Totally personalized private tour to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo (west)

Discover the Personalized Experience of São Miguel’s Western Highlights

This private tour offers an intimate journey through the stunning west side of São Miguel, Portugal, for up to 8 people at a price of $347.05 per group. With a duration of approximately 7 to 8 hours, it provides an expertly curated exploration of iconic sights like Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, all tailored to your interests. The experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a stress-free day without the hassle of renting a car or navigating alone.

This tour stands out for its fully customizable itinerary and the personalized attention from local guides who know the island intimately. Booking is popular, with an average wait of 33 days in advance, reflecting its strong reputation. While it does not include lunch or admission to certain attractions like the Caldeira Velha natural park, the flexibility and expert guidance make this a compelling option for travelers seeking a tailored and relaxed way to see São Miguel’s west.

Key Points

• Private, personalized tour with a maximum of 8 participants
• Expert guide leads a flexible itinerary based on your interests
• Visits to major sights: Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Ribeira Grande, Pico do Carvão, and more
• Transport provided in chosen vehicle size, no need to rent a car
• Tour duration of 7 to 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am
• Cost of $347.05 per group, with hotel pickup and drop-off included

The Flexibility of a Private, Customizable Itinerary

This tour is designed for travelers who prefer a personalized experience of São Miguel. The local guide works with your group to craft an itinerary that emphasizes your interests, whether that’s nature, scenic viewpoints, or local culture. The tour’s flexibility is one of its biggest draws, ensuring you see what matters most to you without the constraints of a fixed schedule.

Your guide will select stops based on your preferences, but some highlights include Pico do Carvão, offering sweeping views of the north and south coasts, and the Vista do Rei Miradouro, renowned as the most famous viewpoint in the Azores for its stunning vistas of Sete Cidades lake.

Exploring Sete Cidades and Its Enchanting Lakes

Sete Cidades is the most iconic destination on this tour. The tour allows for a generous one-hour stop at the peaceful village, giving ample time to explore or enjoy a traditional lunch (lunch is not included). The views from various lookout points showcase the famous blue and green lakes, which reflect the lush surroundings and volcanic origins of the area.

The guide can suggest self-exploration options or help arrange a peaceful walk around the lakes, highlighting the serene atmosphere and volcanic landscape. This stop captures the essence of São Miguel’s natural beauty and is rated highly by previous participants for its breathtaking scenery.

Panoramic Views from Pico do Carvão and Vista do Rei Miradouro

The journey begins with a visit to Pico do Carvão, where an amazing view extends to both the north and south coasts of the island. This short stop offers a panoramic snapshot of São Miguel’s diverse landscapes.

Next, the Vista do Rei Miradouro provides the most famous outlook in the Azores, where visitors admire the vivid blue and green lakes of Sete Cidades. This spot often features in travel photos and is praised for its postcard-worthy scenery, making it an essential part of the tour.

Discover Ribeira Grande’s Charm and Local Flavors

A visit to Ribeira Grande offers a taste of local life and culture. The guide leads you through this historic town, where you can sample traditional liquors and visit a chocolate shop known for unique flavors. The 20-minute stop provides a glimpse into the local craftsmanship, with opportunities to purchase souvenirs or simply enjoy the town’s relaxed vibe.

This stop balances cultural interest with scenic appeal, adding flavor to the overall experience.

Relaxing in the Caldeira Velha Thermal Park

The Centro de Interpretacao Ambiental Caldeira Velha is a key highlight of the tour. Known for its warm waterfalls and thermal pools, this natural park presents a romantic, nature-filled atmosphere. Travelers can learn about the local fauna and flora at the interpretation center, or relax in hot thermal pools that kind of merge with the natural surroundings.

While the admission fee is not included, the visit is a chance to unwind and enjoy a natural thermal experience. The 45-minute stop allows for appreciation of the volcanic activity that formed São Miguel’s landscapes, making it a memorable part of the day.

Lagoa do Fogo: The Mystic Mountain Lake

Another unforgettable sight is Lagoa do Fogo, a breathtaking volcanic lake surrounded by lush greenery. The tour includes a 15-minute viewing stop that highlights its mystical atmosphere. The lake’s name—“Lake of Fire”—reflects its volcanic roots, and the scenery here remains a favorite for its tranquil, almost otherworldly beauty.

This stop complements the other lakes visited and leaves a lasting impression of São Miguel’s volcanic origins and natural serenity.

Visit to Plantação Ananases A Arruda for Pineapple Cultivation Insights

The tour features a 15-minute visit to the Plantação A Arruda, where you learn about the two-year process of pineapple cultivation in glass greenhouses. This stop provides insight into local agriculture, illustrating how pinesapples are carefully grown in controlled environments to produce high-quality fruit.

Seeing the greenhouses and understanding the cultivation process is a unique addition that emphasizes the island’s agricultural side.

Logistics and Comfort: Transport and Group Size

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making the day convenient and comfortable. Travelers can choose between two vehicle sizes, accommodating their group comfortably. The private format ensures personalized attention and flexibility in pacing.

Starting at 9:00 am, the tour runs for about 7 to 8 hours, allowing plenty of time at each stop without feeling rushed. Participants should be prepared for some walking and outdoor exposure, but the tour is suitable for most travelers with average mobility.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

This tour is popular, with bookings made on average 33 days in advance. The price of $347.05 covers the entire group, with the inclusion of a driver/guide and private transportation.

Flexibility is built into the booking process, as free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. However, late cancellations or missed pickups due to late arrivals are not refunded, so timely planning is advised.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others on São Miguel

The fully personalized itinerary distinguishes this tour from standard group excursions. The expert guides tailor the experience, focusing on the locations most interesting to your group. The private setting allows for a more relaxed and flexible day, with plenty of opportunities for spontaneous stops or extended visits.

Plus, the inclusion of stops like Ribeira Grande and Plantação A Arruda adds cultural and agricultural insights, enriching the natural sightseeing. The tour’s positive reviews highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the stunning views that define São Miguel’s west side.

Best Suited For Who Wants a Custom, Relaxed Day

This tour appeals most to travelers who prefer a tailored experience over crowded group tours. It suits those interested in scenic vistas, natural parks, and local culture with the comfort of private transportation. The flexible schedule makes it ideal for photography enthusiasts or anyone wanting to explore at their own pace.

While lunch is not included, many visitors find the stops ample for a relaxed, unhurried day. The tour is accessible for most, with no strenuous activities involved, but outdoor exposure means packing suitable clothing and footwear.

The Sum Up: A Personalized, Scenic Journey Through São Miguel’s West

This private, customizable tour offers an excellent way to explore São Miguel’s west side at your own pace. The combination of stunning vistas, local culture, and relaxing thermal pools makes it a well-rounded day. The expert guides and flexible itinerary ensure you focus on what interests you most, without the constraints of a fixed schedule.

While it does involve some additional costs for attractions like Caldeira Velha, the overall experience delivers a memorable and intimate look at the island’s natural beauty. Perfect for groups wanting a personalized adventure with the comfort of private transport and a knowledgeable guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is food included in this tour?
No, lunch is not included, but stops at locations like Sete Cidades and Ribeira Grande provide opportunities to purchase and enjoy local cuisine separately.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am, with plenty of time allocated for each stop.

What size vehicle is used for transportation?
Travelers can choose from two vehicle sizes, depending on group size, to ensure comfort during the day.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, this is a fully personalized private tour, and the guide plans the route based on your interests.

Are admission fees included?
Admission to stops like Caldeira Velha is not included, so additional costs may apply if you choose to visit attractions with entry fees.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its personalized approach, expert local guides, and focus on top scenic spots like Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo make it a highly rated and flexible way to see São Miguel’s west side.