Azores with Nicole Wenzel

      Sao Miguel + Pico Island

      MW
      MPE World
      • Email address verified
      Aug 10 - 16, 2024
      Group size: 12 - 12
      Azores with Nicole Wenzel
      Sao Miguel + Pico Island

      MPE World
      • Email address verified

      Aug 10 - 16, 2024
      Group size: 12 - 12

      About this trip

      Island Hop The Azores ⎯Discover the Azores, where lush landscapes and volcanic wonders await ⎯ Join Nicole on a 6-night journey, exploring the enchanting landscapes of São Miguel and Pico Islands.


      The Azores are a playground for nature lovers, an open-air museum of geology, and a haven for those seeking authentic culture and unforgettable experiences. It's where every day feels like an adventure waiting to unfold, and where the memories you create will last a lifetime. Welcome to paradise in the middle of the Atlantic!


      São Miguel, aptly named the "Green Island," enchants with lush landscapes, dramatic volcanic craters, and invigorating geothermal hot springs. Explore landmarks such as Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, immerse yourself in charming towns, embark on hidden waterfall hikes, and unwind in natural spas, relishing local delicacies like fresh seafood and the famous cozido stew, simmered using the Earth's natural heat.


      The Azores are celebrated for their stunning hydrangeas, which blanket the islands in vibrant hues of blue, pink, and purple. Thriving in the mild climate and volcanic soil, hydrangeas are an iconic symbol of the Azores' enchanting charm. Additionally, the Azores boast a robust dairy industry, with more cows than people roaming freely in lush pastures. They provide milk for renowned Azorean cheeses like São Jorge cheese and Queijo de São Miguel.


      Pico Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, invites you to explore its iconic vineyards and rich wine culture rooted in volcanic soil. These "currais" vineyards, protected by basalt rocks from ocean winds, yield Pico wines celebrated for their unique volcanic terroir. Sip and savor, while learning the stories of resilience and heritage in every glass.


      As your Azorean odyssey comes to a close, you'll carry the magic of these islands in your heart, along with treasured memories of a truly exceptional journey. Explore, discover, and immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of the Azores, where each day unveils new wonders, leaving you with a yearning to return to paradise in the heart of the Atlantic.

      More details below...

      View more trip details in the ITINERARY SECTION below.

      Early Bird Pricing

      — Early Bird Pricing Valid Today - 2/29/24

      — Regular Pricing Valid: 4/1/24 - 6/1/24

      — A non-refundable deposit of $1000 is necessary to secure the reservation.

      IMPORTANT BOOKING INFORMATION

      Read carefully. This is a legally binding agreement.  A full and complete summary of the above policies is included within the Terms & Conditions Waiver required to travel. ⎯ 


      1. TRAVEL INSURANCE

      Mandatory Travel Insurance:
      All travelers participating in Masterfully Planned Events are required to have proof of current travel insurance before the trip begins.


      Coverage Requirements: The travel insurance must cover specific aspects, including personal injury, medical treatment, repatriation, evacuation expenses (including helicopter rescue and air ambulance internationally). Additionally, it is recommended that the insurance also addresses personal property and trip cancellation coverage.


      Importance of Trip Cancellation Insurance: Trip cancellation insurance is emphasized as it may be the only means of receiving reimbursement for non-refundable expenses (e.g., flights) if the trip is canceled, postponed, interrupted, or rescheduled for any reason, whether voluntarily by the traveler or as a result of Masterfully Planned Events's actions.


      Understanding Your Policy: Travelers are responsible for understanding the specifics of their travel insurance policy. They should ensure that their policy covers all optional and included activities listed in the trip itinerary and check for exclusion clauses that might limit coverage needed.


      Existing Health Insurance: Travelers are advised to check their existing health insurance policy to see if it provides the necessary coverage while traveling outside their home country.


      Verification of Policy: It is the traveler's responsibility to verify the details of their insurance policy with their insurance provider to ensure that it meets Masterfully Planned Events's requirements.


      Assumption of Costs: Travelers are responsible for assuming all costs of medical care and transportation provided during the trip, including any minors traveling with them.


      Timing for Insurance Purchase:** Many travel insurance companies require the policy to be purchased within 14 days of the initial trip deposit or payment to any service provider to cover pre-existing conditions or provide "cancel for any reason" coverage.

      2. PAYMENTS & DEPOSITS


      Deposit: To confirm a booking, travelers are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of $500. This deposit is necessary to secure the reservation.


      Final Payment: The final payment of the entire balance is due no later than 90 days before the trip departure date unless otherwise specified in the Special Conditions or on the itinerary page for a specific trip. 


      Payment Plans: Payment Plans are available for your convenience.


      Booking Process: Bookings can be made through the online booking system.


      Booking Confirmation: A booking is considered confirmed only when the service provider confirms it in writing. Until that confirmation is received, there is no contract between the traveler and the service provider.  


      Last-Minute Bookings: For bookings made 60 days or less before the trip departure date, the entire trip cost must be paid at the time of booking, and it is non-refundable.


      3. CANCELLATION INFORMATION


      The cancellation policy is applicable to all MASTERFULLY PLANNED EVENTS, LLC journeys. The written notice must be received by certified mail or email.


      Cancellation fees are based on the total value of the trip and are as follows:


      — 61+ days prior to departure: 100% of the initial trip deposit is non-refundable.

      — 0 to 60 days prior to departure: 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable.


      You may transfer your reservation to another traveler, depending upon availability, by notifying us at least 61 days prior to the journey for a transfer fee of $500 per person, after which time our cancellation policy applies.


      MASTERFULLY PLANNED EVENTS, LLC is not responsible for additional expenses such as airline cancellation fees, visa fees, vaccinations, purchases of clothing or equipment, or other expenses that may occur as a result of the cancellation. 


      4. TRAVEL & VISA REQUIREMENTS


      Clients must provide MASTERFULLY PLANNED EVENTS, LLC with a color copy of their passport and/or other requested legal identification. Please ensure that all passports remain valid for at least six months beyond the return travel date.


      You are responsible for acquiring any necessary travel documents and ensuring compliance with entry requirements for each country you will visit or transit through on your chosen itinerary. Entry regulations vary depending on your citizenship. MASTERFULLY PLANNED EVENTS, LLC cannot procure personal travel documents on behalf of customers or assume responsibility for informing customers of the current requirements of individual countries.


      You are financially responsible for any costs arising from delays or alterations to your itinerary due to the absence of proper travel documents. For more details, please visit. It's important to http://www.travel.state.gov/ note that MASTERFULLY PLANNED EVENTS, LLC bears no liability or responsibility if a client is denied entry or exit from the travel destination due to insufficient documentation or the absence of required immunizations.


      If you're making a payment for both yourself and another traveler, MASTERFULLY PLANNED EVENTS, LLC requires each participant to individually agree to and sign the Terms & Conditions Waiver in order to be eligible for travel.


      ⎯ A full and complete summary of the above policies is included within the Terms & Conditions Waiver required to travel. ⎯ 

      What’s included

      • Accommodations
        Accommodations in boutique hotel experiences
      • Transportation
        In-country transportation including airport transfers
      • Trip Director
        A seasoned MPE director accompanies the group throughout the journey
      • Meals
        Daily breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
      • Tours and Activities
        All organized group tours and activities
      • Guide Gratuities
        Guide Gratuities included for organized tours and activities

      What’s not included

      • International Airfare
      • Travel Insurance
      • Alcohol
        Outside of group meals and wine tours
      • Select Meals
        Meals not listed above
      • Excess baggage charges
      • Personal Expenses
        Personal expenses such as snacks, laundry, additional gratuities, and communication (calls, faxes, emails, etc.)
      • Non-Itinerary Activities
        Excursions or deviations from the trip itinerary
      • Visa or Passport Fees
        Costs associated with obtaining passports and visas
      • Departure Tax
        International airport departure tax (if applicable, to be paid in specified currencies)
      • Covid-related expenses
        Covid-related expenses, whether mandatory or voluntary (e.g., testing, quarantine)

      Available Packages

      Double Room Occupancy Per Person
      Available until June 1, 2024only 1 left

      —Great for couples or friends who want to share a room for the duration of the trip.

      $3,490
      Deposit: $1,000
      Single Room Occupancy Per Person
      Available until June 1, 2024only 1 left

      —Great for solo travelers who want their own room for the duration of the trip.

      $4,360
      Deposit: $1,000


      Itinerary

      Meet Your Host
      Nicole Wenzel

      I've always had a love for history and good food. Coming from a small, rural town, I had few opportunities to travel.  When I became a teacher, I met students from all over the world. I encouraged families to visit my classroom to share a little about their home countries. Soon, I found myself daydreaming about these amazing places. 


      Then, one day, I took a leap. My stepson, a serious foodie, wanted to travel to France for his 16th birthday. It made me reflect upon my life, and what I missed out as a child, and I didn’t want that for him. So we booked it. Who doesn’t want to go to France, drink amazing wine, and graze on cheese and macaroons all day while walking around The Louve? My heart sang as soon as my feet hit the gourd in France. This trip ignited something inside of me, and I knew I didn’t want to stop there. Ever since, I have been finding ways to travel and help others explore their dream destinations. 


      I'm currently an elementary special education teacher and swim coach. I have two daughters of my own and a teenage stepson. I own a small liquor store with my husband in Northern New York and take every school vacation I can to travel. I try to immerse myself in each destination's local food and spirits as well as check out some of the history. 

      Your Organizer


      MW
      MPE World
      At MPE, we recognize that every client, every experience, and every guest is different, and we tailor our services to match the needs of each client. Our strength is thinking outside the box and going above and beyond to curate unique experiences. When you choose MPE, you know that we plan every detail to ensure we transcend expectations every step of the way. If you value turning moments into memories, we would love to partner with you in travel.