Sunshine, rain and an earthquake in the Azores The weather wasn't very kind to us but we did get out walking on all the days.
Bruno our guide was very good. His knowledge of the islands was excellent and he made every effort to tailor the walks to the group. He also adapted the program when we were unable to visit Sao Jorge because of the earthquake.
Loved the botanical gardens and Lagoa do Fogo (although it was difficult to sit by the lake for very long because of the biting wind). I found the islands we visited very interesting.
I didn't go whale watching in Horta, instead went to the whaling museum (Porto Pim Whaling) and did the circular walk on the hill (Monte da Guia) behind it. Both were excellent alternatives.
The food was very good and the hotels and various restaurants. The accommodation in Ponta Delgada was very good and an excellent location.
The walks were well planned and we were lucky to have a well rounded and very pleasant group.The first two days were rather "easy" but after that the walking took us further afield and we spent plenty of time off the beaten track in some wonderful landscapes. Overall I think the walking could have been a bit more challenging, overall only just a "moderate" walking grade.The hotels were fairly modest, they were simple, but fine, twice there was no wi fi in the rooms though.Funchal worth a visit in its own right.
The walks took us through vineyards, small villages, celtic ruins and forests away from the usual tourist routes. It was an amazing trip into an area of terraced hills which has been man made over the centuries. The weather was very warm and it was a delight to return to the comfortable and elegant casa where the food was delicious and generous.