Full Day Guided Tour to Furnas with Lunch Included

Discover the diverse beauty of São Miguel on this full-day guided tour to Furnas with lunch included, offered by Azores Magic Tours. Priced at $97.14 per person, this 8-hour journey takes small groups of up to eight people on an intimate exploration of the island’s most captivating sights. With pickup from your hotel and a well-structured itinerary, it’s an ideal choice for those who want to see Furnas, geothermal activity, scenic viewpoints, and local villages without worrying about transportation or planning. The tour includes entrance fees to several sites and tastes of local tea and mineral waters, providing a rich taste of São Miguel’s natural wonders.

While the tour covers a lot in one day and is highly praised for its knowledgeable guides and delicious food, it’s worth noting that thermal bath entrance fees are extra if you wish to visit the thermal baths like Terra Nostra or Poça da Dona Beija. This tour is perfect for travelers eager to experience Furnas’ geothermal activity, volcanic landscapes, and local culture at a relaxed pace.

Key Points

• Small-group experience limited to eight travelers offers a more personalized feel.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience.
• Visit iconic spots such as Lagoa das Furnas, Caldeira das Furnas, and Pico do Ferro with admission to several sites included.
• Enjoy a traditional lunch featuring local ingredients prepared in volcanic soil.
• Tour duration is approximately 8 hours, making it a comprehensive day trip.
• Highly-rated guides provide insights into local history, geology, and culture.

São Miguel’s Geothermal Wonders at Lagoa das Furnas

The tour begins at Lagoa das Furnas, where the scene showcases a vibrant lake surrounded by geothermal activity. Here, visitors see the famous stew cooked underground in volcanic heat, along with boilers used for this traditional cooking method. The admission to this site is included, allowing close-up views of the steaming boilers and the lake’s lush surroundings.

This spot also offers a chance to understand the island’s volcanic activity and how local communities harness geothermal energy. The scenic landscape makes it a favorite first stop, setting the tone for the volcanic features to come.

Visiting the Porto Formoso Tea Factory and Plantations

Next, the tour takes travelers to Porto Formoso, a charming village famous for its tea plantations. The visit includes admission free of charge to the tea factory and plantations, where visitors can see the process of tea production firsthand. Sampling a hot cup of local tea is included, offering a warm taste of São Miguel’s agricultural side.

The lush green slopes and rows of tea bushes make this stop visually stunning, and it provides insight into the island’s diverse farming practices beyond its volcanic terrain.

Exploring Caldeira das Furnas and Fumaroles

The Caldeira das Furnas is the highlight for geothermal activity. Visitors walk among fumaroles, boilers, and mineral waters, experiencing the raw power of active volcanism. The admission fee for this site is included, giving access to the bubbling geothermal vents and sulfuric mud pools.

Guests also get to taste mineral waters, known for their health benefits, while observing the natural phenomena that define Furnas. This area is considered the ex-libris of São Miguel for its impressive geothermal displays and lively bubbling mud.

Botanical Beauty at Parque Terra Nostra

The Parque Terra Nostra features a historic botanical garden with over 200 years of history. The garden’s lush vegetation and flowers are a peaceful contrast to the volcanic landscape. From the Pico do Ferro viewpoint, travelers can see Furnas Valley, a crater measuring seven kilometers in diameter.

While the admission to the garden is not included, the visit highlights Furnas’ reputation as a health resort area, historically used for treating ailments like rheumatism and obesity with its spring waters. The gardens offer a tranquil environment amid the island’s volcanic backdrop.

Panoramic View from Pico do Ferro

The Pico do Ferro viewpoint provides an impressive vista over the volcanic crater of Vale das Furnas. Sitting at around 570 meters altitude, visitors observe the expansive crater with Lagoa das Furnas on the right and the lush valley on the left.

This photo-worthy spot is also part of a walking tour route. It’s a brief stop, but its spectacular views make it a memorable highlight of the day, especially appreciated for its vast volcanic scenery.

Discovering Vila Franca do Campo’s History

The tour then visits Vila Franca do Campo, the first capital of São Miguel, created in 1444. The town’s history is marked by the devastating earthquake of 1522, which caused much of the town to be buried. Today, it stands as a charming destination with historic streets and seaside views.

The free stop allows visitors to appreciate the town’s heritage and scenic harbor, offering a glimpse into the island’s early colonial past.

Lagoa das Furnas’ Peaceful Lagoon Setting

Returning to Lagoa das Furnas, the tour emphasizes its peaceful, lush environment. Surrounded by volcanic landscape and flowering scenery, the lagoon is ideal for a relaxing walk or simply soaking in the tranquil natural beauty.

The admission fee is included again here, and the area is known for its traditional ‘Cozido’, a hearty stew cooked underground in volcanic heat. The lagoon’s serene atmosphere makes it a favorite for a calming break.

The Spectacle of Caldeira das Furnas

The Caldeira das Furnas area is often called the ex-libris of São Miguel due to its active volcanic phenomena. Visitors marvel at the sulfuric sludge and the many water sources sprouting from within the rocks.

The hot, temperate, and even cold waters demonstrate the island’s geothermal diversity. The geysers and mud pools showcase the island’s volcanic vigor, making this stop an essential experience for understanding Furnas’ geothermal activity.

Panoramic Views at Miradouro de Santa Iria

Near Porto Formoso, the Miradouro de Santa Iria offers stunning views of São Miguel’s north coast and tea plantations. Sitting at around 570 meters elevation, visitors see the vast Atlantic Ocean and lush green slopes.

Historically, this site marks the location of the 1831 Battle of Ladeira da Velha, pivotal in the island’s history. The spectacular scenery and historical significance make it a compelling stop.

Exploring Vila Franca do Campo’s Seaside Charm

The tour’s final stop is Vila Franca do Campo, a historic coastal town with a rich past. Once the island’s first capital, it offers picturesque streets and seaside views. Visitors get around 30 minutes to walk and enjoy the local atmosphere.

The town’s importance diminished after the 1522 earthquake, but it remains a beautiful area with many historic and scenic sights to enjoy.

Returning with a Full Perspective on São Miguel

This full-day guided tour offers a well-rounded look at São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes, geothermal activity, and charming villages. The small group size ensures a personal experience with knowledgeable guides sharing stories about the island’s geology, culture, and history.

The lunch, featuring local ingredients, is frequently praised for its quality, and the scenic viewpoints add to the overall appeal. While the thermal bath visits are not included, the many other highlights more than compensate, making this tour suitable for first-time visitors and those wanting a comprehensive taste of Furnas and the east coast.

The Practical Choice for a Day Trip in São Miguel

This guided tour to Furnas excels in providing an efficient, informative, and scenic experience. The pickup and drop-off make logistics simple, and the admission fees included at key sites mean no surprises. The delicious lunch and stunning viewpoints ensure a memorable day.

Travelers who appreciate expert guides, local culture, and volcanic landscapes will find this trip very rewarding. It offers a balanced itinerary with enough time at each stop to explore comfortably, though those interested in thermal baths should plan for additional costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour?
Yes, a local lunch featuring ingredients cooked in volcanic soil is included.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning in the late afternoon.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, thermal bath entrance fees are not included and must be paid separately if desired.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 8 travelers for a more personalized experience.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Ponta Delgada are included.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Most stops involve walking but are generally accessible; no strenuous activities are required.

Can I cancel the tour for a full refund?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of geothermal sites, scenic viewpoints, and local villages, along with knowledgeable guides and included lunch, makes it a comprehensive and enjoyable way to explore São Miguel.

Are the sites accessible for disabled visitors?
The provided information does not specify accessibility details, so it’s advisable to check directly with the provider.

Who is the tour provider?
Azores Magic Tours organizes this experience, ensuring a friendly and informative day on the island.