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Discover the Unique Charm of the Furnas Full-Day Tour in the Azores
The Full Day Furnas tour offers an immersive experience of Portugal’s volcanic treasures on São Miguel Island. Priced at $80 per person and lasting 7.5 hours, this guided journey explores geothermal hotspots, lush botanical gardens, and the only tea plantation in Europe. The tour starts from ANC Azores Holidays and includes several notable stops, making it ideal for travelers eager to see the island’s most distinctive features.
While the tour highlights Furnas Hot Springs, Pico do Ferro Viewpoint, and the Gorreana Tea Factory, it’s worth noting that entrance fees are not included. The tour’s pace and comprehensive itinerary appeal to those interested in nature, geology, and local culture. However, visitors should be prepared for certain limitations, such as the inability to access the hot springs in some cases.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Price and Duration: $80 per person for 7.5 hours of sightseeing.
- Highlights: Includes Furnas Hot Springs, Pico do Ferro Viewpoint, and Gorreana Tea Factory.
- Geothermal Experience: Witness the fumaroles and geothermal activity in Furnas village.
- Botanical and Thermal Relaxation: Visit Terra Nostra botanical garden and thermal baths (entrance fee not included).
- Scenic Views and Cultural Stops: Enjoy panoramic views from Pico do Ferro and explore Vila Franca do Campo.
- Guided Tour: Led by guides speaking Portuguese, English, and Spanish.
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Starting Point and Transport Logistics
The tour begins at ANC Azores Holidays, setting out in a 9-seat van for groups up to 8 guests or a minibus for larger groups of up to 22 people. This arrangement helps maintain a comfortable pace for sightseeing and photo stops. The transportation includes fuel and guide services, making the experience smooth and informative.
Scenic Drive from Queijadas do Morgado to Vila Franca do Campo
The journey kicks off with a photo stop at Queijadas do Morgado, known for its traditional pastries, offering a chance to admire the scenic countryside. Shortly after, the tour visits Vila Franca do Campo, a town with charming views and a guided tour lasting about 5 minutes.
Next, the group heads toward the volcanic area of Furnas, where a one-hour stop allows exploration of fumaroles and geothermal activity. This zone is characterized by the many fumaroles bubbling around the village, providing a tangible sense of the island’s volcanic activity.
Exploring Furnas and Its Geothermal Hotspots
The centerpiece of this tour is Furnas. Here, visitors observe the steaming fumaroles and even taste sparkling water directly from the spring if they’re feeling adventurous. The Caldeiras visit involves a guided tour of the geothermal fields, lasting around 15 minutes and showcasing the active volcanic landscape.
The Furnas area is also famous for its natural hot springs. While access to thermal baths is not included in the tour price (costing €16 per person), travelers who wish to relax in the thermal waters can do so after the guided visits. The botanical garden Terra Nostra offers a beautiful 18th-century park setting, where visitors can enjoy lush greenery and the chance to soak in thermal pools in a scenic environment.
More Great Tours NearbyPico do Ferro Viewpoint: Panoramic Over the Volcano
The Pico do Ferro lookout provides sweeping views over the Furnas volcano. This spot is a photo highlight, with the opportunity to appreciate the volcanic crater and the lush landscape surrounding it. The 10-minute stop offers a brief but memorable perspective on the island’s volcanic terrain.
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Visiting the Gorreana Tea Factory and Scenic Views
The Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s only tea plantation, is a highlight of the tour, offering a self-guided tour and the chance to shop for local teas. This stop lasts about 30 minutes and includes scenic drives through beautiful landscapes, making it a peaceful contrast to the geothermal sites.
At the factory, visitors can enjoy a warm cup of tea and observe the tea-making process, all set amidst green hills and agricultural fields. The tour also includes photo stops, giving travelers plenty of opportunities to capture the picturesque environment.
Vila Franca do Campo Islet and Pastry Factory
On the way back, the tour makes a brief stop at the Vila Franca do Campo islet, known for its scenic views and historical significance. The tour also includes a visit to a sweet pastry factory, where local specialties are available. These stops provide a nice balance of natural beauty and local flavor.
Practical Details and Tips for Tour Participants
The tour emphasizes geothermal phenomena and scenic viewpoints, making it suitable for most travelers, though it’s not accessible for wheelchair users. Participants should bring bathing suits and towels if they wish to enjoy the thermal baths at Terra Nostra, as entry is not included.
The total experience includes personal insurance, guidance in multiple languages, and a lunch. However, entrance fees for certain attractions are not covered in the ticket price, so travelers should budget accordingly.
Limitations and Honest Considerations
One notable limitation from the reviews is that access to the hot springs is not guaranteed, and at least one review mentions that guests could not enter the thermal baths. Plus, the tea plantation tour may not be as comprehensive as a full factory visit, with some guests feeling that the experience was limited.
Despite these points, the scenic views and geothermal highlights make this tour an attractive choice for first-time visitors eager to experience São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes and local culture.
Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?
This full-day tour suits travelers who enjoy geology, nature, and local traditions. It offers a good balance of sightseeing, cultural stops, and scenic drives. It’s particularly appealing for those wanting to see Furnas’ geothermal activity and visit Gorreana’s tea plantations.
Since the tour involves some walking and outdoor exposure, it’s best for active visitors comfortable with a full day of sightseeing. Those with specific interests in thermal baths or deep factory tours might find some aspects limited, but overall, it provides a well-rounded exploration of São Miguel’s volcanic heart.
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Full day Furnas | Hotsprings | Thermal Baths | Tea Factory
“The best thing was the driver Joao. The worst thing was that we couldn't go into the hot springs and at the tea plantation they didn't give us a to…”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the tour include entrance fees to the thermal baths?
No, entrance to the thermal baths costs €16 per person and is not included in the tour price.
What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Portuguese, English, and Spanish.
Can I bring a wheelchair?
This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to terrain and access limitations.
What should I bring for the thermal baths?
Visitors planning to enjoy the thermal pools should bring bathing suits and towels.
Is lunch included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes lunch, but entrance fees for some attractions are separate.
How many people are in a group?
The tour uses a 9-seat van for groups up to 8, and a larger minibus for groups of up to 22.
This Full Day Furnas tour offers a practical and scenic way to explore São Miguel’s geothermal and cultural treasures, making it a compelling option for curious travelers eager to see the island’s volcanic side.
You can check availability for your dates here:
