Half Day Furnas Tour With Volcano Activity

The Furnas region of São Miguel Island is a geological wonder, offering visitors a chance to witness the raw power of the earth’s volcanic activity. The Half Day Furnas Tour provides an opportunity to explore this captivating landscape, featuring bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and a visit to the iconic Gorreana Tea Factory. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, this tour promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the island’s remarkable natural heritage.

Key Points

1. The tour includes a 50-minute guided visit and tasting at the Gorreana Tea Factory, the oldest tea plantation in Europe.

2. Visitors can witness the bubbling mud pools and steaming vents in the volcanic caldera of Furnas, connecting them with the island’s volcanic origins.

3. The tour provides an opportunity to taste mineral-rich water from natural springs in Furnas, showcasing the region’s unique geologic wonders.

4. The 4-hour guided excursion on São Miguel island includes pickup and drop-off services, a live guide, and insurance coverage.

5. The tour stops at Pico do Ferro Lookout, offering breathtaking views of the island’s stunning landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Half Day Furnas Tour with Volcano Activity" is a 4-hour guided excursion that takes visitors through the stunning landscapes of São Miguel island.

A 4-hour guided excursion that takes visitors through the stunning landscapes of São Miguel island.

Priced from €400.00 per group (up to 8 participants), the tour is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Guests can reserve their spot with no upfront payment and enjoy a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off, a live guide, and insurance coverage, providing a seamless and worry-free experience for participants.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a 30-minute stop in Ribeira Grande, a charming town on São Miguel island.

Next, guests embark on a 20-minute scenic drive to the Santa Iria Lookout, offering panoramic views.

The Gorreana Tea Factory, the oldest tea plantation in Europe, is the highlight of the tour, with a 50-minute guided visit and tasting.

The Pico do Ferro Lookout provides more breathtaking island vistas.

Finally, the tour culminates in Furnas, where guests can sample the region’s famous mineral water and explore the hot springs for 30 minutes.

Transportation and Pickup

As part of the tour package, the tour operator provides pickup and drop-off services at guests’ accommodations in Ponta Delgada.

The pickup location may vary depending on the selected tour option, but it can include Santa Barbara Beach.

During the tour, guests will be transported to the various stops, such as Ribeira Grande, the Gorreana Tea Factory, and Furnas.

At the end of the tour, guests will be dropped off at the main stop on Av. Infante Dom Henrique 6 in Ponta Delgada, or at another designated location if necessary.

Tour Guide and Experience

A live tour guide accompanies participants throughout the Half Day Furnas Tour, providing valuable insights about São Miguel island and its attractions.

The tour guide, Julio, received praise from customers for his knowledgeable and engaging approach, which enhanced the overall experience.

Specifically, the tour guide:

The tour guide offers commentary on the island’s history, culture, and natural wonders, answers questions, and ensures a smooth and enriching experience.

1. Offers commentary on the island’s history, culture, and natural wonders.

2. Answers questions and provides context about the tour stops, including the Gorreana Tea Factory and the Furnas hot springs.

3. Ensures the tour runs smoothly and that participants make the most of their time.

The combination of transportation, insurance, and an expert guide makes this a well-rounded tour for visitors to explore the best of Furnas.

More Great Tours Nearby

Furnas Volcanic Activity

Located in the eastern part of São Miguel island, Furnas is a volcanic caldera famous for its geothermal activity.

Visitors can witness the bubbling mud pools and steaming vents that demonstrate the power of the earth’s inner forces. During the tour, guests will have the opportunity to taste the mineral-rich water from natural springs, which is known for its restorative properties.

The Furnas portion of the tour allows travelers to connect with the island’s volcanic origins and experience the unique geologic wonders that make this region so captivating.

Gorreana Tea Factory

The Gorreana Tea Factory, established in 1883, is the oldest operational tea plantation in Europe.

During the tour, visitors can explore the factory’s history, observe the traditional tea production process, and sample the distinct flavors of the locally grown tea.

The experience offers three key highlights:

1. A guided tour of the factory, providing insights into the time-honored methods used to cultivate and process the tea leaves.

2. An opportunity to taste the rich, aromatic Gorreana tea, known for its unique and flavorful profile.

3. Learning about the cultural significance of tea production in the Azores and its impact on the local economy.

Scenic Viewpoints

Scenic viewpoints along the tour offer visitors captivating panoramas of São Miguel’s striking landscapes.

The Santa Iria Lookout provides sweeping vistas of the town of Ribeira Grande and the northern coastline. At the Pico do Ferro Lookout, guests can admire the volcanic crater of Furnas and the lush, verdant surroundings.

These stops allow participants to pause, take in the natural beauty, and snap memorable photos. The scenic drives between destinations also showcase the island’s diverse terrain, from rolling hills to rugged coastal cliffs.

These viewpoints enhance the overall immersive experience of the Furnas tour.

Cancellation and Weather Policy

Although the Half Day Furnas Tour operates rain or shine, the tour provider offers flexible cancellation policies to accommodate guests.

Travelers can take advantage of:

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation, flexible booking, and weather-resilient activities for a seamless tour experience.

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

2. The option to reserve without immediate payment, allowing for greater flexibility in planning.

3. Weather-resilient activities that ensure the tour runs as scheduled, regardless of conditions.

This commitment to providing a seamless experience, even in the face of unpredictable weather, is a testament to the tour provider’s dedication to customer satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Approximate Group Size for This Tour?

This tour accommodates up to 8 participants. According to the tour overview, the price is listed as "From €400.00 per group (up to 8 participants)," indicating that the maximum group size for this tour is 8 people.

Are Any Meals or Snacks Included During the Tour?

No meals or snacks are included during the tour. The tour focuses on providing a guided exploration of the Furnas volcanic region and its attractions, without providing any food or refreshments as part of the package.

Is the Furnas Hot Springs Visit an Active Experience or Just Observation?

The Furnas hot springs visit is an active experience, allowing participants to explore and observe the volcanic activity first-hand. Visitors can witness the bubbling pools and taste the mineral waters during this portion of the tour.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour if I Wish to Spend More Time at Certain Stops?

The tour itinerary is fixed, but travelers can extend their time at stops if desired. However, the overall tour duration of 4 hours cannot be lengthened. Travelers must adhere to the scheduled timeline to ensure the tour operates smoothly for all participants.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary Based on My Interests?

The tour provider offers some flexibility to customize the itinerary based on the customer’s interests. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the guide and adjust the duration at certain stops if desired, within the overall 4-hour timeframe.

The Sum Up

The Half Day Furnas Tour With Volcano Activity provides an immersive exploration of São Miguel’s natural wonders. Visitors can witness the island’s geothermal activity, tour a historic tea factory, and admire scenic viewpoints. With a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation, this tour offers a comprehensive and convenient way to experience the cultural and geological highlights of the Furnas region.

You can check availability for your dates here: