Sao Miguel East: Full-Day Van Tour With Lunch

Exploring the enchanting east coast of São Miguel island in the Azores is a captivating experience. This full-day van tour takes adventurers on a journey through the island’s geothermal wonders, from the steaming calderas of Furnas to the breathtaking vistas of Santa Iria Lookout. Along the way, visitors will savor a traditional lunch featuring the unique cozido stew, cooked in the volcanic soil. With a maximum of 8 participants, the tour offers a personalized and immersive exploration of this remarkable corner of the world. What awaits those who embark on this excursion may just surprise and delight them.

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

Key Points

• A full-day van tour exploring the stunning eastern region of São Miguel island in the Azores, priced at $83.71 per person.
• Highlights include visiting Furnas geothermal park, witnessing the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Waterfall, and enjoying a traditional lunch featuring cozido stew.
• Offered in both English and Portuguese with a maximum of 8 participants for a personalized experience.
• Includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and convenient pickup and dropoff service from select locations.
• Tour duration of approximately 8 hours, showcasing the rugged beauty and cultural heritage of São Miguel’s eastern coast.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

Offering a comprehensive exploration of São Miguel’s eastern wonders, this full-day van tour promises an immersive experience for travelers.

Priced at $83.71 per person, the tour lasts 8 hours and accommodates a small group of up to 8 participants. Conducted in both English and Portuguese, the tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Pickup is provided from Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, and Lagoa, ensuring convenient access. Travelers can expect to visit Furnas’ geothermal park, the Santa Iria Lookout, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Waterfall, and the rugged east coast, while enjoying a traditional cozido stew lunch cooked in volcanic soil.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour takes visitors on an in-depth exploration of Sãu Miguel’s eastern wonders.

Travelers will visit Furnas, the Azores’ most active geothermal park, where they can marvel at the bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles.

The tour also includes a stop at the Santa Iria Lookout, which offers panoramic views of the stunning north coast.

Another highlight is the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Waterfall, where guests can appreciate the island’s rugged natural beauty.

The tour culminates with a traditional lunch featuring the famous cozido stew, cooked in the volcanic soil.

Throughout the day, guests will witness the high cliffs and rugged scenery that characterize Sãu Miguel’s eastern region.

Included Experiences

This tour provides visitors with a range of captivating experiences. Explore the fascinating Furnas Geothermal Park, where you’ll witness the active volcanic landscape and have the chance to taste the unique cozido stew cooked underground. Revel in the panoramic vistas from the Santa Iria Lookout, and be awed by the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Waterfall. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the east coast’s high cliffs in Nordeste. Included in the tour are a traditional lunch, entrance fees, and bottled water, ensuring a well-rounded and immersive exploration of São Miguel’s natural wonders.

Included Experiences	Description
Furnas Geothermal Park	Explore the active volcanic landscape and taste the unique cozido stew cooked underground
Santa Iria Lookout	Enjoy panoramic views of the north coast
Ribeira dos Caldeirões Waterfall	Marvel at the impressive natural wonder
Nordeste’s High Cliffs	Experience the rugged beauty of the east coast
Traditional Lunch	Savor a delicious meal featuring local specialties

Recommended Attire

For this tour, wearing comfortable and weather-appropriate attire is highly recommended. Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking.

Swimwear is also advised, as you’ll have the opportunity to visit thermal pools during the excursion. Plus, it’s best to dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable in the Azores.

Avoid wearing loose or flowy clothing that could get caught in the van or on hiking trails. The tour guide advises against smoking in the vehicle.

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Customer Testimonials

Glowing reviews from satisfied customers highlight the exceptional nature of this Sao Miguel East Van Tour. With an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 908 reviews, the tour has consistently impressed guests. The guide, transportation, service, and organization have all been praised, with customers emphasizing the knowledgeable guides, delicious food, and breathtaking scenery. A closer look at the reviews shows the following:

Category	Rating
Guide	4.9/5
Transportation	4.9/5
Service	4.9/5
Organization	4.9/5

While a few issues with communication around pickup times were reported, the guides were able to resolve them during the tours, showcasing their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Pickup and Dropoff

A key convenience of the Sao Miguel East Van Tour is the included pickup and dropoff service, which covers select locations across the island.

Travelers can be picked up from Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, or Lagoa, ensuring a hassle-free start to their day-long adventure.

The small-group tour is limited to 8 participants, allowing for a personalized experience.

At the end of the tour, guests are dropped off at their original pickup points, making it easy to continue their Azorean explorations or return to their accommodations.

This seamless transportation service is a valuable perk that enhances the overall tour experience.

Tour Duration and Group Size

The Sao Miguel East Van Tour spans a full day, lasting approximately 8 hours from start to finish.

This is a small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

The tour is offered in both English and Portuguese, catering to a diverse audience.

Free cancellation with a full refund is available up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.

With a focus on exploring the stunning east coast of Sao Miguel island, this tour promises to immerse visitors in the natural wonders and cultural heritage of the Azores.

Tour Languages and Cancellation Policy

As for the tour languages and cancellation policy, the Sao Miguel East Van Tour offers options in both English and Portuguese, catering to a diverse international audience.

Participants can enjoy the tour commentary and interactions in their preferred language.

On top of that, the tour operator provides a flexible cancellation policy, allowing full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.

This ensures that travelers can book with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed without penalty.

The combination of language options and generous cancellation terms enhances the overall convenience and accessibility of this Sao Miguel sightseeing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Guide Gratuity Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price doesn’t include guide gratuity. Participants are expected to tip the guide separately if they’re satisfied with the service provided. The amount for the tip is at the discretion of the customer.

Is There a Bathroom Break During the Tour?

Yes, the tour includes bathroom breaks. According to the overview, the full-day tour lasts 8 hours, and participants are provided with a water bottle, suggesting there are opportunities to use restroom facilities during the excursion.

Can the Tour Accommodate Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Diets?

Yes, the tour can accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free diets. Guests should simply notify the tour operator in advance so they can make the necessary arrangements for the traditional lunch included in the tour.

How Much Free Time Is Provided at Each Stop?

The tour provides free time at each stop, allowing participants to explore at their own pace. The duration varies, but generally ranges from 30-60 minutes, giving ample time to fully experience the highlights of each destination.

Is There Any Walking Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking during the stops. Guests can expect to walk around the Furnas geothermal park, see the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Waterfall, and explore the scenic viewpoints along the east coast. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Recap

This East Coast tour of São Miguel Island showcases the island’s stunning natural beauty. Visitors will explore the geothermal wonders of Furnas, take in breathtaking views from Santa Iria Lookout, and marvel at the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Waterfall. The tour also includes a traditional lunch featuring the unique cozido stew cooked in volcanic soil. With personalized attention and convenient transportation, this small-group adventure is an excellent way to experience the highlights of São Miguel’s eastern coast.

You can check if your dates are available here: