Explore Furnas by Van – Full Day Tour With Lunch and Thermal Baths

Exploring the stunning Furnas Valley in São Miguel, Portugal is a must-do for any visitor. The "Explore Furnas by Van – Full Day Tour" promises an immersive experience, from savoring traditional Azorean pastries to indulging in the therapeutic thermal baths of Terra Nostra Park. This intimate tour for up to 12 guests offers a chance to discover the breathtaking Lagoa das Furnas and local delicacies. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty or culture, this tour provides an unforgettable day of exploration and relaxation.

Key Points

• Comprehensive tour of Furnas Valley, including visiting the historic town of Vila Franca do Campo and the renowned botanical garden of Terra Nostra Park.
• Opportunity to taste traditional Azorean pastries and experience the therapeutic mineral-rich thermal baths at Terra Nostra Park.
• Exploration of the dramatic Lagoa das Furnas, a vast volcanic crater showcasing remarkable geothermal activity.
• Inclusion of lunch and all fees/taxes, with a maximum group size of 12 for a personalized experience.
• Tour begins at 9:00 AM in Ponta Delgada and ends back at the same meeting point.

Tour Highlights

The Furnas Full Day Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the Furnas Valley, showcasing its natural wonders and cultural highlights.

Travelers can taste traditional Azorean pastries, soak in the thermal baths at Terra Nostra Park, and discover the dramatic Lagoa das Furnas. They’ll also witness the natural phenomena at Caldeira das Furnas, where bubbling mud pots and healing springs dot the landscape.

With a maximum group size of 12, the tour provides a personalized experience led by knowledgeable guides. From the picturesque town of Vila Franca do Campo to the lush Furnas Valley, this tour immerses guests in the region’s stunning natural beauty.

Itinerary Overview

Although the tour begins at 9:00 AM, the meeting point is at the Marina Pêro de Teive, located on Av. Dom João III in Ponta Delgada, Portugal.

The full-day small group tour covers Furnas Valley, including stops at Vila Franca do Campo and Terra Nostra Park. Activities range from tasting traditional pastries to soaking in thermal baths and exploring Lagoa das Furnas.

Guests will also experience natural phenomena at Caldeira das Furnas and various healing springs and streams in the valley.

Lunch and all fees/taxes are included, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

Visiting Vila Franca Do Campo

After leaving the meeting point at the Marina Pêro de Teive, the tour makes its way to the coastal town of Vila Franca do Campo.

Nestled along the southern shore of São Miguel island, this historic town offers a glimpse into the island’s past. Visitors will explore the charming streets, admire the whitewashed buildings, and visit the 15th-century Igreja Matriz church.

With its idyllic harbor and stunning vistas of the surrounding coastline, Vila Franca do Campo provides a delightful respite before continuing the journey inland to the Furnas Valley.

Exploring Terra Nostra Park

Upon arriving at the Furnas Valley, the tour makes its way to the renowned Terra Nostra Park.

This botanical garden features lush greenery, hot springs, and a thermal swimming pool. Visitors can soak in the iron-rich, rust-colored waters, which are said to have therapeutic properties. The park also boasts an impressive collection of exotic plants and trees.

After exploring the grounds, the tour stops at the park’s teahouse to sample local delicacies like the famous Furnas stew, baked in the natural volcanic steam vents.

This unique experience allows travelers to enjoy the valley’s natural wonders.

Tasting Traditional Furnas Cuisine

Following the tour of Terra Nostra Park, visitors get to experience the unique cuisine of the Furnas Valley.

The region is known for its traditional baking techniques, utilizing the natural steam vents to cook various dishes.

Travelers can savor:

• Cozido das Furnas, a hearty stew cooked underground in the volcanic calderas
• Queijadas de Vila Franca, sweet and creamy pastries
• Bolo Lêvedo, a light and fluffy bread native to the Azores

These local delicacies offer a true taste of Azorean culture and the geothermal wonders of Furnas.

Soaking in Thermal Baths

As visitors explore the Furnas Valley, they’re invited to indulge in the restorative properties of the region’s renowned thermal baths.

The tour includes a stop at the famous Terra Nostra Park, home to one of the valley’s most iconic geothermal pools. Guests can soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters, which are believed to have therapeutic benefits for the skin and circulatory system.

The peaceful setting, surrounded by lush vegetation, provides a serene environment to relax and rejuvenate.

This experience offers a unique opportunity to take in the natural wonders of the Azores Islands.

Experiencing Caldeira Das Furnas

Visitors to the Furnas Valley are captivated by the dramatic landscape of Caldeira das Furnas, a vast volcanic crater that showcases the region’s remarkable geothermal activity.

Steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and boiling springs dot the caldeira, giving the area an otherworldly appearance.

Guests can experience this natural phenomenon up close by:

• Peering into the crater’s boiling pools, where the earth’s internal heat manifests in spectacular fashion.
• Observing the volcanic gases and steam that continuously rise from the ground.
• Feeling the warmth of the soil underfoot, a testament to the geothermal forces at work beneath the surface.

Getting to the Tour

The Furnas Full Day Tour departs from the Marina Pêro de Teive in Ponta Delgada, just a short distance from the stunning Caldeira das Furnas.

Travelers will meet at the designated meeting point at 9:00 AM. The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 guests, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

The tour is stroller accessible, and infant seats are available, making it suitable for families. The meeting point is located near public transportation, allowing easy access for those not driving.

With a timely departure, the tour is set to immerse guests in the natural wonders of Furnas Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Travelers can also take advantage of the reserve now and pay later option for this tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

While the tour includes lunch, participants can’t bring their own food and drinks. The tour does not allow outside food or beverages, as the tour package covers all meals and refreshments for the day.

Is There an Option to Join the Tour in Progress?

Yes, travelers can join the tour in progress. The tour meets at a designated location and participants can meet the group there. However, advance reservations are required, and late arrivals may miss portions of the itinerary.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Activity/Location?

The tour spends about 1-2 hours at each major stop, including tasting pastries, soaking in thermal baths, and exploring Lagoa das Furnas and Caldeira das Furnas. The exact time allocated for each activity may vary depending on the group’s pace.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Attire?

You don’t need any special equipment, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Bring a swimsuit and towel if you plan to use the thermal baths during the tour.

The Sum Up

The "Explore Furnas by Van – Full Day Tour With Lunch and Thermal Baths" offers a comprehensive exploration of São Miguel’s stunning Furnas Valley. Visitors can savor traditional Azorean pastries, indulge in local cuisine, and enjoy the therapeutic thermal baths of Terra Nostra Park, all while experiencing the breathtaking Lagoa das Furnas. This intimate tour provides a memorable day of discovery and relaxation in this captivating region.