Furnas Private & Customizable Tour (group price)

Explore São Miguel in Comfort with a Private, Customizable Tour

The Furnas Private & Customizable Tour offers an ideal way to explore the highlights of São Miguel, Portugal, at your own pace. Priced at $416.45 per group (up to 6), this 8-hour experience is perfect for travelers seeking a personalized adventure through volcanic landscapes, scenic viewpoints, and charming villages. The tour departs from Ponta Delgada, starting at 9:00 am, with hotel or port pickup included, ensuring a smooth and convenient start.

What makes this tour stand out is its fully customizable itinerary, allowing you to prioritize the sites that interest you most, whether that’s relaxing at hot springs, tasting local tea, or capturing breathtaking views. The journey takes place in a luxury Mercedes minivan, which offers comfort throughout the day. While lunch is not included, the opportunity to try the famous cozido stew at Furnas, at your own expense, adds an authentic flavor to your day.

This experience is most suited for those who value flexibility, comfort, and expert guidance, with reviews consistently praising the knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery. However, it’s worth noting that some stops, like the hot springs, are optional and may require additional expense. This private tour balances personalized exploration with the convenience of a well-organized, professionally guided trip.

Key Points

• Fully private and customizable for a tailored experience
• Includes hotel or port pickup and luxury transportation
• Visits Furnas Lake, Vila Franca do Campo, and scenic viewpoints
• Learn from guides offering insightful commentary throughout the day
• Lunch not included, but opportunity to try cozido, at own expense
• Tour duration is approximately 8 hours with flexible stops

Starting Point at EuroBic ABANCA in Ponta Delgada

The tour begins at the central location of EuroBic ABANCA in Ponta Delgada. From there, you are whisked away in a luxury Mercedes minivan, ensuring a comfortable ride across the island. The group size is limited to up to 6 people, fostering a more intimate and personalized experience.

The pickup and drop-off service is included, removing the hassle of logistics and allowing you to relax from the start. The timing begins at 9:00 am, giving you a full day to explore São Miguel’s volcanic wonders at leisure. This setup is ideal for travelers who prefer a private experience tailored to their needs.

Discover Vila Franca do Campo’s Coastal Charm

The first stop takes you to Vila Franca do Campo, the island’s former capital. Here, you enjoy 45 minutes of scenic views over the islet of Vila Franca do Campo and the surrounding coast. The village’s charm is enhanced by tasting a small traditional pastry, a local treat.

This stop offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural flavor, as you observe the picturesque coastline and learn about the area’s history. The view from the islet provides a stunning introduction to the coast of São Miguel, setting the tone for the day ahead.

Experiencing the Volcanic Power at Caldeira das Furnas

The highlight of the tour is the visit to Caldeira das Furnas, an active volcano crater filled with a lake, fumaroles, and hot springs. This site typically receives 4 hours of exploration, making it the most extensive stop on the itinerary.

Here, you get to witness volcanic phenomena firsthand, with several stops to appreciate the boiling fumaroles and hot springs. The nearby village is famous for its cozido de Furnas, a stew cooked underground using volcanic heat, which can be sampled at your own expense. Visitors also have the option to enjoy a hot spring bath, adding relaxation to the adventure.

While admission tickets for the springs are not included, the natural scenery and geothermal activity provide a captivating experience that showcases the island’s volcanic nature.

Visiting Gorreana Tea Plantations and Tasting Local Tea

The tour includes a 45-minute stop at Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana, a historic tea plantation that has been producing tea for generations. Visitors learn about the history and process of tea production, gaining insight into this unique industry on the island.

The highlight is the complimentary tea tasting, allowing you to sample fresh, locally produced tea. This stop offers a peaceful break and a chance to appreciate the agricultural side of São Miguel, contrasting with the volcanic landscapes visited earlier.

The free admission and insightful guided visit make this stop a favorite for those interested in local traditions and flavors.

Scenic Vistas at Miradouro de Santa Iria and Miradouro do Piaso

Two scenic viewpoints are part of the itinerary, offering spectacular photo opportunities. Miradouro de Santa Iria is a 25-minute stop where you can take in views of the northern cliffy coast of São Miguel. The dramatic landscape provides excellent photo angles and a moment to appreciate the island’s rugged beauty.

Similarly, Miradouro do Piaso provides another 25-minute stop, with a breathtaking view over the delta lava of Caloura. Both viewpoints are free and accessible, highlighting the island’s volcanic terrain and offering perspectives that are hard to beat.

These stops enhance the tour’s focus on São Miguel’s natural beauty, making for memorable photographs and peaceful moments.

Optional Stops and Flexibility in the Itinerary

One of the main advantages of this private tour is its flexibility. The itinerary can be tailored to your interests, whether you want to spend more time at hot springs, explore additional viewpoints, or visit other local sites.

The guide’s commentary adds depth to each stop, sharing insights into the natural and cultural history of São Miguel. The comfortable van and professional guide make transitions smooth, and the flexibility means you can choose to spend more or less time at specific locations.

While lunch is not included, the tour’s flexibility means you can plan a meal at your convenience, perhaps at a local restaurant or picnic spot.

The Guide’s Expertise and Personal Touch

Reviews consistently highlight the knowledgeable and friendly guides, with Paulo frequently praised for making the experience enjoyable and educational. The guides are skilled at adapting the pace to suit each group and are attentive to children’s needs, making the tour suitable for families as well.

Visitors appreciate the insightful commentary and the local recommendations for hidden cafes and eateries, which enrich the overall experience. The comfortable van and well-planned route ensure a seamless day, with guides managing the logistics smoothly.

Practical Details and Booking Considerations

Booking this tour on average 97 days in advance indicates high demand, especially for those seeking a private, customizable experience. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately is advised.

Since admission tickets for some sites like hot springs are not included, travelers should budget for additional expenses if they wish to indulge. The full refund policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, providing peace of mind for flexible planning.

Who Should Choose This Tour?

This Furnas private tour is ideal for travelers who value personalized exploration, comfort, and expert guidance. It suits those interested in volcanic landscapes, scenic viewpoints, and local traditions like tea tasting and culinary experiences.

Families, couples, or small groups who prefer a luxury, flexible day without the constraints of a large group will find this tour particularly appealing. It’s a solid choice for visitors looking to combine natural beauty with cultural insights, all within a 8-hour window.

Furnas Private & Customizable Tour (group price) – Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded, comfortable way to see São Miguel’s volcanic and coastal treasures. The private, customizable nature means you can focus on your interests, while the professional guides ensure you gain meaningful insights into the island’s geology and culture. The luxury transport enhances the experience, making it a stress-free day.

While lunch is not included, the opportunity to try cozido and visit scenic viewpoints gives a genuine taste of São Miguel’s diverse appeal. The high ratings and enthusiastic reviews reflect consistent satisfaction, especially regarding the guides’ knowledge and the stunning scenery.

This tour is a top choice for anyone seeking an intimate, flexible day exploring São Miguel’s volcanic beauty, with the added comfort of a private, guided experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including children, as guides are attentive to their needs and flexible with stops.

What is included in the price?
The private tour, luxury transportation, hotel or port pickup and drop-off, and live commentary are included. Lunch is not included, and admission tickets for some sites like hot springs are extra.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is fully customizable, allowing you to prioritize sites like hot springs, viewpoints, or cultural stops.

What should I bring?
Dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour operates in all conditions. Bring essentials such as water, sunscreen, and a camera.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking is recommended about 97 days in advance due to high demand, especially during peak travel seasons.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, it operates in all weather conditions; please dress accordingly.

Is there a limit to the group size?
Yes, groups are limited to up to 6 people, ensuring a personalized experience.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.