An American tour operator introduced new air/hotel packages to what it calls the closest destination to the US that boasts a European flavor: the Azores.
They include nine islands, announced by Azores Express, a US-based tour operator and member of the SATA Group.
“The Azores islands are Europe’s closest point to the united States. Azores Express flights from Boston take just four hours, closer than many islands in the Caribbean,” said a press release.
The operator is promoting the Azores as a “close European alternative to the Caribbean at an affordable price.”
The attractions of the Azores include busy harbors, quaint seaside villages, volcanic mountainsides and an ancient culture that has been rooted for centuries in agriculture and sea-faring.
The islands also have golf courses and visitors can tour tea plantations.
The Azores have a mild, spring-like climate year-round. Summer weather can last into December.
Packages start at US$589. The packages include stays at historic hotels.
Report by David Wilkening
