Guided Van Tour Sete Cidades, Lagoa Do Fogo – Volcanic Lakes

The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, boasts some of the most breathtaking volcanic landscapes in Europe. One of the must-see attractions on the island of São Miguel is the Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, two stunning volcanic lakes that captivate visitors with their serene beauty. Embarking on a guided van tour offers a chance to explore these natural wonders up close, while gaining insights from a knowledgeable guide. From picturesque viewpoints to tranquil lagoons, this immersive experience promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to uncover the unique geological treasures of the Azores. But the true allure of this tour lies in the unexpected delights that await those who choose to embark on this remarkable journey.

This experience made our list of the Best Guided Tours In Sete Cidades.

Key Points

• This 8-hour guided van tour explores the volcanic lakes and landscapes of São Miguel, Azores, with a small group size of up to 7 participants.
• The tour includes scenic photo stops at key viewpoints like Coal Peak, Muro das Nove Janelas, and Lagoa do Canário, as well as visits to the Church of São Nicolau and Lagoa do Fogo.
• Participants can enjoy a relaxing thermal bath experience at Caldeira Velha, with advance booking required and an additional entrance fee.
• The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide fluent in English and Russian, providing informative commentary on local traditions, history, and culture.
• The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and flexible "pay later" booking options, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The guided van tour of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo whisks visitors away to explore the volcanic lakes and stunning landscapes of São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores.

This 8-hour excursion takes a small group of up to 7 participants on a comprehensive journey, with a live English and Russian-speaking guide.

Pickup is included from anywhere on São Miguel, even cruise ships, though an additional fee applies for locations outside Ponta Delgada.

The tour offers ample photo opportunities at viewpoints like Coal Peak, Muro das Nove Janelas, and Lagoa do Canário, as well as time to visit the charming Church of São Nicolau in Sete Cidades.

Booking and Cancellation

One can reserve the tour now and pay later, allowing for flexible travel plans.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides convenience and peace of mind when planning the trip.

The small group size is limited to 7 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Pickup is included from anywhere on São Miguel Island, including cruise ships, though an additional transfer fee may apply for locations outside Ponta Delgada.

Itinerary Highlights

Multiple scenic photo stops dot the tour’s itinerary, inviting visitors to capture the breathtaking landscapes of São Miguel. Guests will explore highlights like the Coal Peak Viewpoint, Cascata do Salto do Cabrito, and the iconic Muro das Nove Janelas. The tour also includes time at Lagoa do Canário, Grota do Inferno Viewpoint, and the picturesque Vista do Rei Lookout. Visitors can admire the Church of Sao Nicolau in Sete Cidades, Ponta do Escalvado Lookout, and the stunning Ponta da Ferraria. The tour culminates with a visit to the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint and the Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha, where thermal baths are available (advance booking required).

Location	Duration
Coal Peak Viewpoint	25 minutes
Cascata do Salto do Cabrito	15 minutes
Muro das Nove Janelas	15 minutes
Lagoa do Canário	15 minutes

Inclusions

This tour includes a driver/guide who’s fluent in English and Russian.

Transfers to and from your hotel in Ponta Delgada or other agreed-upon locations on São Miguel Island are provided. Bottled water and insurance are also included.

Lunch can be added for an additional €10-€20. Entrance fees for the Caldeira Velha environmental interpretation center are €3 for the visit and €10 for the thermal baths, but advance booking is required for the baths.

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Customer Reviews

Travelers have enthusiastically praised this guided tour, awarding it an impressive 5-star rating based on 2 reviews.

Guests highlighted several key strengths:

• Guide Pavel’s caring approach and informative itinerary
• Comprehensive exploration of the main spots and hidden gems
• Knowledgeable commentary on local traditions, history, and culture

These positive experiences have contributed to the tour’s outstanding reputation, ensuring a memorable experience focused on the natural beauty of São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes.

With comfort and flexibility at the forefront, this tour offers an immersive journey that showcases the island’s captivating wonders.

Scenic Photo Stops

The guided tour offers several breathtaking scenic photo stops, showcasing the natural wonders of São Miguel.

Guests can capture stunning views from the Coal Peak Viewpoint, gaze at the cascading Salto do Cabrito waterfall, and explore the unique Muro das Nove Janelas.

The tranquil Lagoa do Canário and the dramatic Grota do Inferno Viewpoint provide ample opportunities for photography.

The iconic Vista do Rei Lookout offers panoramic vistas of the famous Sete Cidades twin lakes.

Plus, the tour includes visits to the charming Church of São Nicolau and the scenic Ponta do Escalvado and Ponta da Ferraria.

With ample time allocated at each location, guests can enjoy the island’s captivating landscapes.

Thermal Baths at Caldeira Velha

Visitors can take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the therapeutic thermal baths at Caldeira Velha during the guided tour.

An advance booking is required to access the baths, with an entrance fee of €10. The thermal waters are rich in minerals and known for their restorative properties.

The experience includes:

• Soaking in the natural hot springs
• Exploring the volcanic landscape
• Unwinding in the serene ambiance
• Benefiting from the therapeutic effects of the thermal waters

This optional activity allows guests to further enjoy the natural wonders of São Miguel, complementing the extensive itinerary of scenic viewpoints and historic sites.

Comfortable and Flexible Experience

This tour offers a comfortable and flexible experience for guests exploring the natural wonders of São Miguel.

With a small group size of up to 7 participants, the guided van tour provides an intimate setting for discovering the island’s volcanic lakes.

The free cancellation policy and "reserve now, pay later" option allow for flexible travel plans.

The knowledgeable guide, available in English and Russian, enhances the experience by sharing insights into the local traditions, history, and culture.

Guests appreciate the carefully curated itinerary, which includes scenic photo stops and the opportunity to experience the thermal baths at Caldeira Velha, creating a memorable and well-rounded adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the COVID-19 Safety Measures in Place?

To ensure guest safety, the tour provider follows local COVID-19 protocols. This includes requiring masks, providing hand sanitizer, and limiting group size. They also disinfect vehicles between tours. Guests are encouraged to follow any additional precautions.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Our Preferences?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to meet your preferences. The operator offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust the stops and duration to create a personalized experience that suits your interests.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?

The tour operator may offer discounts or package deals, such as bundling the van tour with other Azores activities. Customers should inquire about any available promotions or combo packages to get the best value.

What Is the Group Size Range for This Tour?

The group size for this tour is limited to 7 participants. It’s a small group to ensure a more personalized and intimate experience exploring the volcanic lakes of São Miguel, Azores.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Guests With Mobility Issues?

The tour is generally accessible for guests with minor mobility issues. The van provides transportation, and there are stops with paved walkways. However, some locations may have uneven terrain, so guests with significant mobility challenges may find certain parts challenging.

Recap

Exploring the volcanic landscapes of São Miguel on this guided van tour is a must-do experience. Visitors will be captivated by the stunning Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, and the personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide enhances the journey. With a small group size, comfortable transportation, and ample photo opportunities, this tour offers a convenient and flexible way to discover the natural wonders of the Azores.

You can check if your dates are available here: