This 3-in-1 tour offers a captivating blend of scenic drives, underground exploration, and wine tasting on the volcanic island of Terceira. Soar through breathtaking landscapes, discover the mesmerizing Algar do Carvão cave, and savor the rich, unique flavors of the region’s volcanic wines. It’s an experience that promises to transport you from the mountain peaks to the depths of the earth, seamlessly weaving together the island’s natural wonders and winemaking heritage. What unfolds next on this remarkable journey?
Key Points
- The tour offers a 4-hour experience combining scenic drives, a visit to the Algar do Carvão cave, and an optional wine tasting.
- The scenic drive features viewpoints atop the Serra da Ribeirinha with panoramic vistas of Angra do Heroísmo and the surrounding islands.
- The Algar do Carvão cave extends 330 feet underground, allowing exploration of unique stalactites and an underground lake.
- The optional wine tasting showcases volcanic wines with high salinity and sea flavor, reflecting the tour’s unique volcanic terroir.
- The tour accommodates a maximum of 8 participants and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The "3 in 1 Tour: Mountain to Cave with Wine" offers a comprehensive experience priced at Kč 2,376 per person.
The 4-hour tour has a small group limited to 8 participants, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now & pay later option.
Small group tours with flexible scheduling and payment options, perfect for exploring new destinations.
The tour includes scenic drives, visiting the Algar do Carvão cave, and an optional wine tasting and swimming in natural pools.
Pickup and drop-off locations are in Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória, providing convenient access to the tour’s highlights.
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Itinerary and Highlights
The tour begins with a scenic drive (1 hour) that includes photo stops (40 minutes) along the way.
The highlight is a visit to the Algar do Carvão cave, which extends 330 feet deep underground. Visitors can marvel at the unique stalactites and an underground lake.
Optional activities include a wine tasting in Biscoitos (40 minutes) and swimming in natural pools (40 minutes).
The tour concludes with drop-offs at Praia da Vitória and Angra do Heroísmo.
Along the way, participants can enjoy views of Angra do Heroísmo, Monte Brasil, Vila de São Mateus, and possibly São Jorge and Pico islands.
Scenic Locations
Along the scenic drive, the tour takes participants to several viewpoints atop the Serra da Ribeirinha.
These vantage points offer panoramic vistas of Angra do Heroísmo, Monte Brasil, and the nearby town of Vila de São Mateus.
Panoramic vistas of Angra do Heroísmo, Monte Brasil, and Vila de São Mateus await at these scenic viewpoints.
On a clear day, visitors may even catch glimpses of the islands of São Jorge and Pico in the distance.
The tour also showcases the lush, green countryside dotted with grazing cows, providing a peaceful respite from the bustling city below.
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Stunning views of Angra do Heroísmo and the surrounding landscape
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Potential sightings of neighboring islands São Jorge and Pico
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Picturesque countryside with rolling hills and grazing cattle
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Tranquil atmosphere and photo opportunities at the scenic viewpoints
Wine Experience
After exploring the scenic landscapes, the tour takes participants to a local winery for a volcanic wine tasting experience. Guests learn about the unique characteristics of the region’s wines, which are influenced by the island’s volcanic terroir. The wines feature high salinity, a distinct sea flavor, and a rich historical legacy, having been exported to English colonies and even the Russian Tsars in the past. A table showcasing the wines’ transformative journey from stone to glass provides deeper insight into the winemaking process in this remote Atlantic archipelago.
| Characteristic | Description |
| — | — |
| Salinity | High |
| Flavor | Sea-influenced |
| History | Exported to English colonies, Russian Tsars |
| Terroir | Volcanic |
| Process | Transforming stone into wine |
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
This tour isn’t suitable for certain individuals. Those with claustrophobia, heart problems, respiratory issues, or weighing over 264 lbs (120 kg) should avoid this activity.
Plus, wheelchair users aren’t able to participate. To ensure a pleasant experience, guests are advised to bring the following:
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Swimwear
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Towel
The cave visit involves navigating narrow passages and exploring an underground lake, so this tour may not be appropriate for everyone.
Guests should carefully consider their physical abilities before booking.
Pickup and Drop-off Locations
The tour offers pickup and drop-off locations in Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória.
The scenic drive takes guests on a one-hour journey with 40 minutes of photo stops. Participants can be picked up from either Angra do Heroísmo or Praia da Vitória.
At the end of the tour, guests will be dropped off at their respective starting locations. This convenient arrangement ensures a seamless experience, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the tour’s highlights without the hassle of transportation logistics.
Optional Activities
Two optional activities are available during the tour. Visitors can enjoy:
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A 40-minute wine tasting in Biscoitos, where they’ll sample unique volcanic wines with high salinity and a distinct sea flavor. These wines were historically exported to English colonies and Russian Tsars.
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A 40-minute swim in natural pools, offering a refreshing break amidst the scenic mountain landscapes.
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An insider’s look into the winemaking process, learning how the volcanic stone is transformed into this distinctive beverage.
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Insight into the rich history and cultural significance of these local winemaking traditions.
Tour Duration and Participants
The 3 in 1 Tour: Mountain to Cave with Wine is a 4-hour experience that limits group size to 8 participants.
This small group size ensures a more intimate and personalized tour. The duration of the tour is just right, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the scenic drive, explore the unique Algar do Carvão cave, and indulge in an optional wine tasting.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now & pay later option, this tour provides flexibility and convenience for travelers.
The carefully curated itinerary and well-paced schedule make this an enjoyable and accessible experience for all.
Since You Asked
Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?
Yes, this tour can be booked for a private group. The tour operator offers a small group tour limited to 8 participants, but they may be able to accommodate a private group booking upon request.
Do You Offer Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?
Yes, the tour operator offers discounts for students and seniors. Students receive a 10% discount, while seniors (65+ years) get a 15% discount off the regular tour price. These discounts must be requested at the time of booking.
Is Photography Permitted Inside the Algar Do Carvão Cave?
Yes, photography is permitted inside the Algar do Carvão cave. Visitors can take photos to capture the unique stalactites and underground lake during the 1-hour guided tour of this geological wonder.
What Is the Language of the Tour Guide?
The tour guide’s language is not explicitly stated, but given the location in the Azores, a Portuguese-speaking guide is likely. Visitors should confirm the language with the tour operator when booking to ensure a comfortable experience.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
The tour doesn’t allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. However, guests can enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery during the excursion as part of the overall experience.
The Sum Up
This 3-in-1 tour offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and local flavors. Visitors will explore breathtaking landscapes, explore an underground cave, and savor the region’s volcanic wines, providing a truly immersive and memorable experience. With panoramic views, mesmerizing formations, and a taste of the island’s unique terroir, this tour is a must for those seeking to discover the natural and cultural riches of this volcanic destination.
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