Heartfelt Retreats

Welcome to Azores!

Check in to your hotel, rest or explore the town on your own. In the evening we meet our Local Tour Guide for all our adventure details. Opt to head out for a group dinner or hit the bed early to be rested for our hiking tour that starts the next day!

Hike from Ribeira Funda to Maia along the dramatic and

beautiful north coast of the island of São Miguel. Pause to eat lunch at Praia da Viola, also known as the 'secret beach.’ Along the way pass many viewpoints along the coast of the island. The tour ends in the friendly parish of Maia. After returning from the hike the group will head into Furnas town for a visit to the Terra Nostra Gardens and geothermal hot springs. While there, the group will have a chance to take a dip in the natural

hot waters or wander around the 24-acre botanical garden.

Spend the morning on a hike to the highest body of water in the Azores, Lagoa do Fogo, "lake of

fire". Wander down to the shores of the lake through a forest of Eucalyptus and Japanese

Cedars. Later, after a picnic lunch, travel to the Sete Cidades Parish and hike the trails for stunning views of the lakes within the caldera.

Fly (included flight) from São Miguel to Terceira island,

considered the capital of Azorean culture. Hike 9.5km on a circular route right in the middle of

the island. Enjoy beautiful views of the Azinhal Valley and Biscoitos village with its rocky lava formations that meet the sea. Later, enjoy a walking tour of Angra do Heroísmo, the capital

city, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Head to the middle of the island with stunning views of the agricultural patchwork fields contrasted by the centuries old lava Plow (often called the Black Lagoon). Here we hike the Mistérios Negros trail and visit the Algar do Carvão lava caves.

Our tour officially ends here. Either head out after breakfast for the journey home. Or stay a few extra days exploring the Island on your own! *Please request to see our full PDF package for additional information and details*.

Arrive in the mid-afternoon to be picked up at the airport and transferred to Castillo Moro. Settle in and explore the grounds, then meet the group for an onsite welcome dinner. Enjoy a peaceful Yoga Nidra practice (guided sleep meditation) before heading off to bed to rest up for the next day’s journey. 

Start the morning off right with a silent, sunrise meditation practice. Enjoy morning breakfast and a few hours of free time before heading off to explore Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the vibrant capital of the island. It’s authentic, walkable and buzzing with local life. Think open-air markets, waterfront cafes, art-filled streets and vibrant plazas. You can explore this historic capital together or on your own, soaking in its rich culture, colonial architecture and breezy coastal vibe. It’s the perfect blend of laid-back charm and city energy.

Enjoy an early morning breakfast, then head out for the hour and a half drive to Teide National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the mountain rises over 12,000 feet above sea level and offers panoramic views that stretch across the Canary Islands. The park’s rugged terrain feels like a mix between the moon and Mars—truly unlike anywhere else on Earth.

And here’s where it gets exciting...

We’ll take a gondola ride nearly to the summit of Mount Teide—an experience that lifts you high above the clouds to breathtaking views and crisp mountain air. You’ll have time to explore the top trails or simply soak in the silence and awe of standing on one of the world’s great natural wonders. After such an awe-inspiring day, head back to Castillo Moro for a chef prepared dinner. Then close out the evening with a gentle Somatic Yoga practice. 

Free Day

Take this day to rest, recharge or explore at your own pace. You can stroll through nearby villages, take a cab to local towns or simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. For those seeking more adventure, we also can arrange a full-day tour to the nearby island of La Gomera, known for its dramatic landscapes, ancient forests and unique cultural heritage.

Enjoy early morning breakfast followed by a gentle grounding Yoga session. Today we head out to explore Costa Adeje, one of Tenerife’s most vibrant and upscale coastal towns. Known for its golden beaches, elegant promenades and relaxed yet stylish atmosphere, it's a perfect spot to spend some free time. Browse chic boutiques, enjoy fresh local cuisine at seafront restaurants or simply unwind at a beachside café with views of the Atlantic. After a dinner night out, head back to Castillo Moro for a relaxing Restorative Yoga practice.  

Morning:
Begin your day with a half-day immersive yoga retreat designed to nourish your body and calm your mind. This soulful experience includes yoga, meditation, breathwork, intuitive card reading and journaling—perfect for setting intentions and reconnecting with yourself amidst Tenerife’s natural beauty.

Evening: Stargazing at Mount Teide
As night falls, venture into the heart of Mount Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top stargazing locations on the planet. High above the clouds, away from city lights, you’ll witness the night sky like never before—brilliant constellations, planets and even the Milky Way stretch across the horizon. This magical evening includes dinner and tickets for a guided stargazing experience you’ll never forget.

Begin the day with a grounding mindful Yoga practice, designed to connect breath, body and intention amidst the serene surroundings.

Afterward, we’ll set out on a scenic coastal drive, winding through charming towns, pausing at stunning viewpoints and soaking in the diverse landscapes of Tenerife. We will wrap up the journey with a vibrant sunset dinner in Los Cristianos, a lively seaside town known for its energy, ocean views and local charm.

Join us for a warm farewell breakfast as we reflect on our time together and prepare for the journey home.

Or, if you're not ready to leave just yet, consider extending your stay—explore more of Tenerife, visit nearby Canary Islands or hop over to mainland Spain, Portugal or beyond for your next adventure.

* Please request to see our full PDF package for additional information and details*.

Arrive at any time and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy

a dinner with your fellow travellers tonight. Our accommodation is in the Rosebank area, just

north of central Johannesburg. The hotel is conveniently located, should you have additional

time. Taxi's can be easily arranged to get you around.

Please note on this itinerary

‘Day 1’ is considered the first

day the tour starts. You must

arrive in Johannesburg no later

than 3pm on the day of the tour.

Pick up (arrival transfer) from

the airport to the hotel is

included on whatever day you

choose to arrive.

The Martin Heart Travel Team

will be arrive one additional

night before the tour start date.

*Please request to see our full PDF package for additional information and details*.

Set out towards Kruger National Park via the magnificent Panorama Route, one of the world’s most picturesque drives. Make stops at the dramatic Blyde

River Canyon and Bourke's Luck Potholes and take in panoramic views of the forest-covered valley from the God's Window viewpoint. Continue to our lodge near

Kruger National park, savour a delicious South African Dinner in this picturesque location. Today is a very long driving day; however, we will make many stops along the way at sites along the Panorama Route. You’ll see magnificent mountains, panoramic passes, valleys and waterfalls so sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Rise early and climb aboard an open jeep for a full-day safari in Kruger National Park—home to an extraordinary array of large mammals. Spot elephants, lions, giraffes and perhaps elusive

leopards as we explore this breathtaking wilderness

of savanna and scrubland. Return to our lodge in the evening, where you can take some time to relax and enjoy the nocturnal sounds of the bush. At over 19,000 sq km (7,500 sq mi), South Africa’s Kruger National Park is one of the

largest and most impressive animal reserves in the world. With 147 species, Kruger has more

species of large mammals than any other park on the continent.

Hop in a 4x4 safari vehicle and get yourself one step closer to the surrounding nature. Be ready

to spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, zebras and many other species in this impressive South African national park.

Travel to the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, a pristine wildlife sanctuary located in the Greater

Kruger area. Meet with a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Cheetah Range Expansion Project—a program funded in part by National

Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative and managed by National Geographic Explorer, Kulani Nyakane. Sit back for a lecture and learn about efforts to protect the region’s cheetahs and other carnivores. After, the

researcher then joins us for a wildlife-viewing excursion through the reserve. For the next two days, enjoy ranger-led morning and

evening wildlife safari drives in an open safari vehicle in Karongwe Nature Reserve, searching for Africa's famed Big Five. With over 9,000 hectares (22,240 acres) of

supreme African bushveld, Karongwe Private Game Reserve is home to many creatures, and our safari drives provide several opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Spend the day exploring Karongwe on morning and

afternoon safaris with our local guides. Search for Africa's

famed "big five" as we drive through the shrublands of the

bushveld. Back at camp, relax on deck or take a walk around

the grounds before enjoying a traditional South African dinner with your fellow travellers.

Wake up before the sun (around 5am) and sip your morning coffee before heading out on a morning wildlife safari drive. Return to the lodge for brunch and some leisure time. Converse on the deck, walk the grounds and gardens, and

enjoy high tea. Following tea, it's time for a late afternoon safari drive. After spotting tons of wildlife, it’s time to return to camp and freshen up before dinner, a traditional braai. Relax and enjoy some down time between

wildlife safari drives. Take part in a culinary journey that reflects

South Africa’s rich cultural and culinary heritage, all from an enclosed outdoor area, lit by lanterns and a warming fire.

Embark on one last safari this morning, keeping a lookout for Karongwe’s iconic inhabitants. Then head back to the city, where you’ll enjoy dinner in our lodge. Jump into a safari 4x4 and keep your eyes open for fantastic wildlife encounters. Wildlife safari drives are conducted with qualified wildlife rangers and local expert trackers; both will share their vast experience of the African bush. Today is the long drive back to Johannesburg. Sit

back, relax and enjoy the

journey in our private, air

conditioned vehicle. You will have a free evening in Johannesburg to rest up for the included flight toVictoria Falls the next morning.

Catch a flight to the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, named after one of the most powerful waterfalls on Earth.

Visit a nearby village and go grocery shopping in the bustling market. Then sit down with a local family for dinner, helping your hosts prepare a traditional Zimbabwean meal using the ingredients you picked out and hear stories about local life and culture. This experience offers great insight into typical African life and ultimately reinforce how we all really want and need the

same things in life: a stable home full of love, a good education and plenty of opportunity for our children. Visit a family homestead in a rural village; walk with some of them throughout their property, among the fruit and vegetable plants the family grows for consumption. (They even plant hot chillies among the vegetables to discourage nosy elephants.) Then help the family prepare a traditional Zimbabwean dinner, which we'll all eat together outside on the property, weather permitting. Ingredients for the meal will have been hand-selected earlier in the day, at the bustling and friendly local village market.

Head out for an unforgettable experience at Victoria Falls. Explore the rainforest and learn

about the geology, history and local legends of this world wonder. After your immersion, get up close to the falls and discover their beauty. Be sure to have your camera! The mist off Victoria Falls can rise to a height of more than 400m (1312 ft). Local tribes used to call the falls Mosi-o-Tunya or “the smoke that thunders.” Explorer and missionary David

Livingstone renamed the falls after Queen Victoria when he first saw them in 1855.

Today either depart early for the

long journey home or extend

your stay an extra day and join us

for Full Day Excursion to Chobe

National Park in Batswana or Opt for a Free Day! *Please request to see our full PDF package for additional information and details*.