Terceira Island & the City of Lords
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Port
Praia di Vitoria, Terceira, Azores, Portugal
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$119.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Take the high road as you travel by coach to Serra do Cume, stopping en route to take in the beautiful vistas below -- farms bisected by stone walls and dense forests that create a marvelous synthesis between cultivation and raw nature.
Passing Cabrito, you'll arrive at Biscoitos to visit the natural swimming pools set in black volcanic rock.
The road passes through the villages of Altares and Raminho en route to the Serreta viewpoint for more great photos opportunities. Skirting Doze Ribeiras and Saõ Mateus, you'll head to the viewpoint on Mount Brasil -- a protected landscape view and certainly among the most beautiful sights of the Azores.
Continue to Angra do Heroísmo -- the City of Lords. Urban development here dates back to the 16th century, and the houses and buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries remain astonishingly intact. The City of Lords was the capital of Terceira for 300+ years and was an important trade and travel hub, standing at the three-point intersection between Europe, Africa and the Americas. The City of Lords has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
Don't miss the Sé Cathedral, Paços do Concelho and Praça Velha. You'll also take in the view from Miradouro do Facho -- the 'balcony over the city' -- offering a panoramic perspective from the beach at Praia Bay to the quaint fishing harbor.
Take advantage of some free time in Praia da Vitoria to explore and purchase lunch (at your own expense).
Notes:
Participants must negotiate uneven cobblestone sidewalks and several steps at Angra do Heroísmo, rocky ground and a few steps at the Biscoitos swimming area, cobblestones at the viewpoints, and a few steps at Monte Brasil. Total walking required is about 1,000 yards. Wear comfortable walking shoes. During the free time, additional walking may be required at guests' discretion.