Third Island Caves: the Lava Route With Entrances & Wine

The Third Island Caves tour offers a captivating exploration of Terceira Island’s remarkable volcanic landscape. Visitors can explore the island’s unique geological wonders, including stunning lava tubes and the remarkable Algar do Carvão. Complementing the tour’s natural beauty, a wine tasting experience at the local Wine Museum promises to immerse guests in the island’s distinctive volcanic wines. This four-hour adventure combines the best of Terceira’s natural and cultural attractions, making it an enticing option for those seeking to uncover the island’s hidden gems.

Key Points

1. The tour explores Terceira Island’s volcanic landscapes, including calderas, lava tubes, and natural pools formed by basaltic lava flows.

2. The highlight is a guided tour of Algar do Carvão, one of the few visitable volcanoes, offering an immersive understanding of the island’s dynamic volcanic origins.

3. The tour includes a 25-minute wine tasting experience at the Wine Museum, showcasing the unique terroir of Terceira Island’s volcanic wines.

4. The tour covers various grape varieties, including the crisp Verdelho white wine, the rich Terrantez red wine, and the refreshing Arinto and Tinta Negra wines.

5. The tour is not recommended for individuals with back problems, mobility impairments, or claustrophobia, but is an ideal option for those seeking a geological adventure and wine tasting experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The activity titled "Third Island Caves: The Lava Route" is priced from $67.86 per person and lasts for 4 hours.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour offers 8 pickup and drop-off locations across Angra do Heroísmo. Highlights include visiting Lagoa das Patas, Piscinas Naturais Biscoitos, the Wine Museum, Gruta Natal, and Algar do Carvão.

The experience allows guests to discover Terceira Island’s volcanic history and taste exquisite volcanic wine. It’s recommended for those short on time or not wanting to rent a car.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with stops at Lagoa das Patas, where guests spend 15 minutes, and Piscinas Naturais Biscoitos, with 25 minutes allocated.

Next, the group visits the Wine Museum for a 25-minute wine tasting experience.

The itinerary then takes travelers to:

Travelers visit Gruta Natal for a 25-minute guided tour and Algar do Carvão, one of the few visitable volcanoes globally, for a 30-minute guided tour.

• Gruta Natal for a 25-minute guided tour

• Algar do Carvão, one of the few visitable volcanoes globally, for a 30-minute guided tour

These highlights showcase Terceira Island’s volcanic geology, from natural pools to lava tubes, culminating in the unique Algar do Carvão experience.

Geological Exploration

As visitors embark on the Third Island Caves: The Lava Route, they’ll discover Terceira Island’s captivating volcanic history shaped by millennia of geological activity.

The tour explores diverse volcanic landscapes, including calderas and lava tubes. Guests experience the natural pools formed by basaltic lava flows and visit the unique Algar do Carvão, one of the few visitable volcanoes globally.

This geological exploration provides an immersive understanding of the island’s dynamic volcanic origins and showcases the region’s remarkable geological features forged by the powerful forces of nature over centuries.

Wine Experience

Alongside the geological exploration, the Third Island Caves: The Lava Route offers visitors a chance to savor the exquisite volcanic wines that define Terceira Island’s unique terroir.

The tour includes a visit to the Wine Museum, where guests can enjoy a guided wine tasting. The volcanic wines on offer showcase the island’s distinctive geology and climatic conditions, which impart unique flavors and aromas:

• Verdelho: A crisp, aromatic white wine with citrus and mineral notes.

• Terrantez: A rich, full-bodied red wine with hints of dark fruit and spice.

• Arinto: A refreshing white wine with bright acidity and a touch of minerality.

• Tinta Negra: A bold, structured red wine with robust tannins and a long finish.

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Participant Information

Not everyone may be suited for the Third Island Caves: The Lava Route tour.

The tour involves navigating through volcanic landscapes, including lava tubes and natural pools. Participants with back problems, mobility impairments, or claustrophobia may have difficulty. The tour isn’t recommended for these individuals.

However, for those seeking a geological adventure and a taste of the island’s unique wine, the tour is an excellent choice.

With overall positive reviews highlighting a knowledgeable guide, the tour is also a convenient option for those short on time or not wanting to rent a car.

Customer Reviews

The tour has received an overall rating of 5/5 based on a single review, highlighting a great experience with a knowledgeable guide.

Reviewers noted:

• The guide’s extensive knowledge of the island’s geology and history, making the tour both informative and engaging.

• The opportunity to explore unique volcanic landscapes, including lava tubes and natural pools.

• The inclusion of a wine tasting, allowing participants to sample the region’s exceptional volcanic wines.

• The overall organization and logistics of the tour, with convenient pick-up and drop-off locations across Angra do Heroísmo.

Recommended for Short on Time or No Car

This tour may be particularly appealing for those without a rental car or pressed for time during their stay on Terceira Island.

The tour provides transportation to and from multiple convenient locations, including several hotels. Visitors won’t need to worry about navigating narrow island roads or finding parking.

In just 4 hours, the tour efficiently covers top geological sights like Algar do Carvão and Gruta Natal, as well as allows time for wine tasting.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers flexibility for last-minute changes to one’s itinerary.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect to embark on an engaging geological exploration of Terceira Island’s volcanic landscapes.

The tour highlights include:

• Discovering the island’s millennia-old volcanic history, including calderas and lava tubes

• Exploring natural pools formed by basaltic lava flows

• Experiencing a guided tour of the unique Algar do Carvão, one of the few visitable volcanoes globally

• Indulging in a wine tasting at the Wine Museum, showcasing the island’s distinctive volcanic terroir

Throughout the 4-hour adventure, knowledgeable guides provide insights into the island’s captivating geology and winemaking traditions.

The Sum Up

The "Third Island Caves: the Lava Route With Entrances & Wine" tour offers a captivating exploration of Terceira Island’s volcanic wonders, combining geological marvels with a delightful wine tasting experience. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking to enjoy nature and local culture, providing a well-rounded adventure in a compact four-hour package.

You can check availability for your dates here: