Four hours to Europe
At least one company is capitalizing on the fact that for North Americans, the little-known Azores are the closest point to Europe.
At least, they are from Boston, which is only four hours away. Azores Express/SATA has started offering fall and winter packages on hotel and air travel.
“These are an opportunity to explore five different islands while staying at one of 24 hotels,” the company says.
The Azores were created by volcanic activity millions of years ago which has created a dramatic environment. From the black lava cliffs of the island of Terceira, to mythical mountain Lake of Fire on São Miguel, the Azores offers an intensely green and sculptured landscape. This ocean-enveloped land enjoys a mild climate year-round between 60°F and 80°F.
The National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations recently named the Azores islands as the world’s second most appealing islands destination in its fourth annual Destination Scorecard survey. A panel of 522 experts reviewed conditions on 111 islands and archipelagos. The Azores received the title of “Authentic, unspoiled, and likely to remain so.”
The new offer includes four hotels on the Island of Terceira, two on the island of Faial, one on the island of Santa Maria, one on the island of Pico, and 16 on the island of Sao Miguel.
All packages depart from Boston’s Logan Airport and include round-trip, non-stop air, six nights lodging and daily breakfast. Flights depart and return on Tuesday and Fridays and passengers can upgrade from coach to SATA Plus Business-Class. Kids under six stay free, and pay only a child’s airfare.
The Azores Express/SATA packages cost US$719 to $1,299 per person, before tax and are available through September 30 of this year. Availability depends on choice of hotel, islands visited and travel dates.
By David Wilkening
David
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