Van Tour Furnas (Full Day)

Explore the Unique Charm of São Miguel with the Furnas Full Day Van Tour

The Van Tour Furnas (Full Day) offers an inviting way to experience some of the most iconic sights of São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal. Priced affordably and lasting 7.5 hours, this tour provides a comprehensive look at Furnas’ volcanic landscapes, lush gardens, and local food. With hotel pick-up and drop-off included, it’s designed for comfort and convenience, especially with wheelchair accessibility.

This tour is perfect for those who want to see Lagoa das Furnas, explore Terra Nostra Garden, and taste the region’s famous cozido stew, all in a single day. The guides are skilled at explaining the significance of each stop, making it an engaging experience. One notable aspect is that the tour runs rain or shine, so travelers should prepare for the weather.

While the tour covers many highlights, it also balances a relaxed pace with ample time at each stop. It’s well-suited for visitors looking for an immersive, straightforward day trip with accessibility and local flavor at its core.

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Key Points

• Duration: 7.5 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability
• Includes: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, lunch, all entrance fees, guide/driver, and insurance
• Highlights: Oldest tea plantation in Europe, Terra Nostra Garden, Furnas hot springs, and Pico do Ferro viewpoint
• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible, with a blue T-shirt guide for easy identification
• Weather: Operates rain or shine, so pack accordingly
• Language options: Guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish

Discover the Volcanic Landscape of Lagoa das Furnas

The tour begins with a pickup from Ponta Delgada and a scenic drive to Lagoa das Furnas. Here, visitors see the famous underground cooking holes where the cozido stew is traditionally prepared using volcanic heat. The lake itself formed after a volcanic eruption, adding to the dramatic scenery.

At this stop, the guide explains how the geothermal activity influences the landscape, including springs and hot springs that emit sulfur gases with a distinctive smell. It’s an opportunity to learn about the island’s volcanic origins and how they shape daily life.

Walking Through the Terra Nostra Garden’s Exotic Vegetation

Next, visitors explore the Terra Nostra Garden, a romantic-style botanical garden built during the 18th and 19th centuries. Known worldwide for its geothermal swimming pool, this garden hosts a broad variety of exotic plants. The lush greenery and carefully maintained pathways make for a peaceful stroll.

The thermal pool at Terra Nostra is a highlight, offering a chance to relax amidst geothermal waters heated by volcanic activity. The garden’s historical architecture and vibrant plant life make it a favorite stop, blending natural beauty with cultural history.

Witnessing the Fumarolas and Hot Springs at Caldeiras das Furnas

The tour takes visitors to Caldeiras das Furnas, also called Fumarolas das Furnas, where vapors and gases rise from the earth. These geothermal features are visible with steam emissions and the characteristic sulfur odor. The springs here exemplify the island’s volcanic activity, with bubbling hot springs adding to the landscape’s intrigue.

This site offers a close look at geothermal phenomena, and the guide provides insights into how these features are harnessed or observed as part of the local environment.

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Elevating Views from Pico do Ferro Lookout Point

Before concluding the sightseeing, the tour visits Pico do Ferro, a lookout point that provides sweeping views of São Miguel. From this vantage, travelers enjoy panoramic scenes of mountains, lakes, and the coastline, offering perfect photo opportunities.

The ascent to Pico do Ferro is brief, but the vistas are well worth it. The viewpoint encapsulates the island’s rugged beauty, making it a memorable moment before heading to the next stop.

Visiting the Gorreana Tea Factory: Europe’s Oldest Tea Plantation

The tour then proceeds to Gorreana, the oldest tea plantation in Europe. Here, visitors tour the factory where tea leaves are processed, gaining insight into the local tea industry. The plantation’s lush tea fields stretch over rolling hills, and the guides explain the cultivation and production process.

A tasting session is often included, allowing travelers to sample different local teas. This stop highlights the unique agricultural traditions of the Azores and provides a peaceful break amid scenic surroundings.

Final Stop at Santa Iria Viewpoint

Before finishing the day, the tour makes a stop at Santa Iria viewpoint. This spot offers one last breathtaking view of the island’s landscape, including coastlines and volcanic formations. It’s a calm, reflective moment that marks the end of a full day exploring São Miguel.

Practicalities: What’s Included and Accessibility

The tour’s price includes all entrance fees to the locations, lunch, and insurance covering personal accidents and liability. The guide/driver is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, helping to make the experience engaging and informative.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off simplify logistics, and the wheelchair accessibility makes this tour available for visitors with mobility needs. It’s important to note that the tour operates rain or shine, so appropriate clothing is recommended.

Final Thoughts: A Well-Rounded Day on São Miguel

This full-day tour from Azores For All delivers a balanced mix of natural beauty, volcanic features, and local culture. Its straightforward itinerary covers many of São Miguel’s key sights, with accessible transportation and professional guides enhancing the experience.

The tour suits visitors eager to see Furnas’ geothermal sites and botanical gardens without the hassle of planning multiple visits. Its inclusive price and flexible booking options offer good value for a comprehensive island overview. However, travelers should be prepared for weather variations and the possibility of crowds at popular stops.

The Van Tour Furnas provides a reliable, informative, and comfortable way to discover some of the best features of São Miguel, especially for those who value ease of access and a full-day itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Van Tour Furnas?
The tour lasts approximately 7.5 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pick-up and drop-off, lunch, all entrance fees, guide/driver, and insurance.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Lagoa das Furnas, Terra Nostra Garden, Caldeiras das Furnas, Pico do Ferro viewpoint, Gorreana Tea Factory, and Santa Iria viewpoint.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, the tour runs rain or shine, so travelers should come prepared for varying weather conditions.

What languages do guides speak?
Guides are available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a lunch is included in the tour price.

How accessible are the stops?
All major stops are designed to be accessible, with the tour vehicle equipped for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel the tour in advance?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

How do I identify the guide?
The driver wears a blue T-shirt with the ‘Azores for All’ logo for easy identification.

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