Furnas & Terra Nostra Botanic Park Tour w/Lunch + Hotsprings Bath

Discover the Best of Sao Miguel with the Furnas & Terra Nostra Tour for $87.08

This full-day tour in Sao Miguel, Portugal, offers an engaging mix of natural beauty, local cuisine, and marine life sightings. Priced at $87.08 per person, it is designed for those who want a comprehensive experience packed into approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. The tour includes hotel pickup, making logistics smooth, and features admissions to Terra Nostra Garden, a geyser-cooked lunch, and the chance to relax in thermal hot springs.

What makes this tour stand out is its diverse itinerary: exploring the Furnas volcano crater, enjoying viewpoints over Furnas Lake, sampling the famous cozido, and ending with a leisurely visit to Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens. The tour is well-suited for travelers who appreciate nature, local food, and the chance to learn about Azorean wildlife, all wrapped into one memorable day.

However, potential participants should note that the tour is limited to 7 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience, but also meaning reservations should be made in advance—on average, 33 days ahead. The tour’s reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and beautiful landscapes, though some mention issues with service quality from the provider. Still, the overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 and 92% recommendation rate suggest this trip remains a popular choice.

Key Points

• Includes hotel pickup for convenient start at the Marina de Vila Franca do Campo
• Combines whale and dolphin watching with a visit to Furnas and Terra Nostra
• Features a geyser-cooked cozido lunch and free time to explore Furnas village
• Visits Terra Nostra Gardens, showcasing exotic plants and relaxing thermal pools
• Tour duration is approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, with flexible seasonal highlights
• Limited group size (up to 7 travelers), emphasizing a personal experience

Starting Point at Vila Franca do Campo Marina

The experience begins at Marina de Vila Franca do Campo, where check-in occurs around 11:30 am. This location offers easy access for those arriving by local transport or hotel pickup, which is included in the tour package. The check-in process is smooth, and you start with a quick overview of the day’s itinerary.

This initial meeting point is ideal because it centralizes the tour’s activities and allows the guide to lead the group effectively through the day’s adventures. The location also provides a scenic backdrop for photographing the coastline before heading inland.

Exploring Caldeira das Furnas and Its Volcanic Landscape

The first major stop is Caldeira das Furnas, a volcanic crater that hosts a mystic geothermal zone. The guide leads you on a van tour up the crater, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Furnas Valley and Furnas Lake. This stop takes about 15 minutes but is packed with visual interest, as the landscape is shaped by ongoing volcanic activity.

Down in the valley, visitors are encouraged to take photos of the steaming fumaroles and mineral-rich waters that give Furnas its characteristic geothermal atmosphere. The scenery here is compelling, with the chance to see the natural features that create the famous “cozido” cooked in volcanic heat.

Scenic Views and Photo Opportunities at Lagoa das Furnas

Next, the tour offers a 15-minute stop at Lagoa das Furnas, where panoramic views of the lake and surrounding volcanic landscape provide excellent photo opportunities. This tranquil spot highlights the natural beauty of Sao Miguel’s volcanic terrain. Visitors can take in the scenery, capture pictures, or simply appreciate the calm waters and lush greenery.

This stop helps to deepen understanding of the geothermal activity in the region while offering a relaxing break with stunning vistas. It’s a brief but worthwhile moment to soak in the landscape.

Traditional Geyser-Cooked Cozido Lunch in Furnas Village

The highlight of the culinary experience is a 2-hour visit to Furnas village, where a traditional geyser-cooked cozido is served at a local restaurant. This unique meal is a main attraction, as the vegetables, meats, and other ingredients are slow-cooked underground using volcanic heat, resulting in tender, flavorful dishes.

During this time, visitors are free to explore the village streets, which feature charming watermills, fountains, chapels, and rivers crossing through the town. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, giving a genuine sense of local life and tradition.

Relaxing in Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens

At 3:30 pm, the tour continues with a visit to Terra Nostra Gardens, where a guided walk showcases an impressive collection of plants and flowers from around the world. The gardens are renowned for their century-old trees, rare plants, beautiful avenues, sculptures, and fountains.

The highlight here is the opportunity to relax in the thermal mineral pool, which is heated by volcanic activity and immersed in lush surroundings. The gardens offer a peaceful retreat and a chance to appreciate the botanical diversity, with blooms visible year-round. The guided tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including the hot springs experience.

Marine Life Watching: Dolphins and Whales

Though not detailed in the itinerary, the tour offers a marine life cruise where the chance to see dolphins and whales is included. The onboard guide provides insights into the cetaceans of the Azores, adding an exciting element to the day. While sightings are dependent on conditions, the opportunity to observe marine mammals is a unique aspect of this tour.

The boat cruise allows travelers to enjoy the Atlantic waters, with the potential for memorable wildlife encounters. This component enhances the overall value, combining land excursions with the chance to see the region’s vibrant marine life.

Practical Details and Booking Considerations

The tour is designed for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 7 people. It runs in most weather conditions, though poor weather may lead to cancellations with a full refund or rescheduling. The pickup service simplifies logistics, and all tickets and admissions are included in the price.

Participants are advised to bring personal water, but swimwear and towels are not included due to the hot springs’ volcanic water potentially damaging items. The tour is conducted in English, with a multilingual team, but this is not guaranteed.

Reservations are recommended well in advance, as the tour is popular and typically booked 33 days ahead. Cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for change of plans.

Review Highlights and Practical Tips

The tour consistently garners praise for knowledgeable guides, with many reviewers noting the pleasant personalities and local expertise of the staff. The scenic views, especially at Furnas and Terra Nostra, are frequently highlighted as stunning. The cozido lunch is often described as delicious, representing an authentic taste of local cuisine.

Some reviews mention issues with service consistency, particularly with external companies, but the core experience remains highly rated at 4.7 out of 5. Travelers should be prepared for some walking and possible uneven terrain in the gardens and village streets.

Final Thoughts on the Furnas & Terra Nostra Tour

This tour provides a comprehensive look at the natural wonders and local culture of Sao Miguel. The combination of volcanic landscapes, botanical gardens, and marine wildlife creates a dynamic day out suited for those interested in nature, food, and regional traditions.

The value for money is solid, especially considering the inclusions of lunch, entrance fees, and guided tours. Its small group size enhances the experience, offering more personalized attention.

The main limitations involve possible weather cancellations and the fact that some reviews point to service inconsistencies. Still, the overall experience is highly recommended for visitors who want a well-rounded exploration of Furnas and the surrounding natural attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, hotel pickup is offered and included in the price, making it easier to start the day.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.

What are the main stops during the tour?
Stops include Vila Franca do Campo Marina, Caldeira das Furnas, Furnas village, and Terra Nostra Gardens.

Can I see whales and dolphins on this tour?
Yes, a marine life cruise is part of the experience, with opportunities to see dolphins and whales if conditions permit.

What does the cozido lunch involve?
The lunch includes local island dishes cooked in volcanic heat, featuring vegetables, meats, and other regional specialties.

Are there any physical requirements?
While not explicitly stated, the tour involves walking around gardens and village streets, so moderate mobility is recommended.

What about accessibility?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, but specific accessibility details are not provided.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance; otherwise, the full amount is non-refundable.

Is the tour suitable during all seasons?
Yes, the gardens are vibrant year-round, and the tour adapts seasonally, but weather conditions may affect activities like whale watching.

How should I prepare for hot springs?
Avoid bringing swimwear or towels, as volcanic water can damage clothing; bring suitable gear if planning to enjoy the hot springs.