Taste of the Azores: Terceira's Food, Culture & Nature

Day By Day Itinerary

1. Day 1 Friday: Arrival in Terceira Island & Dinner with Locals (Included)

   

   Welcome to the Azores, Terceira Island! Relax and unwind from the moment you arrive. We'll handle your airport transfers on arrival and departure, ensuring your adventure's seamless start and finish.

   *Want to maximize your time in paradise? Consider pre-booking an early check-in during the booking process. This way, you can hit the ground running and start exploring sooner! Don't hesitate to contact our booking agents if you have any questions or need assistance setting this up.

   Dinner with Locals - Cook in a Wood Oven with a Local Family with hotel pick-up included (6:30 PM - 10:30 PM)

   Discover a unique experience designed for true food enthusiasts who relish traditional cuisine and enjoy participating in the cooking process. Learn authentic techniques that you can bring home and recreate your favorite dishes.

   What to Expect:

   • Hands-On Cooking: Prepare your meal in a wood-fired oven made of lava stones, just like our ancestors did. This traditional method imparts a distinctive flavor that you won’t find in local restaurants.
   • Delicious Dining: Savor the flavors of expertly cooked dishes, complemented by a selection of fine wines. I’ll share tips on the best wine pairings to enhance your meal.
   • Cultural Connection: Enjoy meaningful conversations about what defines us as islanders living in the heart of the vast ocean, creating lasting memories alongside your meal.

   We communicate in English, Portuguese, and Spanish – and let the wine do the talking!

2. Day 2 Saturday: Free Day in Terceira Island

   

   Suggestion for the day: Hiking Experience

   Emerging from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, Terceira Island beckons adventurers with its captivating landscapes and diverse hiking trails. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a casual walker, Terceira's volcanic terrain offers an unforgettable experience for all levels of hiking enthusiasts. Lace-up your boots and embark on a journey through verdant forests, ascend to the summit of towering peaks, and traverse along rugged coastlines.

   Best Recommendations:

   • Mistérios Negros Trail (Moderate): Embark on a journey through a verdant forest, culminating in a series of fascinating black lava rock formations. This well-maintained trail rewards you with stunning views of the surrounding Terceira Island landscape.
   • Monte Brasil Trail (Challenging): For experienced hikers, the Monte Brasil Trail offers a rewarding challenge. Ascend to the island's highest point, Monte Brasil, and be mesmerized by the breathtaking panoramic views that await you at the summit.
   • Serra do Cume Trail (Easy-Moderate): Enjoy a relaxed hike or a family outing on the scenic Serra do Cume Trail. This gentle to moderate path winds through rolling hills and lush pastures, offering a delightful immersion in Terceira's natural beauty.
   • Baías da Agualva Trail (Moderate): Follow the captivating coastline on the Baías da Agualva Trail. This moderate-difficulty path unveils stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife that calls this area home, including birds and rabbits.
   • Rocha do Chambre Trail (Challenging): Challenge yourself with the Rocha do Chambre Trail. This demanding path leads you to the summit of Rocha do Chambre, a volcanic rock formation that protrudes dramatically into the ocean. The unparalleled views from the top are simply unforgettable.
3. Day 3 Sunday: Historical Food Tour (Included)

   

   Historical Food Tour with hotel pick-up included (9:30 AM - 5:30 PM)

   Gastronomy celebrates the pleasure of a great meal, paying tribute to its diversity and selection. It’s a reflection of culture and involves savoring fine food and wine, creating a memorable dining experience, especially when paired with excellent service and good company.

   Experience the authentic flavors of Terceira Island on this fantastic journey. Discover the island's traditional cuisine through historical stops, local snacks, and a typical meal that captures the essence of Terceira.

   Includes:

   • Traditional snacks
   • A typical meal
   • Guide
   • Insurance
   • Transfer
4. Day 4 Monday: Dairy Farm Experience (Included)

   

   Dairy Farm Experience with hotel pick-up included (5:30 PM - 8 PM)

   Visit the award-winning Queijo Vaquinha dairy farm and creamery to meet the Azores’ happy cows, tour the factory, and sample delicious cheeses! Perfect for cheese lovers and animal enthusiasts, this unique experience offers a hands-on learning opportunity and a taste of the craft.

   Highlights:

   • Meet the “vacas felizes” (happy cows) and try milking a cow
   • Feed adorable baby cows
   • Discover daily life on a dairy farm
   • Tour the factory and learn about the cheese-making process
   • Taste a selection of mouth-watering traditional cheeses
5. Day 5 Tuesday: City Food Tour (Included)

   

   City Food Tour with hotel pick-up included (9:30 AM - 1 PM)

   Explore Terceira's rich flavors and history on a 3-hour walking food tour through the charming, UNESCO-listed center of Angra do Heroísmo. Immerse yourself in the island’s culture and culinary traditions.

   Highlights:

   • Savor a traditional queijada da Dona Amélia, a sweet pastry fit for royalty
   • Visit the local farmers' market, meet a merchant, and taste seasonal island fruits
   • Enjoy a variety of savory snacks, including traditional Alcatra, fresh seafood, and a unique selection of organic vegetarian bites

   Includes:

   • 7 tasting stops featuring regional food, fruit, pastries, ice cream, cheese, jams, and vegetarian snacks
   • Beverages provided at select stops
   • Other food items not included
6. Day 6 Wednesday: Whale Watching (Included)

   

   Whale Watching with meeting point* (8:30 AM - 12 PM)

   The Azores are renowned as a premier whale-watching destination, with around 27 species of whales and dolphins spotted throughout the year.

   With a 99% success rate in cetacean sightings (whales and dolphins) in recent seasons, our Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours operate year-round, giving you the chance to experience the rich marine life of the Azores at any time. Before setting off, a marine biologist will provide a brief introduction about the tour, what to expect, and important safety guidelines.

   Once aboard, our experienced crew will ensure a smooth journey as the Vigia (land-based spotter) locates the marine mammals and guides the boat to their location. Throughout the tour, you’ll not only observe whales and dolphins but also learn fascinating facts about the species and other wildlife in the area. Plus, the stunning landscapes are a sight to behold!

   What’s Included:

   • Sighting guarantee
   • Land-based spotter
   • Knowledgeable guide

   *The tour meets at the Angra do Heroísmo marina, a 19-minute walk from your hotel.

7. Day 7 Thursday: Cultural Tour (Included)

   

   Cultural Tour with hotel pick-up included (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM)

   Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of our traditional arts and crafts with this hands-on tour. You'll not only witness the intricate production processes but also have the opportunity to create your unique souvenir, making this an unforgettable experience.

   We begin with a visit to the São Bento Pottery, where you'll enjoy a guided tour of the workshop, observing the crafting of beautiful clay pieces, including the iconic bowl used for cooking traditional rump steaks. While at São Bento, we’ll also stop by a small coffee farm where you can sample local products like coffee, liqueurs, and more.

   Next, we dive into the delicate art of Azorean embroidery. For many, this is not just a craft but a form of entertainment and a testament to the region's artistic heritage.

   Highlights:

   • Hands-on tour
   • Learn about local traditions, arts and crafts
   • Create your unique souvenir
   • Sample local products, such as coffee and local liqueurs
8. Day 8 Friday: Return Flight Home

   

   We've arranged your hotel transfer to ensure a smooth journey to the airport.

   Thank you for choosing us to be your travel companions on this adventure! It's been a pleasure assisting you in creating unforgettable memories. We wish you happy travels and until next time!