Pico Island, tucked away in the Azores, is home to a remarkable culinary experience that promises to captivate the senses. The Luxury Gourmet Pico introduces guests to a five-course menu, expertly paired with local wines and a delightful cheese tasting. This eight-hour guided tour leads adventurers through the island’s scenic landscapes, culminating in a fine dining showcase that celebrates the region’s vibrant wine culture. With a focus on seasonal produce and a commitment to quality, this immersive gastronomic journey promises to leave a lasting impression. What makes this experience truly special, however, is the opportunity to uncover the hidden gems that make Pico Island a truly unique destination.
Good To Know
- The Luxury Gourmet Pico experience includes a 5-course fine dining dinner with wine pairings, showcasing seasonal produce and local flavors.
- A 1-hour wine tasting in Madalena features three local vintages accompanied by a cheeseboard.
- The tour offers exclusive access to UNESCO-protected vineyards on Pico Island for an immersive experience.
- Expert English and German-speaking guides provide personalized insights into the wine culture and history of the region.
- The tour is designed for small groups of 2-6 participants, ensuring a personalized and memorable culinary journey.
Experience Overview
For those seeking a luxurious gourmet adventure, the Luxury Gourmet Pico experience offers an exclusive, intimate journey into the heart of Pico’s renowned wine culture and breathtaking landscapes.
Priced from €350 per person, this 8-hour guided tour caters to small groups of 2-6 participants, immersing them in the region’s winemaking heritage.
Highlights include a scenic 1-hour walk to Madalena, a wine tasting showcasing 3 local vintages paired with a delectable cheese board, and a leisurely exploration of UNESCO-recognized vineyards.
The culinary pinnacle is a 5-course fine dining dinner with wine pairing, showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients.
With an attentive English-speaking hostess and German/English-speaking guides, this experience promises unparalleled insights and an unforgettable gourmet odyssey.
Find more activities and experiences we've covered in Madalena.
Itinerary Details
The Luxury Gourmet Pico experience kicks off with a scenic 1-hour walk from the João Quaresma Maritime Ferry Terminal in Lajido to the charming town of Madalena. Here, guests will indulge in a 1-hour wine tasting, sampling 3 local wines paired with a delectable cheeseboard featuring 3 cheeses, honey, and fresh bread. The adventure continues as participants explore the UNESCO vineyards for 1.5 hours, wandering through picturesque villages and captivating lava fields. The grand finale is a sumptuous 5-course dinner with wine pairing, showcasing the best of Pico’s culinary delights. With professional hosts and translation services, this exclusive experience offers unparalleled insights into the island’s rich wine culture and stunning landscape.
| Activities | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Walk to Madalena | 1 hour | Lajido to Madalena |
| Wine Tasting | 1 hour | Madalena |
| Explore UNESCO Vineyards | 1.5 hours | Pico Island |
| Fine Dining Dinner | 1.5-2 hours | Madalena |
Culinary Highlights
Guests can expect a tantalizing wine tasting experience, sampling three exquisite local vintages paired with a decadent cheeseboard adorned with three artisanal cheeses, rich honey, and freshly baked bread.
The culinary adventure continues with a sumptuous five-course dinner, showcasing Pico’s finest seasonal produce. Each course is expertly paired with three glasses of premium wine, perfectly complementing the flavors of the meticulously crafted dishes.
The menu changes regularly to reflect the availability of the freshest ingredients, ensuring a unique dining experience.
Vegetarian options are available, catering to various dietary preferences, though vegan alternatives aren’t offered.
This gourmet experience promises to delight the senses and immerse guests in the vibrant flavors of Pico.
Guided Experience
Led by a professional English-speaking hostess, the wine tasting experience offers guests unique insights into Pico’s rich wine culture and breathtaking landscape.
Complementing the hostess, German/English-speaking tour guides are available to provide translation services, ensuring a seamless and exclusive luxury journey for all participants.
The guided experience promises an insider’s perspective, elevating the gourmet adventure to new heights:
Personalized attention from knowledgeable experts who share the history, production methods, and tasting notes of the region’s finest wines.
Exclusive access to UNESCO-protected vineyards, where guests can enjoy the captivating natural beauty of Pico’s volcanic terrain.
Seamless coordination and attention to every detail, allowing guests to fully embrace the Luxury Gourmet Pico experience.
Cancellation Policy
Complementing the guided experience, Luxury Gourmet Pico offers flexible cancellation options, providing peace of mind for all participants.
Guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund, ensuring maximum flexibility and hassle-free planning.
This policy allows travelers to book with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if necessary without incurring any additional costs.
Whether it’s due to unexpected changes in schedule or simply a change of heart, the generous cancellation policy offered by Luxury Gourmet Pico makes it easy to secure your spot and enjoy the one-of-a-kind culinary and cultural experience with complete peace of mind.
Group Size and Languages
With a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 participants, Luxury Gourmet Pico’s intimate group size allows for a personalized and immersive experience.
On top of that, the tour is offered in both English and German, catering to a diverse range of international travelers and ensuring seamless communication throughout the journey.
This small-group format fosters a sense of exclusivity, allowing guests to:
Engage in meaningful conversations with the expert guides and fellow travelers.
Enjoy personalized attention and tailored recommendations.
Explore the picturesque Pico Island at a leisurely pace, without the crowds.
The multilingual team ensures that every participant, regardless of their language preference, can fully enjoy the incredible flavors, history, and natural beauty of this luxury gourmet experience.
Meeting Point and Accessibility
The meeting point for the Luxury Gourmet Pico experience is conveniently located in front of the João Quaresma Maritime Ferry Terminal in Madalena, where guests should look for the guide holding an Azorean flag. This central location ensures a seamless start to the day’s activities, allowing participants to easily access the tour and commence their gourmet journey.
While the experience isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, children under 18, or people over 95 years old, the tour guides provide translation services in both German and English, ensuring an inclusive and informative experience for all.
With careful planning and attention to detail, the Luxury Gourmet Pico offers an exclusive and memorable exploration of Pico’s wine culture and stunning landscape.
Inclusions and Special Requests
Along With the seamless meeting arrangements, the Luxury Gourmet Pico experience includes a comprehensive package to ensure a truly remarkable day.
Participants can look forward to complimentary water, transport, and insurance, as well as any additional wines or alcoholic drinks during the tasting and dining portions of the tour. Special requests for dietary needs, such as vegetarian options, can be accommodated if communicated in advance, allowing everyone to fully savor the gourmet delights on offer.
The package includes:
Complimentary water, transport, and insurance
Additional wines and alcoholic drinks during tastings and dinner
Vegetarian options available with advance notice
This all-inclusive experience promises to immerse guests in the exceptional flavors and scenic splendor of Pico’s celebrated wine culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Transportation Options to Reach the Starting Location?
The starting location, João Quaresma Maritime Ferry Terminal in Lajido, can be reached by ferry. Participants can take the ferry from various ports on the island to Madalena, where they’ll meet their guide.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Experience?
Yes, the experience can be extended. Guests can customize the duration by adding optional activities like hiking, boat tours, or extended meals. This allows them to tailor the luxury gourmet experience to suit their preferences and interests.
Can the Fine Dining Dinner Be Upgraded to a Private Experience?
Yes, the fine dining dinner can be upgraded to a private experience. Guests can enjoy an exclusive, intimate culinary journey with a personalized 5-course menu and wine pairing in a private setting, elevating the luxury and exclusivity of the experience.
Are There Any Seasonal Variations in the Wine and Food Offerings?
The gourmet experience features seasonal variations to showcase the freshest local produce. The menu and wine selection adapt throughout the year to highlight Pico’s vibrant culinary offerings at their seasonal best, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Larger Groups?
Yes, the experience offers discounts for larger groups. Groups of 4 or more can enjoy a 10% discount on the per-person price. Booking with a larger party provides great value and an even more exclusive luxury experience exploring Pico’s renowned wine culture.
The Sum Up
The Luxury Gourmet Pico experience offers an unparalleled culinary journey, immersing guests in the rich wine culture of Pico Island.
With a five-course menu showcasing seasonal produce, paired with local wines and a delightful cheese tasting, it’s a sensory delight that celebrates the island’s finest flavors.
Guests will embark on an unforgettable 8-hour guided tour, making it the ultimate gastronomic escape.
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