Short Break in Azores, Terceira Island, Self-drive
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating self-drive adventure through the enchanting Terceira Island, known as 'The Lilac Island,' in the Azores. This short break offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration. Begin your journey in the historic Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can wander through Rua Direita and visit the Cathedral da Sé. Enjoy the lush Jardim Duque da Terceira and the breathtaking views from Monte Brasil. Experience a full-day guided tour exploring the island's highlights, including Praia da Vitória, Serra do Cume, and the volcanic wonders of Algar do Carvão. Delight in a half-day whale watching tour, offering stunning views of the island's coastline. Stay comfortably at the Hotel Caracol, and savor local delicacies like the famous 'Alcatra.' With a rental car at your disposal, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Terceira's unique landscapes and rich heritage. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL TERCEIRA – ANGRA DO HEROISMO (20km – 30 min)
Location: Terceira, Angra do Heroísmo, Monte Brasil
Accommodation Name: Hotel Caracol or similar 3*
After arriving at Terceira Airport, a tour representative will meet and greet you. Then go pick up your rental car, travel instructions and documents (recommended arrival time from 06:00 am to 11:59 pm). Once you arrive at the hotel and settle in, we suggest starting from Angra do Heroísmo, and visit its most important landmarks such as Rua Direita and Cathedral da Sé. Don’t miss Jardim Duque da Terceira, a garden located in the heart of Angra and considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the Azores, featuring a great variety of botanical species. You could also stop at Teatro Angrense, and try one of the typical sweets, the D. Amélia tarts. Now that the sun is almost setting, drive to Monte Brasil. Located on the south coast of the island, it is part of a Natural Reserve and all its fauna, flora and marine area belong to the Terceira Island Natural Park. The place counts on belvederes for the visitors to appreciate the stunning sunset over the city. In the evening, you can ask your hotel reception for restaurant recommendations to discover Terceira’s gastronomy before spending the first night in the hotel.
Overnight in Angra do Heroismo.
Day 2 : ANGRA DO HEROISMO – MONTE BRASIL – PRAIA DA VITÓRIA – SERRA DO CUME – ALGAR DO CARVÃO – FURNAS DO ENXOFRE – BISCOITOS – ANGRA DO HEROISMO (85km – 2hr)
Location: Angra do Heroísmo, Monte Brasil, Praia da Vitória, Serra do Cume, Algar do Carvão, Furnas do Enxofre, Biscoitos
Accommodation Name: Hotel Caracol or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Have breakfast at the hotel, before departing for a Terceira full-day excursion in a shared van, so you can deeply explore the entire island of Terceira with a guide. The first stop will be at Monte Brasil, with a beautiful view of the city. After this first stop, you will be able to visit the east side of the island, passing by the villages all the way to Praia da Vitória, the second city of the island. Here you will have a short walk after visiting the main church of the city. Serra do Facho is the next stop with magnificent views of the city of Praia da Vitoria. Shortly afterwards, continue to Serra do Cume with a beautiful landscape over the “patchwork blanket” – the most iconic spot on the island. Around midday, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (included) and shortly after, you will go inland, where you can visit Algar do Carvão (entrance not included) and Furnas do Enxofre, the proof of the volcanic activity of the island. The tour will proceed to the village of Biscoitos, with a visit to the Wine Museum (opening depends on the availability of the establishment) and the bathing area. Continuing on the north side of the island, back to Angra do Heroísmo you will have the opportunity to pass by Lagoa do Negro and Lagoa das Patas. Finally, yet importantly, visit and cheese tasting at the local factory, Vaqinha. You dropped off at the hotel in the afternoon, for a well-deserved rest.
Overnight in Angra do Heroismo.
Day 3 : ANGRA DO HEROISMO – WHALE WATCHING CENTRE – ANGRA DO HEROISMO (3hr by boat)
Location: Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island
Accommodation Name: Hotel Caracol or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Wake up to early breakfast at the hotel, and drive to the Whale Watching Center for a half-day tour (we recommend to have a light meal before the trip). The activity starts at around 08:30 am, with a safety briefing about the weather conditions, the boat tour, and the species you are about to discover; safety vests and water coats will be also provided. This route is stunning; you will cruise by impressive sights over Terceira Island in a tour that will last about 3 hours. You will be back at around midday, just in time for lunch (own expense) and an afternoon at leisure. In the evening, drive to a local restaurant, and have a taste of the local speciality: the ‘Alcatra’, a pot roast that is traditionally cooked in large clay pots (included).
Overnight in Angra do Heroismo.
Day 4 : ANGRA DO HEROISMO – DEPARTURE TERCEIRA (20km – 30 min)
Location: Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your last day with breakfast at your hotel. Then, when you feel ready, bid farewell to Portugal and drive back to Terceira Airport, where you will drop off the car and catch your flight back home.
What's Included
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Tour Guide
Operated with Portuguese- and English-speaking local guide during activities on a shared basis (Day 2, 3).
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Transport
Shared transportation in an air-conditioned van during the included activity on Day 2.
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Entrance Fees & Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Terceira Island full-day tour (Day 2); Whale watching half-day tour (Day 3).
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Car Hire
Includes unlimited mileage, road assistance 24 hours, SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waiver), road tax & VAT.
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Other
Meet & Greet service upon arrival.
What's Not Included
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Entrance Fee
Entrance fee to Algar do Carvão.
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Flights
Domestic and international flights are not included.
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Drinks
Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.
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City Tax
City tax is not included and is payable on the spot.
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Unmentioned Visits
Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.
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Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
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Camera Fees
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any) are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc. are not included.
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Car Hire Exclusions
Personal assistance insurance (PAI), windscreen damage waiver (WDW), coverage of rims and tires, non-waivable excess, fuel/diesel, refuelling charge, other extras and charges not mentioned in the included items are not included.
Requirements
- Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Portugal. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay
- Documentation for the car hire: valid personal ID, driver license, credit card and voucher
Please Note
- Arrival or departure flight outside of car rental office opening hours will be charged as an extra on the spot
- Due to the fleet updating, the models of Car Hire can be replaced by similar ones
- It is necessary that the client presents a credit card for Car Hire
- We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
- Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
- In many hotels in Portugal, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-3 Angra do Heroismo
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Caracol or similar 3*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
- Car Group C = Seat Ibiza or similar
OPTIONAL EXTRA:
Pre- / Post-night in Angra do Heroismo
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Caracol or similar 3*
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-3 Angra do Heroismo
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Caracol or similar 3*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
- Car Group A = Renault Twingo or similar
- Car Group C = Seat Ibiza or similar
OPTIONAL EXTRA:
Pre- / Post-night in Angra do Heroismo
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Caracol or similar 3*
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with shared transportation in an air-conditioned van during the included activity on Day 2, and a rental car (Seat Ibiza or similar) for the rest of your journey.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay with 3 nights' accommodation at the Hotel Caracol or a similar 3-star hotel in Angra do Heroismo.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of vehicle will I be driving during the tour?
You will be driving a rental car, specifically a Seat Ibiza or a similar vehicle, for the duration of your journey.
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Is there a guide provided during the activities?
Yes, a Portuguese- and English-speaking local guide will accompany you during the shared activities on Day 2 and Day 3.
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What is included in the whale watching tour?
The whale watching tour includes a safety briefing about the weather conditions, the boat tour, and the species you are about to discover. Safety vests and water coats will also be provided.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 3 breakfasts and 1 lunch at a local restaurant. Additionally, a dinner featuring the local specialty 'Alcatra' is included on Day 3.
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What happens if my flight arrives outside of car rental office hours?
If your flight arrives outside of the car rental office opening hours, an extra charge will be applied on the spot.
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What should I bring for the tour?
It is recommended to bring comfortable and light clothing, sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent. For car hire, you will need a valid personal ID, driver license, credit card, and voucher.
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What is the policy on unused services during the tour?
There is no refund for unused services, and splitting of the package is not allowed.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
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Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
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Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
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Low Deposit
Destination Services Portugal requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services portugal charges.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Short Break in Azores, Terceira Island, Self-drive
4 Days Starting and ending in Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
Visiting: Terceira, Angra do Heroísmo, Monte Brasil, Praia da Vitória, Serra do Cume, Algar do Carvão, Furnas do Enxofre, Biscoitos, Terceira Island ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
334876
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
