The far-flung Portuguese island chain of the Azores is famed for its rich history as well as its verdant, volcanic landscape. This archipelago played a part in the Age of Discovery and even Christopher Columbus landed on Santa Maria in 1493. The relatively small main island - São Miguel - makes a great base from which to explore. Our journey takes in all the major sites such including geothermal lakes, volcanic craters and the pretty capital of Ponta Delgada. It also gives guests the chance to try the locally distilled gin and pick tea at one of Europe's few tea plantations.