Full Day Furnas Volcano, With Traditional Lunch (East Tour)

The Furnas Volcano on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s fascinating volcanic landscapes and culinary heritage. This full-day tour takes visitors on a small-group excursion led by a knowledgeable guide, delving into the history and natural wonders of the Furnas Valley. From witnessing the steaming Furnas lake and hot springs to savoring a traditional ‘cozido’ lunch cooked by the volcanic vents, this immersive experience promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to uncover the island’s captivating blend of geology, culture, and gastronomy.

This experience made our list of the 17 Best Lunch Experiences In Sao Miguel.

Key Points

• Comprehensive one-day tour of Furnas Valley on the island of Sao Miguel, including visits to Caloura, Vila Franca Do Campo, and Furnas.
• Highlights include Furnas Lake, hot springs, and the opportunity to witness the traditional ‘cozido’ stew cooked by thermal vents.
• Guided by a professional tour guide who provides insights into the fascinating history and volcanic origins of the region.
• Includes a traditional Sao Miguel lunch of ‘cozido,’ a rich stew cooked underground by volcanic heat.
• Accessible by air-conditioned minivan, with transportation, lunch, and beverages included in the tour package.

Tour Overview

This full-day small-group tour of the Furnas Valley on the island of Sao Miguel allows visitors to learn about the fascinating history of the region from a professional guide while taking in the unique volcanic terrain.

Guests will visit several notable locations, including Caloura, Vila Franca Do Campo, and Furnas itself.

The highlight of the tour is the chance to see Furnas lake and the surrounding hot springs, which are one of Europe’s only tea plantations.

Visitors will also enjoy a traditional Sao Miguel lunch of ‘cozido,’ a rich stew cooked by thermal vents underground.

This immersive experience provides an in-depth look at the island’s remarkable natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour begins with a visit to Caloura, a picturesque coastal town known for its stunning cliffs and natural swimming pools. From there, guests will journey to Vila Franca Do Campo, a historic town that was once the capital of Sao Miguel. The highlight of the day, however, is the exploration of Furnas, a region renowned for its volcanic activity and thermal springs. Visitors will witness the Furnas lake and the surrounding hot springs, which are a result of the island’s volcanic origins. They’ll also indulge in the island’s famed ‘cozido,’ a rich stew cooked by the thermal vents underground, for a truly unique and memorable lunch experience.

Highlights	Destinations
Furnas Lake	Caloura
Hot Springs	Vila Franca Do Campo
Cozido Stew	Furnas
Volcanic Terrain	–
Tea Plantation Tour	–

Inclusions in the Tour

The tour includes transportation by air-conditioned minivan, with a professional driver/guide to provide commentary throughout the day.

Guests can enjoy a traditional Sao Miguel lunch of ‘cozido,’ a rich stew cooked by thermal vents underground.

Coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, and bottled water are also included in the tour.

Parking fees are covered, and guests will have access to infant seats if needed.

The tour is accessible to strollers and near public transportation.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate.

It’s a private tour, so only your group will be part of the experience.

Additional Information

Confirming booking occurs at the time of purchase, and the tour may be led by a multi-lingual guide.

A minimum of 2 people is required per booking, and the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller accessible and near public transportation.

Infant seats are available for those who need them, and most travelers can participate in the tour.

This is a private tour, so only your group will take part.

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Similarly, if the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll be provided with alternative options or a full refund.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. However, if you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount paid won’t be refunded.

Plus, any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time won’t be accepted.

This tour also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

The experience requires a minimum number of travelers, too. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

The cancellation policy ensures flexibility while protecting the tour operator’s operations.

Volcanic Landscapes of Furnas Valley

Nestled within the heart of Sao Miguel island, the Furnas Valley showcases the island’s captivating volcanic landscapes, where steaming fumaroles, thermal lakes, and lush botanical gardens captivate visitors. The valley’s volcanic nature is evident in the bubbling calderas and mineral-rich hot springs that dot the landscape. Visitors can explore the diverse terrain, from lush forests to barren, lunar-like expanses, and witness the power of the earth’s geological forces firsthand. The following table highlights some of the key volcanic features found in the Furnas Valley:

Feature	Description	Location
Furnas Lake	A serene, geothermally-heated lake	Center of the Furnas Valley
Caldeiras	Steaming volcanic vents and fumaroles	Throughout the valley
Terra Nostra Park	Botanical gardens with thermal pools	Furnas town
Cozido	Traditional stew cooked in the volcanic vents	Furnas town

Traditional Cozido Lunch

One of the highlights of the Furnas Valley tour is the traditional cozido lunch, a hearty stew cooked to perfection in the volcanic vents that dot the landscape.

Cozido is a signature dish of São Miguel island, and it’s prepared by lowering a pot filled with various meats, vegetables, and spices into the steaming geothermal vents.

The natural heat cooks the stew slowly over several hours, infusing it with a rich, earthy flavor.

Guests on the Furnas Valley tour get to savor this local delicacy, enjoying a delicious and unique dining experience that showcases the island’s volcanic heritage.

The cozido lunch is a mouthwatering example of how the Azores’ dramatic natural landscapes shape the region’s culinary traditions.

Exploring Sao Miguel’s History

The Furnas Valley tour offers visitors a glimpse into Sao Miguel’s captivating history, as the island’s dramatic volcanic origins have profoundly shaped its cultural and natural heritage. Throughout the day, the knowledgeable guide shares insights into the island’s eventful past, from the eruptions that formed its dramatic landscapes to the influence of Portuguese colonization. Guests learn about the island’s earliest inhabitants, the impact of volcanic activity on local communities, and the unique geothermal features that have become integral to Sao Miguelian identity. By exploring Furnas and other iconic sites, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for Sao Miguel’s rich history and its enduring connection to the forces that forged this remarkable destination.

Historical Highlights of Sao Miguel
Pre-Portuguese Settlement	Volcanic Origins	Colonial Period	Geothermal Uses	Modern Tourism
Indigenous Azorean Populations	Eruptions Shaping Landscape	Portuguese Exploration and Colonization	Furnas Hot Springs	Ecotourism and Sustainability

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Limit on the Group Size?

The tour has a minimum group size of 2 people, but there is no stated maximum. The group size is described as "small-group," indicating a relatively intimate experience rather than a large bus tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, you cannot bring your own food and drinks on this small-group tour. The tour includes a traditional island lunch as well as coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, and bottled water. All meals and drinks are provided as part of the tour package.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements?

The tour includes a traditional ‘cozido’ stew lunch, but the provider can accommodate special dietary requirements like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free if requested in advance. Travelers should let the provider know of any dietary needs when booking.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

While the tour itinerary is pre-set, some flexibility may be possible. Customers should check with the tour operator about customization options, as requirements may vary. Any changes requested less than 24 hours in advance may not be accommodated.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Gear or Equipment?

You don’t need to bring any specific gear or equipment for this small-group tour. The tour provides transportation and handles the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the sights and activities on the itinerary.

Recap

The ‘Full Day Furnas Volcano, With Traditional Lunch (East Tour)’ offers a comprehensive experience exploring the volcanic landscapes and culinary heritage of Sao Miguel’s Furnas Valley.

Visitors can witness the Furnas lake and hot springs, as well as savor a traditional ‘cozido’ lunch cooked by thermal vents, providing an immersive glimpse into the island’s unique natural and cultural wonders.