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Portugal On the tracks of bubbling sources; volcanism and geology (4-star hotels) 8 Days from 637 €

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On the tracks of bubbling sources; volcanism and geology (4-star hotels)

It's boiling and steaming in the Azores. All Azores islands are of volcanic origin, some of them are still active. The eruptions left unique traces to explore during this journey on the islands of Terceira, Pico and Faial: lava caves, rare rock formations and the "New Land" on Faial, created during the eruption in 1957/58. The island of Terceira not only provides the historic Renaissance town of Angra do Heroísmo (an UNESCO World Heritage Site), but also the volcanic vent "Algar do Carvao", which is almost 100m deep and certainly worth a visit. Visitors descend through a lava chimney, stalagmites and stalactites at their side. Pico awaits you with the "Gruta das Torres", the longest lava tube in Portugal, and rare lava rock formations on the northwest coast of the island. Horta, the lively sailor town on the island of Faial and the modern, informative underground volcanic museum (next to the "New Land" and its unique lunar landscape) invite visitors to enjoy and to marvel.
You will stay in 4-star hotels (national category!) with a pool on all 3 islands. These accommodations offer a good level of standard and comfort. On Terceira, a room with a sea view awaits you in a new, very stylish hotel that only opened in summer 2023. On Pico, you will stay in a nature hotel, integrated in the form of several stone houses in a lovingly maintained complex right by the sea. A place to relax! The hotel's own restaurant has a very good reputation. However, as this hotel is one of only two larger hotels on the island of Pico, it is often fully booked well in advance. Please be aware that an alternative may well be needed for Pico. On Faial, you will spend the night in the main town of Horta.
This travel module can be customised 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.

Azoren_Capelinhos mit Neuem Land_Faial © Tanja Hausmann

Azoren_Algar do Carvao_Terceira © Tanja Hausmann

Azoren_Gruta das Torres_Pico © Tanja Hausmann

Azoren_Lavaformationen_Pico © Tanja Hausmann

Azoren_Capelinhos mit Neuem Land_Faial © Tanja Hausmann

Azoren_Algar do Carvao_Terceira © Tanja Hausmann

Azoren_Gruta das Torres_Pico © Tanja Hausmann

Azoren_Lavaformationen_Pico © Tanja Hausmann

1. Day

Terceira_Angra do HeroísmoTerceira_Angra do Heroísmo © vista verde azores

Arrival on Terceira

Arrival on Terceira. Acquire your rental car at the airport. A drive across the island will take you to the Renaissance town of Angra do Heroísmo, the main town of Terceira. Your beautiful hotel (with sea view rooms) is located directly at the ocean. It’s just a 20 minute walk to the center of the old town.
2 nights including breakfast, 4 star hotel in Angra do Heroísmo (room with sea view)

2. Day

Terceira_LandschaftsdetailTerceira_Landschaftsdetail © vista verde azores

Explore the island with your rental car

Explore the third largest island of the archipelago with your own rental car. Recommendable is a drive through green landscapes to the Lagoa do Negro mountain lake, next to a beautiful grotto. In Biscoitos, on the north coast, an informative wine museum awaits you (but only open according to the whim of the owner). A nearby natural ocean pool "Piscina Natural" invites to marvel at the mighty Atlantic, and maybe to a refreshing bath. A visit of the Algar do Carvão, a volcanic cave in the center of the island, is very recommendable. It’s an impressive volcanic vent (100 meters deep), now a regional natural monument. Visitors descend in a lava chimney, past stalagmites and stalactites, framed by mosses, lichens and ferns. It is believed that this cave, in which there is also a small lake, originated about 2,000 years ago. Also worth a visit is the town Praia da Vitória with the longest sandy beach of the island.
A must is the visit of the unique main town of the island (renaissance-town of Angra do Heroísmo), whose center was nominated UNESCO World Heritage. It impresses with extraordinary architecture, manors, palaces, parks as well as a picturesque bay. The town’s history is very interesting; a visit to the city museum is worthwhile. Also very recommendable is a walk up the hill of "Monte Brasil" (205m high), which provides a great view of Angra do Heroísmo and the south coast of Terceira

3. Day

Pico_Hochland mit PicoPico_Hochland mit Pico © vista verde azores

Travel on 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. Acquire your rental car directly upon arrival at the airport. Drive to your accommodation, which is beautifully situated on the south coast of the island. However, we would give the hotel 3 stars rather than the official 4, as some areas of the accommodation are quite worn out and in need of renovation (but the owners have not planned any).
3 nights with breakfast, nature hotel Aldeia da Fonte, standard room (Please note: this is one of only 2 hotels on the island of Pico and the only one in this style and is always fully booked very early - alternatives on Pico may also be necessary if you book well in advance of your trip. There are plenty of these, but not as a "classic" hotel)

4. - 5. Day

Pico_LavaformationPico_Lavaformation © vista verde azores

On the tracks 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 a climb of the Pico Mountain, with its 2.351 meters the highest mountain in Portugal? Majestically, he towers over the island.

6. Day

Faial_HortaFaial_Horta © vista verde azores

By ferry to the neighboring island of Faial

Enjoy a few last impressions of the island of Pico during your drive to the ferry terminal. After handing-in the rental car, approximately half hour ferry trip to Horta, the main town of the island of Faial. Right after arrival at the ferry terminal you’ll receive your new rental car; short drive to your guesthouse in the center of the town. Explore the town of Horta with its cosmopolitan atmosphere and its marina, which is accessed by sailors from all over the world. The harbor walls have been decorated by many unique and colorful pictures, painted by the sailors. Also very special 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. A visit is undoubtedly worthwhile.
2 nights including breakfast, 4 star hotel in Horta

7. Day

Faial_neues Land bei CapelinhosFaial_neues Land bei Capelinhos © vista verde azores

On the tracks of lava formations; individually with your rental car

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

Faial_Hafen HortaFaial_Hafen Horta © vista verde azores

Departure from Faial

It's time to say goodbye. With your rental car you are flexible up to the very last second. Hand it in either at the airport or the ferry port, adaptable to your onward journey.

Included services

○	7 nights including breakfast in 4 star hotels, in a double room with shower/WC (2 nights on Terceira, 3 nights on Pico and 2 nights on Faial)
○	14 days rental car Rental car category A small car (example models Citroen C1, Toyota Aygo or similar), from arrival/to departure airport on respective island: unlimited free kilometers, including fully comprehensive insurance with reimbursement of excess*; second driver possible at no extra charge; 24-hour emergency service of the rental car company
○	*Reimbursement of the excess: In the event of damage, you must pay the amount for the damage incurred to the rental car company on site (maximum excess amount: €700). If you submit the damage report, photos, proof of the deductible and the rental vehicle contract to the ALLIANZ insurance company in Germany on time after returning the car/after your vacation, the amount will be refunded to you. This is because vista verde azores has taken out this additional insurance for all travelers there. The additional insurance reimburses the contractually owed and charged deductible 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, tires, windshield, 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 24-hour emergency telephone number (English speaking) on site

Not included services

○	International arrival and departure (possible with TAP Air Portugal, Azores Airlines, and other seasonal airlines)
○	Gasoline for the rental car
○	Additional meals and personal expenses as well as other activities
○	Travel insurance