São Miguel: Furnas Volcano & Tea Plantation Tour & Lunch

Discover the natural wonders and culinary delights of São Miguel’s Furnas Valley on this captivating tour. Visitors will enjoy the region’s volcanic landscape, savor a traditional Cozido das Furnas lunch cooked underground using geothermal heat, and explore Europe’s only tea plantation. With expert guides and stunning scenery, this outing promises an unforgettable experience for those eager to uncover the island’s unique offerings.

Key Points

• An 8-hour immersive tour exploring São Miguel’s Furnas Volcano, including a traditional Portuguese lunch cooked in volcanic soil and a visit to Europe’s only tea plantation.

• Highlights of the tour include the Furnas Valley, with its bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and Lagoa das Furnas, as well as panoramic views.

• The tour offers a unique gastronomic experience with the Cozido das Furnas, a traditional stew cooked using natural geothermal heat.

• Visitors can explore the tea plantation, learn about tea growth and processing, and taste premium Azores Black, Green, and Oolong teas.

• The tour package includes hotel pickup/drop-off, lunch, drinks/desserts, and entrance fees to Furnas Lake and Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, along with comprehensive travel insurance and knowledgeable guide services.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The São Miguel: Furnas Volcano & Tea Plantation Tour & Lunch offers an 8-hour immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the easternmost of São Miguel’s three active volcanoes.

Priced from $81.78 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a traditional Portuguese lunch, and guided experiences in multiple languages.

Highlights include the volcanic Furnas Valley, a tea plantation visit, and panoramic views. Travelers can expect a flexible itinerary, travel insurance, and access to thermal pools.

While not suitable for wheelchair users, the tour provides vegetarian options and receives exceptional ratings from past participants.

Exploring Furnas Valley

As the tour’s centerpiece, Furnas Valley offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the volcanic origins of São Miguel. This geothermal wonderland features bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and the iconic Lagoa das Furnas, a crater lake. Guests can marvel at the dramatic landscape and learn about the area’s unique ecology.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Furnas Caldera | The remnants of a massive volcanic eruption that occurred roughly 30,000 years ago. |

| Volcanic Activity | Fumaroles, hot springs, and geysers powered by the island’s geothermal heat. |

| Cozido das Furnas | A traditional stew cooked underground using the region’s natural heat. |

| Terra Nostra Botanical Garden | A lush garden featuring vibrant flora and thermal pools. |

Traditional Cozido Das Furnas Lunch

Furnas Valley’s geothermal activity not only shapes the mesmerizing landscape, but also powers the region’s most renowned culinary tradition – the Cozido das Furnas, a hearty stew cooked underground using the natural heat.

This unique cooking method involves burying a pot filled with various meats, sausages, vegetables, and potatoes in the volcanic soil, where it slowly simmers for several hours.

The result is a flavorful and tender dish that embodies the essence of Furnas. Visitors on the tour enjoy savoring this traditional meal, which is served alongside local breads and wines, for a truly immersive gastronomic experience.

Europe’s Only Tea Plantation

One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to Europe’s only tea plantation. Guests will have the opportunity to see how tea is grown, harvested, and processed. During the tea tasting, they’ll learn to appreciate the subtle flavors and aromas of the estate’s premium teas.

| Tea Variety | Flavor Profile | Brewing Tips |

| — | — | — |

| Azores Black Tea | Bold, full-bodied | Steep for 3-5 minutes at 195°F |

| Azores Green Tea | Fresh, grassy | Steep for 1-2 minutes at 175°F |

| Azores Oolong Tea | Delicate, floral | Steep for 2-3 minutes at 195°F |

The visit to the tea plantation offers a unique cultural experience, allowing travelers to enjoy the island’s agricultural heritage.

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Scenic Stops and Panoramic Views

Throughout the tour, travelers are treated to a series of scenic stops and panoramic viewpoints that showcase the island’s breathtaking natural beauty.

One such stop is at Lagoa, where guests can admire traditional Portuguese pottery.

Another highlight is the panoramic views from the Pico do Ferro belvedere, offering stunning vistas of the Furnas Valley and its volcanic landscape.

The tour also includes a visit to Vila Franca do Campo, the former island capital, providing a glimpse into the island’s rich history and culture.

These scenic experiences complement the tour’s other activities, creating a well-rounded exploration of São Miguel.

Highlights of the North Road

As the tour wraps up, guests return via the island’s north road, where they’ve the opportunity to explore additional local experiences.

The route features scenic stops, allowing visitors to enjoy the region’s culture and traditions. They may visit a pottery workshop, observing artisans crafting unique pieces.

Plus, the guide facilitates interactions with friendly locals, providing deeper insights into the island’s way of life.

These final touches on the tour ensure guests leave with a well-rounded understanding of São Miguel’s diverse attractions and charm.

Included Features and Important Information

The tour package includes several key features that enhance the overall experience.

Travelers enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, a delicious lunch with traditional Portuguese dishes, and refreshing drinks and desserts.

Entrance fees to Furnas Lake and the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal pools are also covered.

Plus, travelers benefit from comprehensive travel insurance and knowledgeable guide services throughout the tour.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with electric wheelchairs.

Guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a towel.

Vegetarian options are available upon request.

Customer Experiences

Travelers have generally provided positive feedback about the tour.

Guides received high praise for their engagement and depth of knowledge. Visitors appreciated the scenic views, sampling of local cuisine like the traditional Cozido das Furnas, and unique experiences like the tea tastings.

However, some guests noted disappointment when the thermal bath was closed for maintenance, as it impacted their overall experience.

Despite this, the tour operators demonstrated flexibility, with guides offering to drop off participants at museums after the tour concluded, showcasing their dedication to customer satisfaction.

Since You Asked

How Do the Guides Communicate With Non-English Speaking Tourists?

The guides communicate with non-English speaking travelers by offering language options, including Spanish, French, and Portuguese. They’re praised for their engagement and flexibility to ensure all travelers enjoy the experiences.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, though it may not be wheelchair-accessible. Travelers should check with the tour provider for any specific requirements or accommodations needed.

What Are the Options for Dietary Requirements Other Than Vegetarian?

The tour offers options for dietary requirements beyond vegetarian, such as gluten-free or lactose-free meals. Travelers simply need to inform the tour operator of any special dietary needs when booking.

Can the Tour Accommodate Travelers With Limited Mobility?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with electric wheelchairs, as the itinerary may involve uneven terrain and a lack of accessibility. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator for specific accommodation options.

How Do I Get to the Tour Starting Point if I’m Not Staying in Ponta Delgada?

The tour provides hotel pickup from Ponta Delgada accommodations. However, if you’re not staying in Ponta Delgada, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the tour’s starting point in the city.

The Sum Up

This captivating tour offers a unique blend of natural wonder, culture, and exceptional local cuisine. Visitors will explore the Furnas Valley, savor a traditional Cozido das Furnas lunch, and visit Europe’s only tea plantation, all while enjoying scenic stops and panoramic views. With hotel pickup/drop-off and expert guides, this 8-hour journey provides an unforgettable experience of São Miguel’s stunning landscapes and culinary delights.

You can check availability for your dates here: