Couples PRIVATE Hybrid 4X4 Tour – Furnas (Inc Hot Springs and 3 Course Lunch)

Discover the Ultimate Private 4×4 Tour in Furnas, São Miguel

This Couples PRIVATE Hybrid 4X4 Tour offers a full-day adventure around the eastern half of São Miguel Island, starting from Ponta Delgada. Priced at $354.56 per group, this tour provides a personalized, private experience perfect for couples seeking a relaxed yet comprehensive exploration of the island’s highlights. It lasts approximately 8 hours, with pickup included, making it a convenient choice for visitors arriving by cruise or staying locally. The tour is highly rated, with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from 14 reviews, and is booked on average 81 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

What makes this tour stand out is its emphasis on local scenery, volcanic activity, and authentic cuisine. It combines natural wonders, cultural insights, and a delicious 3-course lunch cooked in a volcano, making it an engaging and immersive experience. While it’s designed for couples or small groups, it offers enough flexibility and comfort to suit those looking for a stress-free exploration of São Miguel’s unique landscapes.

Key Points

• Private, couples-focused experience with a personalized guide.
• Includes all fees, taxes, and a 3-course lunch featuring traditional cozido stew cooked in volcanic steam.
• Stops at Furnas Lake, Caldeira das Furnas, Terra Nostra Park, and Gorreana Tea Plantation.
• Transport in air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from cruise or hotel included.
• The tour lasts approximately 8 hours with flexible scheduling, departing at 9:30 am.
• Rated 5.0/5, praised for knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery.

Starting Point and Logistics for a Seamless Day

The tour begins with pickup at 9:30 am from Ponta Delgada hotels or cruise ports. This private tour means only your group participates, ensuring a relaxed pace and personalized attention. The air-conditioned vehicle is comfortable for the full day, and all fees and taxes are included in the price.

While WiFi is not available onboard, the convenience of round-trip transfers ensures stress-free logistics. Most travelers book this tour well in advance, highlighting its popularity and the value placed on a tailored experience on São Miguel.

Exploring Furnas Lake and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias

The first stop is at Lagoa das Furnas, where a lakeside walk offers peaceful views and photo opportunities. The lush green trail along the water features wood carvings and the Gothic-style Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, built in the mid-1800s by José do Canto, stands out as a remarkable sight. The walk lasts about an hour, and admission is free, making it an accessible and scenic start.

This lakeside stop sets the tone for the day, combining natural beauty with a touch of local history. The quiet serenity here appeals to travelers seeking a peaceful introduction to Furnas.

Witnessing the Volcanic Boiling Grounds at Caldeira das Furnas

Next, the guide leads the group to Caldeira das Furnas, an active volcanic area where the ground is hot to the touch and water bubbles up in steam vents. This 15-minute stop allows visitors to glimpse the source of the famous cozido stew, which is buried in the ground and cooked with volcanic steam for six hours.

Seeing the bubbling earth and feeling the thermal heat provides an authentic sense of São Miguel’s volcanic activity. It’s a short visit but highly visual and memorable, emphasizing the island’s geothermal power.

Relaxing in Terra Nostra’s Hot Springs

The highlight for many visitors is the two-hour stop at Parque Terra Nostra, where the hot springs are open for soaking. This 18th-century botanical garden spans 12.5 hectares, filled with lush plants and shaded pathways, ideal for wandering after a warm bath.

The thermal waters are renowned for their healing properties, and the hot spring lake invites full immersion. The visit is quiet and leisurely, giving plenty of time to unwind before heading to lunch. The park’s natural beauty makes it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Traditional Cozido Lunch Cooked in a Volcano

Following the soak, the tour includes a delicious 3-course lunch, featuring the famous cozido stew, cooked for six hours in volcanic steam. The meal also includes soup of the day, a choice of desserts, and beverages such as water, wine, and coffee.

This authentic meal provides a true taste of local cuisine and is a highlight for many guests. The chef’s skill in turning volcanic heat into a flavorful dish adds a memorable flavor to the day’s culinary experience.

Exploring the Bubbling Volcanic Fumaroles of Furnas

After lunch, the tour continues with a 20-minute visit to the volcanic zone of Furnas, where fumaroles and bubbling hot springs create an otherworldly landscape. Visitors can see and smell the volcanic activity firsthand and may taste mineral-rich spring waters that flow into the town.

This stop provides a vivid reminder of São Miguel’s active volcanoes, with sights, sounds, and smells that are uniquely volcanic. It’s a quick but compelling look at the island’s geothermal heartbeat.

Tasting Organic Tea at Gorreana Tea Plantation

If time permits, the tour makes a 20-minute visit to the Gorreana Tea Plantation on the north coast. Founded in 1883, it’s one of only two tea plantations in Europe still in operation, producing organic European tea.

Visitors can observe traditional tea processing machinery and sample fresh, organic tea at the on-site café. This stop offers insight into a longstanding Azorean tradition and a chance to taste authentic tea from the island.

Viewing the Coast from Miradouro de Santa Iria

Before returning to Ponta Delgada, the final stop is at Miradouro de Santa Iria, a stunning 180-degree coastal viewpoint. It offers sweeping views over rugged cliffs, the deep blue Atlantic Ocean, and the coastline, providing a perfect photo opportunity and a peaceful ending to the day.

This 8-minute stop highlights the dramatic natural beauty of São Miguel’s northern coast and leaves visitors with memorable scenery from a prime vantage point.

Overall Experience and Suitability

This private, couples-focused tour excels in offering a balanced mix of natural sights, geothermal activity, cultural insights, and local cuisine. The knowledgeable guide, praised in reviews, adds depth with stories and explanations, making each stop more meaningful.

While the entire day is well-paced, it suits travelers seeking a relaxed and intimate exploration without rushing. The private nature ensures flexibility and personal attention, making it ideal for couples or small groups looking for an authentic and comfortable experience.

Limitations are minimal, but travelers should be prepared for a full day of activity with some walking and outdoor exposure. The lack of WiFi onboard is a consideration for those wanting connectivity, but the scenic stops more than make up for it.

Azores Connections’ Full-Day Tour of São Miguel’s Highlights

Operated by Azores Connections, this tour emphasizes personalized service, high-quality local experiences, and a focus on geothermal and cultural highlights of São Miguel. It’s recommended to book well in advance due to high demand, especially for those on cruise ships or with tight schedules.

The combination of hot springs, volcanic cooking, scenic viewpoints, and organic tea tasting makes this tour a comprehensive way to experience the island’s core attractions in one day. Its perfect 5-star rating reflects its ability to deliver a memorable, tailored journey through São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price of $354.56 per group includes all fees and taxes, liability insurance, round-trip transportation, a 3-course lunch, and admission tickets to Terra Nostra Park and Gorreana Tea Plantation.

What stops are part of the itinerary?
Stops include Lagoa das Furnas, Caldeira das Furnas, Terra Nostra Park, volcanic fumaroles of Furnas, Gorreana Tea Plantation (if time allows), and Miradouro de Santa Iria.

How long does the tour last?
The full-day tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:30 am. It provides a leisurely pace with plenty of time at each stop.

Is the tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
While the tour involves outdoor walking and some uneven terrain, the private nature allows for potential flexibility. However, travelers should be prepared for walking at Terra Nostra and around volcanic sites.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If weather conditions affect the tour, alternative dates or a full refund are available.

Is this tour good for cruise passengers?
Absolutely; the pickup from cruise ports ensures convenience, making it an excellent choice for cruise visitors wanting a private, comprehensive tour.

What makes this tour stand out from others?
The personalized, private experience with expert guides, combined with authentic culinary and geothermal stops, offers a deep, relaxing dive into São Miguel’s volcanic character.

Are meals included?
Yes, a 3-course lunch featuring cozido, soup, desserts, and drinks is part of the package, providing a genuine taste of local cuisine.

What is the main appeal of the tour?
The blend of natural beauty, volcanic activity, cultural insights, and delicious food makes this tour perfect for couples seeking a personalized and authentic Azorean experience.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, especially for those who value expert local guides, private attention, and a well-rounded look at São Miguel’s volcanic and cultural highlights.