Full Day Furnas Volcano, With Traditional Lunch (East Tour)

Explore the captivating Furnas Valley on this full-day tour of Sao Miguel, Portugal, priced at $87.22 per person. Departing from Ponta Delgada at 9:00 am, this 8-hour experience offers a well-rounded look at the island’s volcanic terrain, cultural highlights, and culinary delights. The tour features small-group intimacy, guided by knowledgeable professionals, ensuring a personalized and relaxed atmosphere. Highlights include visiting Caldeira das Furnas, where thermal pools and charming churches await, and Lagoa das Furnas, known for its scenic crater lake and natural hot springs. The traditional lunch of cozido — a stew cooked underground using thermal heat — is a standout, giving guests a taste of local culinary craftsmanship. With parking fees and transport in an air-conditioned minivan included, this tour offers excellent value for exploring Sao Miguel’s key sights.

While the tour is rich in sights and stories, it does have optional extras like the Terra Nostra botanical gardens at an additional €16. The group size is capped at 32 travelers, and reviews consistently praise the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Joaquim, Bruno, and Hugo, making this a solid choice for those seeking an engaging, informative day.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $87.22 for about 8 hours, this tour balances affordability with comprehensive sightseeing.
• Small Group Experience: The maximum of 32 travelers provides a more personalized attention.
• Highlights: Visit Furnas village, thermal pools, crater lake, ceramic factories, and the tea plantation.
• Culinary Highlight: Traditional cozido stew cooked underground, served at lunch.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Joaquim, Bruno, and Hugo earn high praise for their knowledge and friendly approach.
• Transport: Travel is in an air-conditioned minivan with parking fees covered.
• Optional Extra: Visit the Terra Nostra botanical gardens for an additional €16.
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at the Posto de Turismo de Ponta Delgada on Avenida Infante Dom Henrique at 9:00 am. It ends back at the same meeting point, making it easy to plan your day around. The pickup service offers convenience, and the small group size ensures a relaxed pace. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most being able to participate and near public transportation access.

Exploring Furnas Village and Its Thermal Pools

The first stop is Caldeira das Furnas, where visitors find beautiful churches, lush gardens, and thermal pools. This part of the tour lasts approximately 2 hours and features free admission, giving ample time to explore at your own pace. The area is renowned for its natural hot springs and scenic charm, perfect for photos and leisurely walks.

Lagoa das Furnas: Crater Lake and Hot Springs

Next, the tour visits Lagoa das Furnas, a crater lake surrounded by hot springs. This stop lasts about 40 minutes and is free of charge, highlighting the island’s volcanic activity. The scenic lake offers great photo opportunities, and the hot springs add a relaxing touch to the experience.

Discovering Sao Miguel’s Ceramic Factories

A highlight of the tour is a visit to ceramic factories, where traditional craftsmanship is on display. This stop showcases local artisanship and provides insight into Sao Miguel’s cultural heritage. It’s a favorite for those interested in arts and crafts, adding a tangible connection to the island’s local economy.

A Tour of the Sao Miguel Tea Plantation

The trip includes a visit to one of Europe’s few tea plantations. Guides share knowledge about the tea-making process and the history of tea cultivation on the island. The tea factory tour is praised for its depth of information and the friendly, knowledgeable guides like Joaquim and Bruno, who make the experience engaging and educational.

Cultural and Architectural Gems in Ribeira Grande

The tour also features a stop in Ribeira Grande, where visitors admire the town’s beautiful architecture. This stop provides a chance to appreciate local buildings and learn about the historical development of the island’s second-largest city.

The Thermal Springs and Gardens Optional Visit

For those interested, an optional visit to the Terra Nostra botanical gardens and geothermal pools can be added at €16 per person. This site is famous for its lush plant collections and warm thermal pools, offering a relaxing break from sightseeing.

The Culinary Experience: Cooking Cozido Underground

A key highlight is lunch featuring cozido, a rich stew cooked underground using geothermal heat. Guests witness the traditional cooking process, then enjoy a hearty meal that exemplifies local culinary traditions. The experience of seeing the stew removed from the thermal pit and served fresh is both a visual and taste delight.

The Guides: Knowledgeable, Friendly, and Fluent

Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ expertise and warmth, notably Joaquim, Bruno, and Hugo. They are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging, often providing extra insights beyond the standard script. Their storytelling enhances the experience, making each stop more meaningful.

Pacing, Crowd Size, and Comfort

The decent pacing of the tour ensures that guests don’t feel rushed, with ample time at each stop. The small-group dynamic creates a more relaxed environment, allowing questions and personal interactions. The air-conditioned minivan and covered stops help manage the region’s unpredictable weather, which can include rain, as noted in some reviews.

Practical Tips and Extra Costs

While most activities are included, the Terra Nostra botanical garden is an optional additional cost. The tour starts at 9:00 am and ends at the meeting point, with parking and transport included. Travelers should consider bringing suitable footwear and rain gear, especially if visiting outdoor sites like Lagoa das Furnas or the ceramic factory.

Final Thoughts on the Full Day Furnas Volcano Tour

This tour offers a comprehensive look at Sao Miguel’s volcanic landscape, cultural heritage, and culinary traditions. The small-group format ensures personalized attention, and the knowledgeable guides make each stop engaging. The lunch of cozido cooked underground is a memorable culinary highlight, complemented by visits to ceramic factories, tea plantations, and thermal springs.

While the tour is well-paced and inclusive, travelers should be prepared for some optional costs and variable weather conditions. It’s most suited for those eager to explore Sao Miguel’s natural beauty and cultural richness in a single day, with a focus on comfort, education, and local flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $87.22 per person, covering transport, lunch, coffee/tea, beverages, and parking fees.

Where does the tour start and end?
It departs and returns to the Posto de Turismo de Ponta Delgada on Avenida Infante Dom Henrique.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Caldeira das Furnas, Lagoa das Furnas, ceramic factories, tea plantation, and Ribeira Grande.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, with most reviews highlighting the friendly and accommodating guides.

Can I visit the Terra Nostra botanical gardens?
Yes, this is an optional extra at €16, which includes a visit to the gardens and geothermal pools.

What makes this tour unique?
The combination of volcanic sights, cultural sites, and a traditional underground cozido lunch offers a balanced, immersive experience of Sao Miguel.

Are there any physical or accessibility considerations?
The tour involves outdoor stops and walking at sites like Lagoa das Furnas and ceramic factories, so comfortable footwear is recommended. No specific accessibility details are provided.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain, a full refund or reschedule is available.

How do I cancel if needed?
Free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the tour start, with full refunds provided.