Adapted Van Tour – Furnas (Full Day)

The Adapted Van Tour – Furnas (Full Day) offers a unique opportunity for travelers to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Azores. Accommodating up to 15 guests, this full-day excursion provides wheelchair-accessible transportation and an itinerary designed to showcase the region’s most captivating sights. From the enchanting Parque Terra Nostra to the traditional Azorean lunch and tea tasting, each element of the tour has been carefully curated to create an unforgettable experience. But what truly sets this tour apart is the seamless accessibility, ensuring that all guests can fully enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and cultural highlights of the Furnas region.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Ponta Delgada.

Key Points

• This small-group tour offers a full-day experience exploring the Azores, with a focus on accessibility features like wheelchair-accessible vans and stroller accommodations.
• The itinerary highlights include visiting Parque Terra Nostra, enjoying a traditional Azorean stew lunch, and tea tasting at the Gorreana Tea Factory.
• The tour provides opportunities to capture scenic views at the Santa Iria Viewpoint and learn about the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
• Accessibility features such as wheelchair access, service animal accommodations, and infant seats ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for all travelers.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation and a flexible cancellation policy, making it a convenient and hassle-free way to explore the Azores.

Tour Overview

The van tour to Furnas, Ponta Delgada, Portugal is an adapted small-group experience that offers a full-day exploration of the region.

Accommodating up to 15 travelers, the tour includes round-trip transportation to ensure a convenient and seamless journey.

Accessibility features like a wheelchair accessible van, stroller access, and infant seats cater to the needs of a diverse group.

With a focus on immersive experiences, the itinerary highlights the stunning Parque Terra Nostra, featuring a botanical garden and thermal pools, as well as the opportunity to savor the traditional Azorean stew, cozido das Furnas, for lunch.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors can explore the stunning Parque Terra Nostra, a botanical garden that features a diverse array of flora and thermal pools.

After relaxing in the warm, mineral-rich waters, guests will savor a traditional Azorean stew called "cozido das Furnas" for lunch.

The tour also includes a stop at the Gorreana Tea Factory, where guests can sample the region’s renowned green tea.

Along the way, travelers will have ample opportunities to capture breathtaking photos at the Santa Iria Viewpoint, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes.

This full-day small-group experience promises an immersive and enriching adventure in the stunning Azores.

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible vans transport guests on this tour, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience for all.

The vans are equipped to accommodate strollers as well, making it easy for families to join the adventure. Plus, service animals are welcomed, allowing visitors with disabilities to bring their beloved companions along.

With infant seats available, the tour caters to travelers of all ages, making it a great option for families.

The tour’s proximity to public transportation further enhances its accessibility, allowing guests to seamlessly connect with the experience.

Booking Information

The tour starts at 9:30 am, providing ample time for guests to explore the enchanting landscapes of Furnas. Booking for this full-day experience is straightforward, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, ensuring a seamless planning process.

Booking Information
Start Time	9:30 am
Cancellation Policy	Free up to 24 hours before
Confirmation	Within 48 hours of booking

This small-group tour, with a maximum of 15 travelers, offers round-trip transportation, making it a convenient and hassle-free option for visitors to enjoy the natural wonders of Furnas.

Tour Highlights: Parque Terra Nostra

As part of the Van Tour – Furnas (Full Day) experience, guests have the opportunity to visit the captivating Parque Terra Nostra.

This botanical garden is renowned for its lush greenery, featuring an array of exotic plants and trees from around the world. Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere, taking a leisurely stroll through the well-maintained pathways.

The highlight of the park is the thermal pools, where guests can indulge in a relaxing soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters.

The park also boasts:

• Stunning landscapes and vistas
• Opportunities for wildlife spotting
• Facilities like cafes and restrooms

Lunch: Traditional Stew

After exploring the lush Parque Terra Nostra, guests are treated to a true taste of Azorean culture with the traditional stew, cozido das Furnas.

This hearty dish is cooked underground in the volcanic hot springs of Furnas, where the steam from the earth’s natural heat slowly simmers the meat, vegetables, and seasonings for several hours.

The result is a savory, tender, and flavorful stew that’s a beloved local specialty. Served with crusty bread, the cozido das Furnas provides a delicious and authentic lunch experience, allowing travelers to enjoy the rich culinary traditions of the Azores.

Tea Tasting at Gorreana

Following the tour’s visit to the lush Parque Terra Nostra, the group transitions to the next highlight – a stop at the Gorreana Tea Factory.

This family-owned tea estate dates back to 1883 and is Portugal’s oldest tea plantation. Visitors are invited to explore the factory and witness the meticulous tea-making process, from withering and rolling to drying and sorting.

The tour culminates in a tasting of the factory’s renowned green teas, allowing participants to savor the unique flavors and aromas.

The Gorreana Tea Factory stop offers an engaging and educational experience, providing insights into Portugal’s rich tea heritage and traditions.

• Explore the historic tea factory
• Witness the tea-making process
• Sample the estate’s premium green teas

Scenic Viewpoint at Santa Iria

With the visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory now behind them, the tour group eagerly heads towards the next highlight – the scenic viewpoint at Santa Iria.

Perched atop a picturesque coastal hillside, this breathtaking lookout offers panoramic vistas of the island’s dramatic landscape. Travelers are treated to sweeping views of the sparkling azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean, dotted with rocky outcroppings and lush, verdant hills.

The guide points out key landmarks, encouraging everyone to snap photos to capture the stunning scenery. The group spends several serene minutes taking in the peaceful ambiance and natural beauty before continuing on to their next destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?

The tour operator doesn’t currently offer any discounts or package deals. However, they recommend checking their website or contacting them directly as they may introduce special offers or bundle deals in the future.

How Experienced Are the Tour Guides?

The tour guides are highly experienced, often having several years of guiding experience in the Azores region. They’re knowledgeable about the local history, culture, and natural attractions, and strive to provide an engaging and informative experience for all travelers.

Can We Customize the Itinerary or Add Extra Stops?

The tour itinerary and schedule are generally fixed, but the tour provider may be able to accommodate minor customization requests or additional stops if discussed in advance. Guests should inquire about flexibility when booking the tour.

What Should We Bring for the Thermal Pool Visit?

When visiting the thermal pools at Parque Terra Nostra, guests should bring a swimsuit, towel, and sandals or water shoes. It’s also a good idea to pack any necessary toiletries and a change of clothes.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour itinerary does not mention an option to extend the duration. However, travelers can inquire with the tour operator about the possibility of adding more time or activities to the tour based on their interests.

The Sum Up

The Adapted Van Tour – Furnas (Full Day) offers an immersive and accessible way to explore the stunning Azores. Guests will enjoy convenient transportation, visit the enchanting Parque Terra Nostra, savor a traditional Azorean stew, and take in breathtaking views. With its comprehensive accessibility features and diverse itinerary, this tour ensures a memorable and inclusive experience for all travelers.