Minibus Laketour Furnas Full Day (Shared)

Discover the Charm of Furnas on a Full-Day Mini Bus Tour

The Minibus Laketour Furnas Full Day Tour offers an engaging way to explore some of São Miguel’s most captivating natural and cultural sites. Priced at $80.25 per person, this 7 to 8-hour trip is perfect for visitors looking for a comprehensive outing without the hassle of self-driving. The tour departs from Ponta Delgada at 9:00 am, with a small group size—usually fewer than 8 people—and takes place in a van, ensuring a cozy, personalized experience.

Known for its impressive volcanic landscape, Vila das Furnas stands out as the highlight, with its bubbling fumaroles, natural calderas, and lush scenery. This tour is ideal for those eager to see hot springs, scenic viewpoints, and learn about local traditions. While the itinerary is packed and well-structured, it offers enough flexibility for enjoyable visits, making it suitable for most travelers with moderate mobility.

Key Points

• Affordable and well-organized full-day trip including many key sights of São Miguel
• Small group size means more personalized attention and fewer crowds
• Expert guides like Vasco, Andre, Juan, and Reuben provide engaging insights
• Visits to fumaroles, viewpoints, and factories showcase volcanic activity and local culture
• Includes a visit to Gorreana Tea Plantation, offering a taste of local production
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour

The Start: Meeting in Ponta Delgada at ANC Azores Holidays

The tour begins promptly at 9:00 am at ANC Azores Holidays on Mota Amaral S/N, directly facing the Hotel Marina Atlântico. The meeting point’s central location makes it easy to access via public transportation or taxi. As the tour is designed for most travelers and involves moderate walking at stops, it’s accessible for many. The small group size means you’ll get a more intimate experience, with a maximum of 21 travelers.

Exploring Ponta Delgada Before Departure

Although the core of the tour focuses on Furnas, the journey starts with a quick 5-minute stop in Ponta Delgada. This allows travelers to get a glimpse of the island’s main town, its streets, and local atmosphere before heading out to the countryside. The brief stop offers a chance for initial photos and settling in for the day ahead.

Visiting the Vieira Ceramic Factory in Lagoa

The first true stop is at the Vieira Ceramic Factory in Lagoa, where visitors enjoy a 1-hour visit. This stop is free of charge and showcases local craftsmanship. Expect to see traditional ceramic techniques and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir. It’s a relaxed, cultural introduction to the region, setting a good tone for the day.

Panoramic Views at Miradouro do Pisao

Next, the Pisão Viewpoint offers a 15-minute stop for spectacular scenery. This vantage point provides sweeping views of the coast and surrounding landscape, perfect for photos. While brief, this stop leaves visitors with memorable impressions of São Miguel’s rugged beauty.

Discovering Vila Franca do Campo and its Queijadas Factory

The tour continues with a 1-hour visit to the center of Vila Franca do Campo, including a stop at the Queijadas da Vila Factory. This bakery produces the famous local cheese tarts, or queijadas, which are a sweet treat to try. Walking through the town offers both scenic views and cultural insight into local food traditions.

Fumaroles and Thermal Pools at Lagoa das Furnas

One of the tour’s most distinctive features is visiting the Lagoa das Furnas for 30 minutes. Here, visitors see fumaroles—steam vents that demonstrate the volcanic activity beneath the surface. The bubbling fumaroles create an otherworldly atmosphere, and the area’s natural thermal activity is a highlight of the trip.

Exploring the Village of Furnas and Its Geothermal Features

The center of Furnas sees visitors for a full hour, exploring the thermal springs and gardens. This part of the tour offers a chance to walk through lush landscapes and observe the geothermal phenomena up close, including the famous caldeiras where traditional “cozido” dishes are cooked underground using volcanic heat.

Caldeira das Furnas: The Fumarole Area

A 30-minute stop takes travelers to the Caldeira das Furnas, with its steaming fumaroles in the heart of Vila das Furnas. This area vividly demonstrates the island’s volcanic activity, with the smell of sulfur and the sight of steaming vents adding to the experience. It’s a compelling reminder of São Miguel’s geological power.

Scenic View from Miradouro Pico Do Ferro

The Pico do Ferro viewpoint provides another 30-minute scenic stop. This vantage point offers impressive views of the Furnas valley, volcanic crater, and surrounding landscape. It’s a favorite for capturing photos of the lush, fertile terrain carved by volcanic activity.

Tea Tasting at Gorreana Plantations

A highlight of the tour is the 1-hour visit to Gorreana Tea Plantation and Factory. The only tea plantation in Europe, Gorreana has been producing tea since 1883. Visitors tour the factory and gardens, learning about tea production and enjoying free tastings of their green and black teas. This stop combines scenic beauty with a taste of local craftsmanship.

Return to Ponta Delgada via the North Coast

The tour concludes with a 30-minute drive back to Ponta Delgada, traveling along the scenic north coast. This final stretch offers views of the coastline and a relaxed end to a full day of sightseeing.

The Experience in a Small Group

With fewer than 8 participants typically traveling in a van, the tour maintains a personal and flexible atmosphere. The guides—such as Vasco, Andre, Juan, and Reuben—are consistently praised for their knowledge, friendly demeanor, and engaging storytelling. Reviewers highlight their expertise in explaining the island’s geology, history, and culture, making each stop more meaningful.

Practical Tips and Considerations

The tour is suitable for most travelers, but some stops—like walking around Furnas or visiting viewpoints—require moderate mobility. The free cancellation policy allows for peace of mind, as travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour is highly popular, often booked 27 days in advance, so early reservation is recommended.

Why Choose This Tour?

The full-day itinerary covers a well-rounded selection of São Miguel’s highlights—from volcanic fumaroles and hot springs to scenic viewpoints and local factories. The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, and the knowledgeable guides enhance understanding of the island’s natural and cultural features. The inclusion of a tea plantation visit adds a tasty touch to the day.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour appeals to those interested in volcanic landscapes, local cuisine, and scenic vistas. It’s especially suitable for travelers who prefer organized tours with a relaxed pace but enough time to enjoy each stop. Those with an interest in geology, hot springs, and local craftsmanship will find it particularly rewarding.

Final Thoughts on the Furnas Full Day Tour

The Minibus Laketour Furnas tour offers a comprehensive and engaging way to experience São Miguel’s volcanic heart. Its affordable price, expert guides, and curated stops make it a solid choice for visitors eager to see key sights without the stress of planning complex routes. The emphasis on natural phenomena like fumaroles and calderas, combined with cultural visits, provides a balanced and memorable day.

While some may find the stops relatively short, the overall experience emphasizes quality over quantity. Expect an enriching day that showcases the island’s geothermal activity, scenic beauty, and local traditions—ideal for anyone wanting a well-organized, approachable tour of São Miguel’s most iconic spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, with a detailed itinerary covering multiple sights.

What is the price of the tour?
The cost is $80.25 per person, which includes all transportation, guide services, and visits.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at ANC Azores Holidays in Ponta Delgada at 9:00 am and concludes back at the same location.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but some walking at stops like Furnas may require moderate mobility.

How many people typically join the tour?
Small groups of fewer than 8 people usually travel in a van, ensuring a personalized experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start date for a full refund.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its small group size, wide variety of sites, and knowledgeable guides like Vasco and Reuben distinguish it.

Are there food or drink stops included?
While the tour doesn’t include a dedicated meal, you can sample Queijadas in Vila Franca do Campo and tea at Gorreana.

Is the tour accessible for people with limited mobility?
Most stops are accessible, but some walking may be required at natural sites.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor stops.