São Jorge Ultimate West to East Experience – Velas to Topo: An 8-Hour All-Inclusive Journey with Cheese, Coffee, Fajãs, and Waterfalls
Embark on the ultimate São Jorge Island adventure with this all-inclusive 8-hour tour, taking you from the west in Velas to the east in Topo. This comprehensive journey includes everything: a cheese factory tour and tasting, a coffee plantation tour and tasting, descents by car to two fajãs, visits to stunning waterfalls, and a delicious lunch—all within the 8-hour timeframe. Swimming at Simão Dias Pool is also included, though time spent swimming will be deducted from the 8-hour tour, potentially reducing time at other stops. Perfect for those who want to experience the best of São Jorge’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights in a single day, this tour covers the island from west to east, ensuring you don’t miss a thing!
Included
- Local Driver/Guide: An experienced Driver/Guide to lead the tour.
- Transportation by private vehicle: Comfortable transfers between stops.
- Cheese factory tour and tasting: A guided tour of the São Jorge Cheese Factory with a tasting of their iconic cheese (available Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM).
- Coffee plantation tour and tasting: A guided tour of the coffee plantation at Fajã dos Vimes, including a coffee tasting.
- Descent by car to two fajãs: Visits to two fajãs, with the descents made by car for accessibility and comfort.
- Swimming at Simão Dias Pool (Optional): Swimming at the natural Simão Dias Pool in Fajã do Ouvidor is included, but time spent swimming will be deducted from the 8-hour tour, potentially reducing time at other stops.
- Entry fees: All entry fees for activities, such as the cheese factory and coffee plantation tours, are included.
- Lunch: A delicious lunch featuring local Azorean cuisine, included within the 8-hour tour.
- Visits to waterfalls: Explore stunning waterfalls, including Cruzal Waterfall on the east side of the island.
Not Included
- Hiking gear and equipment
- Swimming gear for Simão Dias Pool
Bookable Extras
- Light snack pack: Available for €10 per person with local treats.
Itinerary
Start in Velas (West Side)
Begin in the picturesque village of Velas, the heart of São Jorge, known for its colorful streets and ocean views, as we start our journey from the west side of the island.
Begin in the picturesque village of Velas, the heart of São Jorge, known for its colorful streets and ocean views, as we start our journey from the west side of the island.
Sete Fontes Forest Park
Visit the tranquil Sete Fontes Forest Park in Rosais, a lush retreat with ancient trees, natural springs, and stunning viewpoints offering panoramic views of the neighboring islands and São Jorge’s north coast.
Visit the tranquil Sete Fontes Forest Park in Rosais, a lush retreat with ancient trees, natural springs, and stunning viewpoints offering panoramic views of the neighboring islands and São Jorge’s north coast.
São Jorge Cheese Factory Tour and Tasting
Enjoy a guided tour of the São Jorge Cheese Factory, followed by a tasting of their iconic cheese. (Note: Available Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM; if outside these hours, a cheese tasting will be arranged at an alternative location.)
Enjoy a guided tour of the São Jorge Cheese Factory, followed by a tasting of their iconic cheese. (Note: Available Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM; if outside these hours, a cheese tasting will be arranged at an alternative location.)
Head to the Fajãs do Norte Viewpoint for splendid views of São Jorge’s rugged north coast and its notable fajãs, such as Fajã do Ouvidor and Fajã da Ribeira da Areia.
Descent by Car to Fajã do Ouvidor (Optional Swimming at Simão Dias Pool)
Descend by car to Fajã do Ouvidor, featuring the natural Simão Dias Pool. Swimming is included if desired, but time spent swimming will be deducted from the 8-hour tour, potentially reducing time at other stops. If you choose not to swim, you’ll have more time to explore the fajã’s stunning coastal scenery.
Fajãs do Norte Viewpoint
Lunch Stop
Savor a delicious lunch featuring local Azorean cuisine, included in the tour. The lunch stop is scheduled within the 8-hour timeframe, offering a chance to relax and refuel for the rest of the journey.
Descent by Car to Fajã dos Vimes (Coffee Plantation Tour and Tasting)
Continue to Fajã dos Vimes, famous for its unique coffee plantation. Enjoy a guided tour of the plantation, followed by a tasting of their locally grown coffee, and visit the coffee shop to browse their products.
Continue to Fajã dos Vimes, famous for its unique coffee plantation. Enjoy a guided tour of the plantation, followed by a tasting of their locally grown coffee, and visit the coffee shop to browse their products.
East Side: Cruzal Waterfall
Journey to the east side of the island and visit the stunning Cruzal Waterfall, a beautiful natural wonder surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for nature lovers.
East Side: View of Ilhéu do Topo
Stop at the scenic viewpoint of Ilhéu do Topo, showcasing the islet of Topo and the eastern coastline of São Jorge, with panoramic views of the Atlantic.
Back to Starting Point Stoping at Other Viewpoints between Santa Barbara Church and Velas.
Conclude your 8-hour journey in Velas, or starting point.

This all-inclusive 8-hour tour is the ultimate way to experience São Jorge, taking you from Velas in the west to Topo in the east. Enjoy a cheese factory tour and tasting, a coffee plantation tour and tasting at Fajã dos Vimes, descents by car to two fajãs with an optional swim at Simão Dias Pool (time deducted from the tour), visits to stunning waterfalls like Cruzal Waterfall, and a delicious lunch—all included in the price. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the Azores’ natural beauty, culture, and flavors in a single day. Book now for an unforgettable journey!
Book your
Tour tickets today!
Experience the best of São Jorge on this all-inclusive 8-hour journey from Velas in the west to Topo in the east. From a cheese factory tour and tasting to a coffee plantation tour at Fajã dos Vimes, descents by car to two fajãs with an optional swim at Simão Dias Pool (time deducted from the tour), visits to waterfalls like Cruzal Waterfall, and a delicious lunch—this tour has it all. Don’t miss this chance to explore the Azores from west to east in one unforgettable day!


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