Azores: Private tour to All São Miguel island with lunch

Explore São Miguel in a Single Day with a Private Tour for $259

This full-day private tour of São Miguel offers a rundown of the island’s most iconic sights, all with the comfort of private transportation and a local guide. Priced at $259 per person, it promises an 8-hour journey through volcanic lakes, waterfalls, charming villages, and a tea plantation. The tour is ideal for travelers seeking a flexible, personalized experience that covers a wide range of highlights in one day.

A key strength of this experience lies in its customizable nature—being a private tour, it can adapt to specific interests or pace. The inclusion of a lunch at a local gastronomy buffet adds a flavorful touch, showcasing regional dishes. While the tour covers many attractions, it is best suited for those who can comfortably spend a full day exploring and enjoy a variety of scenic and cultural sights.

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Key Points

• Private, customizable 8-hour tour of São Miguel Island for $259 per person
• Includes visits to lakes, waterfalls, villages, and a tea plantation
• Lunch in a local gastronomic buffet with starters, main dish, drinks, and dessert
• Led by a certified tour guide in a large, air-conditioned SUV
• Stops at major sights such as Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Furnas, Nordeste, Ribeira dos Caldeirões, and more
• Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation are included

Visiting the Volcanic Lakes of São Miguel

The tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation, setting the stage for a day packed with scenic views. The first major stop is Lagoa das Sete Cidades, one of Portugal’s seven wonders. Here, travelers enjoy a photo stop and guided sightseeing, taking in the stunning crater lakes framed by lush hills. This site’s breathtaking scenery gives a vivid impression of the island’s volcanic origins.

Next, the journey continues to Lagoa do Fogo, a pristine lake on the north side. The stop includes a visit and a guided tour, providing insight into the area’s volcanic activity and natural beauty. Its clear waters and serene surroundings make it a favorite for many visitors, offering a peaceful contrast to the more vibrant vistas of Sete Cidades.

Discovering the Waterfalls of Ribeira dos Caldeirões

After exploring the lakes, the tour heads to Ribeira dos Caldeirões Waterfalls, located within a quiet natural park. This stop features scenic views and a guided walk between cascading waterfalls and lush greenery. The park’s tranquility and natural beauty stand out, providing excellent photo opportunities and a chance to enjoy Portugal’s verdant landscape.

The waterfalls are among the most picturesque spots on the island, and the quiet setting allows for a relaxed exploration. The scenic views here are complemented by the nearby rivers and lush surroundings, making it an ideal place to absorb São Miguel’s natural charm.

Tasting at the Gorreana Tea Factory

A highlight of the tour is a visit to Europe’s only tea plantations and tea factory, located in Capelas. This stop includes a photo opportunity, a guided tour, and the chance to sample the region’s unique tea flavors. Visitors learn about the tea-making process and appreciate the lush, rolling fields that produce this distinctive product.

The Gorreana Tea Factory offers a peaceful setting with panoramic views, perfect for a brief break from sightseeing. Sampling the fresh tea provides a delightful taste of local craftsmanship, and the visit underscores the island’s agricultural diversity beyond its volcanic landscape.

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Experiencing the Volcanic Hot Springs of Furnas

One of the most dramatic stops is Furnas Valley, famous for its volcanic activity and hot springs. The tour includes a guided visit to see the Furnas hot springs, where thermal waters flow freely. Travelers also stop at Pico do Ferro, a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the volcanic landscape and the fumaroles steaming nearby.

The landscape here is striking, with geothermal vents and bubbling springs creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Visitors can observe the volcanic activity firsthand and enjoy the rugged beauty of this fiery landscape.

Visiting the Village of Povoacao and Nordeste

The itinerary takes a scenic drive through Povoacao, a charming village with traditional architecture and local character. A quick photo stop allows for a glimpse of its quaint streets and riverside setting.

Next, the tour proceeds to Nordeste, known for its lush greenery and scenic viewpoints. Here, travelers enjoy scenic views and a guided sightseeing experience. The lush surroundings and dramatic coastlines make Nordeste a highlight for those seeking Portugal’s natural beauty.

Lunch at a Local Azorean Restaurant

Around mid-day, the tour pauses for a 1.5-hour lunch at a local gastronomy buffet. The meal features a variety of starters, a main dish, drinks, dessert, and coffee, offering a taste of traditional Azorean cuisine. The experience emphasizes regional flavors and provides a well-deserved break after several sightseeing stops.

This lunch is included in the tour price, adding convenience and enriching the cultural experience—especially appreciated if guests enjoy trying local foods amid beautiful surroundings.

Exploring Ribeira Grande and Capelas

Post-lunch, the tour visits Ribeira Grande, a lively town with historical charm, for a sightseeing stop. The town’s architecture and local vibe provide a glimpse into daily life on the island.

Then, a photo stop at Capelas adds to the day’s scenic highlights, showcasing more of São Miguel’s rugged coastline and lush landscapes. These stops offer opportunities for photos and brief walks to appreciate local towns’ character.

Viewing the Iconic Sete Cidades and Ponta do Escalvado

The final highlights include stops at Vista do Rei Lookout and Ponta do Escalvado, both providing spectacular views of the crater lakes and coastal scenery. The scenic vistas at these lookouts reveal the island’s volcanic origin and its dramatic landscape.

The tour then returns southward, passing through Ponta Delgada, where a final stop offers a quick photo opportunity and a chance to soak in the local atmosphere before heading back to your accommodation.

Logistics and Comfort

This private tour features luxurious, air-conditioned SUVs, ensuring comfortable travel across the island’s varied terrain. The pickup and drop-off are included, making logistics straightforward and stress-free. The tour can be customized on request, and it is accessible for wheelchair users, making it suitable for a broad range of travelers.

The guide is fluent in multiple languages including Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and English, and provides live commentary to enrich the sightseeing experience. Parking fees, taxes, and other costs are all included in the upfront price, ensuring no surprises.

Final Thoughts on This São Miguel Tour

This full-day private tour of São Miguel delivers a well-rounded experience, combining stunning scenery, cultural stops, and local cuisine. Its private format allows for flexibility and a personalized touch, with the guide’s knowledge shining through at each stop. The inclusion of lakes, waterfalls, a tea plantation, and volcanic landscapes makes it ideal for those looking to see the island’s top highlights efficiently.

While the day is packed with sights, it maintains a comfortable pace, thanks to the private transportation and well-planned itinerary. The lunch adds a nice touch of local flavor, and the scenic viewpoints ensure ample photo opportunities. This tour is particularly suitable for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience without the hassle of organizing individual visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this tour be customized?
Yes, since it is a private experience, the itinerary can be adjusted upon request or during the day to suit specific interests.

Is lunch included in the price?
Yes, a local gastronomy buffet with starters, main dish, drinks, dessert, and coffee is included in the $259 per person price.

What stops are most praised?
The Sete Cidades lakes, Lagoa do Fogo, Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfalls, and the tea plantation are among the most appreciated highlights from the tour.

What is the duration of the tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 8 hours, beginning with pickup and ending with drop-off at your accommodation.

Is transportation comfortable and suitable for all?
Yes, the tour uses large, comfortable, air-conditioned SUVs that are wheelchair accessible.

How do I reserve this tour?
You can reserve now and pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility to plan your trip confidently.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby