Ponta Delgada: Seven Cities & Furnas Volcano Shore Excursion Tour

The Ponta Delgada: Seven Cities & Furnas Volcano Shore Excursion Tour promises a captivating exploration of Sao Miguel’s stunning landscapes. This small group adventure takes travelers to the iconic Sete Cidades crater lakes, the dramatic Furnas Volcano, and a local tea plantation. With knowledgeable guides, scenic views, and natural wonders, the tour offers an immersive experience. But what can visitors expect, and how does this excursion compare to others in the area? Let’s take a closer look.

Key Points

• A guided 5-6 hour adventure exploring the natural wonders of Sete Cidades, Furnas Volcano, a tea plantation, and thermal pools in Sao Miguel, Azores.
• The tour is priced from $95.17 per person and accommodates a maximum of 8 travelers, with pickup from the cruise terminal or port.
• Highlights include the stunning green and blue crater lakes of Sete Cidades, the dramatic landscapes of Furnas Volcano, and the opportunity to sample local teas.
• The tour includes entrance fees for parks and thermal pools, but lunch is not provided, allowing travelers to budget for additional expenses.
• Positive feedback praises the knowledgeable and friendly guides, well-planned itinerary, and small group atmosphere, with minor issues related to timely pickup noted by some travelers.

Tour Overview

The Ponta Delgada: Seven Cities & Furnas Volcano Shore Excursion Tour is a 5-6 hour guided adventure that takes travelers on an immersive exploration of Sao Miguel, the largest island in Portugal’s Azores archipelago.

Priced from $95.17 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 8 travelers, offering a small group atmosphere.

Highlights include visits to the Sete Cidades (Seven Cities), Furnas Volcano, a tea plantation, natural parks, and thermal pools.

The tour includes entrance fees, a water bottle, and pick-up from the cruise terminal.

Though stroller accessible, it’s not wheelchair friendly, and lunch isn’t provided.

Key Attractions

Sete Cidades (Seven Cities) is a must-visit destination, where travelers can marvel at the stunning green and blue crater lakes nestled in an ancient volcanic caldera.

The tour then ventures to Furnas Volcano, where visitors can witness the smoking fumaroles and explore the dramatic landscapes.

A highlight is the stop at a local tea plantation, where guests can sample flavorful teas and learn about the island’s tea-growing history.

The itinerary also includes visits to natural parks, thermal pools, and the renowned Terra Nostra garden, showcasing the diverse natural wonders of Sao Miguel.

Included and Not Included

Although the tour includes entrance fees for parks and thermal pools, as well as a complimentary water bottle, it does not cover personal purchases or lunch. The included and not included items are summarized in the table below:

Included	Not Included
Entrance fees	Personal purchases
Thermal pool access	Lunch
Water bottle	–
Small group atmosphere	–
	–

This allows travelers to budget appropriately and focus on enjoying the scenic views and cultural experiences throughout the tour.

Pickup and Meeting Information

As per the tour details, the pickup location for the Ponta Delgada: Seven Cities & Furnas Volcano Shore Excursion Tour is either the Terminal de cruzeiros de Ponta Delgada or Porto Ponta Delgada ANCORADOURO.

Travelers should look for the guide holding a sign with their name and not leave the cruise terminal hall.

The tour starts at 9 am for ships docking before then, and the timing adjusts accordingly for later arrivals.

Precise pickup timing is crucial, as the tour operator emphasizes adherence to the scheduled pickup to ensure a smooth start to the day’s activities.

Positive Feedback

Many travelers praised the knowledgeable and friendly guides who led the Ponta Delgada: Seven Cities & Furnas Volcano Shore Excursion Tour. Reviewers highlighted the well-planned itinerary that showcased scenic wonders like the Sete Cidades and the Furnas Volcano. The small group size was appreciated, allowing for personalized experiences. As one traveler noted, "The guide’s expertise brought the history and culture of the Azores to life." The intimate group setting fostered engaging conversations and a sense of camaraderie throughout the tour.

Positive Feedback	Reviewer Comments
Knowledgeable Guides	"The guide’s expertise brought the history and culture of the Azores to life."
Scenic Highlights	"The well-planned itinerary showcased the stunning natural beauty of the region."
Small Group Atmosphere	"The intimate group setting fostered engaging conversations and a sense of camaraderie."
Personalized Experience	"The small group size allowed for a more personalized and immersive tour experience."
Overall Satisfaction	"We had an amazing time and would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Ponta Delgada."

Common Complaints

While the Ponta Delgada: Seven Cities & Furnas Volcano Shore Excursion Tour received overwhelmingly positive reviews, a few travelers did note some minor issues.

One traveler mentioned experiencing problems with the timely pickup, though the tour operator emphasized their adherence to the scheduled pickup times.

The common complaints were minimal, as the tour’s highlights, such as the scenic views and well-planned itinerary, far outweighed any minor inconveniences.

The small group size was also praised for allowing for personalized experiences, despite the accessibility limitations for strollers and wheelchairs.

Company Reputation

The Ponta Delgada: Seven Cities & Furnas Volcano Shore Excursion Tour is operated by iGoAzores, a company known for its professionalism and punctuality.

Reviewers praise iGoAzores’ customer service, noting the company’s ability to accommodate special needs. The tour also features a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

This attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction has earned iGoAzores a positive reputation among travelers.

With a well-planned itinerary and knowledgeable guides, the Ponta Delgada tour provides a comprehensive and personalized shore excursion experience.

Traveler Expectations

Travelers who embark on the Ponta Delgada: Seven Cities & Furnas Volcano Shore Excursion Tour can expect a comprehensive and immersive experience showcasing the natural wonders of Sao Miguel, Portugal.

With a maximum group size of 8, the tour offers a personalized and intimate atmosphere. Highlights include visits to the stunning Sete Cidades, the Furnas Volcano, and a tea plantation.

Entrance fees for parks and thermal pools are included, ensuring a seamless experience. While lunch isn’t provided, travelers can look forward to a water bottle and a chance to explore the remarkable Terra Nostra garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Special Dietary Options Available for the Tour?

While the tour doesn’t include a provided lunch, the operator can accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences with advance notice. Travelers should contact the company to discuss any special needs they have regarding meals.

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

Travelers are generally allowed to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on the tour. However, a water bottle is typically provided as part of the tour package. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific restrictions.

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

The tour operator generally offers a set itinerary, but they may be able to accommodate some customization based on the traveler’s interests. Guests should inquire about potential modifications when booking the tour.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule the Tour?

The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing travelers flexibility to reschedule if needed. This policy ensures customers can adjust their plans without incurring additional fees.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Larger Groups?

The tour operator offers group discounts for larger parties. Groups of 4 or more can receive a 10% discount off the per person rate. Additional package options may also be available for groups, so it’s best to inquire directly with the operator.

The Sum Up

The Ponta Delgada: Seven Cities & Furnas Volcano Shore Excursion Tour offers a comprehensive and captivating experience for those seeking to explore the stunning landscapes of Sao Miguel. With its small group size, knowledgeable guides, and diverse array of attractions, this tour provides a personalized and immersive way to discover the island’s natural wonders. Travelers can expect to enjoy scenic vistas, thermal pools, and a glimpse into the local culture, all while benefiting from a well-organized and seamless excursion.