Wines and Moonshines Private Tour

Experience the Best of Terceira’s Scenic Spots and Local Flavors

The Wines and Moonshines Private Tour on Terceira, Portugal offers a comprehensive day of exploration, tasting, and cultural insight for around $226.48 per person. This personalized 8-hour journey is led in jeeps equipped for off-road adventures and tailored to your preferences, making it ideal for those seeking an intimate, in-depth experience of the island’s natural beauty and local traditions.

You’ll visit iconic lookouts, go off-road to discover hidden sites, enjoy a relaxed lunch with wine or beer, and taste homemade moonshines. The tour emphasizes local wine production, especially the unique Verdelho white wine, and provides a rare inside look at the island’s biodiversity and volcanic landscape. The tour’s flexibility and private nature make it well-suited for those who value comfort and personalized attention, though it requires a full day’s commitment.

Key Points

• Private 8-hour tour in a comfortable jeep with personalized options
• Visit top lookouts, including the biggest crater in the Azores and Serra do Facho
• Off-road drives to scenic spots like Lagoinha with ocean views and unique rock formations
• Traditional lunch with local foods, wine and beer included
• Tastings of homemade moonshines and insights into local winemaking, especially Verdelho
• Flexible itinerary with stops at the lighthouse, natural pools, and a lake

Start at the Iconic Avenida Tenente Coronel José Agostinho

The tour begins promptly at 9:00am from the Avenida Tenente Coronel José Agostinho in Angra do Heroísmo, where the guide greets your group for a full day of discovery. This meeting point places you centrally on Terceira, making pickup straightforward and convenient.

From the start, the guide explains the plan for the day, emphasizing the focus on scenic views, local drinks, and off-road explorations. The group then boards the jeeps, specially equipped for the varied terrains of the island, setting the tone for an active yet comfortable day.

Exploring Serra da Ribeirinha and the Azores’ Largest Crater

The first major stop takes you over the Serra da Ribeirinha, driving toward the largest crater in the Azores. The views from the crater rim are remarkable, offering sweeping vistas of the volcanic landscape and the island’s lush greenery. About 30 minutes are spent here, giving enough time to admire the scenery and take photos.

Following this, the journey continues to the lookout at Serra do Facho in Praia da Vitoria, which provides an impressive overlook of the city of Praia. This spot is perfect for appreciating the island’s rugged coastline and the Atlantic Ocean stretching beyond.

Off-Road Adventures and the Coastal Wonders of Lagoinha

Next, the tour takes a short off-road drive to Lagoinha, a location famed for its spectacular ocean views and rock formations. The rugged terrain and natural beauty make this a highlight for those interested in the island’s geological features. The off-road drive offers a taste of adventure, revealing parts of Terceira that few other tours can access.

Immediately after, the journey ventures further off the beaten path into the interior of the island, showcasing lesser-seen landscapes and giving a broader perspective on Terceira’s natural diversity.

A Relaxed Traditional Lunch with Local Flavors

Around 12:15pm, the group reaches a lunch spot serving homemade traditional foods. The meal is relaxed, allowing guests to walk around and enjoy the surroundings. During lunch, wine or beer is always available, adding to the convivial atmosphere.

The lunch experience emphasizes local cuisine, providing a genuine taste of Azorean culinary traditions in a setting designed for comfort and enjoyment. This pause in the day also offers an opportunity to reflect on the sights seen so far.

Visiting the West Side Lighthouse and Natural Pools

Post-lunch, the tour continues west to visit a lighthouse, an iconic spot that offers dramatic coastal views. The lighthouse is a classic Azorean scene, with the rugged coastline and the Atlantic waves providing a striking backdrop.

Next, the group visits the natural pools, where the Atlantic Ocean’s forces have carved out inviting swimming spots. Depending on the weather and season, these pools are a refreshing stop and provide excellent photo opportunities.

Wine Tasting and Understanding Local Winemaking

If the wine tasting option is selected, the tour visits a local winery in the afternoon, where the focus is on Verdeho, a white wine that is unique to the region. The guide explains the traditional methods of vine cultivation, which are still done the old-fashioned way, offering insight into why this wine holds such cultural significance.

This part of the tour emphasizes the local craftsmanship behind Azorean wines and offers plenty of tasting opportunities, including homemade moonshines. The guide’s explanations add depth to the tasting experience, making it both educational and enjoyable.

Discovering a Lake in the Island’s Interior

Later in the afternoon, the tour takes you further inside the island to view a lake, providing a peaceful contrast to the coastal and volcanic landscapes. This stop highlights the diverse environments present on Terceira, from rugged coastlines to tranquil freshwater lakes.

The drive to this interior spot showcases Terceira’s volcanic origins and offers a serene setting to appreciate the island’s natural beauty away from the crowds.

Return Journey and Final Views

Around 4:40pm, the group begins the return to the starting point. The drive back is a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights, with the guide sharing insights into the island’s biodiversity, volcanic activity, and local culture.

The tour concludes back at the Avenida Tenente Coronel José Agostinho in Angra do Heroísmo, making the full 8-hour experience seamless and convenient for travelers with a full day available.

Logistics, Inclusions, and Practical Tips

This private tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics simple. Guests enjoy unlimited beer and wine, as well as bottled water and beverages throughout the day. The lunch features traditional foods, complemented by local wines, beers, and a dessert.

Additional costs only arise if guests choose to visit caves or other optional extras not included in the itinerary. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with confirmation received at booking, and service animals are allowed.

A vegetarian option is available if requested in advance, making this experience accessible to different dietary preferences.

Why This Tour Stands Out on Terceira

This Wines and Moonshines Private Tour is distinguished by its high degree of personalization and focus on local traditions. The combination of scenic viewpoints, off-road driving, and food and drink tastings creates a well-rounded experience that showcases both the natural beauty and cultural richness of Terceira.

The private format ensures a relaxed atmosphere and tailored pace, ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking an authentic and intimate adventure. The inclusion of local wines and homemade moonshines adds a distinctive flavor to the experience, especially for enthusiasts interested in Azorean beverages.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour suits those who enjoy scenic drives, nature stops, and culinary experiences. It’s perfect for visitors who appreciate personalized service and want a comprehensive look at Terceira’s biodiversity, volcanic landscapes, and local culture.

Because the tour involves some off-road driving and multiple stops, travelers should be comfortable with light outdoor activity and enjoy exploring lesser-known sites. The full-day itinerary is best suited for those with a good energy level and interest in authentic Azorean traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is designed for most travelers, but families should be prepared for a full day of exploration and some off-road driving.

Can I choose vegetarian foods for lunch?
Yes, a vegetarian option is available if advised at the time of booking, ensuring dietary needs are accommodated.

What is included in the price?
The $226.48 per person fee includes hotel pickup and drop-off, unlimited beer and wine, bottled water, beverages, and a traditional lunch with drinks and dessert.

Are there any additional costs?
Entrance fees to caves or optional sites are not included if you choose to visit them separately. Otherwise, the main activities and tastings are covered.

How flexible is the itinerary?
The tour is personalized, allowing the guide to adapt stops based on your preferences, within the framework of the planned visits.

This Wines and Moonshines Private Tour on Terceira offers a thorough, enjoyable way to experience the island’s natural scenery, authentic flavors, and local craftsmanship in a private and comfortable setting.