Furnas – Full Day Tour

The Furnas Full Day Tour offers visitors an immersive experience in the stunning Furnas Valley. Participants will explore natural thermal baths, savor the unique culinary tradition of Furnas Stew, and take in breathtaking viewpoints atop volcanic craters. With knowledgeable guides and a small group size, this tour promises a memorable day filled with the captivating beauty and rich culture of the Azores. But what makes this experience truly special? The secrets of the Furnas Valley are waiting to be discovered.

Key Points

• A small-group tour (max 8 participants) that explores the natural wonders and cultural highlights of Furnas, including thermal baths, Furnas Stew, and panoramic valley views.
• Pickup options available from Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, or Lagoa, with transportation, meal, and entry fees included in the tour price.
• Visitors can relax in the natural thermal baths and hot springs formed by volcanic activity, enjoying the therapeutic properties of the mineral-rich waters.
• The tour includes a visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory, the oldest tea plantation in Europe, where guests can observe the tea production process.
• Participants can explore the lush Terra Nostra Park, a botanical oasis within a volcanic crater, and enjoy the park’s diverse flora and iconic thermal pool.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Furnas – Full Day Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Furnas, a captivating destination on the island of São Miguel in the Azores archipelago.

Priced from €1,879 per person, this eight-hour tour provides a small-group experience limited to 8 participants, with live guides available in English and Portuguese.

Highlights include visiting thermal baths and hot springs, tasting the renowned Furnas Stew cooked under volcanic soil, and enjoying panoramic views of the Furnas Valley.

The tour also includes stops at Terra Nostra Park’s botanical gardens, a tea factory, and scenic viewpoints, with all transportation, a full meal, and entry fees covered.

Pickup Details

Pickups for the Furnas – Full Day Tour start at 9:00 AM in Ponta Delgada.

There’s an optional earlier pickup at 8:30 AM in Ribeira Grande or Lagoa, but it costs an additional €25 per person.

It’s important for participants to provide their hotel name/room number or full address to ensure a smooth pickup.

The tour operator offers free pickups in the specified areas, making it convenient for travelers to start their day-long adventure in the Azores.

Regardless of the pickup location, the tour will commence promptly, so participants are advised to be ready at their designated pickup spot.

Thermal Baths and Hot Springs

A highlight of the Furnas – Full Day Tour is the opportunity to visit the thermal baths and hot springs in the region.

These natural wonders, formed by the volcanic activity in the area, offer a unique and relaxing experience. Visitors can indulge in the warm, mineral-rich waters, which are believed to have therapeutic properties.

The tour includes access to these facilities, allowing participants to fully enjoy the natural beauty and rejuvenating powers of the Furnas hot springs.

Some key features include:

• Relaxing in the steaming, mineral-rich waters
• Experiencing the therapeutic benefits of the natural thermal baths
• Enjoying the stunning natural setting of the Furnas Valley

Furnas Stew Experience

After visiting the thermal baths, the tour takes participants on a culinary journey to experience the renowned Furnas Stew. This unique dish is cooked using the natural heat from the volcanic earth. Guests are guided through the process, from witnessing the pots being buried in the ground to enjoying the final, slow-cooked result. The table below outlines the key steps in this traditional Azorean cooking method.

Step	Description
1	Pots filled with local ingredients are placed in the volcanic soil
2	The pots are covered and left to cook for several hours
3	The pots are carefully extracted from the ground
4	The piping hot Furnas Stew is served and savored
5	Guests delight in the rich, flavorful result of this unique cooking process

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Furnas Valley Viewpoints

Following the Furnas Stew experience, the tour moves on to explore the breathtaking viewpoints of the Furnas Valley.

Perched atop the volcanic crater, visitors are treated to panoramic vistas of the lush, verdant landscape. The tour guide points out key landmarks, including:

• The steaming fumaroles and bubbling hot springs that dot the valley floor
• The serene, mirror-like lake nestled in the crater’s center
• The vibrant hues of the surrounding botanical gardens and forests

These viewpoints offer a unique perspective on the dynamic geology and natural beauty that define the Azores.

The tour then continues its return journey, stopping at a local tea factory and other scenic spots along the way.

Terra Nostra Park Exploration

The Furnas tour’s next stop takes visitors to the lush and verdant Terra Nostra Park, a botanical oasis nestled within the volcanic crater.

Guests can explore the park’s diverse collection of native and exotic plant species, stroll through peaceful gardens, and admire the iconic thermal pool with its distinctive rusty-orange hue.

The entry fee of €10 per person grants access to this serene retreat, where travelers can unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the Azores.

From rare flora to soothing hot springs, Terra Nostra Park offers a truly memorable experience as part of the comprehensive Furnas day tour.

Tea Factory Visit

As the Furnas tour winds down, visitors get to explore the renowned Gorreana Tea Factory. Located on the northern coast of São Miguel, the factory is the oldest tea plantation in Europe, dating back to 1883.

Guests get a behind-the-scenes look at the tea production process, from harvesting to packaging. Key highlights include:

• Witnessing the intricate tea leaf sorting and processing techniques
• Learning about the unique microclimate and volcanic soil that produces Gorreana’s signature teas
• Browsing the on-site shop to sample and purchase a variety of black, green, and flavored teas.

The tea factory visit provides a delightful conclusion to an immersive exploration of Furnas’ natural wonders.

What to Expect and Restrictions

Visitors can expect a full day of exploring Furnas’ natural wonders and cultural highlights. The tour includes visits to thermal baths, hot springs, and the volcanic crater of Furnas Valley.

Guests will also have the opportunity to taste the traditional Furnas Stew, cooked underground using the heat of the volcano. The tour stops at the beautiful Terra Nostra Park, where visitors can explore the botanical gardens.

Comfortable shoes, swimwear, and a towel are recommended. However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and no pets or smoking are allowed in the vehicle.

With a small group size and knowledgeable guides, this tour promises an exceptional and immersive Azorean experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has a small group size limited to 8 participants. This ensures a more personalized experience and allows the guide to provide attention to each guest throughout the day.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour information doesn’t mention any discounts for children or seniors. The group size is limited to 8 participants, so there aren’t likely to be any group rate discounts available either.

Does the Tour Include Any Stops for Lunch or Snacks Besides the Furnas Stew?

The tour includes a full meal and dessert, which is the Azorean Furnas stew. However, it doesn’t appear to have any additional stops for lunch or snacks beyond this main course.

Can the Tour Be Customized or Adjusted for Special Requests?

The tour can be customized to accommodate special requests, though options may be limited. Travelers should contact the tour operator to discuss any specific needs or preferences prior to booking.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour in Case of Inclement Weather?

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If inclement weather prevents the tour from running, customers will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule their tour for another day.

Recap

The Furnas Full Day Tour offers an immersive exploration of the Azores’ natural wonders and cultural heritage. Visitors can relax in thermal baths, savor the renowned Furnas Stew, and discover stunning volcanic landscapes, all while enjoying the expertise of knowledgeable guides. With a small group size, this comprehensive tour ensures a memorable experience in the captivating Furnas Valley.

You can check if your dates are available here: