Furnas, a picturesque volcanic region on the island of São Miguel, beckons visitors with its natural wonders. This full-day tour promises an immersive experience, blending stunning landscapes, geothermal marvels, and the rich heritage of tea production. Uncover the enchanting Furnas Lake, explore the impressive Caldeiras, and venture into the historic Gorreana Tea Factory. With the option to indulge in the mineral-rich thermal baths, this adventure offers a chance to truly…
Key Points
- A full-day Furnas experience that includes visits to Furnas Lake, volcanic Caldeiras, and the Gorreana Tea Factory, priced at Kč 1,752 per person.
- Optional stop at the Terra Nostra Park for a thermal bath experience, with an additional fee of €16 per person.
- Guided exploration with commentary available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, providing an immersive educational experience into the volcanic wonders of Furnas.
- Overall customer rating of 3.7 out of 5, with positive feedback on the knowledgeable and friendly driver, but some concerns about accessibility and the depth of the tea factory tour.
- The tour duration is 7.5 hours, offering a comprehensive exploration of the Furnas region and its unique geological features.
Activity Overview
The full day Furnas experience offers visitors a chance to enjoy the volcanic wonders of the region. Priced from Kč 1,752 per person, the 7.5-hour tour includes visits to Furnas Lake, Caldeiras, and the Gorreana Tea Factory.
Guests can opt for an additional stop at Terra Nostra Park for a thermal bath, though this isn’t included in the base price.
The tour provides a guided exploration of the area, with commentary available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option are also available.
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Itinerary Highlights
Starting at the ANC Azores Holidays office, the guided tour takes visitors on a captivating exploration of the region’s natural wonders.
The first stop is the iconic Furnas Lake, followed by the mesmerizing Caldeiras – a showcase of volcanic activity.
Next, the tour heads to the Pico do Ferro Lookout, providing panoramic vistas.
Atop the Pico do Ferro Lookout, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic vistas of the island’s stunning natural landscapes.
The highlight is the Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s only tea plantation, where guests can enjoy the rich tea culture and savor the scenic landscapes.
An optional visit to the renowned Terra Nostra Park offers a chance to experience the therapeutic thermal baths.
Exploring Volcanic Activity in Furnas
As visitors explore the Furnas region, they encounter the remarkable volcanic activity that shapes the area’s unique landscape.
Fumaroles, or steam vents, dot the terrain, emitting plumes of sulfurous vapor. The Caldeiras, or hot springs, bubble and gurgle, their mineral-rich waters reaching temperatures up to 100°C.
Visitors can witness firsthand the power of the Earth’s internal heat, a testament to the region’s volcanic origins. This dynamic environment offers a captivating glimpse into the geological forces that have sculpted the Azores archipelago over millennia.
Exploring Furnas’ volcanic features is a truly immersive and educational experience.
Optional Thermal Bath at Terra Nostra Park
Though the Furnas experience includes a guided tour of the volcanic features, visitors can also opt to enjoy the restorative benefits of the region’s thermal baths at Terra Nostra Park.
For an additional fee of €16 per person, travelers can enjoy the mineral-rich waters of the park’s famous thermal pool.
Surrounded by lush botanical gardens, the experience promises a serene and rejuvenating interlude amidst the volcanic wonders of Furnas.
While not included in the tour package, this optional thermal bath offers a unique opportunity to further enhance one’s Azorean adventure.
More Great Tours NearbyVisiting the Gorreana Tea Factory
Visitors to the Furnas experience are treated to a special stop at the Gorreana Tea Factory, the only tea plantation in Europe.
Here, they’ll discover the rich history and unique production process behind the renowned Gorreana tea. Guests can explore the picturesque tea gardens, observe the skilled workers hand-picking the leaves, and learn about the intricate drying and processing techniques.
The 30-minute visit offers a chance to savor the fragrant, high-quality teas and take in the tranquil ambiance of this historic tea estate, set against the stunning Azorean landscape.
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Scenic Drives and Photo Stops
The scenic drives and photo stops along the Furnas experience are a highlight for many visitors. This full-day tour includes:
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A picturesque drive through Vila Franca do Campo, a charming coastal town with traditional architecture.
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A stop at the Santa Iria Lookout, offering panoramic views of the volcanic landscape.
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Scenic drives showcasing the lush, green forests and rolling hills of the Azores.
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Photo opportunities at various scenic points, allowing visitors to capture the stunning natural beauty of the region.
These scenic interludes provide a pleasant respite from the exploration of the volcanic activity at Furnas.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The full-day Furnas experience includes a range of inclusions, such as personal insurance, lunch, a guide, and fuel.
A full-day Furnas experience includes personal insurance, lunch, a guide, and fuel, providing a comprehensive package.
Participants can also enjoy the entrances to the various sights, except for the optional thermal bath at Terra Nostra Park.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Guests should remember to bring their own bathing suits and towels for the thermal bath.
While the experience offers a comprehensive package, it’s important to note the exclusion of the optional thermal bath fee, which costs €16 per person.
Customer Feedback
How do customers rate the full-day Furnas experience? Based on 6 reviews, the overall rating is 3.7 out of 5.
The positive notes highlighted the knowledgeable and friendly driver, Joao. However, some customers critiqued the experience:
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Inability to access the hot springs
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Lack of an in-depth factory tour at the tea plantation
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Disappointment that the included thermal bath at Terra Nostra Park carried an additional fee
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Concerns that the tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users
Despite these drawbacks, the Furnas excursion offers unique volcanic and tea-centric experiences for visitors to the Azores.
Since You Asked
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour package includes lunch, but travelers are free to supplement with their own provisions if they prefer.
Is There a Dress Code or Requirements for the Thermal Baths?
There are no strict dress code requirements for the thermal baths, but participants should bring a bathing suit and towel. Comfortable, lightweight clothing is recommended as the tour involves walking and exploring outdoor areas.
Are There Any Accessibility Options for Guests With Disabilities?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as the itinerary includes many stops that may be inaccessible. Participants should check with the tour operator about any specific accessibility requirements before booking.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can also reserve the tour and pay later, providing flexibility in booking.
Can I Extend My Stay at Any of the Tour Locations?
You can extend your stay at the Terra Nostra Park, which offers optional thermal baths. However, the tour itself doesn’t provide additional time at the other locations beyond the scheduled stops.
The Sum Up
The Furnas full-day tour offers an immersive experience of the region’s stunning volcanic landscapes, geothermal wonders, and rich tea heritage. Highlights include visiting the Furnas Lake, Caldeiras, and Gorreana Tea Factory, with an optional soak in the Terra Nostra Park‘s mineral-rich thermal baths. Led by knowledgeable guides, this 7.5-hour adventure showcases the unique natural and cultural attractions of Furnas for a well-rounded and memorable day.
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