Ponta Delgada: Full-Day Van Tour to Furnas Valley

Ponta Delgada’s Furnas Valley beckons with its breathtaking landscapes and geothermal wonders. The full-day van tour promises a delightful blend of nature, culture, and culinary experiences. Visitors will explore the historic Gorreana Tea Factory, marvel at the stunning Pico do Ferro viewpoint, and discover the thermal pools of the Furnas region. With a focus on authenticity and small-group exploration, this tour offers a chance to truly take in the Azores’ captivating charm. What secrets might this journey unveil?

Key Points

• This full-day van tour takes visitors from Ponta Delgada to the Furnas Valley, exploring the region’s volcanic origins, geothermal wonders, and unique cultural heritage.
• Highlights include a visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory, panoramic views from Pico do Ferro, and the opportunity to swim in the thermal waters of Terra Nostra Botanical Garden.
• Participants will enjoy a 1.5-hour lunch at a local restaurant, followed by free time to explore the Furnas Lake, fumaroles, and mineral springs.
• The tour is limited to 8 participants and is available in English and Portuguese, with a flexible cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
• Preparation for the tour includes wearing comfortable shoes, packing weather-appropriate clothing, and bringing a swimsuit and towel for the thermal waters.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour is titled "Ponta Delgada: Full-Day Van Tour to Furnas Valley" and is priced from $92.27 per person.

It lasts 7 hours and is limited to 8 participants. Available in English and Portuguese, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Booking flexibility includes a reserve now and pay later option. The tour departs from Futurismo Azores Adventures and includes stops at the Gorreana Tea Factory, Pico do Ferro viewpoint, Furnas Lake, a local restaurant for lunch, and Terra Nostra Park.

Booking flexibility, reserve now and pay later. Tour departs from Futurismo Azores Adventures, visiting Gorreana Tea Factory, Pico do Ferro, Furnas Lake, local restaurant, and Terra Nostra Park.

Guests can expect to explore volcanic landscapes, enjoy scenic views, and immerse in the cultural heritage of the Azores.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting from Futurismo Azores Adventures, the tour takes visitors on a journey through the stunning Furnas Valley.

The first stop is the Gorreana Tea Factory, the oldest tea plantation in Europe, where guests learn about the tea-making process.

Next, they visit the Pico do Ferro viewpoint for panoramic vistas.

Exploring Furnas Lake and its fumaroles and mineral springs comes next, followed by a 1.5-hour lunch at a local restaurant.

The tour culminates with free time to swim in the thermal waters and admire the unique flora of the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden before returning to the starting point.

Key Attractions

Gorreana Tea Factory stands as the oldest tea plantation in Europe, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the intricate tea-making process.

The tour also showcases the geothermal wonders of Furnas, where travelers can explore fumaroles and mineral springs. The highlight is the traditional "Cozido" dish, cooked using volcanic heat.

At Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, guests can swim in the thermal waters and admire the diverse flora.

These unique attractions provide an immersive experience into the volcanic origins and cultural heritage of the Azores, creating an unforgettable day of exploration and discovery.

Experience Description

Exploring the volcanic origins and geothermal wonders of Furnas is the highlight of this full-day van tour.

Exploring the volcanic origins and geothermal wonders of Furnas is the highlight of this full-day van tour.

This immersive experience allows you to:

• Discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Azores

• Enjoy scenic views and savor culinary delights throughout the day

• Swim in the thermal waters of the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden

The tour provides a seamless blend of sightseeing, learning, and leisure, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the island’s unique geological and gastronomic offerings.

The scenic return via the South Coast, including a detour to Vila Franca do Campo, completes this unforgettable adventure.

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Gorreana Tea Factory

As the tour begins, visitors are introduced to the Gorreana Tea Factory, the oldest tea plantation in Europe. Here, they’ll learn about the intriguing history and unique processing methods used to create the renowned Azorean tea.

Guests wander through the tea fields, observing the delicate leaves being hand-picked. Inside the factory, the guide explains the intricate steps of withering, rolling, and drying the tea.

Visitors can sample the distinct flavors and aromas of the green and black teas produced on-site. This stop offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s agricultural heritage and the careful craftsmanship behind Gorreana’s premium teas.

Furnas Lake and Cozido Dish

From Gorreana, the tour winds its way to Furnas Lake, a volcanic crater lake renowned for its steaming fumaroles and natural mineral springs.

Visitors can:

• Witness the intriguing sight of the lake’s bubbling waters.

• Soak in the thermal pools, enjoying the restorative effects of the mineral-rich waters.

• Sample the traditional Cozido, a hearty meat and vegetable stew cooked underground using the geothermal heat.

After exploring the lake and indulging in the local cuisine, the tour continues to the lush Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, offering a refreshing respite and opportunities for swimming in the thermal pools.

Terra Nostra Botanical Garden

The tour continues to the lush Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, a vibrant oasis that offers visitors a refreshing respite and opportunities to swim in the thermal pools.

Guests can wander the stunning gardens, which feature a diverse array of plant species from around the world. The highlight is a chance to relax in the famous iron-oxide-rich waters, which are heated by Furnas’ volcanic activity.

After enjoying the gardens and thermal swim, the tour departs this verdant sanctuary, heading back via the scenic South Coast road, including a stop in Vila Franca do Campo.

Important Information

Guests should come prepared for the full-day tour with comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and rain gear.

The meeting point is at the Futurismo Azores Adventures shop, where check-in is required 10 minutes before the start time.

Additional considerations:

• Bring a swimsuit and towel to enjoy the thermal waters at Terra Nostra Park.

• Wear sun protection like a hat and sunblock.

• Pack a backpack with water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized throughout the day.

The tour has an overall customer rating of 4.3 out of 5, highlighting the expertise of the guides and the enjoyable experience.

Since You Asked

Is There a Restroom Break During the Tour?

The tour itinerary includes a lunch stop, which typically provides an opportunity for restroom breaks. However, the specific details about scheduled restroom breaks during the tour are not explicitly mentioned in the provided information.

Can Children Participate in the Tour?

Children are welcome to participate in the tour. The group size is limited to 8 participants, so there’s ample space for families. Participants should bring any necessary child-friendly supplies like snacks or entertainment to ensure a comfortable experience for all.

Are There Any Physical Requirements for the Tour?

The tour has reasonable physical requirements. Participants should be able to walk for short periods and climb in and out of the van. Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended. Those with mobility concerns should check with the tour operator before booking.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, participants cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, and they recommend bringing a water bottle, but no outside food or beverages are allowed.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

There is no mention of any discounts for seniors or students in the tour overview. The price is listed as $92.27 per person, and there are no indications of reduced pricing for specific age or student groups.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour offers an immersive exploration of the Azores’ natural and cultural treasures. Travelers will discover the historic Gorreana Tea Factory, marvel at the stunning Pico do Ferro viewpoint, and explore the geothermal wonders of Furnas. With a delicious local lunch, relaxation at Terra Nostra Park, and a dip in its thermal waters, this tour promises an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and culinary experiences in the Azores.

You can check availability for your dates here: