São Miguel: Majestic North Tour (Waterfalls With Lunch)

The São Miguel: Majestic North Tour promises an unforgettable day exploring the island’s stunning natural beauty. Travelers will discover cascading waterfalls, visit renowned tea factories, and savor local cuisine – all led by knowledgeable guides. With a focus on comfort and experience, this 7-hour adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of São Miguel guarantees an immersive glimpse into the island’s rich history and culture. But the real question is, what wonders await beyond the tour’s highlights?

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Key Points

This 7-hour tour takes visitors to the scenic north of São Miguel island, featuring a visit to Lagoa do Fogo, tea factory tours, and a regional buffet lunch.
The tour includes transportation in a 9-seat van with a knowledgeable local guide who provides insights on the island’s flora, fauna, history, and heritage.
Participants can enjoy guided walks through the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park and optional short walks, requiring a mild fitness level.
The tour provides coverage for insurance, water bottles, and tastings of regional delicacies, offering an excellent value for the experience.
Comfortable attire and shoes are recommended, and certain items like weapons and high-heeled shoes are prohibited during the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The São Miguel: Majestic North Tour (Waterfalls w/Lunch) offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the northern region of São Miguel island.

Visitors can enjoy a comprehensive exploration of the northern region of São Miguel island on the São Miguel: Majestic North Tour (Waterfalls w/Lunch).

Priced from $81.78 to $73.60 per person, this 7-hour tour is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Pickup locations include Lagoa, Ribeira Grande, and Ponta Delgada, with additional fees for Ribeira Grande and Lagoa.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes a guided visit to Lagoa do Fogo, Gorreana Tea Factory, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, and more, culminating in a regional buffet lunch.

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Itinerary Highlights

Lagoa do Fogo kicks off the itinerary with a scenic drive and photo opportunity.

Next, guests visit the Gorreana Tea Factory for a guided tour, tea tasting, and shopping.

At Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, the tour includes a guided walk.

After, travelers enjoy a regional buffet lunch featuring local dishes for 75 minutes.

The tour then stops at the Porto Formoso Tea Factory for a visit and guided tour.

Throughout the day, the group makes multiple viewpoint stops for sightseeing and photos, totaling an additional hour.

Tour Features

A knowledgeable local guide with insights on flora, fauna, history, and heritage leads this tour.

Travelers explore São Miguel’s northern region aboard a 9-seat van with air conditioning and panoramic windshield. The tour includes a regional buffet lunch with local dishes, a water bottle, and tastings of regional delicacies. Insurance is provided for the tour.

Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. High-heeled shoes, weapons, large bags, and smoking in the vehicle aren’t allowed. A mild level of fitness is required for optional short walks, and non-participants can wait at designated areas.

Customer Reviews

Based on the 12 reviews, the São Miguel: Majestic North Tour has garnered an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable and friendly guide, Ivo, who provides insights on the island’s flora, fauna, history, and heritage. Participants enjoyed the beautiful sights and hidden gems along the tour, as well as the recommendations for local dining and activities.

The experience at the Gorreana Tea Factory and the regional buffet lunch were also highlights. The tour offers an excellent value and a wonderful way to explore the majestic north of São Miguel.

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Important Information

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for this tour, as you will have the opportunity to take optional short walks.

Certain items aren’t allowed on the tour:

High-heeled shoes
Weapons
Large bags
Smoking in the vehicle

The tour requires a mild level of fitness, as some short walks are involved. Non-participants can wait at designated areas during these activities.

The tour provides transport in a 9-seat van with air conditioning and a panoramic windshield, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey.

There's plenty more to explore in Ponta Delgada

Exploring Lagoa Do Fogo

Although Lagoa do Fogo, or the "Fire Lake", is one of the main highlights of the North Tour, the stop is more than just a scenic photo opportunity.

Situated within a volcanic crater, the turquoise waters of this stunning lake are surrounded by lush, verdant slopes. Visitors have the chance to admire the tranquil beauty of the lake and capture breathtaking panoramic shots.

Nestled within a volcanic crater, the turquoise waters of this stunning lake are encircled by lush, verdant slopes, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

The tour guide provides insightful commentary on the lake’s geological formation and ecological significance, enriching the experience.

After soaking in the views, guests can stretch their legs with a short, optional walk along the lake’s perimeter.

Discovering Gorreana Tea Factory

After leaving the tranquil setting of Lagoa do Fogo, the tour heads to the Gorreana Tea Factory, one of the oldest tea plantations in Europe.

Guests are treated to a guided tour, where they:

Discover the history and traditions of tea production in the Azores.
Observe the intricate process of harvesting, withering, rolling, and drying the tea leaves.
Indulge in a tea tasting, sampling the distinct flavors of the region’s black and green teas.
Browse the on-site shop, stocking up on premium Gorreana tea to savor at home.

This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the island’s rich agricultural heritage.

Discovering Ribeira Dos Caldeirões Natural Park

From the tea factory, the tour continues to the enchanting Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park.

Here, the guide leads guests on a guided walk through the lush, verdant landscape. Towering waterfalls cascade over rocky cliffs, creating a serene and picturesque setting. Guests can admire the diverse flora and fauna, including the park’s unique plant species.

The guided tour provides insights into the park’s history and ecology, enhancing the overall experience. After an hour of exploring this natural wonder, the group departs for a regional buffet lunch, ready to refuel before the next stop on the tour.

Since You Asked

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Our Preferences?

The tour itinerary can be customized to your preferences, but it may incur additional fees. Speak with the tour operator to discuss any changes you’d like to make to better suit your interests and needs.

Is There an Option to Visit Additional Sights Beyond the Main Itinerary?

While the standard itinerary is fixed, the tour operator may accommodate requests to visit additional sights, subject to time and availability. Guests can inquire about customizing the tour to include any must-see destinations within the region.

Are There Any Child-Friendly Activities or Discounts Available for Families?

The tour offers family-friendly activities and discounts. Children under 5 are free, and those under 12 receive a 10% discount. The itinerary includes stops suitable for all ages, such as the Lagoa do Fogo and Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour, and Can It Be Changed?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing customers to change their plans without penalty.

Can We Request a Pick-Up or Drop-Off Location Outside the Designated Areas?

Requests for pick-up or drop-off locations outside the designated areas may incur an additional fee. Travelers should contact the tour operator to inquire about availability and any associated costs for alternative pickup or drop-off locations.

The Sum Up

The São Miguel: Majestic North Tour offers an unforgettable day exploring the island’s natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, stunning waterfalls, tea factory tours, and a regional buffet lunch. With knowledgeable guides and a focus on comfort, this tour promises a delightful experience discovering the unique landscapes and culture of São Miguel.