Full Day Jeep Tour Furnas with lunch (Cozido) and drinks included

Exploring São Miguel Island becomes effortless with the Full Day Jeep Tour Furnas, a highly-rated experience offered at $98.84 per person. Spanning roughly 8 hours, this guided adventure takes you through some of the island’s most stunning volcanic landscapes, bubbling hot springs, and lush plantations. The tour departs from Ponta Delgada with convenient hotel pickup, making it an ideal choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive and relaxed day out.

What truly sets this tour apart is the inclusion of lunch featuring traditional cozido stew, cooked using geothermal heat in Furnas. Complemented by unlimited drinks—beer, wine, and soft drinks—this tour offers a great mix of sightseeing, cultural tasting, and comfort. While the tour involves some off-road driving and walking, it’s accessible for most visitors, especially those with an interest in natural scenery and Azorean culture.

Key Points

• All-inclusive price of $98.84 covers transport, lunch, and drinks
• Approximately 8 hours of guided exploration starting at 9:00 am
• Small group setting ensures a relaxed, personalized experience
• Highlights include Furnas Volcano, hot springs, and tea plantations
• Tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select Ponta Delgada hotels
• Visit Furnas and Gorreana tea plantation, with optional hot spring bathing (additional expense)

Discover Furnas’ Volcanic Wonders

The tour begins with a visit to Caldeira das Furnas, a stunning volcanic crater area famous for its bubbling thermal activity. You’ll see the geothermal phenomena that make Furnas famous, including the hot springs and fumaroles that give the landscape its distinctive character. The guides are well-informed, sharing insights into the volcanic history of this area, making it a captivating stop for those interested in geology and natural forces shaping São Miguel.

A key highlight is experiencing the Furnas Volcano, where you see the landscape formed by centuries of geothermal activity. The scenic surroundings offer breathtaking views and photo opportunities, making it clear why this region is such a favorite for visitors. While some stops are free of charge, the geothermal hot springs at Poça da Dona Beija are optional and require an extra fee if you wish to bathe.

Tea Plantations and Tasting at Gorreana

Next, the tour takes you to Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana, Europe’s oldest tea plantation. Here, the lush green fields stretch across rolling hills, and visitors can walk among the tea bushes while learning about the history of tea production on the island. The visit includes a sample of the local tea, offering a taste of the Azores’ unique beverage tradition. The plantation’s setting provides a peaceful break from sightseeing and a chance to enjoy the aroma of fresh tea leaves.

Scenic Drive Along São Miguel’s Northern Coast

The journey from Furnas to the tea plantation involves a scenic drive along the northern coast, allowing you to admire the lush landscapes, coastal cliffs, and small villages. The guide shares stories about the island’s history, agriculture, and local life, enriching the experience without feeling rushed. This part of the tour showcases the diverse scenery of São Miguel, from volcanic crater lakes to vibrant farmland.

Lunch with Cozido Stew and Unlimited Drinks

A major highlight is the lunch featuring traditional cozido, a hearty stew cooked underground using geothermal heat. The meal is included in the tour price, and reviews highlight its delicious flavor. Alongside the cozido, guests enjoy unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, ensuring a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. Vegetarian options are available, so travelers with dietary preferences can be accommodated.

Visiting the Active Poça da Dona Beija Hot Springs

Although optional and at an extra cost, many choose to bathe in the Poça da Dona Beija hot springs. These thermal pools are renowned for their warm temperatures and therapeutic qualities. The hot springs provide a relaxing way to unwind after a day of sightseeing, with facilities that cater to comfort and wellness.

Expert Guides and Small Group Comfort

The tour is led by knowledgeable guides, many of whom are multi-lingual, speaking in a friendly and engaging manner. The small-group format, typically up to 50 travelers, ensures a comfortable and personalized experience. Numerous reviews praise guides like Eddie, Sergio, Mariano, and Francisco for their storytelling, local insights, and helpful attitude.

Convenience of Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off

The tour starts at the Hotel Marina Atlântico, with pickup available at selected hotels in Ponta Delgada. This added convenience means travelers do not need to worry about transportation logistics, allowing for a more relaxed start to the day. The entire experience wraps up back at the meeting point, completing the loop comfortably.

Booking and Flexibility

Most bookings are made 49 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, giving flexibility for travelers with changing plans. The activity operates with confirmation within 48 hours of booking, and special arrangements are possible for cruise ship passengers, who need to specify docking and re-boarding times.

Experience of the Guides and Overall Satisfaction

Reviews consistently highlight the excellent quality of guides, with many mentioning specific names like Eddie, Sergio, and Ricardo for their professionalism, knowledge, and friendliness. Travelers note that the sightseeing stops are breathtaking, the food is delicious, and the off-road driving adds an element of fun. The tour is praised for being well-paced, with enough time to explore each stop without feeling hurried.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour

This experience is ideal for visitors who want a comprehensive day of sightseeing in eastern São Miguel without the hassle of planning multiple excursions. It suits those interested in geothermal activity, local food, and scenic drives. The inclusion of lunch, drinks, and hotel pickup makes it especially attractive for travelers seeking value and convenience. It’s also a good fit for those who enjoy small group tours that foster a relaxed atmosphere.

Final Thoughts on the Full Day Jeep Tour Furnas

This tour provides a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural insight, and comfort. The $98.84 price offers good value for a full-day, all-inclusive experience, especially with the personalized touch of small group sizes and expert guides. The highlights—Furnas Volcano, tea plantations, hot springs, and traditional cozido—are all memorable and showcase the diverse charms of São Miguel.

While some stops, like the hot springs, involve additional costs, the overall experience remains comprehensive and enjoyable. Visitors who want to see the best of eastern São Miguel with ease and enjoy authentic local cuisine will find this tour well worth the investment. It’s a dependable choice for those wishing to explore the island’s volcanic landscapes and cultural sights in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The full-day Jeep tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch with cozido stew, and unlimited drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks).

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, hot spring bathing at Poça da Dona Beija involves an extra fee. Entrance fees for parks or hot springs are not included in the tour cost.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.

Is lunch suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available; travelers should advise at the time of booking.

What stops are included on the tour?
Stops include Caldeira das Furnas, Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana, and scenic drives along the northern coast, with optional thermal spring bathing.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings can be made through the provider Greenzone, Animation Turistica Lda., with options for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is this tour suitable for all physical levels?
The tour involves some walking and off-road driving but is generally accessible for most visitors who are comfortable with moderate activity.

Can cruise ship passengers join this tour?
Yes, but they must provide docking and re-boarding times at the time of booking.

What guides lead this tour?
The tour is operated by a multi-lingual guide, with many reviews praising guides like Eddie, Sergio, Mariano, and Francisco.

What is the overall rating of this tour?
It holds a perfect 5.0 out of 5 based on 172 reviews, with 99% recommending it highly.