Self-Drive 4 Azores Islands: Terceira, Faial, Pico and São Miguel
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Tour Overview
Visit four of the most intriguing and scenic islands the Azores have to offer. See breathtaking crater lakes in the old volcanoes of Sao Miguel; explore the city of Angra do Heroismo in Terceira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; visit the quaint port of Horta, Faial; and stand below the awesome Pico Mountain on the Island of Pico. Enjoy the striking volcanic scenery, rich flora and fauna, and the peaceful way of life these islands are known for. Gain insight into the culture, history, and geography of these mystical islands. Our agents will make sure that you are well taken care of once you arrive. Remove the stress from travel and leave all the planning and details to us!
Please Note
We created self-drive packages to provide our customers with pre-planned services that include accommodations, rental car, ferry and air tickets. We do not provide daily planning and itineraries. However we do recommend that you check information such as we have on our pages (click here) or purchase a guide book (click here). We also recommend you check our guided tours (click here) which are more descriptive of specific itineraries and places to visit.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Terceira
Arrival to Terceira airport (aka Lajes) and pickup the rented car. Head to Angra do Heroismo, about 24 kilometers away. Spend 3 nights at a Hotel (4 stars) with daily buffet breakfast included. Terceira translates as "third", the third island to be discovered in the Azores archipelago. It's also the third largest in size. Walk the streets of Angra do Heroismo and you will feel transported back in time. This museum quality city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's snug harbor is protected by a volcanic cone which made Angra a major staging point for European ships bringing back the wealth of their New World colonies during the 16th to 18th centuries. In Angra, ships formed convoys to Europe as protection from pirates. Climb the hill behind the pretty public gardens for a grand view of the city and the volcanic cone of Monte Brasil.
Day 2 - Terceira
Suggestion: Depart by the south coast to Praia da Vitoria via Porto Judeu, a small fishing village. Then stop at Sao Sebastiao and its 15th parish church. Nearby is an "Imperio", a small chapel that is characteristic of the towns in the Azores. Imperio are central to the religious festivals of the Holy Ghost (Espirito Santo) popular throughout the Azores. These festivals are of medieval origin but are now seldom seen in mainland Europe. Terceira boasts the most colorful imperio. Praia da Vitoria is a charming town with a main square and a pedestrian shopping street. Time for lunch (not included) in Praia. Take the mountain road up to Serra do Cume for a view of the rolling, multi-hued green fields, bordered by stone walls and hydrangeas and the harbor of Praia in the distance. Then to Algar do Carvao, a huge lava tube about 300 feet long with stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is open June 1 through September 30. Continue to Biscoitos on the north coast to see the natural lava swimming pools and to visit the wine museum. Return to your hotel by way of the typical villages of Altares, Doze Ribeiras and Sao Mateus.
Day 3 - Terceira
Suggestion: Visit Monte Brasil for a panoramic view of the city and follow walking trails past several old fortresses and a castle.
Day 4 -Terceira/Faial
Check out from the Hotel, return the car at the airport and flight to Faial. Arriving and pickup the car at the airport. Spend 3 nights at a Hotel (4 stars) in Horta with daily buffet breakfast included. Since their discovery in the 14th century, the Azores Islands have played an important role as a staging and victualing point for ships crossing the Atlantic, an enviable location for nations with New World colonies. Many conflicts between colonizing nations (Portugal, Spain, England) took place near Horta. Today now peaceful Horta is famous for its yacht harbor, a haven for trans-Atlantic yachts and sailboats. Visiting crews paint the harbor walls with names and pictures of their vessels.
Day 5 - Faial
Suggestion : Depart the hotel via the mountain road overlooking the Valley of Flamengos, toward Caldeira, the highest point on the island. Continue north to Capelinhos, site of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores. This 1957-58 event added 2 square km to the island. Earthquakes and ash destroyed much of the west side of the island prompting many islanders to emigrate to North America. The elements are slowly eroding the ash. There is a nearby museum detailing the eruption.
Day 6 - Faial/ Pico / Faial
Leave the car at Horta harbor. Day trip to Pico Island, pick up the car at Madalena do Pico harbor and return by the end of the day. Ferry back to Faial.
Day 7 - Faial / S. Miguel
Check out from the Hotel, return the car at the airport and flight to Sao Miguel. Arrival and pickup the car at the airport. Sao Miguel is the largest and most geographically diverse of the islands. Upon arrival in Ponta Delgada, pickup the rented car. Spend 3 nights at a Hotel (4 stars). Ponta Delgada is the largest city as well as the capital of the Azores. Urban sprawl is beginning to set in but the historic central part of the city is still charming. The hotel is well located for walks through the old section. Balance of the day at leisure.
Day 8 - S. Miguel
Suggestion: Trip to Furnas. Just outside of Ponta Delgada, the rural life of Sao Miguel dominates. Depart along the south road passing the village of Lagoa for a viewpoint at Caloura. Continue to Vila Franca, once the capital. Upon arrival in the Furnas area, visit the lake and hot springs, and see the holes in the ground where meals are cooked by underground steam. Pots full of various meats, sausages, potatoes, and vegetables are steamed for 7 hours to produce "Cozido das Furnas" (Caldeira Stew). Continue to the charming town of Furnas for a lunch stop. Visit the beautiful botanical gardens established in the 18th century (entry fee not included) with the opportunity to swim in the hot springs swimming pool. Cross the island to the north coast, stopping for a fine view of both the south and north coasts from an interior highland. On the way, visit a tea plantation, the only one in Europe.
Day 9 - S. Miguel
Suggestion: Trip to the twin Lakes, Lagoa das Sete Cidades. Head west to one of the most awesome natural sights in the world, the twin caldeira lakes of Sete Cidades. The view from "Vista do Rei" (King's View) high on the crater's rim is stunning. Far below, next to the lakes, is the pretty village of Sete Cidades (Seven Cities, named for a mythical kingdom). Descend into the caldeira to visit the town. Before returning to Ponta Delgada, stop at a pineapple plantation. The Azores are not warm enough to grow pineapples in the open but they thrive in the greenhouses with careful cultivation methods.
Suggestion for the afternoon : Head to the city of Ribeira Grande. Have a short stop in Ribeira Grande to explore this city. Continues by way of the mountain road towards the beautiful lake of Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake). Stops at a viewpoint, 900 meters high to view the island and the Lake. Continues southward towards the village of Lagoa. Visits the local ceramic factory ( check opening hours)
Day 10 - S. Miguel
Check out from the Hotel and return the car at the airport.
Flight back home.
What's Included
Included:
9 Night accommodations, Standard rooms
Daily buffet breakfast and hotel taxes
10 Days car rental ( including Pico Island)
Ferry tickets Faial/Pico/Faial
Airfare: Terceira/Faial /Sao Miguel
Automatic transmission vehicle
Unlimited kilometers
Airport Taxes
CDW and TP basic insurance
24 Hour assistance
1 Brunch (Sao Miguel Only)
Complimentary Welcome Crate (Sao Miguel Only)
Not Included
International Airfare (please contact us for a quote)
City taxes
Meals other than mentioned
Super CDW and other insurances
Liability fee
Gas
Dates & Rates
Choose a Package Type
Packages are being updated, all reservations made/requested before 24 September 2024, are booked as per the previous program.
For some packages you may be given a choice of different Hotel Categories: Comfort and Superior.
Superior/Premier
Includes first class 4-star lodging. EXCEPT in Flores Island if your package includes this island
In case you have a Hotel preference, please let us know before the booking process as well if you have preference for sea view rooms.
Each package has a Hotel small description. For more information, please visit the Hotel's webpage directly.
Comfort/Standard
Includes 4-star tourist class lodging and standard rooms. May include first class 3-star lodging.
Sea view rooms upgrade available in some hotels with supplement.
Each package has a Hotel small description. For more information, please visit the Hotel's webpage directly.
Room Type
Solo = Person traveling alone
Single = Person staying in a single room traveling with one or more people. Single travelers share land services such as transfers and tours
While prices are shown in $U.S dollars, we can also charge in Euros at the prevailing currency conversion daily rate
Early booking is advised. Availability of accommodations
and
inter-island flight is limited especially in summer months
If hotels named in itinerary are not available at time of booking, alternate similar
same rating properties will be confirmed, and subject to new quote.
Order of islands visited may need to be altered due to
flight schedule changes
Unless otherwise indicated, sightseeing tours are by
private car with English speaking driver. Other languages are
available upon request
Quotations with different hotels have a non refundable deposit
of $50. Deposit will be credited towards final booking price
Booking your Vacation with Air
International airfare for this package is additional to
price shown on Rates table. Departure cities are limited to those serviced
by SATA International (Azores Airlines)
If you want a quote for airfare to be included make sure to
check yes when prompted during the booking/reservation
request process
Booking Conditions
A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $350 per
person per vacation is required to book and hold both land and air for you.
Final payment is due 50 days before departure
Option to pay full price up front is available
Cancellation Policy - Land Portion
$350 per person if canceled up to 50 days prior departure.
25% of total reservation if cancelled 49-39 days prior departure plus any other additional fee.
50% of total reservation if canceled 38-31 days prior departure plus any other additional fee.
No refunds if canceled less than 30 days prior departure.
Cancellation Policy - Airfare
Airfare cancellation terms and conditions will be provided to you before ticket is booked
Refund Fees
A 3.9% credit card assessed fee will be subtracted from any refunded payment, including deposits refunded due to services requested not available for date of booking.
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Booking Changes
A fee of $35 per person, per transaction, will be charged
for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking
is confirmed.
If the change increases the value of the booking, the $35
per person fee will be waived
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend you purchase travel/cancellation
insurance
Hotels
Comfort Hotels
Angra do Heroismo - Hotel Cruzeiro
Hotel Cruzeiro, a 4 star Hotel, is the latest hotel unit to open in Angra do Heroísmo, Unesco World Heritage city, located 5-minute walk from various points of interest, such as the Angra bay, Sé Church, Old Town Square (Praça Velha), Museum, Pico da Memória, among others.
Wi-Fi access is available in all areas of the hotel.
The hotel has a restaurant and a bar, where lunches, dinners and snacks are served and private parking.
Horta - Hotel Horta
Located in the old Azorean town of Horta, the newly-renovated Hotel Horta offers views of Pico Island. It features rooms with balconies, a large garden and an outdoor pool.
Horta’s rooms are decorated in neutral colors, and have wooden furniture. Each of the air-conditioned rooms has a cable TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer.
The hotel’s panoramic restaurant offers international and regional dishes. The bar and the lounge offer views of the outdoor pool, the pool bar and the garden.
Guests can rent a bicycle to explore the surrounding area. Horta is famous for the whale watching and the volcanoes of Capelinhos and Caldeira.
Horta Airport is 4.3 mi away, and the hotel provides free private parking on site.
Ponta Delgada - Hotel Ponta Delgada
Hotel Ponta Delgada is centrally located and only a 10-minute drive from the airport. Hotel Ponta Delgada features a family ambiance and comfortable furnishings. It features an indoor pool.
Air-conditioned rooms all open out on to a private balcony and are fitted with double-glass windows. All rooms include a TV set with cable channels and private bathrooms with walk-in shower or bathtub. Free WiFi access is available in all areas of the hotel.
The Ponta Delgada’s Baco Restaurant offers authentic cuisine from the Azores. The hotel’s bar has an esplanade, where guests can enjoy a refreshing drink or cocktail.
Guests can stroll in the narrow streets of the city center. Alternatively, they can dip in the hot tub or relax in the on-site hammam and sauna.
Superior Hotels
Angra do Heroísmo - Pousada Castelo de S. Sebastiao
Pousada Castelo de S. Sebastiao is a 8-minute walk from the beach. Set on top of a cliff, Pousada de Angra do Heroismo Castelo de S. Sebastiao is a modern hotel housed in a 16th century Fortress known as Saint Sebastian's Little Castle.
The Pousada offer rooms and one suite with modern décor and furnishing. The suite and some rooms include terraces with views over the sea and the Monte Brasil. All living units contain LCD TV and internet connection.
There are 2 swimming pools: one for adults and the other for children. Guests can enjoy the regional cuisine while taking in views of the sea and pool area.
The Pousada is located in the village centre of Angra do Heroísmo was classified World Heritage by UNESCO. Angra do Heroísmo also offers many activitiy options, such as marine hunting, diving, sport fishing and boat tours.
Pousada de Angra do Heroismo Castelo de S. Sebastiao is located at a 23-minute drive from the Lajes International Airport.
Horta - Pousada Forte da Horta
Just an 8 minute walk from the beach, The Pousada Forte da Horta is set in a 16th century fortress with a view of Horta Bay and Pico island. This Pousada features air conditioned rooms, a swimming pool, and a regional restaurant. Most of the rooms offer a view of the marina.
Classified as a National Monument since 1947, the Pousada Forte da Horta offers modern rooms with cable TV and a minibar. Each private bathroom is stocked with a hairdryer and bathrobe.
A breakfast buffet is served daily on the poolside veranda terrace. Guests may taste fried pork, tuna and passion fruit pie in Pousada Forte da Horta’s restaurant.
The swimming pool area is furnished with sun beds, tables and parasols. Indoors, there is a lounge with various seating areas and a bar with a piano.
The 24-hour reception offers car rentals and free on-site parking. The Horta Airport is just 5.4 miles from the Pousada Forte da Horta.
Ponta Delgada - Vila Gale Collection S. Miguel
Located in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel island, the Vila Gale Collection S.Miguel provides superior accommodations, excellent restaurant, bar, sauna, swimming pool, kid's club and private parking.
The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WIFI, each with a private bathroom, and is at a short walking distance to the center of town.
All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Each room includes a safety deposit box, while certain rooms will provide you with a balcony. At Vila Gale Collection S.Miguel every room includes bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available every morning.
At Vila Gale Collection S.Miguel guests are welcome to use a sauna and a Turkish bath.
The attentive and professional reception staff speak English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, and are always on hand to help.
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Comfort: May include 3 star tourist class, 3 star superior, and 4 star tourist class hotels Boutique: Independent, more intimate smaller 4 star hotels characteristic of the area being visited. May include 5 star. Superior: Includes First class 4 star Hotels. May include 5 star.
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Offered by Petrabax
This package is offered by our partner Petrabax. Click here to get the best deal.
What is a Package Type?
For some packages you may be given a choice of different package types. They should be listed on the “Dates & Rates” tab:
Superior/Premier – Includes first class 4-star lodging. May include 5-star lodging.
Comfort/Standard – Includes 4-star tourist class lodging. May include first class 3-star lodging.
