São Miguel: Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour with Lunch

Discover the Best of São Miguel in a Single Day for $107

The São Miguel: Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour with Lunch offers an efficient way to experience some of the island’s most iconic sights in just eight hours. For $107 per person, this guided adventure takes you from the bustling streets of Ponta Delgada to volcanic landscapes, lush parks, and tea plantations, with a lunch included. The tour is perfect for those who want a rundown of São Miguel’s highlights while enjoying the comfort of a small group and knowledgeable guides.

This tour is well-suited for travelers seeking a rich mix of natural beauty and cultural sights. It features hot springs, watermills, volcanoes, and scenic views, and offers flexibility with optional entry fees, making it a convenient and engaging day out. While the pace is active, it balances sightseeing with opportunities to relax, creating a memorable experience of the Azores.

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Key Points

• Includes a traditional Azorean lunch with options besides the famous cozido
• Visits Furnas, Nordeste, and tea plantations in one day
• Guided tour by knowledgeable guides, with live commentary in English and Portuguese
• Small group size of up to 8 participants for personalized attention
• Stops at scenic viewpoints and natural parks, including Ribeira dos Caldeirões
• Optional visits to thermal pools, such as Poça da Dona Beija and Terra Nostra

Starting Point in Ponta Delgada and Early Scenic Drive

The tour departs from Ponta Delgada, with a choice of pickup locations that include major hotels and the Posto de Turismo. Once onboard, the guide leads you through a scenic drive along Avenida do Mar and the beaches of Água D´Alto.

The journey kicks off with a visit to the viewpoint of Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, where binoculars reveal the islet formed by an underwater volcanic eruption. This quick stop offers stunning photo opportunities and a chance to see the location of Red Bull Cliff Diving events, which have taken place here for three years.

Exploring the Volcanic Landscape of Furnas

The next stop is the Lagoa das Furnas, a lush area famous for the Cozido das Furnas—a stew cooked underground in volcanic soil for six hours. Travelers can observe the local restaurants removing the pots from the geothermal ground, witnessing a homegrown cooking process rooted in volcanic heat.

At Furnas, you’ll also see fumaroles and boilers, where steam rises from the earth, showcasing the island’s eruptive history dating back over 100,000 years. The tour offers the choice to visit hot spring pools over 30°C, where you can relax in thermal waters—either at Poça da Dona Beija or Parque Terra Nostra—depending on your preference. Both locations provide opportunity for swimming as well as visits to botanical gardens (admission not included).

Enjoying Delicious and Authentic Azorean Cuisine

Lunch is included as part of the tour, offering a local restaurant experience. Visitors can choose to enjoy the famous Cozido or select other dishes, with drinks, dessert, and coffee available. The lunch break lasts about an hour and a half, giving ample time to savor the flavors of Azorean cuisine.

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Visiting Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park and Watermills

After lunch, the tour heads north to the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park. This area is one of the most visited in Nordeste and features five watermills alongside a beautiful waterfall. The park’s water-powered mills and lush vegetation provide a peaceful backdrop, and guided visits here highlight the traditional ways of life that have shaped the island.

Scenic Viewpoints and the Pico do Ferro Lookout

Next, the Pico do Ferro Lookout offers breathtaking views over the island’s volcanic craters. This photo stop lets visitors take in the vast landscape, with the chance to walk a little and soak up the scenic vistas.

The tour also makes a stop at Caldeiras Vulcânicas, where travelers can take photos, enjoy a guided walk, and shop for local souvenirs. This spot offers insight into the geothermal activity that defines São Miguel’s volcanic terrain.

Visiting the Parishes and the Lady of Peace Chapel

The day continues with a visit to the parish of Furnas, where a pedestrian walk allows a closer look at the town’s charming streets and local architecture. The Our Lady of Peace Chapel is another highlight, providing an opportunity for photos and quiet reflection.

The final stops include a view of Vila Franca do Campo’s marina—a perfect spot for brief walks and photos—and a scenic drive back to Ponta Delgada, rounding off a day packed with natural wonders and cultural sights.

The Unique Gorreana and Porto Formoso Tea Factory Experience

The tour concludes with visits to the Gorreana Tea Factory and the Porto Formoso Tea Factory. These tea plantations are among the few in Europe, and guided tours include scenic drives and tea tastings. Guests get a look at the tea production process and enjoy beautiful views over the plantations.

The tea route showcases the island’s agricultural side, with gorgeous gardens and factory tours. The view of the bay from these locations adds a final touch of serenity to the day.

Practical Details and Group Experience

This small-group tour limits participants to eight people, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation, a water bottle, chargers, and an umbrella. It is wheelchair accessible, and child seats are available upon request.

The tour operates with live guides who speak English and Portuguese, and cancelation is free if done 24 hours in advance. The start times vary, so checking availability is recommended.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This full-day journey offers a balanced combination of nature, culture, and food. It appeals especially to those interested in volcanic landscapes, thermal springs, local cuisine, and small group experiences. Visitors seeking a rundown of São Miguel’s highlights in a single day will find this tour informative and enjoyable.

The optional entry fees for parks and gardens are not included, so travelers should plan accordingly if they wish to visit Terra Nostra or Dona Beija pools.

Final Thoughts on São Miguel: Furnas and Nordeste Tour

This tour delivers value for money with its full itinerary and included lunch. The guides’ knowledge and friendly approach are frequently praised, making the day both informative and personable. The scenic drives, viewpoints, and natural parks provide a well-rounded experience of the island’s volcanic beauty and lush landscapes.

While the entry fees for some attractions are separate, the flexibility to choose whether to visit the thermal pools or botanical gardens** allows for a personalized experience. The small group size enhances the overall comfort and interaction with the guide.

This tour is an excellent option for travelers wanting to see key sights in São Miguel efficiently, with delicious food, scenic views, and expert guidance guiding the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include entrance fees to Terra Nostra or Dona Beija?
No, entrance fees are not included but are available as optional add-ons.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a small-group experience.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, but travelers should check specific needs with the provider.

Are children allowed on the tour?
Yes, child seats are available by prior request, and use is required by law for children up to 12 years old or 36 kg.

What languages are the guides speaking?
Guides speak English and Portuguese with live commentary.

How long is the lunch break?
The lunch lasts approximately 1.5 hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy the meal.

Can I visit the thermal pools during the tour?
Yes, with the optional visit to Poça da Dona Beija or Parque Terra Nostra, both offering thermal springs.

Is this tour suitable for those interested in tea tasting?
Absolutely, visits to the Gorreana and Porto Formoso tea factories include scenic drives and tastings.

What should I bring for the day?
Comfortable shoes and an umbrella are recommended. The tour provides water bottles and chargers.

How do I reserve and pay?
You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of volcanic landscapes, thermal springs, scenic viewpoints, and local cuisine makes it a well-rounded and engaging day on São Miguel.

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