Departure from Ponta Delgada stopping at the belvederes of Sta Iria, tea plantations at Gorreana & Pico do Ferro. You can observe the biggest and oldest volcanic crater at the bottom of which lies Furnas Lagoon & valley. Descend to the lagoon level & observe our lunch “cozido” being un-earthed from the hot springs. Our lunch, the famous “Cozido das Caldeiras” will be served at the “Vale das Furnas” restaurant. Continue to the hot springs and geysers. Return to Ponta Delgada by North coast passing Furnas Lake, and continue towards the mountain to admire the magnificent view of the “Lagoa do Fogo” (Fire Lake) – one of the lakes on the island where you encounter nature in its pure state. Stop in the city of Ribeira Grande for a stroll downtown. Overnight in Ponta Delgada. (B, L)
Lunch
Departure to the western part of the island, going through the mountain road and passing by the “Carvão”, viewing of the narrowest part of the island. This landscape was formed millions of years ago by the eruption of more than 200 small volcanoes. The tour continues to “Vista do Rei” – the famous magnificent view of the Sete Cidades valley with the blue and green lakes. “Vista do Rei”, means King’s View, recalling the first visit of a King Carlos I of Portugal to the island in 1901. Continue to Serrado das Freiras and Santiago viewpoint to admire the lakes. Continuing to Fajã de Baixo to visit the pineapple plantations with various greenhouses, all showing pineapples at different stages of growth and the labour methods used to make them sweet. Overnight in Ponta Delgada. (B)
Departure from Ponta Delgada & head along the south coast stopping at the viewpoint overlooking Caloura. Continue to Vila Franca do Campo for a visit of its churches & walk along the seaside. Arrival in the town of Povoação for lunch. Continue to Nordeste & and the viewpoint of Madrugada. Nordeste has the the most magnificent belvederes. (B, L)
Lunch
Departure to Monte Brasil, stop in Pico das Cruzinhas, with a fantastic view over the city of Angra do Heroísmo. Continue to Praia da Vitória passing by Porto Judeu, Salga, Salgueiros and then to Serra do Cume for a photo stop. Arriving S. Sebastião, visit the gothic church of Sao Sebastian, built by the first settlers and will have an acquaintance with one of the highlights of Terceira – the multi-colored “Impérios”, where the objects of religious worship are stored for the feast of the Holy Spirit. Stop for a typical lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the “Algar do Carvão” cave. Continue to Biscoitos and the natural black volcanic rock swimming pools. Return along the villages passing by Doze Ribeiras, S. Mateus to Angra. Overnight in Angra do Heroismo. (B)
