Furnas: Tea Plantations, Lake and Volcano Guided Tour

The Furnas: Tea Plantations, Lake and Volcano Guided Tour invites visitors to enjoy the natural wonders of São Miguel island. This comprehensive experience promises to tantalize the senses, from the unique flavors of local tea to the breathtaking vistas overlooking volcanic landscapes. Travelers can explore historic tea plantations, unwind in lush thermal gardens, and discover the geothermal secrets of Furnas. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, this tour offers a rare opportunity to connect with the island’s captivating history and vibrant culture.

Key Points

• The 8-hour guided tour explores São Miguel island, including visits to the Gorreana Tea Factory, Terra Nostra Park, and Furnas Lake.
• Highlights include a tea tasting at the Gorreana Tea Factory, free time at Terra Nostra Park, and food tasting in Furnas.
• The tour is available in multiple languages and has received high customer satisfaction, with praise for knowledgeable and friendly guides.
• Participants should bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, and prepare for various activities, including walking and swimming (hot springs closed until April 2025).
• Early booking is recommended due to limited availability, and extra fees may apply for pickups outside Ponta Delgada.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Furnas Guided Tour, titled "Furnas: Tea Plantations, Lake and Volcano Guided Tour," offers a comprehensive 8-hour experience exploring the natural wonders of São Miguel island.

Priced at Kč 1,489 to Kč 1,752 per person, the tour provides value with its small group size, free cancellation, and pay-later option.

Visitors can enjoy guided visits to the Gorreana Tea Factory, Terra Nostra Park, and Furnas Lake, as well as stops at scenic viewpoints and pineapple plantations.

The tour is available in multiple languages and boasts high customer satisfaction, with praise for the knowledgeable guides and overall experience.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors begin the tour with pickups from select locations, including Hotel Marina Atlântico, Posto de Turismo de Ponta Delgada, and College Square.

The first stop is the Gorreana Tea Factory, where they’ll enjoy a guided tour and tea tasting.

Next, they’ll visit the Pico do Ferro Lookout for a photo opportunity and sightseeing.

At Terra Nostra Park, they’ll have free time for walking and swimming, though the hot springs are closed until April 2025.

The tour continues to Furnas for a food tasting, followed by visits to the Caldeiras, Furnas Lake, Vila Franca do Campo, and the Islet.

Finally, they’ll stop at pineapple plantations for a break, coffee, local snacks, and shopping.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Furnas guided tour, awarding it an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 288 reviews.

Reviewers highlighted the knowledgeable and friendly guides, such as Andre and Mario, who provided informative and engaging commentary.

The tour’s transportation also received high marks, with a 4.8/5 rating. Customers felt the tour offered great value for money, with a 4.7/5 rating in this category.

Important Information

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, participants should bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and loose, comfortable clothing.

Pets, intoxication, food in the vehicle, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed. Nudity is also prohibited.

It’s important to note that the hot springs at Terra Nostra Park are closed until April 2025, but the park remains accessible.

Participants should aim to be ready at the designated pickup location by 8:45 A.M., as delays may occur due to traffic. Additional fees may apply for pickups outside Ponta Delgada.

Booking this tour is the perfect way to experience São Miguel’s natural wonders.

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Booking and Preparation

To ensure a smooth start to the tour, participants should aim to be ready at the designated pickup location by 8:45 A.M. as delays may occur due to traffic.

Booking early is recommended to secure a spot, as availability can be limited.

Plus, participants should be aware of the following:

1. Consider any extra fees for pickups outside of Ponta Delgada, as these may apply.

2. Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and weather-appropriate clothing to make the most of the tour’s various activities.

3. Refrain from bringing pets, consuming alcohol or drugs, and eating food in the vehicle, as these aren’t allowed.

Exploring the Gorreana Tea Factory

The Gorreana Tea Factory stands as a captivating centerpiece of the tour, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history and production process of the Azores’ renowned tea.

During the 35-minute guided tour, guests explore the factory’s facilities, learning about the traditional methods used to cultivate, process, and package the tea leaves.

They’ll have the opportunity to taste the various tea varieties, savoring the unique flavors that have made Gorreana’s tea a local treasure.

This immersive experience provides a deeper appreciation for the dedication and expertise required to produce the islands’ distinctive teas.

Discovering the Wonders of Terra Nostra Park

After exploring the storied Gorreana Tea Factory, the tour moves on to the captivating Terra Nostra Park.

This manicured botanical garden offers a serene respite amidst the island’s volcanic landscape.

Visitors can:

1. Stroll through the lush, verdant paths and admire the diverse array of plants and trees.

2. Take a dip in the famous thermal pool, which is fed by the park’s natural hot springs.

3. Relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding hills.

Despite the temporary closure of the hot springs, Terra Nostra Park remains a must-visit destination on the Furnas tour.

Taking in the Geothermal Landscape of Furnas

As the tour progresses, visitors explore the fascinating geothermal landscape of Furnas. They explore the Caldeiras, where the ground steams and bubbles with hot springs. The guide provides a detailed tour, explaining the volcanic origins and geothermal activity that shape this unique environment.

| Furnas Highlights | Description | Duration |

| — | — | — |

| Caldeiras | Guided tour of steaming hot springs and volcanic features | 30 minutes |

| Furnas Lake | Scenic tour of the crater lake, formed by a volcanic eruption | 30 minutes |

| Food Tasting | Opportunity to sample local Furnas cuisine (additional fee) | 1.5 hours |

Visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the dynamic, ever-changing geology of the Azores as they enjoy Furnas’ geothermal wonders.

The Sum Up

The Furnas: Tea Plantations, Lake and Volcano Guided Tour offers a captivating journey through São Miguel’s diverse landscapes. Visitors can savor the unique flavors of local tea, admire the stunning vistas from Pico do Ferro Lookout, and enjoy the geothermal wonders of Furnas. With knowledgeable guides and a well-rounded itinerary, this tour provides an unforgettable exploration of the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: