Short Break in Azores, Terceira Island, Self-drive

Short Break in Azores, Terceira Island, Self-drive

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4 Days From

$783

Short Break in Azores, Terceira Island, Self-drive

4 Days Starting and ending in Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal

Visiting: Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira

Tour code:

334876

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Physical rating:

VERY_EASY

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Meat

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Walking, Whale Watching

From: $783 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating self-drive adventure with our "Short Break in Azores, Terceira Island" tour. Discover the enchanting Terceira Island, known as 'The Lilac Island,' where natural volcanic beauty meets historic charm in Angra do Heroísmo. Enjoy whale watching in one of the Atlantic's prime locations, explore the picturesque Rua Direita and Cathedral da Sé, and wander through the stunning Jardim Duque da Terceira. Drive to Monte Brasil for breathtaking sunset views and delve into a full-day excursion covering Monte Brasil, Praia da Vitória, Serra do Cume, and more. Savor local flavors with a cheese tasting at Vaqinha and a traditional 'Alcatra' dinner. Stay comfortably at Hotel Caracol or a similar 3-star hotel, with shared transportation and a rental car for your convenience.

Highlights

  • Terceira Island: also called ‘The Lilac Island’, a perfect balance between the natural beauty of this volcanic island and the admirable work of man in the historic centre of Angra do Heroísmo make this place one of a kind

  • Whale watching: the Azores islands are considered the best stop in the Atlantic Ocean when it comes to whale watching

  • Visit Rua Direita and Cathedral da Sé in Angra do Heroísmo

  • Explore Jardim Duque da Terceira, a garden located in the heart of Angra and considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the Azores

  • Drive to Monte Brasil, part of a Natural Reserve with stunning sunset views over the city

  • Full-day excursion to Monte Brasil, Praia da Vitória, Serra do Cume, Algar do Carvão, Furnas do Enxofre, and Biscoitos

  • Cheese tasting at the local factory, Vaqinha

  • Half-day whale watching tour with impressive sights over Terceira Island

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival Terceira – Angra Do Heroismo (20Km – 30 Min)

Location: Angra do Heroísmo

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: Terceira

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

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

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

  • Tour Guide

    Operated with Portuguese- and English-speaking local guide during activities on a shared basis (Day 2, 3).

  • Accommodation

    3 nights' accommodation at Hotel Caracol or similar 3-star hotel in Angra do Heroismo.

  • Meals

    3 Breakfasts and 1 Lunch at a local restaurant.

  • Transport

    Shared transportation in an air-conditioned van during the included activity (Day 2).

  • 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).

  • Car Hire

    Unlimited Mileage, Road Assistance 24 hours, SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waiver), Road tax & VAT.

  • Other

    Meet & Greet.

What's Not Included

  • Entrance Fee

    Entrance fee to Algar do Carvão.

  • Flights

    Domestic and international flights.

  • Drinks

    Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise).

  • City Tax

    City tax not included, payable on the spot.

  • Unmentioned Visits

    Any visit not mentioned in the program.

  • Porterage and Gratuities

    Porterage and gratuities.

  • Personal Expenditures

    Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program.

  • Camera Fees

    Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any).

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.

  • 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.

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 stayDocumentation 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 spotDue to the fleet updating, the models of Car Hire can be replaced by similar onesIt is necessary that the client presents a credit card for Car HireWe reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasonsEarly check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteedIn 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 roomNo 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 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

    • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

      The tour includes shared transportation in an air-conditioned van during the full-day excursion on Day 2. For the rest of the journey, you will have a rental car (Seat Ibiza or similar) with unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waiver).

    • Are there any meals included in the tour?

      Yes, the tour includes 3 breakfasts and 1 lunch at a local restaurant. Additionally, on Day 3, you will have the opportunity to taste the local specialty 'Alcatra' at a local restaurant.

    • What activities are included in the tour?

      The tour includes a full-day excursion on Terceira Island, a half-day whale watching tour, and a cheese tasting at the local factory, Vaqinha. All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, except for the entrance fee to Algar do Carvão.

    • What should I bring for the whale watching tour?

      It is recommended to have a light meal before the whale watching tour. Safety vests and water coats will be provided. You should also bring sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and possibly mosquito repellent.

    • What are the accommodation options during the tour?

      You will stay for 3 nights at the Hotel Caracol or a similar 3-star hotel in Angra do Heroismo.

    • What is the recommended arrival time at Terceira Airport?

      The recommended arrival time at Terceira Airport is from 06:00 am to 11:59 pm.

    • Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?

      Yes, additional costs not included are the entrance fee to Algar do Carvão, domestic and international flights, drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise), city tax, unmentioned visits, porterage and gratuities, personal expenditures, camera fees, and travel insurance. For car hire, personal assistance insurance (PAI), windscreen damage waiver (WDW), coverage of rims and tires, non-waivable excess, fuel/diesel, refueling charge, and other extras are also not included.

    • What documentation is required for car hire?

      You will need a valid personal ID, driver license, credit card, and voucher for car hire.

    • What happens if the weather conditions are not suitable for the planned activities?

      The tour operator reserves the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems, or security reasons.

    • 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.

    • 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. 

    • What documents will I receive before I travel?

      Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers

    • When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

      Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival

    • Are Visa fees included in the price?

      No, visa fees are not included

    • Are flights included in the tour?

      No, they are not included

    • 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.

    • 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.

    Reviews of this operator

    TG  

    Portugal Discovery, Self-drive

    04-Nov-2022

    Great itinerary. Hotels were quite nice with breakfast included. Highways in Portugal may be the best in the world.

    Mary Ann  

    South of Portugal

    17-Sep-2022

    This tour was so much more than I expected. The hotels were great especially the Villa Gale in Lagos. We had busy days and saw so much. There were only a few of us on my tour so Fernando, our driver, and Miguel, our guide, were flexible about doing independent things plus the regular tour. They were always willing to help and very sociable. I found Portugal to be a hidden gem and would love to return to spend more time in some areas.

    Diego  

    The Best of Portugal

    14-Apr-2022

    This tour has a lot of walking it’s well educated on the history of Portugal I had a wonderful driver his name was Fabio Gomes and I tour guide Cristina Evo she was wonderful she was very well educated and She knew a lot of information I really like to thank them both it was a great trip

    Tony  

    Wondrs of Portugal

    06-Jun-2022

    A wonderful Tour Will definitely book again

    Robert  

    Lisbon Cultural Experience, City Break, 6 Days

    18-Aug-2022

    Great communication from the Tourradar team. Everything worked out as planned / promised. Would use them again.

    Leo B.  

    South of Portugal

    17-Feb-2022

    What an amazing experience! Surprises around every corner. We really learned about the culture, ate great meals and visited several hidden gems! Highly recommend!! Thank you to our awesome guide, Joao!

    Jay C.  

    Portugal North and South, Self-drive

    30-Oct-2022

    It was a wonderful experience. The hotels are way above my expectations. Just one little thing not too important is that there is drop off fee at Faro airport. I totally recommend this tour to my friends.

    Pauline  

    The Best of Portugal

    15-Mar-2022

    Our tour guide Kristina was fabulous. Our driver Fabio was excellent. Our initial trying to find our tour at Marquis de Pombal Square in Lisbon was very nerve wracking with anxiety as the name Tour Radar was nowhere to be seen. It was under the name Cityrama. Luckily Kristina found us wandering in the parking lot with rolling suitcases. Other than that everything went well and the breakfasts were great and hotels were very good.

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    Book with Confidence

    • 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.

    • 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.

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