lagoons and refreshing waterfalls. The lush green hillsides are ablaze with fauna and colours, and the fields are hedged with endless fuchsias overlooking the deep blue ocean.
To ensure you experience the best of the incredible Azores, we include three excursions, covering the north, south, east and west of the island. Each journey offers stunning views and endless viewpoints – make sure you have your camera in hand! The highlight of your tour is a visit to Furnas Lagoon, nestling in the craters of the ancient volcanoes, where we enjoy our lunch of 'Cozido da Furnas', cooked in a hole under the mud of the bubbling, boiling water of more than 20 thermal springs.
Our hotel is perfectly located in the centre of historic Ponta Delgada, making it easy to explore this fascinating island on foot. The quirky capital boasts a vibrant culture, charming cobblestone streets, historic architecture and picturesque harbour views. Staying at the Azoris Royal Gardens completes your package – enjoy its Zen and Japanese Gardens, superb facilities including an indoor and outdoor pool and spa, and, most importantly, the wonderful and spacious bridge room!
Bridge hosts for 2025 are TBC.
Your Tour Includes
- 7 nights half-board accommodation
- 2 lunches
- Drinks package with dinner
- Services of our friendly hosts
- Relaxed bridge sessions with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
- 1 weekly bridge seminar
- Excursions and visits as described in the itinerary
Itinerary
Please choose your preferred 8 day itinerary
Please Note: Flight-inclusive packages are available at an extra cost, with flights from London Stansted and and one piece of checked-in luggage included.
Your Bridge Programme
Play & Explore holidays are suited to intermediate players who wish to learn new skills, and regular players looking for a relaxed holiday with bridge.
Our bridge programmes will vary according to the length of your break, and, in addition to playing bridge, our host will aim to include interactive bridge seminars.
Your duplicate bridge will be available every evening between 7:45pm and 11:15pm. We endeavour to vary these evening sessions, balancing between teams and pairs and playing relaxed and friendly bridge.
Bridge will also be offered some mornings or afternoons. These sessions are normally given over to open pairs/teams. On UK holidays, bridge sessions may take place in the mornings instead of the afternoons, complimenting any included excursion programme.
Masterpoints are awarded on evening sessions, and on day sessions with over 5 tables.
During your bridge holiday, nothing is obligatory, and you can play in as many or as few bridge sessions as you wish. We don’t forget you are on holiday and our bridge programmes also allow time to relax, giving the opportunity for you to explore the surrounding area.
With our flight-inclusive package, today you will board your flight to Ponta Delgada Airport. From here, you will be transferred to the Azores Royal Garden Hotel.
If you have booked our join direct package, meet us at the Azores Royal Garden Hotel.
Includes Dinner
Alongside your bridge programme, enjoy a selection of excursions.
Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas with Lunch (Day 3)
On our way to Furnas Valley, we stop at the viewpoint Lagoa do Fogo, surrounded by fields divided by hydrangeas ablaze with different colours. We visit the traditional city of Ribeira Grande with its historical centre, and continue to Santa Iria’s viewpoint for a stunning coastal view. After visiting a tea plantation, where we taste the green or black tea, we are treated to another amazing view over the Furnas valley and Romantic Lake.
Upon arrival in Furnas Valley, we experience some volcanic phenomena, known as fumaroles, under which our lunch is cooked. We enjoy the famous 'Cozido das Furnas' – Furnas stew, a gastronomic speciality of the Azores.
After lunch, we visit Caldeiras where you can see the fumaroles and water spots – some hot and some cold. On our return to the hotel, we stop at Vila Franca do Campo, the first island capital, where it is possible to taste the famous pastry 'Queijada da Vila', a type of cheesecake created by nuns.
Sete Cidades (Day 4)
Today we enjoy a half-day tour to Sete Cidades, the first of the 7 Wonders of Portugal. We visit the traditional pineapple plantation and taste the pineapple liquor. Our scenic journey continues through the green vegetation of the island to the Vista do Rei’s viewpoint where we gaze at the magnificent Sete Cidades volcanic complex and its twin blue and green lakes. Inside the crate is the amazing Santiago’s lake.
Nordeste with Lunch (Day 6)
We embark on a Nordeste tour today, heading to the north coast of the island and stopping at Ribeira dos Caldeiroes, with its beautiful waterfall and traditional windmills. We drive through Nordeste’s village to the landscaped viewpoints on the eastern tip of the island. We lunch at Povoacao’s village, the first settlement on the island, and visit its historic centre before returning along the south coast.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
If you have booked our join direct package, today you will make your own way home.
With our flight-inclusive package, we include your transfer to Ponta Delgada Airport. From here, you will board your return flight home.
Includes Breakfast
Accommodation
You will stay for seven nights on a half-board basis at the Azores Royal Garden Hotel.
Azoris Royal Garden Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Ponta Delgada, the 4-star Azoris Royal Garden Hotel is a grand hotel with lush, landscaped gardens and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, a relaxing spa, and a fitness centre, as well as an ideal location just 10-minutes from the Church of St. Sebastian and 3.5km from Ponta Delgada Airport.
Hotel Facilities
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General
- English Speaking Staff
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- Indoor and Outdoor Swimming Pool
- Central Location
Room
- TV
- Hairdryer
- Air Conditioning
- Non-Smoking Rooms Available
- Telephone
- Shower and Bath
- Free Wifi
Service
- Safe Box in Reception
- Room Service Available
- 24 Hour Front Desk
- Laundry Service
Hotel
- Swimming Pool
- English Speaking Staff
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- WiFi Available
