Third Island: Best of Third Island Tour With Lunch

Terceira Island, the "Third Island" of the Azores, offers a captivating cultural and natural experience for visitors. The "Best of Third Island Tour With Lunch" provides an opportunity to explore the island’s iconic landmarks, scenic landscapes, and local cuisine. Through this comprehensive eight-hour excursion, travelers can enjoy the island’s rich history, from the majestic Monte Brasil to the historic Vasco Da Gama Statue. With convenient pickup options, knowledgeable guides, and a traditional Azorean lunch, this tour promises to deliver a well-rounded glimpse into the essence of Terceira. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this tour might just be the key to unlocking the charm and allure of the Third Island.

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Lunch Experiences In Terceira.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 8-hour guided tour exploring Terceira Island’s top attractions, including Monte Brasil, Vasco da Gama Statue, and natural pools.
• Tour is priced at $100.61 per person and available in multiple languages with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Includes a traditional Azorean lunch featuring the local Alcatra beef stew, providing an immersive culinary experience.
• Offers various pickup locations in Angra do Heroismo, with an additional fee for hotels outside the city center.
• Tour receives an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, with highlights including knowledgeable guides and excellent value for money.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The "Best of Third Island" tour offers a comprehensive eight-hour exploration of Terceira Island, providing visitors with a well-rounded introduction to the destination’s history, natural wonders, and local cuisine.

Priced from $100.61 per person, the tour is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Pickup is included from over 15 locations in Angra do Heroismo, with an additional fee for hotels outside the city center.

The itinerary covers highlights like Monte Brasil, Vasco Da Gama Statue, and Salga’s natural pools, culminating in a traditional Azorean lunch featuring the iconic Alcatra dish.

Pickup and Itinerary Details

Pickup for the "Best of Third Island" tour is included from over 15 locations throughout Angra do Heroismo, with guests being collected approximately 15 minutes prior to the tour’s scheduled departure.

For those staying outside the city center, an additional €25 fee applies.

The tour’s itinerary includes highlights such as the Monte Brasil, Vasco Da Gama Statue, and the Bull Monument, offering visitors a chance to explore Terceira Island’s history and natural beauty.

Other stops include the Miradouro da Serretinha, Piscinas naturais da Salga, and São Sebastião, culminating in a visit to the Praia da Vitória and Serra do Cume.

An optional visit to the Algar do Carvão grotto is also available for an additional €10 per person.

Lunch and Local Cuisine

Typically, the tour includes a 1-hour lunch at a local restaurant, where guests can savor a full menu featuring starters, soup, a main dish of Alcatra (a traditional Azorean beef stew), dessert, as well as water, juices, wines, and coffee.

The experience allows visitors to enjoy the island’s local gastronomy, guided by knowledgeable tour staff.

Alcatra, a slow-cooked beef dish, is a regional specialty that showcases the rich flavors of Terceira’s cuisine.

Complemented by a selection of local beverages, the lunch provides a well-rounded introduction to the culinary delights of the Azores archipelago.

Inclusions and Accessibility

The tour includes pickup and drop-off near Angra do Heroísmo, lunch, free WiFi on board, a certified guide, liability insurance, and personal accident insurance.

However, the entrance fee to Algar do Carvão isn’t included.

The tour requires a minimum of 5 participants for an open-top minibus; otherwise, a minivan will be used.

Unfortunately, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.

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Customer Experience and Reviews

Based on the available information, the Best of Third Island tour has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 13 reviews.

Reviewers have highlighted the tour’s informative guidance, excellent value for money, and enjoyable local cuisine.

The tour is recommended for those seeking to efficiently discover Terceira Island’s history and culture.

Positive feedback suggests the tour provides a great customer experience, with knowledgeable guides leading participants through the island’s key sights and allowing them to enjoy the local gastronomy.

Exploring Monte Brasil

Situated at the entrance to Angra do Heroismo, Monte Brasil is a prominent volcanic promontory that beckons visitors to uncover its rich history and captivating natural beauty.

Guests on the Best of Third Island tour will spend approximately 15 minutes exploring this remarkable site.

The key highlights include:

1. The Monte Brasil Fortress, a 16th-century coastal defense system with stunning ocean vistas.
2. Sweeping panoramic views from the miradouro, or scenic overlook, at the summit.
3. Opportunities to spot native flora and fauna, including unique volcanic rock formations.

These diverse attractions make Monte Brasil a must-see stop on the comprehensive tour of Terceira Island’s top sights.

Visiting Historic Landmarks

After exploring the natural wonders of Monte Brasil, the Best of Third Island tour guides visitors to several historic landmarks that showcase Terceira Island’s rich cultural heritage. The tour stops at the iconic Vasco da Gama Statue, commemorating the Portuguese explorer’s voyages, and the Bull Monument, a symbol of the island’s bullfighting tradition. Guests can also admire the breathtaking views from the Miradouro da Serretinha lookout point and visit the picturesque fishing village of São Sebastião. The tour culminates with a stroll along the beautiful Praia da Vitória beach and an optional stop at the volcanic cave of Algar do Carvão.

Landmark	Duration
Vasco da Gama Statue	5 minutes
Bull Monument (optional)	5 minutes
Miradouro da Serretinha	10 minutes
São Sebastião	20 minutes
Praia da Vitória	–
Algar do Carvão (optional)	30 minutes

Discovering Natural Wonders

The tour then ventures into Terceira Island’s natural wonders, starting with the iconic Monte Brasil. This extinct volcano offers panoramic vistas and geological insights, whetting the appetite for more to come.

Next, visitors explore the hidden gem of Piscinas naturais da Salga, where natural pools carved by the ocean invite a refreshing dip.

The tour culminates in a visit to Biscoitos, famous for its unique volcanic cliffs and tide pools teeming with marine life.

This immersive experience allows travelers to connect with Terceira’s diverse natural landscapes, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the island’s captivating beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour does not appear to be specifically geared towards children. While the itinerary includes some general sightseeing, it lacks any child-friendly activities. The tour may be suitable for older children, but families with young children may want to consider a more family-oriented option.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Customers can’t fully customize the tour itinerary, but they can discuss preferences with the operator. Some flexibility may be possible, such as adding or removing certain stops, based on availability and group consensus.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Sturdy walking shoes are advised as the tour involves some light hiking. Bringing a light jacket or sweater is also a good idea.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

The tour does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. Lunch is provided at a local restaurant, featuring a full menu of starters, soup, main dish, dessert, and drinks. Outside food and beverages are not permitted during the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the tour duration. The tour is 8 hours long and includes pickup, sightseeing, and a lunch at a local restaurant. Any changes would likely require booking a private or custom tour.

Recap

The "Best of Third Island Tour With Lunch" is a comprehensive and immersive experience that allows visitors to explore the stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delectable cuisine of Terceira Island. With convenient pickup, knowledgeable guides, and a variety of iconic sites and natural wonders, this tour offers an exceptional opportunity to fully take in the unique charm of this Azorean gem.

You can check if your dates are available here: