The Furnas Full Day Tour in São Miguel, Azores offers travelers a captivating glimpse into the island’s volcanic wonders. Combining historic sites, stunning natural landscapes, and authentic local cuisine, this comprehensive excursion promises an enriching experience for those seeking to enjoy the vibrant culture and awe-inspiring geology of this unique Portuguese destination. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, visitors can expect to uncover the many facets that make São Miguel a truly remarkable island.
Key Points
- A comprehensive 8-hour tour exploring the volcanic wonders of Furnas on the island of Sao Miguel, with prices starting from $81.78 per person.
- The tour includes a visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory, thermal baths, and the Vila Franca do Campo Cheese Factory.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and includes pickup from Ponta Delgada.
- The tour features scenic stops at Miradouro de Santa Iria, Pisão, and Pico de Ferro viewpoints, as well as a delicious included lunch.
- The tour provides flexibility in reservations, with no upfront payment required and the option to secure spots without immediate financial commitment.
Tour Overview
The Sao Miguel: Furnas Full Day Tour is a comprehensive excursion that allows visitors to explore the volcanic wonders of Furnas, a unique region on the island of Sao Miguel.
Explore the volcanic wonders of Furnas, a unique region on the island of Sao Miguel, through this comprehensive day tour.
Priced from $81.78 per person, the 8-hour tour accommodates up to 8 participants and is available in English and Portuguese.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and travelers can reserve their spot with no upfront payment, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Key stops include the Gorreana Tea Factory, Furnas’ thermal baths, and the Vila Franca do Campo Cheese Factory, providing a well-rounded experience of São Miguel’s natural and cultural highlights.
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Booking Information
Travelers can reserve their spot on the Sao Miguel: Furnas Full Day Tour with no upfront payment, simply booking their preferred date and time.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility. Customers can check availability to confirm starting times and participant numbers before booking.
This tour includes pickup from Ponta Delgada, a full-day itinerary, and an included lunch, making it a convenient and worry-free experience.
Booking now and paying later allows travelers to secure their spot without an immediate financial commitment.
Itinerary Highlights
The Sao Miguel: Furnas Full Day Tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through the island’s captivating landscapes.
The tour begins with a scenic stop at Miradouro de Santa Iria, offering panoramic vistas.
Next, guests explore the Gorreana Tea Factory, the oldest tea plantation in Europe.
The tour then visits Cerâmica Vieira, a local ceramics factory, before reaching the main destination – Furnas.
Here, visitors witness the Caldeira das Furnas, where traditional stew is cooked in the volcanic earth.
Other highlights include the Pisão and Pico de Ferro viewpoints, the Parish of Furnas, and a cheese factory in Vila Franca do Campo.
Tour Features
Although the main attraction of this tour is the exploration of Furnas, an ancient volcanic area with unique landscapes, hot springs, and typical cuisine, the tour package also includes a delicious lunch as well as access to various parks and thermal baths.
The tour allows for flexibility, as travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the history and culture of São Miguel Island throughout the tour.
While the itinerary is subject to change, travelers can check for updates before the tour to ensure they experience the highlights of this iconic volcanic region.
More Great Tours NearbyMiradouro De Santa Iria
As visitors approach the Miradouro de Santa Iria, they’re greeted with a breathtaking panorama that showcases the rugged coastline and lush vegetation of São Miguel’s northern shores.
This scenic viewpoint offers a prime vantage point to admire the dramatic cliffs and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean below. Guests can take in the sweeping vistas, snap photos, and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
The Miradouro de Santa Iria provides a picturesque introduction to the wonders that await on the Furnas Full Day Tour, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration of São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes.
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Gorreana Tea Factory
After departing the Miradouro de Santa Iria, the tour makes its way to the Gorreana Tea Factory.
This historic tea plantation is the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1883. Visitors can explore the factory’s production process and learn about the unique microclimate that allows the tea plants to thrive.
The tour offers a chance to sample the factory’s signature black and green teas, which are produced using traditional methods.
Visitors can sample the Gorreana Tea Factory’s signature black and green teas, produced using traditional methods.
With its picturesque setting and rich history, the Gorreana Tea Factory provides a fascinating glimpse into São Miguel’s agricultural heritage.
Furnas: The Ancient Volcanic Landscape
With the tea factory visit complete, the tour continues on to the main highlight – the ancient volcanic landscape of Furnas. Guests will explore the Furnas valley, a unique geothermal wonderland. The volcanic activity has created a mesmerizing landscape of bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and thermal springs.
| Activity | Description |
| — | — |
| Caldeira das Furnas | Witness the famous "cozido" – a traditional stew cooked underground in the volcano’s natural steam vents. |
| Parish of Furnas | Stroll through the charming town to admire the picturesque buildings and local way of life. |
| Viewpoints | Take in panoramic vistas from Pico de Ferro and Miradouro da Paz overlooks. |
| Thermal Baths | Relax in the area’s natural hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties.|
Vila Franca Do Campo Cheese Factory
The tour continues on to the Vila Franca do Campo Cheese Factory, where visitors can learn about the island’s longstanding tradition of cheesemaking.
At the factory, guests will observe the cheesemaking process and have the opportunity to sample the local cheeses.
The facility showcases the region’s dairy heritage, highlighting the role cheese production has played in the island’s economy and culture.
Visitors can purchase artisanal cheeses and other local products before continuing on to the next stop – the stunning viewpoint overlooking the Vila Franca Islet, a picturesque volcanic formation off the coast.
Since You Asked
What Should I Bring on the Tour?
It’s recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket or sweater, and sun protection like a hat and sunscreen. Bringing a small day bag or backpack can also be helpful for carrying personal items.
Is Gratuity for the Guide Included in the Price?
The price does not include gratuity for the guide. Participants are expected to tip the guide separately based on their satisfaction with the tour experience.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Interests?
While the tour itinerary is set, the provider may allow some flexibility to accommodate guests’ interests. Visitors should check with the tour operator about customization options and any additional fees before booking.
Are Photographs Allowed at All the Stops?
Yes, photographs are allowed at most stops on the tour. However, visitors should check with the tour guide regarding any restrictions at specific locations, as some sites may have photography policies in place.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the tour duration based on the information provided. The tour is listed as an 8-hour experience, and no extensions are mentioned in the details.
The Sum Up
The Furnas Full Day Tour offers a comprehensive experience of São Miguel’s volcanic wonders and cultural heritage. Visitors will explore the historic Gorreana Tea Factory, scenic viewpoints, the ancient Furnas landscape, and the charming Vila Franca do Campo Cheese Factory. With a delightful included lunch and knowledgeable guidance, this tour provides an immersive and unforgettable way to discover the breathtaking beauty of São Miguel.
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