Short Break in Azores, Terceira Island, Self-drive

Short Break in Azores, Terceira Island, Self-drive

353 Views
4 Days From

$926

$882

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 the historic charm of Angra do Heroísmo. Enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace with a rental car, visiting iconic sites like Monte Brasil and the picturesque villages leading to Praia da Vitória. Experience the thrill of whale watching in the Atlantic, a sanctuary for these majestic creatures. Stay in comfort with three nights' accommodation and savor local flavors with included breakfasts and a traditional lunch. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure, making it an unforgettable escape in the heart of the Azores. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Terceira Island, known as 'The Lilac Island', offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical charm in Angra do Heroísmo.

  • Experience the thrill of whale watching in the Azores, one of the best locations in the Atlantic Ocean for observing these majestic creatures.

  • Explore the historic center of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with landmarks like Rua Direita and Cathedral da Sé.

  • Visit Monte Brasil, a natural reserve with stunning views and a rich variety of flora and fauna.

  • Discover the volcanic wonders of Algar do Carvão and Furnas do Enxofre, showcasing the island's geological activity.

  • Enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque villages and landscapes of Terceira, including the iconic 'patchwork blanket' view from Serra do Cume.

  • Indulge in local culinary delights, such as the traditional 'Alcatra' pot roast, and sample local cheeses at the Vaqinha factory.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : ARRIVAL TERCEIRA – ANGRA DO HEROISMO (20km – 30 min)

Location: Terceira, Angra do Heroísmo, Monte Brasil

Accommodation Name: Hotel Caracol or similar

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, Lagoa do Negro, Lagoa das Patas

Accommodation Name: Hotel Caracol or similar

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

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

  • Tour Guide

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

  • 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

    Includes unlimited mileage, road assistance 24 hours, SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waiver), subject to an excess, road tax & VAT.

  • Other

    Meet & Greet service included.

What's Not Included

  • Entrance Fee

    Entrance fee to Algar do Carvão is not included.

  • Flights

    Domestic and international flights are not included.

  • Drinks

    Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.

  • City Tax

    City tax is not included and is payable on the spot.

  • Additional Visits

    Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.

  • Porterage and Gratuities

    Porterage and gratuities are not included.

  • Personal Expenditures

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

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc., is not included.

  • Car Hire Exclusions

    Personal assistance insurance (PAI), windscreen damage waiver (WDW), coverage of rims and tires, non-waivable excess, fuel/diesel, refuelling charge, and 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.

Please Note

  • Drivers age from 26 to 75 years old (must have had their driver´s license for a minimum of one year)
  • Pick-up hours are Monday through Sunday, 07:00 to 22:00 hrs. Pick-up outside of these times is subject to a surcharge.
  • Drivers who are not citizens of the European Union must present an international driver’s license together with the original from their country of origin.
  • If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days
  • Deposit credit card Visa or MasterCard only
  • Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 48 hours of the incident
  • In cases where, following the return of the vehicle, additional cleaning is required due to the car being dirty beyond the level expected from normal vehicle use, an additional charge shall apply, against evidence of the cost of the service provided
  • Return procedure and the exact designated area will be advised by the rental car company when you pick up the car on arrival day
  • We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.
  • Late check-out, early check-in, connecting or adjoining rooms at the hotel are all subject to availability and not guaranteed.

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 = Ford Fiesta or similar  

OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Pre- / Post-night in Angra do Heroismo

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Caracol or similar 3*

Mode of Transport

Travel around Terceira Island with ease using a rental car, with options like the Renault Twingo or Ford Fiesta. Enjoy shared transportation in an air-conditioned van during the included full-day island tour, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience.

Accommodation

Enjoy a comfortable stay with 3 nights' accommodation at the Hotel Caracol or a similar 3-star hotel in Angra do Heroismo. Experience the charm of this standard hotel category, offering a cozy retreat after your daily adventures on Terceira Island.

Check out our Q&As

  • What languages are the local guides fluent in during the activities?

    The local guides during the activities speak both Portuguese and English.

  • What type of vehicle is included in the car hire options?

    The car hire options include a Renault Twingo or similar for Car Group A, and a Ford Fiesta or similar for Car Group C.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 3 breakfasts and 1 lunch at a local restaurant.

  • What is the recommended arrival time at Terceira Airport?

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

  • What activities are included in the itinerary?

    The itinerary includes a full-day tour of Terceira Island and a half-day whale watching tour.

  • What is the age requirement for drivers renting a car?

    Drivers must be between 26 to 75 years old and have had their driver's license for a minimum of one year.

  • What should I expect during the whale watching tour?

    The whale watching tour includes a safety briefing, provision of safety vests and water coats, and a 3-hour boat tour to discover various species and enjoy impressive sights over Terceira Island.

  • 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. ...more ...less

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 ...more ...less

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. ...more ...less

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Tuesday

Jan 03, 2026 - Jan 06, 2026
$926 $882 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$44 (USD)

Saturday - Tuesday

Jan 10, 2026 - Jan 13, 2026
$926 $882 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$44 (USD)

Saturday - Tuesday

Jan 17, 2026 - Jan 20, 2026
$926 $882 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$44 (USD)

Saturday - Tuesday

Jan 24, 2026 - Jan 27, 2026
$926 (USD)

Saturday - Tuesday

Jan 31, 2026 - Feb 03, 2026
$926 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

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, Lagoa do Negro, Lagoa das Patas, Terceira Island ...more ...less

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

Trip Styles:

Small Group

From: $926 $882 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$44

NB: Prices correct on 08-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

Similar Tours