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Portugal On the tracks of bubbling sources; volcanism and geology (rural accommodations) 8 Days from 647 €

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On the tracks of bubbling sources; volcanism and geology (rural accommodations)

The Azores are bubbling! All the islands are of volcanic origin, some of which are still active in their interior. The eruptions left behind unique traces that are worth exploring: lava caves, rare rock formations and the "New Land" on Faial, which was created during the 1957/58 eruption. On Terceira, in addition to the historic Renaissance town of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is the almost 100-meter-deep volcanic chimney "Algar do Carvao" to visit. You descend through a lava chimney, stalagmites, and stalactites at your side. On Pico, the "Gruta das Torres", the longest lava tube in Portugal, and rare lava rock formations on the north-west coast of the island await you. Horta, the lively sailing town on Faial, is also worth a visit, as is the modern and informative underground volcano museum next to the "New Land", a unique lunar landscape.
You will be accommodated in rural accommodation, known as "Turismo Rural" in the Azores and Portugal. Rural in no way means that the accommodation is simple per se. Quite the opposite. They are stylish in their own way, individually furnished and characterized by a special charm. This type of accommodation is perfect for all those who are looking for peace and quiet, do not need urban life around them and appreciate greenery and nature. As all accommodation has only a few rooms, it is possible that we will have to choose recommended alternatives even if you book your holiday well in advance - alternatives are available on all islands.
This travel module can be customized according to your wishes and combined with other modules or an individual trip. The itinerary/the order of the islands and the accommodation can of course be changed according to your individual wishes and can also be combined with other accommodation categories.

This tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please contact us for further information.

Terceira_Denkmal Angra © vista verde azores

Terceira_Landschaftsdetail © vista verde azores

Pico_Lavaformationen © vista verde azores

Faial_Horta_Franziskanerkloster © vista verde azores

Faial_Capelinhos © vista verde azores

Horta_Porto Pim © vista verde azores

Terceira_Denkmal Angra © vista verde azores

Terceira_Landschaftsdetail © vista verde azores

Pico_Lavaformationen © vista verde azores

Faial_Horta_Franziskanerkloster © vista verde azores

Faial_Capelinhos © vista verde azores

Horta_Porto Pim © vista verde azores

1. Day

Terceira_Denkmal AngraTerceira_Denkmal Angra © vista verde azores

Arrival on Terceira

Arrival on the island of Terceira and pick up your rental car at the airport. Drive across the island towards the Renaissance town of Angra do Heroísmo, the island's capital. The beautiful historic centre is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your country house accommodation, the Quinta das Merces, is located very close to the picturesque town.
2 nights with breakfast, Quinta das Merces country house accommodation near Angra do Heroísmo

2. Day

Terceira_LandschaftsdetailTerceira_Landschaftsdetail © vista verde azores

Explore the island with your rental car

After a leisurely breakfast, set off on your individual tour of the island in your rental car. Whether along the coast or inland, there are various enchanting hidden spots and villages to be discovered. The island`s capital Angra do Heroísmo is definitely worth an extended visit.

Recommendations for your stay on Terceira:
Island tour: Get to know the third largest island in the archipelago on an island tour. Recommendable is a drive past green landscapes to the mountain lake Lagoa do Negro, next to which is a grotto worth visiting. In the village of Biscoitos on the northern coast of the island, a wine museum awaits you (but it`s only open at the owner's whim). Nearby, the natural swimming pool "Piscinas Naturais" invites you to marvel at the mighty Atlantic Ocean - and perhaps take a refreshing dip. We`d also highly recommend to pay a visit to the Algar do Carvão, a really impressive volcanic vent in the center of the island. The vent is around 100 meters deep and was nominated a regional natural monument. Visitors descend the lava tube via a staircase, past stalagmites and stalactites, surrounded by mosses, lichens and ferns. This cave, which hosts a small lake at its bottom, is thought to have been created around 2,000 years ago.
Angra do Heroísmo: Visit the unique island capital, the Renaissance town of Angra do Heroísmo, whose city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It impresses with its extraordinary architecture, manor houses, palaces, parks and a picturesque bay. The city's history is very interesting and a visit to the city museum is definitely worthwhile. Go for a hike or drive by car, up to the 205 metre-high local mountain "Monte Brasil". It provides a great view of Angra do Heroísmo and the south coast of Terceira.

3. Day

Pico_Pico mit WolkenkranzPico_Pico mit Wolkenkranz © vista verde azores

Onward journey to the island of Pico

Today it's time to say goodbye to Terceira. You will drop off your rental car at the airport before taking a domestic flight to the island of Pico. You will also receive your hire car directly upon arrival at the airport. Drive to the main town of Madalena, where your accommodation is located in an idyllic green setting on the outskirts of the town.
3 nights with breakfast, holiday home in the Alma do Pico complex in Madalena

4. - 5. Day

Pico_LavaformationPico_Lavaformation © vista verde azores

On the trail of lava formations - individually with your rental car

Pico, also known as the Black Island due to its many widely visible lava rocks, offers excellent opportunities to explore volcanism and geology. A visit to the lava cave Gruta das Torres is an absolute must. It’s the largest and longest lava tube in Portugal and also one of the longest ones in Europe. Various lava formations and structures can be explored during the approximately 1-hour guided tour through the cave. An informative film about Pico and its volcanism will be shown before visiting the cave. A walk through the wine-growing area of the island (a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its ancient traditions) is very recommendable. In past times, the wine of the Verdelho grape was exported to the tsars of Russia. On the coast, next to the wine-growing area, impressive old lava rocks can be found. The former lava flow is very well visible. Since Pico is one of the world's best destinations for whale and dolphin watching, a half-day whale watching trip should not be missed. And how about an ascent of the Pico Mountain, with its 2.351 meters the highest mountain in Portugal? Majestically, he towers over the island.

6. Day

Faial_Horta_FranziskanerklosterFaial_Horta_Franziskanerkloster © vista verde azores

By ferry to the neighboring island of Faial

Enjoy the last glimpses and impressions of the island on your drive to the ferry harbor before taking the half-hour ferry ride to Horta, the main town on the island of Faial, after dropping off your rental car. Pick up your new rental car directly after arrival at the ferry harbor and drive to your country house. Today you will get to know the small town of Horta with its open and cosmopolitan atmosphere, the heart of which is the marina, which is frequented by sailors from all over the world. The many colorful paintings of the sailors on the harbor walls are unique - as is the atmosphere in the "Peter Café Sport", probably the most famous bar in the Atlantic and far more than just a meeting place for sailors from all over the world. Without a doubt worth a visit!
2 nights with breakfast, Quinta das Buganvilias country guesthouse in Castelo Branco

7. Day

Faial_CapelinhosFaial_Capelinhos © vista verde azores

Capelinhos and the Caldeira; discover the highlights of Faial

After a leisurely breakfast a drive to Capelinhos could be on the schedule, the site where the volcanic eruption of 1957/58 took place. Even today, the bizarre lunar landscape and the old lighthouse, which has been dug up again from the second floor, are reminiscent of that time. A visit of the impressive underground volcano museum, which includes an ascent of the restored lighthouse, provides a lot of information about volcanism in general and about Faial in particular. The lighthouse and other viewpoints around it provide spectacular views of the New Land. A walk on the grounds of Capelinhos, paved with dark ashes, is worthwhile. Also highly recommendable is a visit of the large Caldeira, an impressive collapsed crater, situated in the center of the island. Its highest spot has an altitude of about 1,000 meters. The collapsed crater is one of the most imposing craters of the Azores, with a diameter of about 1.4 km, and with almost vertical walls. We recommend a circular walk along the crater (approx. 3 hour walk), which starts and ends at the parking lot. When the view is clear, it provides fascinating views. Don’t forget to explore the world-famous sailing destination Horta with its marina.

8. Day

Departure from Faial

Today it's time to say goodbye. With your rental car you are flexible until the last minute. Drop off either at the airport or ferry harbor, depending on your onward journey.

Included services

○	7 nights with breakfast in country house guesthouses/Turismo Rural, each in a double room with shower/toilet
○	7 days rental car category A small car (example models Citroen C1, Toyota Aygo or similar), from arrival/to departure airport: unlimited free kilometres, including fully comprehensive insurance with reimbursement of excess*; second driver possible at no extra charge; 24-hour assistance from the rental car company
○	*Reimbursement of the excess: In the event of damage, you must pay the amount of the damage incurred to the car hire company on site (maximum excess for small cars: €700). If you submit the damage report, photos of the damage, proof of the deductible and the rental vehicle contract to the ALLIANZ insurance company in Germany on time after returning the car/after your holiday, the amount will be refunded to you. This is because vista verde azores has taken out this additional insurance for all travellers there. The additional insurance reimburses the contractually owed and charged excess of the comprehensive insurance for passenger vehicles in the event of accident and theft as well as the contractually owed and charged necessary costs due to damage to the underbody, tyres, windscreen, side and rear windows, exterior mirrors and roof of the rental vehicle in the event of an accident
○	Domestic flight Terceira-Pico
○	Ferry ticket Pico-Faial
○	detailed travel documents and a 24-hour emergency telephone number (English speaking) on site

Not included services

○	international arrival and departure to Terceira/from Faial (possible with TAP Air Portugal and Azores Airlines)
○	Gasoline for the rental car
○	Other meals and personal expenses and activities
○	Travel insurance