São Miguel: Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour With Lunch

The stunning beauty of São Miguel Island in the Azores can be experienced through the Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour. Priced at $102.04 per person, this 8-hour excursion showcases the island’s remarkable volcanic features, from the unique "Cozido das Furnas" cooking tradition to the serene Furnas Lake and rejuvenating hot springs of Terra Nostra Park. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, visitors can discover the enchanting Gorreana Tea Factory and bask in the scenic splendor of Ribeira dos Caldeirões before indulging in a traditional Azorean lunch. What makes this tour truly captivating, however, is the opportunity to…

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Key Points

This full-day tour in São Miguel explores the volcanic Furnas region and the Nordeste area, including a traditional Azorean stew lunch.
The tour features highlights like volcanic cooking, scenic waterfalls, tea tasting, and hot spring swimming, with a maximum group size of 8 for a personalized experience.
Knowledgeable guides provide insights into Azorean culture and history, and comfortable transportation with pick-up and drop-off at various locations is included.
Participants can enjoy 2 hours of leisure time for exploration and shopping at Lagoa das Furnas, as well as swimming in the hot springs of Terra Nostra Park.
The tour has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 81 reviews, with positive feedback on the knowledgeable guides and unforgettable views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The São Miguel: Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour with Lunch is a comprehensive excursion that allows visitors to explore the stunning natural wonders of São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago.

Priced at $102.04 per person, the 8-hour tour is limited to just 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. Conducted in English and Portuguese, the tour is wheelchair accessible and features a flexible cancellation policy.

Highlights include volcanic cooking, scenic waterfalls, tea tasting, and hot spring swimming, all complemented by traditional Azorean cuisine and knowledgeable local guides.

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Itinerary Highlights

Kicking off the tour, visitors will experience the volcanic cooking tradition of "Cozido das Furnas" at Lagoa das Furnas, a serene crater lake. Next, they’ll explore the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, home to five historic watermills and cascading waterfalls.

| Stop | Key Attraction | Duration |

| — | — | — |

| Gorreana Tea Factory | Guided tour and tea tasting | 1 hour |

| Furnas Lake | Sightseeing, shopping, and optional cooking class | 1.5 hours |

| Terra Nostra Park | Swimming in hot springs and botanical gardens | 2 hours |

The tour culminates at the iconic Terra Nostra Park, where guests can rejuvenate in the therapeutic hot springs and wander the lush botanical gardens.

Included Features

Knowledgeable and accommodating guides lead the tour, providing valuable insights into the Azorean culture and history.

Comfortable transportation with pick-up and drop-off at various locations in Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, and Ribeira Grande ensures a seamless experience.

Comfortable transportation with pick-up and drop-off at various locations ensures a seamless experience.

Guests are provided with a traditional Azorean stew lunch, along with alternative meal options to cater to dietary preferences.

Amenities like water bottles, chargers, umbrellas, and child seats upon request offer added convenience.

The tour also includes insurance, allowing participants to fully enjoy the adventure without worrying about unexpected circumstances.

Customer Feedback

What do customers have to say about this tour? Based on 81 reviews, the São Miguel: Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour with Lunch has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5.

Guests praise the knowledgeable and accommodating guides, comfortable transportation, and unforgettable views. They also appreciate the diverse meal options.

A few suggestions include incorporating entrance costs upfront for better planning.

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Important Information

For this tour, comfortable shoes are recommended for walking the various sites visited throughout the day.

Entrance fees to Terra Nostra Park and Furnas Lake aren’t included in the tour price and must be paid separately by customers.

Pickup locations span 13 options, including the Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico and Azor Hotel. This allows for convenient access to the tour from different areas.

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Exploring Lagoa Das Furnas

The tour begins with a visit to Lagoa das Furnas, a captivating volcanic crater lake. Here, guests have the opportunity to experience the unique "Cozido das Furnas" cooking method, where a hearty stew is cooked underground using the natural steam vents.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Volcanic Cooking | Cozido das Furnas, a traditional Azorean stew, is prepared in the natural steam vents surrounding the lake. |

| Scenic Views | Visitors can take in the breathtaking vistas of the emerald-green waters and surrounding lush vegetation. |

| Local Culture | The cooking demonstration provides a glimpse into the cultural heritage and traditions of the Azores. |

| Culinary Delight | Guests enjoy sampling the flavorful stew, which has been slowly simmered underground for several hours. |

| Leisure Time | After the cooking demonstration, visitors have time to explore the area, shop, and take in the serene atmosphere.

Discovering Ribeira Dos Caldeirões Natural Park

Next, the tour takes guests to the scenic Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park. This lush, green oasis features:

Five historic watermills that still operate today, offering a glimpse into the region’s agricultural past.
Cascading waterfalls that tumble over ancient stone walls, creating a serene and picturesque setting.
Opportunities to stroll along peaceful walking trails, taking in the park’s natural beauty and tranquility.

The park provides a refreshing respite from the volcanic landscapes, allowing visitors to enjoy the island’s verdant ecosystems and cultural heritage.

Visiting Gorreana Tea Factory and Furnas Lake

From the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, the tour then proceeds to the renowned Gorreana Tea Factory.

Guests embark on a guided tour, learning about the history and production process of the Azores’ only remaining tea plantation.

After the factory visit, the group moves on to the stunning Furnas Lake, a serene volcanic crater lake surrounded by lush vegetation.

Participants can explore the lakeside shops and cafes or opt for an optional cooking class to learn the traditional methods of preparing "Cozido das Furnas," a unique dish cooked by the natural geothermal heat of the region.

Since You Asked

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

The tour generally does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. The tour includes a traditional Azorean lunch as well as bottled water, so outside food and beverages are typically not permitted.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

Unfortunately, the tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts or special offers. However, they provide flexibility with their free cancellation policy and reserve now & pay later booking option to accommodate travelers’ needs.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Each Stop on the Itinerary?

The itinerary doesn’t provide specific time allotments for each stop. However, the full-day tour lasts 8 hours, allowing participants to explore the key highlights at their own pace during the visit.

Are There Any Age or Height Restrictions for the Tour Activities?

There are no specific age or height restrictions for this tour. It is wheelchair accessible, and child seats are available upon request. The activities are suitable for a wide range of participants.

Can I Change the Pick-Up or Drop-Off Location if Needed?

Yes, participants can change their pick-up or drop-off location if needed. The tour provider offers 13 different pick-up options and can accommodate changes as long as the request is made in advance, subject to availability.

The Sum Up

The Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of São Miguel’s natural wonders. Visitors can enjoy the unique volcanic cooking tradition, admire scenic waterfalls, and visit a historic tea factory. With a traditional Azorean lunch and relaxation in the hot springs, this tour provides an unforgettable experience showcasing the island’s stunning landscapes and cultural heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: