From Ponta Delgada: Furnas Wheelchair Accessible Van Tour

Exploring the stunning Furnas Valley from Ponta Delgada has never been more accessible. This wheelchair-friendly van tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the region’s natural wonders, offering a seamless and inclusive experience for all. From witnessing the unique geothermal cooking of the traditional cozido stew to admiring the breathtaking views from the Pico do Ferro lookout, this tour promises to immerse guests in the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Furnas. With an expert guide, convenient hotel pickup, and a focus on accessibility, this small-group adventure sets the stage for an unforgettable day in one of Portugal’s most enchanting destinations.

Key Points

• Wheelchair-accessible van departs from Ponta Delgada, transporting guests on a 7.5-hour small-group tour (max 8 participants) to explore the Furnas region.
• The tour includes visits to Lagoa das Furnas, Terra Nostra Garden, Caldeiras das Furnas, Pico do Ferro lookout, and the Gorrena Tea Plantation.
• Lunch, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide are provided, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive experience.
• All locations on the itinerary are wheelchair-friendly, with ramps and wide pathways to accommodate participants with accessibility needs.
• The tour operates rain or shine, and early booking is recommended to secure a spot on this immersive journey through the geothermal wonders of Furnas.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Furnas Wheelchair Accessible Van Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the Azores’ natural wonders, catering to travelers with mobility needs.

Departing from Ponta Delgada, this 7.5-hour small-group tour (limited to 8 participants) showcases the region’s geothermal highlights, including the Lagoa das Furnas, where visitors can see the underground cooking holes used for the traditional cozido stew.

Travelers will also discover the lush Terra Nostra Garden, the steaming Caldeiras das Furnas, and the panoramic vistas from the Pico do Ferro lookout.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and all entrance fees, ensuring a seamless and accessible experience.

With an English-speaking guide and a wheelchair-friendly van, this tour provides an inclusive and unforgettable way to explore the Azores.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a pickup in Ponta Delgada, where participants embark on a journey to explore Furnas’ natural wonders. First, they visit the Lagoa das Furnas to witness the underground cooking holes used for the traditional cozido stew. Next, they explore the lush Terra Nostra Garden, known for its geothermal swimming pool and exotic vegetation. The tour then takes them to the Caldeiras das Furnas, where they can observe the emitting vapors and gases. Afterwards, they stop at the Pico do Ferro lookout point to take in the panoramic views before visiting the oldest tea plantation in Europe, Gorrena, and the Santa Iria viewpoint.

Itinerary Highlights	Description
Lagoa das Furnas	See underground cooking holes for cozido stew
Terra Nostra Garden	Explore geothermal swimming pool and exotic vegetation
Caldeiras das Furnas	Observe emitting vapors and gases

Included Amenities

This wheelchair-accessible van tour includes a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient experience.

Guests will enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, making transportation seamless. A delicious lunch is provided, allowing travelers to refuel during the day.

Entrance fees to all the tour’s destinations are covered, granting access to the stunning Lagoa das Furnas, Terra Nostra Garden, and other highlights.

The knowledgeable guide/driver offers insights throughout the journey and ensures participants’ safety. Personal accident and liability insurance is included, providing peace of mind.

Gratuities are also taken care of, so travelers can focus on seeing the tour’s captivating sights and experiences.

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges can fully participate in this immersive Furnas tour.

The wheelchair accessible van ensures a comfortable and seamless journey. The driver will wear a blue t-shirt with the Azores for All logo, signaling the tour’s commitment to accessibility.

All the sites included in the itinerary, from the Lagoa das Furnas to the Terra Nostra Garden, are wheelchair-friendly. Ramps, elevators, and wide pathways make navigating the destinations hassle-free.

With advance notice, the tour operator can also accommodate any special requirements. Accessibility is a top priority, allowing everyone to fully experience the natural wonders and cultural riches of Furnas.

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Booking Information

Checking availability to see starting times is an easy first step to book this immersive Furnas tour. Guests can reserve their spot without any upfront payment, ensuring a hassle-free booking process.

The tour operates rain or shine, providing a reliable experience regardless of weather conditions. With limited group size, travelers can expect a personalized and intimate exploration of Furnas’ natural wonders.

Wheelchair accessibility further enhances the tour’s inclusivity, catering to the needs of all participants. By securing their reservation now, guests can look forward to an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes and cultural heritage of this captivating region.

Pickup and Drop-off

The Furnas Wheelchair Accessible Van Tour provides convenient pickup and drop-off services, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s adventure.

Guests will be picked up directly from their hotels in Ponta Delgada, eliminating the need for additional transportation.

The wheelchair-accessible van ensures a comfortable and accessible journey throughout the tour.

At the end of the day, travelers will be returned to their original pickup locations, allowing for a stress-free experience from start to finish.

This service caters to the needs of all participants, making the Furnas tour an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Typical Cozido Stew

Visiting the Lagoa das Furnas, guests can witness the unique underground cooking method used to prepare the region’s renowned cozido stew.

Cozido is a hearty meat and vegetable dish that’s slow-cooked for hours in the volcanic heat escaping from the earth’s surface. The cooking pits, known as caldeiras, utilize the geothermal activity to slowly simmer the ingredients buried beneath the ground.

This traditional method infuses the stew with rich, earthy flavors. Guests will observe the cozido pots being lowered into the ground and later retrieved, unveiling the perfectly cooked dish.

This centuries-old cooking technique highlights the innovative spirit and resourcefulness of the Azorean people.

Panoramic Views

After exploring the unique underground cooking of the traditional cozido stew, the tour ventures to the Pico do Ferro lookout point, offering panoramic vistas of the stunning Furnas landscape.

From this elevated vantage point, visitors can take in:

• Sweeping views of the lush, verdant caldera
• The shimmering surface of Lagoa das Furnas, the centerpiece of the Furnas valley
• The billowing steam plumes from the active geothermal vents, known as the Caldeiras das Furnas
• The picturesque village of Furnas nestled below, with its quaint houses and winding streets
• The distant peaks and ridges that encircle this unique volcanic setting, creating a stunning natural amphitheater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Wheelchair or Mobility Device?

Yes, you can bring your own wheelchair or mobility device on this tour. The tour van is specifically designed to accommodate passengers using wheelchairs or other mobility aids, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience.

Is There a Weight Limit for the Wheelchair Accessible Van?

The tour provider doesn’t specify a weight limit for the wheelchair-accessible van. However, it’s likely the van can accommodate most standard wheelchairs and mobility devices. Guests should contact the company if they have any concerns about the size or weight of their wheelchair.

Are There Any Additional Fees for Larger Groups?

The tour operator doesn’t mention any additional fees for larger groups. The tour is limited to 8 participants, so the price remains the same regardless of group size within that limit.

What if I Need to Make Changes to My Booking?

If changes are needed, customers can easily modify or cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance without any penalties. The tour operator offers a flexible cancellation policy for full refunds.

Can I Request a Specific Tour Language Other Than English?

While the tour provides an English-speaking guide, customers can’t request a specific language. The operator likely focuses on English to accommodate the majority of participants. However, they may be able to accommodate other languages with advance notice.

Recap

This wheelchair-accessible van tour from Ponta Delgada offers a remarkable opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of Furnas. Visitors will enjoy stunning natural landscapes, indulge in a traditional Cozido stew, and marvel at the panoramic views, all while ensuring a comfortable and inclusive outing. With a knowledgeable guide and convenient transportation, this tour provides an unforgettable and accessible way to explore the wonders of this unique destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: