Once our ship was docked and cleared by Portuguese authorities, the gangplanks on the lowest deck opened. There were at least 18 coaches lined up to take passengers on shore excursions or shuttle into town. We enjoyed a hearty breakfast before making our way (after the herds as Rudy would say) down to disembark and board a shuttle.

The 5 minute shuttle took us into an area near the town square where we were able to walk around. On the way we saw cows scattered randomly seemingly everywhere along with lush vegetation and palm trees. We got off the shuttle and noticed most people went right, so we went left. The narrow streets were quiet for a Saturday morning. But every now and then you could see movement and activity. Especially in the park we passed where children and their parents were enjoying the increasing sunny day. Around the bend from the park is the busier seaside area.

We could see signs of tourists from the ship the closer we got. On one side of the street was a marina full of boats (mostly sail boats) and fishing boats followed by beaches and docks as you looked ahead. On the other side was cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating starting to fill up. We decided to stop for a local beer. The barkeep spoke English and was very pleasant (once he realized we weren’t there to use the toilets!) There were a few locals in team (soccer) jerseys having coffees and chatting animatedly. The sun was now almost full on and it was getting nice and warm.

We continued our walk up the hill through the main tourist / business area. The street was pedestrian only making it easy to wander from side to side and check out the shops. We spotted a market where the fish mongers were busy gutting the catch of the day. There were also produce stalls and handmade items. The stores were a variety of touristy things and regular stores including a pharmacy.

The shuttle took us back to the ship where we put on our bike shorts and filled our knapsack with essential supplies for our afternoon e-bike tour. I didn’t see any ship tours that met our needs so I booked us on a Viator tour with a local guide. I figured after 6 days at sea that we would not want to spend a day on a bus!

Our tour time was 2 pm and the guide, Jaime, contacted us by What’s App to let us know he’d be at the ships dock. Right on time, he let us know that the white van was his and there would be 4 of us on the tour plus him. His assistant was getting the bikes and helmets ready. We walked over and the other two arrived. The bikes were KLM e-bikes and super easy to operate. Within a few minutes we were en route. Jaime was a gem!

Jaime started the tour company 5 years ago. He’s doing well and bought the slick bikes a year ago. It’s clear that he is passionate about his business as he navigates us through the exit of the port and onto the beach trail. Part boardwalk and part stone pathway, it leads into the area where we had a beer earlier. Along the way he tells us historical facts like the wars between the Portuguese and the Spanish as well as the civil war of 1892. There are 9 islands that comprise the Azores and three are larger and inhabited (the population of Terciera is 54K). There is a military presence, both Portuguese and US. The random cows are actually the biggest industry of the island and supply meat, cheese and milk to the mainland. The islands are volcanic and so the sand is darker; the islands are known as the Hawaii of Europe. It’s a 2ish hour flight to the mainland.

At one point Jaime tells us we will bike up the hill where the monument of St Mary guards over and protects the city. It’s about 1500 feet up. Hence the e-bikes. We are instructed to gear up to “turbo” mode. And up we go. Past more cows and really interesting flora. In fact, there’s a ton of bushes all green which we are told will bloom later. Hydrangeas!! The soil acidity will create blue blooms that are amazingly vibrant. At the top we arrive at Mary’s monument and a tour bus pulls in. I see a few people checking out our bikes which we have parked to take in the full splendour of the view. It’s breathtaking.

In the way down we are cautioned to use gentle application of the brakes. It’s a steep winding road. With cars and buses!! We make it back to the ship and can’t wipe the grins from our faces. What a great tour. I can’t recommend it enough.

Back on board we ditch our sweaty bike duds and head back up to the Crows Nest for a cold beer. It’s the perfect perch to take in the ship’s navigation of the exit from the harbour.

Good bye Azores. It’s been a slice!