Ponta Delgada: East Circle, Furnas Volcano, & Northeast Tour

Discover the stunning beauty of São Miguel island with the Ponta Delgada: East Circle, Furnas Volcano, and Northeast Tour. This comprehensive adventure showcases the island’s diverse landscapes, from the scenic Santa Iria Lookout to the geothermal wonders of Furnas. Enjoy the rich Azorean heritage as you explore the renowned Gorreana Tea Factory and savor the traditional Cozido das Furnas stew. With knowledgeable guides and seamless transportation, this tour promises an unforgettable day. But that’s just the beginning – the true wonder lies in the experiences that await you.

Key Points

• This full-day sightseeing tour explores the East side of São Miguel island, including the Gorreana Tea Factory, Furnas geothermal landscapes, and Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park.
• The tour is priced from $71.58 per person, with a small group experience and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Highlights include a guided tour and tasting at the Gorreana Tea Factory, experiencing the Furnas geothermal area, and visiting the Terra Nostra thermal pool.
• Pickup service is provided from locations in Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, and Lagoa, with potential delays of up to 20 minutes.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 63 reviews, praising the professionalism and local knowledge of the guides.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Ponta Delgada Tour offers a comprehensive full-day sightseeing experience exploring the East side of São Miguel island.

Priced from $71.58 per person, the 8-hour tour provides a small group experience with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Pickup service starts at 9 AM, with possible delays of 20 minutes, from Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, and Lagoa.

Highlights include visits to the Gorreana Tea Factory, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, the volcanic landscapes of Furnas, and Terra Nostra Park.

An optional lunch featuring the traditional Cozido das Furnas stew is available for an additional fee.

With an overall rating of 4.9/5 from 63 reviews, the tour offers a seamless and engaging experience to discover the Azorean heritage.

Itinerary Highlights

The Ponta Delgada Tour’s itinerary highlights a diverse range of attractions and experiences.

Visitors will start at the scenic Santa Iria Lookout, then visit the world-renowned Gorreana Tea Factory for a guided tour and tasting.

Next, they’ll explore the natural wonders of Ribeira dos Caldeirões, including a walk through the park.

The tour then takes guests to the geothermal landscape of Furnas, where they’ll discover:

1. The Furnas Lake and its volcanic surroundings.
2. The iconic Terra Nostra Park, where they can enjoy a relaxing thermal bath.
3. The Caldeiras Vulcânicas, a guided tour showcasing the area’s volcanic features.

The day concludes with a visit to the charming Our Lady of Peace Chapel before returning to Ponta Delgada.

Key Attractions and Experiences

A key highlight of the Ponta Delgada Tour is the opportunity to visit the last 100% natural tea plantation in the world – the Gorreana Tea Factory. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour and tea tasting, learning about the unique Azorean tea production process. The tour also explores the geothermal landscapes and thermal pools of Furnas, where travelers can experience the traditional Cozido das Furnas stew cooked in volcanic soil. An optional thermal bath at the Terra Nostra Garden provides a chance to relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters. The tour further delves into the Azorean heritage at Ribeira dos Caldeirões, showcasing the island’s natural beauty and cultural history.

Key Attractions	Experiences
Gorreana Tea Factory	Guided tour and tea tasting
Furnas Geothermal Landscapes	Cozido das Furnas stew
Terra Nostra Garden	Thermal pool
Ribeira dos Caldeirões	Azorean heritage and nature

Pickup and Dropoff Details

The tour offers convenient pickup service starting at 9:00 AM, with possible delays of up to 20 minutes.

Pickup locations include Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, and Lagoa, ensuring accessibility for guests across the region.

At the end of the tour, customers are dropped off at their original pickup points, simplifying their return journey.

The pickup and dropoff details of this tour showcase several key advantages:

1. Centralized pickup locations for ease of access.
2. Flexibility in accommodating potential delays.
3. Seamless door-to-door transportation, eliminating the need for self-driving.

This comprehensive service provides a hassle-free experience, allowing guests to focus on the tour’s highlights without the worry of transportation logistics.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Guided Tour and Activities

During the guided tour, visitors explore a diverse array of captivating attractions and experiences on São Miguel’s East side.

The tour starts with a visit to the scenic Santa Iria Lookout, followed by a guided tour and tea tasting at the renowned Gorreana Tea Factory, the last 100% natural tea plantation in the world.

Next, the group ventures into the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, brimming with Azorean heritage.

A highlight is the exploration of the geothermal landscapes and thermal pools in Furnas, including the opportunity to sample the traditional Cozido das Furnas stew cooked in volcanic soil.

The tour culminates with a relaxing visit to the Terra Nostra Park, where guests can enjoy a rejuvenating thermal bath.

Included Amenities and Fees

The tour consistently includes pickup and drop-off services, as well as transportation by an air-conditioned vehicle and the guidance of a local expert.

Plus, the experience provides:

1. Visits to the Gorreana Tea Factory for a guided tour and tea tasting.
2. Entrance to Furnas Lake Natural Park and Terra Nostra Park, where visitors can enjoy the thermal pools.
3. The option to savor the traditional Cozido das Furnas stew, cooked in the volcanic soil, for an additional fee.

While the tour base price covers the essential activities, there are a few supplementary costs, such as the thermal pool fee and the Cozido das Furnas lunch, that visitors can choose to include for a more comprehensive experience.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Ponta Delgada Tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 63 reviews.

Travelers highlight the professionalism and extensive knowledge of the local guides, who engage them with captivating stories throughout the experience. The seamless pickup service, from Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, and Lagoa, has also earned praise.

Reviewers recommend the highlight of the Cozido stew, cooked in the volcanic soil of Furnas, as well as the refreshing thermal pool experience at Terra Nostra Park.

Customers appreciate the tour’s flexibility, allowing them to reschedule when needed, and the personalized attention to their interests during the small group outings.

Tour Recommendations

Based on the overwhelmingly positive customer reviews, the Ponta Delgada Tour offers several must-do experiences.

Visitors highly recommend the tour’s highlights, including:

1. The Cozido das Furnas, a traditional stew cooked in the volcanic soil, is a culinary delight not to be missed.

2. The thermal pool experience at Terra Nostra Park provides a rejuvenating and soothing respite amidst the natural wonders.

3. The seamless pickup service and personalized attention from the knowledgeable guides contribute to an exceptional overall experience.

The tour’s flexibility, engaging storytelling, and attention to customer needs make it a top choice for those seeking an immersive exploration of São Miguel’s East side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

The tour allows customers to bring their own food, though a traditional Cozido das Furnas lunch is offered for an additional fee. Bringing your own snacks or meals is permitted, providing more flexibility during the tour.

How Physically Demanding Is the Tour for Elderly Travelers?

The tour is moderately physically demanding, with some short walks and stair climbing. However, the tour can be adjusted to accommodate elderly travelers, and there are opportunities to rest and relax during the longer stops.

Do I Need to Bring Cash for Any Additional Expenses?

You don’t need to bring much cash for this tour. The only additional expense is the optional thermal pool fee of €10 per person. All other activities, including lunch if selected, are included in the tour price.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour Stops?

Yes, you can purchase souvenirs during the tour stops. The itinerary includes visits to the Gorreana Tea Factory and Furnas, where you’ll have opportunities to browse local shops and pick up Azorean keepsakes.

Is There an Option to Extend or Shorten the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour allows for flexibility in adjusting the duration. Customers can opt to extend the tour by adding an extra fee for additional activities or shorten it by skipping certain stops if needed.

Recap

The Ponta Delgada tour offers a comprehensive exploration of São Miguel’s stunning landscapes and rich Azorean heritage. From the scenic Santa Iria Lookout to the geothermal wonders of Furnas, the tour provides an unforgettable experience for visitors. With knowledgeable guides, seamless transportation, and included amenities, this full-day adventure is a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural traditions of the Azores.

You can check if your dates are available here: