São Miguel: Furnas Valley Tour with Thermal Bath Option

Key Points

• Private group tour designed for intimate exploration of São Miguel Island
• 7.5-day itinerary including panoramic viewpoints, Furnas village, and Vila Franca do Campo
• Visit to Gorreana Tea Factory offers insights into local tea production
• Relax in Terra Nostra Park’s thermal baths (option available)
• Stops at Santa Iria and Pico do Ferro viewpoints provide breathtaking island views
• Explore active fumaroles and taste mineral waters in Furnas Valley

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Discover the Private São Miguel: Furnas Valley Tour for Up to Six People

This 7.5-day private tour from Travel Markfly offers an in-depth experience of São Miguel, Portugal’s largest island in the Azores. Priced at $505 per group, accommodating up to 6 people, this tour is perfect for small groups seeking a personalized journey filled with scenic views, cultural visits, and relaxing thermal baths. The focus is on exploring the Furnas Valley, a region renowned for its geothermal activity and lush landscapes, balanced with visits to charming villages, viewpoints, and a historic tea factory.

While the tour includes many highlights, it does not cover meals or additional fees, so travelers should plan accordingly. The flexibility of a private group allows for a tailored experience, making it ideal for those who prefer an intimate, less hurried exploration of São Miguel’s natural and cultural gems.

Exploring Furnas Valley’s Thermal Baths at Terra Nostra Park

One of the most relaxing parts of this tour is the chance to soak in the thermal baths of Terra Nostra Park. The park’s famous thermal waters are known for their soothing qualities, and the lush surroundings create a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the warm, mineral-rich waters, making this a perfect spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

This thermal bath experience is offered as an option within the tour, providing flexibility based on personal interest. The park itself is also a botanical haven, with diverse plant life adding to the tranquil setting. It’s a highlight for those seeking relaxation amidst beautiful scenery, though visitors should bring swimwear and water.

Visiting the Village of Furnas and Its Active Fumaroles

The core of the tour centers on Furnas village, where geothermal activity is on full display. The guide leads visitors through the village’s active fumaroles, where volcanic steam rises from the earth. This lively geothermal landscape offers a unique glimpse into the island’s volcanic activity.

During the exploration, you can taste different types of mineral waters that emerge from natural springs, giving a refreshing experience alongside educational commentary. An optional activity includes savoring the famous Furnas stew, which is slow-cooked in volcanic soil, though this is not included in the tour price. Walks through the village highlight its traditional charm and the captivating power of nature in action.

Panoramic Views from Santa Iria and Pico do Ferro Viewpoints

The tour features stunning panoramic stops at Santa Iria and Pico do Ferro viewpoints. These elevated spots deliver sweeping views across the island’s landscape, perfect for photographs and appreciating São Miguel’s verdant valleys and rugged coastlines.

The viewpoints are accessible via short drives, and the guide explains the significance of each location. These stops enhance the scenic aspect of the tour, offering some of the best views on the island, especially for those who love landscape photography or simply enjoy soaking in gorgeous vistas.

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Gorreana Tea Factory: Tradition and Production Insights

A visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory provides a fascinating look into local tea production. As one of the oldest tea plantations in Europe, the factory operates with traditional methods still in use today. Visitors learn about the tea-making process, from leaf cultivation to packaging.

The factory’s lush surroundings and well-maintained fields make it a relaxing stop, and it’s an excellent opportunity to sample some fresh tea varieties. The visit is both educational and sensory, with the chance to walk through historic plantations that have been part of the island’s landscape for generations.

Exploring Lagoa das Furnas and Vila Franca do Campo

The tour includes natural and cultural stops such as Lagoa das Furnas and the town of Vila Franca do Campo. Lagoa das Furnas is a volcanic crater lake recognized for its peaceful waters and scenic beauty. The guide points out notable features and provides context about the island’s volcanic origins.

A visit to Vila Franca do Campo offers a glimpse into local life and historic architecture. The tour also includes a sweet stop at the Queijadas do Morgado Factory, where visitors can enjoy traditional Azorean pastries, adding a tasty end to the sightseeing highlights.

Practicalities: Group Size, Duration, and What to Bring

This tour is conducted as a private group, ensuring personalized attention and flexibility in pacing. It lasts approximately 7.5 days, with availability dependent on booking schedules. The tour includes panoramic stops, visits to specific sites, and options like thermal baths.

Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a camera for photos, water, and comfortable clothes for a day of walking and sightseeing. The tour strictly prohibits smoking, alcohol, and littering, and is not suitable for wheelchair users due to terrain considerations.

Logistics and What Sets This Tour Apart

This tour departs from Vila Franca do Campo and emphasizes scenic viewpoints and geothermal sites. The inclusion of thermal baths and visits to places like the Gorreana Tea Factory distinguish it from other island excursions, offering a combination of relaxation, cultural insight, and natural beauty.

The group size limit of 6 allows for an intimate experience with a knowledgeable guide, making it easy to ask questions and customize the day’s focus. The tour’s flexibility and personalized approach are valuable for travelers who prefer a tailored and leisurely exploration of São Miguel.

São Miguel: Furnas Valley Tour for a Memorable Island Experience

This private tour covers many of São Miguel’s top sights in a manageable, relaxed manner. The combination of geothermal activity, stunning viewpoints, cultural visits, and optional thermal baths creates a well-rounded experience. The price of $505 per group offers good value for a week-long, personalized adventure for up to six people.

While it doesn’t include meals or entrance fees beyond the listed stops, the flexibility allows travelers to choose whether to indulge in local cuisine, like the famous Furnas stew, or to focus on the sights. The tour suits those interested in natural beauty, volcanic phenomena, and cultural charm.

For anyone seeking an intimate, comprehensive exploration of São Miguel’s highlights, this tour provides a balanced mix of scenic views, geothermal wonders, and cultural insights that showcase the best of the Furnas Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers panoramic stops, visits to Gorreana Tea Factory, exploration of Furnas village, mineral water tastings, and optional thermal baths at Terra Nostra Park.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 7.5 days, with scheduled stops and activities designed to fit within this timeframe.

Is the thermal bath experience included?
The thermal baths at Terra Nostra Park are an optional activity and are available during the tour, but not included in the base price.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
Highlights include viewpoints at Santa Iria and Pico do Fero, a visit to Furnas village and active fumaroles, the Gorreana Tea Factory, Lagoa das Furnas, and the village of Vila Franca do Campo.

What should I bring on the tour?
Participants should bring comfortable shoes, swimwear for thermal baths, a camera, water, and comfortable clothing suited for walking.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to terrain and site accessibility.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceling up to 24 hours in advance.

What makes this tour different from other São Miguel excursions?
The private group format, personalized pacing, and the combination of scenic viewpoints, geothermal activity, and cultural stops make this tour stand out.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included in the tour price, giving travelers the option to explore local restaurants independently.

Where does the tour depart from?
The tour departs from Vila Franca do Campo, with detailed logistics provided at booking.

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