Tour to Furnas and Terra Nostra Garden – full day

This full-day tour to Furnas and Terra Nostra Garden offers a comprehensive exploration of São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes and botanical treasures. Priced at $100.80 per person, it is designed for those who want an engaging and relaxed day discovering the island’s geothermal wonders and lush plant collections. With an approximate 8-hour duration, the tour departs from Ponte Delgada and includes door-to-door transport that makes logistics simple and hassle-free.

This experience stands out for its well-balanced itinerary, combining scenic viewpoints, local culture, and a special geothermal lunch. The cozido das Furnas, cooked using geothermal steam, is a highlight that replaces typical tourist fare with a truly local and flavorful dish. The tour is especially suited for visitors looking for a comprehensive, guided day with small group intimacy and expert insights about the island’s volcanic activity and native flora.

Key Points

• Full-day tour from Ponte Delgada exploring Furnas and Terra Nostra Garden
• Includes transport, guide, and ticket to Terra Nostra Park for a seamless experience
• Highlights include Gorreana tea plantation, fumaroles, geothermal springs, and a hot spring dip
• Savor the authentic cozido das Furnas, cooked with geothermal steam, as lunch
• Small group size, with a maximum of 18 travelers, ensuring personalized attention
• Free cancellation available with at least 24 hours’ notice

Discovering São Miguel’s Volcanic Landscape at Furnas

The tour begins with door-to-door pickup from Ponte Delgada hotels, easing the start of your day. Once aboard, the first stop is Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana, a working tea plantation on the north coast. You can visit the tea factory and sample local Gorreana tea, gaining insight into the island’s thriving tea industry.

Next, the journey takes you to Miradouro Pico Do Ferro, a viewpoint that offers a clear look at Furnas’ volcanic geomorphology. From this vantage point, the landscape’s volcanic origins become apparent through the jagged calderas and lush surrounds.

Exploring the Geothermal Wonders of Furnas

The tour continues into the heart of the Furnas volcanic complex with a visit to Caldeira das Furnas, where fumaroles and springs release water with varied tastes due to mineral content. Visitors get a close-up look at the geothermal activity that shapes this area.

A short drive brings you to Lagoa das Furnas, a stunning volcanic lake where geothermal activity is visible and palpable. The landscape here feels alive, with steam rising from the ground and bubbling springs.

Visiting Terra Nostra Botanical Garden

The highlight for many is a 1.5-hour visit to Parque Terra Nostra, a centenary botanical garden renowned for its extensive collection of native and exotic plants. The garden’s famous iron-rich hot spring pool offers a relaxing dip at 35-40°C (95-104°F). This enchanting experience combines natural beauty with the soothing warmth of mineral waters.

The guide provides insights into the native plants of the Azores, making this visit both scenic and educational. The hot spring dip is particularly praised for its relaxing qualities, with many reviews emphasizing how peaceful and restorative it feels.

Experiencing Vila Franca do Campo and Islet

Vila Franca do Campo, the former island capital, is a brief stop where a certified guide explains the area’s history. The visit includes Vila Franca do Campo Islet, a circular, salty water spot often called the “princess ring” due to its shape. Here, visitors can enjoy the flora and fauna and perhaps take a quick swim in this picturesque setting.

This stop is notably free of charge and provides a quick but meaningful glimpse into local history and natural beauty.

The Unique Geothermal Lunch: Cozido das Furnas

A key feature is the cozido das Furnas, prepared with geothermal steam and served as a traditional Azorean lunch. This delicious meal replaces standard tourist fare, offering a taste of authentic local cuisine. Many reviews highlight how tasty and well-prepared the cozido is, making it a real culinary highlight of the day.

The meal is included in the tour price, adding great value for those seeking a hearty, authentic experience.

Practicalities: Group Size, Booking, and Meeting Details

The tour accommodates a maximum of 18 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide. It departs at 9:00 am from Futurismo Azores Adventures at Marina Portas do Mar in Ponta Delgada. The meeting point is easily accessible, and the tour does not include hotel pickup, so guests should make their own way to the start location.

Booking is typically made about 50 days in advance, reflecting its popularity, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

The Guide: Knowledge and Personal Touch

Based on reviews, the guide is friendly, energetic, and well-versed in the island’s geology, flora, and history. The guide’s storytelling enriches the experience, making each stop informative and engaging. Travelers particularly appreciate when guides add personal insights that bring the landscape and history to life.

The Pacing and Overall Experience

The tour maintains a comfortable pace, allowing enough time at each stop to explore without feeling rushed. The small group setting enhances interaction and makes the experience more intimate. Reviewers consistently mention relaxing moments in Terra Nostra, the delicious lunch, and the stunning views as highlights.

The thermal spring dip is noted as especially refreshing, providing a perfect way to unwind after the day’s sightseeing. The itinerary balances geothermal sites, scenic vistas, and cultural insights effectively.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This tour appeals most to nature lovers, geology enthusiasts, and those seeking a relaxed, guided exploration of São Miguel’s volcanic heart. It’s suitable for most travelers, including families with children, given the accessible stops and easy pacing. It’s a great option for visitors who want an authentic taste of local cuisine and a peaceful nature experience combined with sightseeing.

The Sum Up: A Rich, Relaxing Day in São Miguel’s Volcanoes

The Furnas and Terra Nostra Garden tour offers a well-rounded and authentic experience of São Miguel’s volcanic landscape. The inclusion of geothermal springs, botanical gardens, and traditional cozido provides a comprehensive glimpse into the island’s natural and cultural riches.

Thanks to friendly guides, beautiful scenery, and the chance to relax in mineral-rich waters, this tour is highly recommended for those wanting a meaningful and hassle-free day. The excellent reviews and solid 5-star rating reflect its value and quality. Travelers who appreciate informative guides, scenic stops, and authentic local cuisine will find this tour particularly satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, the tour starts at Futurismo Azores Adventures at Marina Portas do Mar, and guests should arrange their own transportation to the meeting point.

What is the cost of the tour?
The tour costs $100.80 per person, which includes transport, guide, and tickets to Terra Nostra Park, plus the lunch.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 8 hours, beginning at 9:00 am and returning to the meeting point in the early evening.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Specific dietary requirements should be advised at booking.

What makes this tour unique?
The tour’s highlight is the geothermal cozido lunch and the visit to Terra Nostra’s hot springs, combined with stops at fumaroles, volcanic lakes, and a tea plantation.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.