Private Tour Seven Cities, Lagoa do Fogo. Full Day

A full-day private tour of São Miguel Island offers an excellent way to explore some of the island’s most iconic sights in comfort and style. Priced at $72.05 per person, this carefully curated itinerary spans approximately 9 hours, providing a rundown without feeling rushed. The tour departs from Ponta Delgada at 9:00 am with hotel pickup included, making it especially convenient for visitors staying on the island. With a private group setting and an air-conditioned vehicle, guests enjoy personalized attention and a flexible pace.

The tour features 10 stops, each highlighting different aspects of São Miguel’s stunning landscape, unique geothermal activity, and local craftsmanship. From lush pineapple greenhouses to panoramic viewpoints and volcanic craters, this experience emphasizes scenic beauty and cultural highlights. The only potential limitation is that some stops, like Caldeira Velha, are not included in the entrance fee, so guests should plan for additional expenses if they wish to visit hot springs. This tour suits those who want a balanced mix of natural sights, local industry, and impressive vistas in a single day.

Key Points

• Private, fully customizable experience with pickup included
• Cost of $72.05 per person for a 9-hour day of exploration
• Visits to famous viewpoints like Vista do Rei and Miradouro do Pico do Carvao
• Stops at Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, and pineapple greenhouses
• Free admission at most stops, with optional visits to hot springs at additional cost
• Experienced guide, noted for safety and personalized attention

Discover São Miguel’s Unique Sights on a Private Full-Day Tour

This private tour of São Miguel is designed to give visitors a well-rounded experience of the island’s natural beauty and local highlights. Priced at $72.05 per person, the tour starts bright and early at 9:00 am with hotel pickup arranged in Ponta Delgada. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort as you cover around 130 km of scenic routes, exploring the island’s diverse landscapes at a relaxed pace.

The itinerary includes visits to pineapple greenhouses, where you learn about the growth process of pineapples unique to the Azores, a highlight for those interested in local agriculture. The scenic viewpoints such as Miradouro do Pico do Carvao and Vista do Rei afford sweeping views of the narrowest and widest parts of the island, along with the crater of the Seven Cities Volcano. The experience balances natural wonders with cultural stops, giving insight into local craftsmanship at Ceramica Viera and liqueur production at Licores Mulher de Capote.

Visiting the Pineapple Greenhouses at Plantação A Arruda

The tour begins with a visit to Plantação A Arruda, where visitors explore pineapple greenhouses. Here, the growth process of the Azorean pineapple is explained, providing insight into a cherished local crop. This stop lasts about 15 minutes and is free of charge, making it an easy and informative start to the day.

Guests can observe how pineapples are cultivated in a climate that favors their growth, and appreciate the distinctive taste of these locally grown fruits. The greenhouses offer a glimpse into agricultural practices that sustain the island’s economy and add a flavorful touch to the local cuisine.

Panoramic Views from Miradouro do Pico do Carvao

Next, the tour reaches Miradouro do Pico do Carvao, perched at 800 meters altitude. The viewpoint offers sweeping vistas of the north and south coasts of São Miguel, with a clear sightline across the narrowest part of the island, measuring just 8 km. In about 10 minutes, visitors take in this spectacular landscape, free of charge, and capture memorable photos of the volcanic terrain below.

From this vantage point, the contrast between lush greenery and black volcanic rock becomes strikingly evident. The viewpoint provides an ideal spot to appreciate the island’s geological diversity and volcanic history.

The Iconic Vista do Rei and the Seven Cities Volcano Crater

The Vista do Rei viewpoint is a must-see, offering a general view of the crater of the Seven Cities Volcano and the surrounding parish. This 15-minute stop allows visitors to understand the volcanic activity that shaped much of São Miguel’s landscape. The panoramic scenery showcases a vibrant patchwork of green fields and volcanic formations, perfect for photography and awe.

The Seven Cities crater is notable for its large caldera and the inner lake visible from this vantage point, providing a vivid illustration of the island’s geothermal power and volcanic origins.

Exploring the Caldeira and Lunch at Sete Cidades

A central highlight is the visit to Sete Cidades, a volcanic caldera with a stunning interior lake. The stop lasts about one hour, during which visitors can explore the interior of the caldera. The tour notes that, due to insolvency, lunch is included at this stop, giving guests the chance to relax and enjoy local cuisine amidst beautiful scenery.

Sete Cidades is renowned for its twin lakes—one green and one blue—set within the massive volcanic crater, offering some of the most breathtaking views on the island. The area combines natural beauty with opportunities for short walks and photo stops.

View of Monasteries and Ferraria from Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado

The next stop features the Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, which provides views of the monasteries and the Ferraria thermal area. This 15-minute viewpoint showcases coastal landscapes, volcanic formations, and historic sites. It’s a compact but informative stop that enhances understanding of the island’s cultural and geological context.

Guests can enjoy panoramic shots of the coastline and get a sense of the geothermal activity associated with the nearby hot water pools.

Visiting Cerâmica Vieira and Local Craftsmanship

A visit to the Ceramica Viera factory allows guests to see clay treatment and the creation of pottery from start to finish. The 30-minute stop introduces visitors to local craftsmanship, with the opportunity to observe artisans at work and perhaps purchase a handmade souvenir.

This stop enriches the cultural aspect of the tour, highlighting traditional Azorean ceramics and the importance of craft industries on the island.

Reaching the Lagoa do Fogo and Its Crater Lagoon

The Lagoa do Fogo is a key highlight—located at 950 meters altitude, it features a huge volcanic crater with a natural lagoon fed by its own water source. The 20-minute stop provides breathtaking views of the crater and lagoon, emphasizing geological features that make this spot unique.

Guests enjoy the sense of tranquility and natural purity of this only lagoon on the island with its own water source, set amidst lush vegetation.

Optional Hot Springs Visit at Centro de Interpretacao Ambiental Caldeira Velha

While the Caldeira Velha natural reserve offers a hot water pool and waterfall experience, the 30-minute stop does not include entrance fees. Visitors can choose to relax or take photos of the geothermal landscape. Since admission is not included, those interested should budget extra if they wish to visit.

This stop showcases geothermal activity in a lush environment, adding a mystical touch to the day.

Liqueur Tasting at Licores Mulher de Capote

A shorter stop at Licores Mulher de Capote provides the chance to see how local liqueurs are made. Visitors explore the factory surroundings for about 20 minutes and can learn about the production process, perhaps sampling some of the famous Azorean spirits.

This stop highlights local flavor and traditional distilling techniques, offering a taste of the island’s culinary craft.

Exploring Ribeira Grande’s Historic Center

The final stop is in Ribeira Grande, where guests have 30 minutes to stroll through the city center and see the main streets and harbor. This lively town blends historic architecture with a bustling atmosphere, offering a chance to appreciate local life and perhaps pick up souvenirs before the tour concludes.

The tour returns to Ponta Delgada at the end of the day, completing a comprehensive exploration of São Miguel.

Practicalities and Booking Details

This private tour is perfect for those seeking a customized experience with personal attention. The pickup is included, and the group size is limited to your party, ensuring a comfortable and flexible day. Despite most stops being free or included, visitors should be prepared for additional costs if they wish to visit Caldeira Velha hot springs or indulge in snacks or beverages.

The full refund policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind. The tour operates most days, contingent on good weather.

Final Thoughts on the Private Seven Cities & Lagoa do Fogo Tour

This full-day private experience delivers a diverse selection of São Miguel’s highlights, from volcanic craters and scenic viewpoints to local craftsmanship and cultural sites. Its personalized approach ensures a more tailored and comfortable day, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a flexible schedule and individual attention.

While some stops, like Caldeira Velha, require additional fees, the tour’s value hinges on the variety of sights and the opportunity to explore at your own pace. The knowledgeable guide and well-chosen stops are praised in reviews, especially for their scenic views and safety focus.

This tour offers a balanced, scenic, and culturally rich journey, perfect for first-time visitors or those wanting a rundown of São Miguel in just one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and the guidance during all stops. Most stops are free of charge, but admission to Caldeira Velha and hot springs is not included.

How long is the total duration?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the meeting point in Ponta Delgada.

What are the stops included in this tour?
Stops include Plantação A Arruda, Miradouro do Pico do Carvao, Vista do Rei, Sete Cidades, Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, Ceramica Viera, Lagoa do Fogo, Centro de Interpretacao Ambiental Caldeira Velha, Licores Mulher de Capote, and Ribeira Grande.

Is lunch provided?
Lunch is included at Sete Cidades due to insolvency, allowing relaxation and local food enjoyment within the caldera.

Can I visit the hot springs at Caldeira Velha?
Yes, but admission is not included in the tour price, so visitors should budget extra if they wish to enter.

What makes this tour stand out?
The private setting, personalized attention, and diverse stops focused on scenic views, geothermal activity, and local crafts make this a well-rounded choice.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is designed for easy walking at most stops. It is near public transportation and accessible for most.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, camera, water, and appropriate clothing for changing weather are recommended. Additional expenses might include snacks or hot springs entry.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour is subject to good weather conditions.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by Local tours azores, who are experienced in local sightseeing and personalized tours on São Miguel.