Azores: Shore Excursion Furnas – Crater Volcano and Hot Springs

Discover the breathtaking natural wonders of Furnas, a captivating volcanic region in the Azores. This customizable shore excursion promises an unforgettable experience, allowing you to explore lush botanical gardens, soak in rejuvenating thermal springs, and savor local delicacies. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the unique geology and vibrant culture of this enchanting destination. With convenient port pickup and personalized attention, this small-group tour is the perfect way to learn about the Azores’ hidden gems. Prepare to be amazed as you uncover the secrets of Furnas’ volcanic landscape and thermal wonders.

Key Points

• Explore the ancient volcanic landscape of Furnas, including its crater lakes, botanical gardens, and natural thermal springs.
• Enjoy personalized attention and flexibility with small group tours (max 8 travelers) tailored to your interests.
• Experience authentic local culture through food and drink samples, such as the traditional Cozido das Furnas stew.
• Convenient port pickup and drop-off included, ensuring a hassle-free transition from your cruise ship.
• Benefit from knowledgeable local guides who provide live commentary and assist in customizing your itinerary.

Overview of the Tour

Azores: Shore Excursion Furnas – Crater Volcano and Hot Springs

Overview of the Tour

This shore excursion to Furnas, an ancient volcanic zone, offers personalized attention in small groups of up to 8 travelers, with convenient port pickup and drop-off included.

The customizable itinerary allows you to explore botanical gardens and thermal springs at your own pace. Highlights include a visit to the stew area at Furnas Lake and the opportunity to experience the region’s natural wonders up close.

Whether you’re seeking an immersive cultural experience or simply a chance to relax and soak in the scenic beauty, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the volcanic landscape of the Azores.

Tour Details

The tour starts at 9:00 AM from Ponta Delgada, Portugal, and includes a driver/local guide who provides live commentary throughout the experience.

The tour duration is flexible, allowing visitors to customize their itinerary with stops at botanical gardens and thermal springs, such as Terra Nostra or Dona Beija. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore the Furnas volcanic zone, including the Furnas Lake and stew area.

The small-group format, with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensures personalized attention. Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, and infant seats are available, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Local food and drink samples are included, adding to the authentic Azorean experience.

Pickup Information

Pickup for the tour takes place at the Ponta Delgada port, where guides will hold signs with participants’ names or ‘AZORES DREAM TOURS.’

If multiple cruise ships are docked, an alternative pickup location at the commercial port may be necessary.

Cruise ship passengers must provide the name of their ship, as well as their docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking the tour. This ensures a smooth pickup and transportation to the tour’s starting point.

The guides will be on hand to greet and assist guests, making the transition from ship to shore excursion seamless.

Guests can expect personalized attention and a hassle-free pickup experience.

Customer Reviews

Travelers have left overwhelmingly positive reviews for this shore excursion to Furnas, awarding it a perfect 5.0 rating based on 30 reviews.

Highlights mentioned by past participants include the knowledgeable and engaging guides, the stunning natural beauty of the volcanic landscape, and the interesting stops at places like tea farms and hot springs.

Reviewers appreciated the flexibility of the itinerary, which allows for customization to suit individual interests.

While some noted a desire for more time at certain locations, the overall consensus is that this is an excellent way to experience the volcanic wonders of Furnas during a port stop in Ponta Delgada.

Customizable Itinerary

One of the key highlights of this shore excursion is its customizable itinerary, allowing guests to tailor the experience to their specific interests. Travelers can work with the knowledgeable guides to determine the pace and focus of the tour, whether they wish to spend more time exploring the botanical gardens, relaxing in the thermal springs, or seeing the unique culinary offerings of the Furnas region.

Duration	Highlights
3 hours	Explore Furnas Lake and hot springs
4 hours	Visit tea plantation and botanical gardens
6 hours	Enjoy traditional Cozido stew, hike to viewpoints

This flexibility ensures that each visitor can craft a memorable and personalized adventure in the Azores.

Convenient Port Pickup

Guides will meet cruise ship passengers at the Ponta Delgada port, holding signs with their names or ‘AZORES DREAM TOURS‘ to ensure a seamless start to the excursion. This convenient port pickup means travelers won’t have to worry about finding their way to the meeting point.

In the event that multiple cruise ships dock, an alternative pickup location at the commercial port may be necessary.

To ensure a smooth transition, cruise ship passengers must provide their ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking the tour. This attention to detail helps the guides coordinate the pickup and drop-off seamlessly, allowing guests to fully enjoy the Furnas shore excursion experience.

Personalized Attention

Azores: Shore Excursion Furnas – Crater Volcano and Hot Springs

Small group sizes ensure personalized attention throughout the Furnas shore excursion, with a maximum of 8 travelers per tour. This intimate setup allows the knowledgeable local guides to provide tailored commentary and cater to individual interests, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for participants.

Whether you’re passionate about geology, botany, or simply soaking in the serene natural surroundings, the guides adapt the itinerary to suit your preferences. With a focus on personalization, you’ll enjoy a more exclusive and enriching exploration of Furnas’ volcanic wonders and thermal springs, away from the crowds of larger group tours.

Local Samples Included

The shore excursion to Furnas includes local samples of food and drink, allowing visitors to further enjoy the region’s unique culinary traditions. During the tour, guests can expect to try a variety of regional specialties, from freshly brewed teas to rich volcanic stew. This adds a delightful sensory element to the experience, as travelers not only see the stunning landscapes but also get to savor the local flavors. The included tastings provide a wonderful opportunity to discover Azorean gastronomy and better understand the cultural heritage of the islands.

Local Sample	Description
Cozido das Furnas	A hearty stew cooked underground in the volcanic vents
Azorean Tea	Flavorful teas grown on the islands’ picturesque tea plantations
Queijo São Jorge	A semi-hard cheese with a distinctive, nutty flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, bringing your own food and drinks is generally not allowed on this tour. The tour includes local samples of food and drink, and the tour operator wants to provide a consistent experience for all participants.

What Should I Wear for the Excursion?

For the excursion, comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Layers are advised as the temperature can vary between the stops. Bringing a swimsuit and towel is also suggested if you plan to visit the thermal springs.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour may be operated by a multilingual guide, so it’s available in languages besides English. The company can accommodate travelers who don’t speak English by providing guides fluent in other common languages.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking, with stops at the Furnas crater and hot springs. Visitors can expect to walk for about 1-2 hours throughout the day, with opportunities to rest at various points during the excursion.

Are There Any Age or Physical Restrictions for Participating?

The tour generally doesn’t have any age or physical restrictions, though participants must be able to walk short distances. Infant seats are available, but the tour is not wheelchair accessible. Most travelers can participate, as long as they’re accompanied by an adult.

Recap

Discover the captivating volcanic landscapes and thermal wonders of Furnas on this personalized shore excursion.

With a customizable itinerary, convenient port pickup, and local food and drink samples, this small-group tour offers an immersive Azores experience tailored to your interests.

Explore stunning botanical gardens, rejuvenating hot springs, and learn about the region’s unique geology from a knowledgeable guide, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.