This morning we fly to Faial Island (+/- 30 minutes). Immediately upon arrival, we'll begin our sightseeing program, starting in the main town of Horta.
Faial is the third most populous island of the Archipelago with a population of 15,000 (2011 data). The island is part of the Central Group and is the westernmost corner of the so-called "Triangle Islands," which also include São Jorge and Pico, the latter of which we will visit tomorrow. One delightful aspect of the Azores, is the differences (some subtle, some not so much) between them -- from vegetation and climate, topography and history, to matters economic and political, mythology, sports affiliations, accent, and cuisines.
In the 18th century the development of whale hunting brought the early whaling fleets to Horta. By 19th century, Horta had become an important sea port, and a stopping point for a large number of yachts crossing the Atlantic. The island is located on the edge of the tectonic divide between the North American Plate and the European Plate, making it one of the most western points of Europe (the farthest is the tiny Azorean island of Corvo, located to the northwest). The island's scenery offers sandy beaches, green hills, and crystal blue ocean views. The volcanic origin of Faial can be easily observed on the island due to numerous calderas, craters, cones, lava fields, and natural boiling water springs.
Our first stop on Faial is the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre, dedicated to the underwater volcano that erupted in spectacular fashion off the island of Faial in 1957. This event afforded scientists a unique opportunity to study a rare geological phenomenon from the moment of its birth to the day it fell dormant. The centre's displays and exhibits tell the story not just of this volcano, whose 13-month-long eruption prompted half of the island's population to emigrate to North America, but also of the tectonic forces shaping the Azores' extraordinary landscape.
We continue with a visit to the Scrimshaw Museum (while baggage is delivered at the hotel), located above one of the waterfront's best-known restaurants and watering holes. The museum contains a magnificent set of pieces carved from the teeth of sperm whales, engraved with beautiful sailing boats, mermaids, images of whale-hunting, among many others. This is a private collection belonging to the owners of the Peter Sports Café next door, a famous meeting place for seafarers from all over the world.
Overnight in Horta.
 
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner