Nestled in the heart of the Azorean archipelago, Furnas is a captivating destination that beckons travelers to enjoy its natural wonders. This full-day tour promises an unforgettable experience, where visitors can indulge in the region’s iconic hot springs, explore the breathtaking Terra Nostra Park, and uncover the secrets of the Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s only tea plantation. From guided stops at stunning viewpoints to a delicious local lunch, this adventure offers a chance to delve deeper into the cultural and geological heritage of this remarkable island. But the true allure of Furnas lies in its ability to transport you to a realm where time seems to slow down and the senses awaken to the beauty of the natural world.
This experience made our list of the Best Full-Day Tours In Lagoa Das Sete Cidades.
Key Points
- A full-day tour that visits Furnas hot springs, the Terra Nostra Park thermal baths, and the Gorreana Tea Factory, providing a comprehensive Azores experience.
- The tour includes guided visits to key sites, such as Cerâmica Vieira, Vila Franca do Campo, Furnas Lake, Pico do Ferro Lookout, and Santa Iria Lookout.
- Participants can choose to visit the Terra Nostra Park thermal baths for an additional fee and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich, geothermally heated waters.
- The Gorreana Tea Factory, the only commercial tea plantation in Europe, offers a unique opportunity to learn about the rich tea-making heritage of the Azores.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and participants are advised to bring a bathing suit and towel for the optional thermal bath visit.
Activity Overview
The Furnas Hot Springs and Tea Factory tour is a full-day experience priced from $77.55 per person and lasting 7.5 hours.
Participants can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, allowing them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour departs from ANC Azores Holidays and includes a guided visit to Cerâmica Vieira, photo stops in Vila Franca do Campo, Furnas Lake, Pico do Ferro Lookout, and Santa Iria Lookout.
Guests can also choose to visit Terra Nostra Park and the Gorreana Tea Factory.
The tour provides personal insurance, guide, lunch, fuel, and entrance fees, but isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
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Itinerary Highlights
Starting from ANC Azores Holidays, the guided tour first takes participants to Cerâmica Vieira for a 20-minute visit.
Next, they’ll stop in Vila Franca do Campo for 5 minutes, followed by a 10-minute visit to Furnas Lake and the Pico do Ferro Lookout.
The tour then heads to the Santa Iria Lookout for another 10-minute photo opportunity.
Along the way, there’s an optional 1-hour visit to Terra Nostra Park and a 30-minute stop at the Gorreana Tea Factory.
The tour also includes a 1-hour break in Furnas and a 15-minute visit to the Caldeiras.
Key Attractions
What’re the key attractions of this Furnas Hot Springs and Tea Factory tour?
The tour highlights the iconic Furnas hotsprings, where visitors can relax in the thermal baths at Terra Nostra Park.
Another highlight is the visit to the only tea plantation in Europe – the Gorreana Tea Factory.
Scenic views of the Furnas volcano provide a dramatic backdrop to the tour.
While entrance to the thermal baths isn’t included, it’s recommended to bring a bathing suit and towel to fully experience this natural wonder.
The tour also offers an opportunity to explore the Caldeiras, the volcanic vents that are a signature feature of the Furnas landscape.
Inclusions and Transportation
The tour includes personal insurance, a guide, lunch, fuel, and all necessary entrances. Transportation is provided in either a 9-seat van for up to 8 participants or a minibus for groups of 9 to 22 people. However, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
| Transportation | Group Size |
|---|---|
| 9-seat van | Up to 8 participants |
| Minibus | 9 to 22 participants |
The tour is designed to provide a comprehensive Furnas experience, with a focus on the region’s unique natural wonders and cultural heritage. Participants are advised to bring a bathing suit and towel for the optional visit to the thermal baths at Terra Nostra Park.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Feedback
Feedback from past participants paints a mixed picture of the tour.
While it holds an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 3 reviews, customer experiences seem to vary.
Some common issues mentioned include:
- Problems with booking and confirmation
- Inconsistencies in tour length and inclusions
- Lack of wheelchair accessibility
On a positive note, visitors recommend bringing a bathing suit and towel to enjoy the relaxing thermal baths at Terra Nostra Park, which aren’t included in the tour price.
The tour is offered in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, catering to a diverse audience.
Furnas Hotsprings
One of the key attractions on the Furnas Hot Springs and Tea Factory tour is the Furnas Hotsprings.
These natural volcanic hotsprings are located in the caldera of the Furnas volcano, offering visitors a unique geothermal experience.
Visitors can witness the bubbling pools and steam vents, which are a result of the volcanic activity in the area.
The Furnas Hotsprings are a popular destination for both locals and travelers, providing a chance to relax and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters.
Exploring the Furnas Hotsprings is an essential part of the Furnas tour, showcasing the remarkable geological features and natural wonders of the Azores.
Thermal Baths in Terra Nostra Park
Why does the Furnas Hot Springs and Tea Factory tour include an optional visit to the thermal baths in Terra Nostra Park?
The volcanic activity in Furnas has created a natural hot spring that feeds the thermal baths in Terra Nostra Park. These baths provide visitors with a unique opportunity to relax in the mineral-rich, geothermally heated waters.
Some key highlights of the Terra Nostra thermal baths include:
- Temperatures ranging from 20°C to 40°C
- Therapeutic properties from the iron-rich waters
- Beautiful, tropical garden setting
- Availability of changing rooms and towels
- Entrance fee of €16 per person
Visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory
The Gorreana Tea Factory visit provides tour participants with a unique opportunity to explore Europe’s only commercial tea plantation. This historic factory dates back to 1883 and has been family-owned for generations, producing some of the finest teas in the region. Visitors can witness the traditional methods used to process the tea leaves, from withering and rolling to drying and sorting. As part of the tour, guests can also sample a variety of the factory’s award-winning teas. The Gorreana Tea Factory visit offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich tea-making heritage of the Azores.
| Tea Production Process | Description |
|---|---|
| Withering | Leaves are dried to reduce moisture content |
| Rolling | Leaves are rolled to break down cell structure |
| Drying | Leaves are dried to stabilize flavor and aroma |
| Sorting | Leaves are sorted by size and quality |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
The tour information does not explicitly state whether participants can bring their own food and drinks. It’s best to check with the tour operator for their policy on outside food and beverages prior to the tour.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
The tour itinerary doesn’t mention any discounts for children or seniors. You’d need to check with the tour operator to see if they offer any reduced pricing for specific age groups.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Free Exploration?
The Furnas tour provides 1 hour of free time in Furnas for participants to explore the area independently. This allows them to visit the thermal baths or other attractions at their own pace during the full-day excursion.
What Should I Pack for the Tour?
To prepare for the tour, the traveler should pack a swimsuit and towel for the optional visit to the thermal baths at Terra Nostra Park. Comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket are also recommended.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour doesn’t explicitly offer an option to extend the duration. However, visitors can choose to spend more time at the Terra Nostra Park or Gorreana Tea Factory during the scheduled stops if they wish to explore further.
Recap
This tour offers a comprehensive and immersive experience in Furnas, a captivating region of the Azores. Visitors can relax in the iconic hot springs, explore the natural wonders, and learn about the local tea culture. With guided stops, delicious lunch, and transportation included, this 7.5-hour adventure provides a well-rounded introduction to the rich cultural and geological heritage of the area.
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