Full-Day Private São Miguel Tour with Furnas and Hot springs

This full-day private São Miguel tour offers an enriching experience for those eager to explore the island’s natural beauty and unique culinary traditions. Priced at $277.82 per group of up to 4, this 8-hour journey provides personalized transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and visits to some of the island’s most renowned spots. The tour is perfect for travelers who appreciate scenic viewpoints, local food, and relaxing in thermal waters, all with the convenience of pickup and private transport included.

While the tour requires a modest entrance fee of 13 euros per person for certain sites, it balances this with free visits to many viewpoints and volcanic features. The reviews highlight the guide’s expertise and friendliness, making this a highly-rated choice for those seeking a comprehensive day around São Miguel. Keep in mind that the visit to Terra Nostra Park involves an optional bath in hot springs, which adds to the relaxation but is not included in the entry price.

Key Points

• Private transportation and personalized experience for up to 4 people
• Includes visits to Furnas lake, hot springs, and viewpoint stops with spectacular views
• Taste the famous Cozido das Furnas, cooked in volcanic steam at Lagoa das Furnas
• Visit Gorreana Tea Plantation, Europe’s oldest tea plantation producing black, green, and white teas
• Relax at Terra Nostra Park, enjoying thermal springs in a lush botanical setting
• Tour duration is approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am with pickup included

Explore São Miguel’s Scenic Viewpoints: Santa Iria and Pico do Ferro

The tour begins with a visit to Miradouro de Santa Iria, a viewpoint near Porto Formoso at 190 meters altitude. Here, the landscape unfolds with lush greenery meeting the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning vistas of the northern coast of São Miguel. This stop lasts about an hour and is perfect for photography or simply soaking in the expansive views.

Next, the guide leads you to Miradouro Pico do Ferro, perched at roughly 570 meters elevation. From this high vantage point, you gaze over Vale das Furnas and Lagoa das Furnas, a volcanic crater lake that forms the heart of the geothermal activity on the island. This stop provides an impressive perspective on the island’s volcanic landscape and takes about an hour.

Visiting Gorreana Tea Plantation: Europe’s Oldest Tea Farm

A highlight of this tour is the visit to Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana, the oldest and only remaining tea plantation in Europe. During the one-hour stop, visitors can walk around the lush plantations, observing how black, green, and white teas are cultivated and processed. The factory’s history dates back centuries, and this visit offers insight into traditional tea-making techniques. The plantation’s setting amidst green hills makes for a calming stop and a chance to purchase local teas directly from the source.

Discovering Lagoa das Furnas and Its Boiling Waters

Lagoa das Furnas sits at about 600 meters altitude and is renowned for its volcanic activity. The lagoon’s banks host 56 active holes where the traditional Cozido das Furnas is cooked using underground volcanic heat. The process involves placing the stew in holes that stay between 64ºC and 96ºC, for a cooking time of six to seven hours.

While the lake itself is free to visit, tasting the famous Cozido requires a visit to nearby Restaurante Tonys, where you can enjoy this hearty dish along with other local meals. The cooking process and the scenery make this stop particularly distinctive, showcasing the island’s volcanic culinary tradition.

Sampling Local Flavors at Restaurante Tonys

Located in the center of Furnas parish, Restaurante Tonys offers an opportunity to savor authentic Portuguese Cozido and other regional dishes. The restaurant’s setting near the Church of Nossa Senhora da Alegria adds charm to the experience. The stop lasts about an hour, allowing ample time for a delicious meal. Note that while food is not included in the tour price, the flavors and hospitality here are highly appreciated by visitors.

Witnessing Geothermal Activity at Caldeira das Furnas

The Caldeira das Furnas area showcases the island’s ongoing volcanic activity. Geysers, mineral springs, and medicinal muds emerge from various outlets, creating a lively landscape full of natural mineral waters. This free access spot provides an up-close look at geothermal phenomena, with mineral waters pouring from different spouts at various temperatures and flavors. Visitors can enjoy the sights and appreciate the island’s active volcanic environment.

Relaxing at Terra Nostra Park’s Thermal Gardens

The tour concludes with a two-hour visit to Parque Terra Nostra, a botanical garden that has been cultivated for over 200 years. Here, the thermal spring pool offers water at 35 to 40 degrees Celsius, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. The lush park features native and exotic plants from various climates, creating a peaceful environment. Access to the thermal pool is optional and not included in the entrance fee, but it’s highly recommended for a restorative dip amid beautiful surroundings.

Logistics: Private Transport and Convenience

This private tour offers the comfort of air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, and beach towels for comfort throughout the day. The tour starts promptly at 9:00 am with pickup included, making it easy to fit into a travel schedule. The private arrangement means your group enjoys personalized attention and flexibility, enhancing the overall experience.

The total entrance costs to the sites visited are approximately 13 euros per person, payable on-site. Since the tour is designed to cover major sights efficiently, the pacing allows time for photography, questions, and enjoying each location without feeling rushed.

Who Will Appreciate This São Miguel Tour?

This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, private exploration of São Miguel’s highlights with a focus on natural beauty, volcanic activity, and local cuisine. It appeals particularly to those interested in scenic viewpoints, geothermal phenomena, and culinary traditions like the Cozido. The guided aspect receives praise for expertise and friendliness, making it an ideal choice for visitors seeking a personal touch.

While the tour involves some walking and exposure to outdoor environments, it remains accessible for most travelers. The optional thermal bath at Terra Nostra offers a chance to unwind, though it’s not included in the tour fee. Those who prefer a flexible, all-inclusive experience with detailed commentary will find this tour to be a valuable way to see São Miguel.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Day with Natural and Cultural Highlights

This private full-day São Miguel tour delivers a rich mix of scenic views, volcanic wonders, and authentic local flavors. The combination of viewpoints, the Gorreana tea plantation, Lagoa das Furnas, and the thermal baths provides a diverse experience suited for curious travelers.

The tour’s personalized approach, led by a knowledgeable guide, stands out as a key benefit. The limited group size and private transport make for a comfortable, flexible day. Although some sites involve additional costs, the overall value is high for those wanting an in-depth look at the island’s natural and culinary treasures.

Most visitors who enjoy sightseeing with a focus on nature, geology, and local cuisine will find this tour both informative and relaxing. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a curated, intimate experience of São Miguel’s most iconic spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The private transportation, bottled water, beach towels, and the guided service are included. Entry to the sites costs about 13 euros per person and is payable on-site.

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

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Miradouro de Santa Iria, Gorreana Tea Plantation, Miradouro Pico do Ferro, Lagoa das Furnas, Restaurante Tonys, Caldeira das Furnas, and Parque Terra Nostra.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, though some walking and outdoor exposure are involved. The thermal baths are optional.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of stunning viewpoints, the cultural experience of Cozido cooking, and the friendly, knowledgeable guide make it a highly-rated choice.

Are there any dietary restrictions to consider?
The tour includes local food at Restaurante Tonys, but specific dietary needs are not detailed. It’s advisable to inquire beforehand if necessary.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings are available through the provided link, with confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability.