Chef for a day | Boss for a day (Min. 4 Participants)

Ponta Delgada hosts a truly distinctive tour called “Chef for a Day | Boss for a Day,” offered by BigBlue Adventures. With a price of $173.52 per person, this 9-hour experience is designed for groups of at least 4 participants and is highly booked, with reservations made on average 102 days in advance. This program stands out by combining local shopping, traditional Azorean cuisine, thermal spring cooking, and scenic vistas, creating a rich, hands-on adventure.

What makes this tour especially appealing is its interactive nature: participants don’t just watch or taste — they buy ingredients, cook in thermal waters, and unearth their own lunch by the lagoon. The reviews highlight the warm hospitality, local authenticity, and memorable experiences that this tour delivers, making it a great choice for those seeking an engaging, culturally immersive day in the Azores.

While the tour involves some physical activity like shopping and cooking, it offers easy access to spots such as hot springs and panoramic viewpoints. The tour is well-suited for most travelers and includes pickup and mobile tickets for added convenience. Its excellent reviews and high rating of 5.0 out of 5 reflect its popularity among participants.

Key Points

• Unique cooking experience in the Azores: participants shop, cook, and serve their own meal in scenic locations.
• Includes visits to the Graça Market and Vila Franca do Campo: learn about local ingredients and enjoy regional sweets.
• Cooking happens in thermal springs at Lagoa das Furnas: a highlight where hot volcanic waters are used for culinary preparation.
• Visit hot springs at Poona da Dona Beija: relax and bathe after cooking, combining leisure with culinary fun.
• Uncover the lunch in Lagoa das Furnas: enjoy the meal prepared in the caldera, with stunning lagoon views.
• Scenic viewpoint at Pico do Ferro: take a short stop to see the sweeping Furnas Valley panorama.
• Visit Gorreana Tea Plantation: taste fresh tea at Europe’s only tea factory, and enjoy vistas of green slopes.
• All stops include free or included admission tickets: no extra costs for the key sites visited.
• Tour offered by BigBlue Adventures has received excellent reviews emphasizing guides’ warmth and local knowledge.
• Flexible cancellation policy: free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

Starting the Day at Graça Market with Local Ingredients

The tour begins early at 7:30 am with pickup from your accommodation in Ponta Delgada. The first stop is the Graça Market, where participants can select fresh fish, vegetables, fruit, regional bread, and local wine. This part of the experience offers a hands-on opportunity to learn about Azorean ingredients and see the vibrant local market life.

The market visit lasts about an hour, and no admission fee applies. Guides often share insights about the ingredients, setting the stage for the culinary adventure ahead. It’s a lively, colorful introduction that makes shopping part of the fun.

Sampling Traditional Queijadas in Vila Franca do Campo

Next, the group heads to Vila Franca do Campo, where they have 30 minutes to try the famous Queijadas — traditional sweets created by nuns of the Convent of Santo André. Made from milk, eggs, sugar, butter, and wheat flour, these treats offer a taste of regional dessert craftsmanship. Visitors appreciate this stop for its charming atmosphere and authentic flavor.

Cooking in the Lagoa das Furnas Thermal Waters

The core of this experience takes place at Lagoa das Furnas, where participants spend about an hour cooking using hot volcanic springs. The thermal waters in Furnas are harnessed to cook the lunch, a process that combines natural geothermal heat with culinary tradition.

Participants get the chance to prepare their own dishes alongside skilled guides, making this a truly interactive and memorable part of the day. The activity demonstrates the Azores’ ingenuity in using volcanic activity for food preparation.

Relaxing in the Hot Springs at Poona da Dona Beija

After the culinary work, the tour continues with a 2-hour visit to Poona da Dona Beija, where guests can bathe in natural hot springs. These thermal pools are a popular relaxation spot and provide a soothing break after the cooking. The experience is included in the tour, and visitors can enjoy the healing waters that have made Furnas famous.

Uncovering the Meal in Lagoa das Furnas

Later, the group returns to the caldera of Lagoa das Furnas, where the lunch cooked in the thermal waters is uncovered and served at the lagoon’s edge. This 2-hour segment offers a chance to enjoy a freshly prepared, local meal amid stunning natural scenery. The serving area is conveniently located by the lagoon, providing picturesque views as the meal is enjoyed.

Panoramic Stop at Pico do Ferro

Following lunch, the tour makes a short 30-minute stop at Pico do Ferro. From this viewpoint, visitors are treated to sweeping vistas of the Furnas Valley and the surrounding volcanic landscape. It’s an ideal spot for photos and soaking in the scenery before heading to the next site.

Visiting Gorreana Tea Plantation and Santa Iria Viewpoint

On the way back, the group visits Gorreana Tea Plantation, Europe’s only tea factory, where a tasting session takes place. Participants can savor a cup of tea at 5 o’clock and enjoy views of lush, green slopes that stretch toward the sea from the Santa Iria viewpoint. This stop lasts about 2 hours and offers a relaxing conclusion to the day, with free admission.

Practical Details and Group Size

The tour departs daily at 7:30 am, with pickup offered from accommodations in Ponta Delgada. The maximum group size is 59 travelers, ensuring a comfortable yet lively atmosphere. The experience requires a minimum of 4 participants to run and includes mobile ticketing for ease of access.

What Sets This Tour Apart

This “Chef for a Day” experience thrives on its interactive nature and scenic variety. Participants buy ingredients, cook with geothermal heat, relax in hot springs, and enjoy scenic viewpoints, all within a single day. The guides’ warmth and local knowledge, as reflected in reviews, are key strengths, making the day not only educational but also personable and fun.

The cost of $173.52 covers most activities and admissions, providing excellent value for an immersive experience that combines culinary arts, local culture, and natural beauty.

Considerations and Recommendations

The tour involves some physical activity like shopping and cooking, and participants should be comfortable being active and outdoors. Since most travelers can participate, it’s accessible to a wide audience. It’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing suitable for both cooking and bathing.

The experience is weather-dependent; poor weather may lead to cancellations, but full refunds or rescheduling are offered. Booking well in advance is recommended, given its popularity.

Exploring the Azores with a Culinary Twist

“Chef for a Day | Boss for a Day” offers a hands-on journey into Azorean culture through food, nature, and thermal waters. It is a perfect choice for those who enjoy learning by doing, appreciate local ingredients, and want to combine culinary skills with scenic exploration.

The experience’s positive reviews underline its authenticity and guides’ hospitality, making it highly recommended for adventure seekers and food lovers alike. While it’s a full day and involves some activity, the scenic stops, thermal baths, and delicious meal make it a truly rewarding excursion in Ponta Delgada.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Ponta Delgada is offered, and the tour includes mobile tickets for ease of access.

What is the minimum group size?
A minimum of 4 participants is required for the tour to operate.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Cancelations made less than 24 hours before will not be refunded.

What should I wear for the activities?
Comfortable clothing suitable for shopping, cooking, and bathing is recommended.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate; no specific age restrictions are mentioned.

Does the tour include visits to hot springs?
Yes, the Poona da Dona Beija hot springs are part of the experience, where you can bathe in natural thermal waters.

Is food included in the tour?
The lunch, cooked in thermal springs, is prepared and served during the tour, included in the price.

How long do stops at scenic viewpoints last?
The Pico do Ferro viewpoint stop lasts about 30 minutes.

What makes this tour different from other Azores excursions?
Its interactive cooking experience in geothermal waters, combined with local market visits and scenic lagoon views, sets it apart.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While most activities are accessible, the physical nature of shopping and outdoor stops may require some mobility, and travelers should consider this before booking.