Wines and Moonshines Private Tour

If you’re planning a visit to the Azores’ island of Terceira, chances are you want a genuine experience that goes beyond the usual tourist spots. This Wines and Moonshines Private Tour offers just that—an intimate, personalized journey into the island’s breathtaking landscapes, local wines, and traditional moonshines.

What caught our attention? First, the tour’s flexibility—it’s tailored to your preferences, so you’re not stuck on a fixed path. Second, the combination of off-road adventures and scenic lookouts means you get a real sense of Terceira’s diverse terrain and natural beauty.

A potential consideration? The price point at around $226 per person might seem high for some, but focusing on the personalized experience, private transport, and the variety of stops, it could be worth it for those wanting an in-depth, relaxed day.

This tour is ideal if you’re looking to see Terceira’s key sights without rushing, enjoy wine tasting, and experience local flavors in a laid-back setting. It’s particularly good for travelers who appreciate a mix of adventure, culture, and culinary delights, and who favor a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Key Points

• Personalized tour tailored to your interests
• Comfortable jeep transport suitable for off-road adventures
• Includes multiple scenic lookouts and less-visited spots
• All-you-can-drink wine and beer during the day
• Lunch featuring traditional foods in a relaxed atmosphere
• Visits to local vineyards with insights into Terceira’s unique wine
• Duration of around 8 hours makes for a full, immersive day

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Traveling in a small group or solo, we usually appreciate when tours are designed with flexibility and local insight in mind. This private tour hits both marks. It’s a chance to explore Terceira’s natural and cultural highlights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Plus, the fact that it’s a private experience means your group gets personalized attention, which can elevate the overall quality.

The tour’s organizers, Pro Island Tour, seem to focus on a balance of scenic beauty, local culture, and culinary experiences. From the start, they prioritize comfort, picking you up from your accommodation, and then kicking off the tour with a series of carefully chosen stops.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Morning Starts with Breathtaking Views

The adventure begins at 9:00 am with hotel pickup, which is always a welcome touch. The first stop is a drive over Serra da Ribeirinha toward the island’s largest crater. This area is a visual treat—vast volcanic landscapes that showcase the island’s volcanic origin. We loved the way the tour incorporates off-road driving, giving you access to parts of the island most travelers never see.

By around 9:45 am, you’ll be at a popular lookout on the other side of the crater—here, the views stretch endlessly. It’s perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the scenery. The serra do Facho lookout in Praia da Vitoria follows, offering stunning vistas over the city. This stretch is ideal for those who enjoy nature and panoramic landscapes.

Exploring Hidden Gems

Next, the Jeep takes you off the beaten track, to Lagoinha, where the rock formations and ocean views are striking. These spots are just different enough from typical touristic points to feel like discovering something special. About 40 minutes later, the journey takes you inland for more off-road driving, revealing the island’s interior where fewer visitors venture.

Midday Relaxation and Local Flavors

By 11:45 am, the tour heads toward a charming lunch spot with traditional foods. You’ll have the chance to walk around, enjoy a glass of local wine or beer, and indulge in a relaxed meal. The lunch is described as homemade, so expect authentic flavors, possibly including local specialties and desserts.

A quick stop at the west side around 12:15 pm introduces you to the lighthouse, another of Terceira’s iconic maritime sights. After lunch, the tour continues with visits to natural pools—a chance to enjoy the coast and perhaps cool off.

Afternoon Delights: Wineries and Lakes

From 3:00 pm, you’ll visit the local winery (if this option was selected), where you’ll have the opportunity to see how the Verdelho white wine is produced. This is a highlight, especially for wine lovers curious about what makes Terceira’s wine so special.

Later, the tour takes you to an interior lake, adding a peaceful, scenic element to the day’s exploration. The day wraps up with a scenic drive back to your starting point around 4:40 pm, completing a full, immersive experience of the island’s natural beauty and local flavors.

What Travelers Say and Why It Matters

The only review available so far is glowing, calling it a “wonderful full day experience”. The reviewer appreciated the personal touch and the knowledgeable guide, highlighting how much they learned about biodiversity and volcanoes on Terceira. This suggests that the tour isn’t just about sightseeing but also about gaining meaningful insights into the island’s geology and nature.

The inclusion of unlimited wine and beer during lunch is a real plus—imagine relaxing with a local Verdelho or a cold beer after a morning of exploring. It’s a great way to savor the local atmosphere without worrying about extra costs.

The Practical Details

The tour runs from 9:00 am to around 4:40 pm, giving you ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The private jeep comfortably seats your group, and the off-road capability means you’ll explore hard-to-reach spots that typical tours can’t access.

Pricing at $226.48 per person reflects the private nature, personalized stops, and all-inclusive drinks and lunch. Compared to standard group tours, this might seem steep, but for travelers seeking a full, customized experience with the freedom to explore at your own pace, it’s likely a worthwhile investment.

What’s included? Hotel pickup and drop-off, unlimited wine, beer, bottled water, and a traditional lunch with drinks and dessert. Not included are entrance fees if you choose to visit caves, which are optional.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a balance of adventure, scenery, and local culture, and who enjoy private, guided experiences. It’s ideal for those comfortable with a full day outdoors, and who value authentic, personalized insights. Families with older children or teens might appreciate the off-road driving and scenic stops, but it’s less suited for very young kids due to the nature of the activities.

Final Thoughts

The Wines and Moonshines Private Tour provides a rich snapshot of Terceira’s natural beauty and local flavors. With its flexible, personalized approach, it offers a chance to see the island beyond the typical tourist routes, with plenty of opportunities to relax, taste, and learn. The inclusion of local wines, homemade foods, and scenic viewpoints makes it a well-rounded day for those who want to experience a genuine slice of the Azores.

If you’re after a relaxed, authentic, and scenic adventure that combines nature, culture, and culinary delights, this tour could be just the thing. Its focus on intimacy and unique spots makes it especially appealing for travelers who prefer quality over quantity, and who want to avoid crowded group tours.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics simple and hassle-free.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, giving you a full day of exploration and tasting.

Are drinks included?
Absolutely. You can enjoy unlimited wine, beer, and bottled water throughout the day, plus drinks during lunch.

Can I customize the experience?
Since this is a private tour, the guide can tailor stops based on your preferences, within the itinerary.

Is vegetarian food available for lunch?
Yes, a vegetarian option is available if advised at the time of booking.

Is this tour suitable for families?
It can be suitable for families with older children, especially those who enjoy outdoor adventures and scenic drives. Very young children may find some activities less appropriate.

What’s the main highlight of the tour?
Many say the personalized guides, stunning vistas, and tastings of local wines and homemade foods make this a memorable experience.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, relaxed look at Terceira’s landscapes and flavors, this private tour offers a well-rounded, intimate slice of the island. Perfect for those wanting more than just sightseeing, but a genuine taste of local life and scenery.