Outstanding Tour of Furnas Valley

Explore the volcanic beauty and cultural highlights of Furnas Valley with this comprehensive 8-hour tour from Sao Miguel. Priced at $83.81 per person, this experience offers a well-rounded glimpse into the area’s natural wonders, gastronomy, and scenic vistas. With pickup included from Ponta Delgada, it suits those seeking an engaging day with minimal hassle. The tour features seven stops, including volcanic phenomena, botanical gardens, and tea plantations, along with lunch and admission tickets to key sites. It is designed for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 30, and provides a good balance between sightseeing and relaxation.

While the tour covers many highlights efficiently, it incorporates some optional activities, like the Terra Nostra thermal bath, which requires an extra fee. This tour offers a rich experience in Furnas with knowledgeable guides and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal choice for those eager to explore São Miguel’s volcanic heart.

Key Points

• Full-day tour covering major Furnas highlights in approximately 8 hours
• Includes pickup from Ponta Delgada and all admission fees for key sites
• Visit Vila Franca do Campo, Furnas Lake, Terra Nostra Garden, and scenic viewpoints
• Taste the famous Cozido das Furnas, cooked underground using volcanic heat
• Stop at Gorreana tea plantation for tastings of black and green teas
• Suitable for most travelers, with optional activities like thermal baths and scenic stops

Starting Point and Tour Duration in Sao Miguel

The tour begins promptly at 9:00 am at Posto de Turismo de Ponta Delgada on Avenida Infante Dom Henrique. This meeting point is near public transportation, making it accessible for most visitors. The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and meals, and concludes back at the original meeting point.

The tour is designed for groups of up to 30 travelers, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere for sightseeing and interaction. The air-conditioned vehicle used for transport provides a comfortable ride through the scenic landscapes of São Miguel.

Exploring Vila Franca do Campo: The First Capital and Islet Views

The tour departs from Ponta Delgada with a first stop at Vila Franca do Campo, the island’s original capital. This charming coastal town offers views of Vila Franca Islet, a volcanic crater that appears as a tiny island just offshore. This 20-minute visit is free of charge and provides an excellent opportunity to admire the historic townscape and volcanic features.

Vila Franca do Campo’s harbor and old streets set a relaxed tone for the day, and the brief visit allows visitors to appreciate the coastal beauty and volcanic origins of the area without rushing.

Discovering Volcanic Activity at Furnas Lake

Arriving at Furnas valley, the group observes fumaroles and volcanic phenomena near Furnas Lake. This stop highlights the geothermal activity that defines the region, with fumaroles emitting steam and gases. Visitors witness the underground cooking process for Cozido das Furnas, a traditional stew prepared using volcanic heat, which is a unique culinary tradition.

This 30-minute stop includes admission to Furnas Lake, allowing ample time to observe the bubbling fumaroles and learn about the area’s volcanic landscape firsthand.

Relaxing in Terra Nostra’s Thermal Gardens

The tour offers an optional visit to Terra Nostra Garden, a lush botanical garden famous for its thermal hot springs. While the admission fee is not included, guests can choose to enjoy a thermal bath in the garden’s warm waters, which are said to have medicinal properties.

Spending around two hours here provides a peaceful break amid exotic plants and the chance to unwind in natural thermal waters, offering both relaxation and scenic beauty.

Experiencing Volcanic Activity in Furnas Village

The group then visits Furnas village, where more volcanic activity is visible in the form of fumaroles and mineral-rich waters. The area features hot springs with purported health benefits, with some waters classified as medicinal. This stop lasts about an hour, allowing for a relaxed walk and photo opportunities of the bubbling pools and volcanic terrain.

The village setting emphasizes the volcanic energy that continues to shape the landscape and local life.

Miradouro Pico do Ferro: A Breathtaking Viewpoint

Traveling up to the mountains, the tour pauses at Pico do Ferro, a scenic viewpoint overlooking Furnas valley. This 30-minute stop offers spectacular panoramic views of the lush landscape, volcanic cones, and crater lakes below. It’s an ideal spot for photos and absorbing the vast volcanic scenery.

The viewpoint is included in the tour price, and its elevated position underscores the dramatic geology that makes São Miguel unique.

Visiting Gorreana Tea Plantation: Tasting and Learning

Heading northward along the coast, the tour includes a visit to Gorreana Tea Plantation in Ribeira Grande. Here, visitors explore the tea factory and taste black and green teas produced on site. This 1-hour stop highlights the traditional tea-making process and offers a chance to purchase local teas as souvenirs.

The plantation’s lush, green surroundings provide a peaceful environment, and the tea tasting is an engaging way to learn about São Miguel’s agricultural specialties.

Final Stop at Santa Iria Viewpoint

The last stop is at Santa Iria viewpoint, where visitors enjoy a stunning view of the north coast. This brief 15-minute pause delivers picturesque vistas of cliffs, ocean, and rolling hills, providing a fitting conclusion to the day’s sightseeing.

This scenic overlook encapsulates the island’s rugged beauty and leaves travelers with a memorable image of São Miguel.

Practical Details: Logistics, Costs, and Optional Fees

The tour includes pickup from Ponta Delgada, air-conditioned transport, insurance, and a tour guide knowledgeable about the area’s geology and culture. Admission to Furnas Lake is included, but fees for Terra Nostra Garden and Poça da Dona Beija are not included and are payable separately if accessed.

A lunch with drinks, featuring non-vegetarian options, is part of the package. It provides a hearty meal to fuel the day’s exploration. The tour operates most days, with full cancellation refunds available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

Why Choose This Tour: Strengths and Considerations

The Outstanding Tour of Furnas Valley offers a comprehensive look at São Miguel’s volcanic landscape with seven diverse stops, combining natural phenomena, scenic views, and cultural experiences. It’s highly valued for its knowledgeable guides and well-organized itinerary.

However, some activities, like thermal baths, are optional and require additional payment, which travelers should consider. The 8-hour duration balances sightseeing with enough time at each stop without feeling rushed. This tour is well-suited for most travelers, especially those keen to see the island’s geothermal features and panoramic vistas in one day.

Final Thoughts on the Furnas Valley Tour

This tour provides a thorough introduction to São Miguel’s volcanic wonders and local culture. It emphasizes natural beauty, geothermal activity, and regional gastronomy, making it a compelling choice for visitors wanting an in-depth day trip.

While it covers many highlights efficiently, travelers with specific interests in thermal baths or botanical gardens should plan for extra expenses. Overall, the combination of views, cultural stops, and informative guides makes this tour a strong option for those eager to explore Furnas in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, the tour mostly involves walking at scenic viewpoints and gentle exploration of geothermal sites. Some optional activities, like thermal baths, may require extra effort if you choose to partake.

Are meals included in the tour price?
A lunch with drinks is included, with non-vegetarian options available. However, entrance fees for Terra Nostra Garden and Poça da Dona Beija are not included if you decide to visit those thermal pools independently.

What should I bring on this tour?
Comfortable shoes for walking, weather-appropriate clothing, and possibly a camera for scenic views are recommended. The tour’s stops are outdoors, so a rain jacket might be useful during wetter days.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled earlier, you receive a full refund. Rescheduling is subject to availability and the weather, which can affect the experience.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Most travelers can participate, making it suitable for families with children who can enjoy scenic views and gentle walks. Check specific activity requirements if planning for very young children.

This detailed overview highlights the practical and memorable aspects of the Outstanding Tour of Furnas Valley, helping travelers decide if it matches their interests in São Miguel’s volcanic scenery and local culture.