São Miguel: Full-Day Tour of Furnas Valley

Nestled in the heart of the Azores, the island of São Miguel beckons travelers with its breathtaking natural wonders. The Furnas Valley, a geothermal wonderland, is the centerpiece of this full-day tour, offering a unique opportunity to take in the region’s rich cultural heritage and culinary delights. From savoring the traditional Furnas Stew to indulging in the local Queijada da Vila pastry, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. But the true highlight lies in the chance to witness the powerful fumaroles and relax in the picturesque Terra Nostra Garden’s thermal baths, leaving visitors with a deep appreciation for the island’s remarkable geological and ecological treasures.

Key Points

• This 8.5-hour tour takes visitors through the picturesque Furnas Valley on the island of São Miguel, providing an immersive experience of the region’s natural wonders.

• Highlights include exploring thermal baths, sampling local specialties like Furnas stew, and visiting Gorreana Tea Factory to taste renowned black and green teas.

• The tour is priced at $72.01 per person, with pickup from Ponta Delgada city center included, and features live commentary in English and Portuguese.

• The small-group format (maximum 15 participants) ensures a personalized experience, with highly rated guides and transportation, as well as excellent value for money.

• However, the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, as it involves uneven terrain and limited accessibility at certain sites.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

What does this full-day Furnas Valley tour entail?

The tour takes visitors on an 8.5-hour journey to explore the natural wonders of São Miguel Island’s Furnas Valley. Priced at $72.01 per person, the small-group tour (max 15 participants) departs from Ponta Delgada city center with pickup included.

A live guide accompanies the group, providing commentary in both English and Portuguese. Highlights include visiting Vila Franca do Campo, experiencing thermal baths at Terra Nostra Garden, and tasting local specialties like Furnas stew and Gorreana tea.

The tour also includes stops at scenic viewpoints overlooking the valley. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a flexible and comprehensive way to discover Furnas Valley’s unique attractions.

Itinerary Highlights

The full-day tour through Furnas Valley showcases a captivating itinerary of natural and cultural highlights. Visitors will explore Vila Franca do Campo, the island’s first capital, and savor the local Queijada da Vila pastry. The tour then ventures to the remarkable Furnas Lake, where they’ll witness the powerful fumaroles. Next, guests can indulge in a relaxing thermal bath at the stunning Terra Nostra Garden. Lunch features the traditional Furnas stew, a culinary delight. The journey continues with a visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory, where guests can taste the island’s renowned black and green teas. Awe-inspiring views await at the Pico de Ferros and Santa Irias viewpoints, offering panoramic vistas of the breathtaking Furnas Valley.

Highlights	Details
Vila Franca do Campo	Taste the local Queijada da Vila pastry
Furnas Lake	Observe the fumaroles
Terra Nostra Garden	Experience a thermal bath
Furnas Stew	Enjoy a traditional local lunch

Pricing and Inclusions

The tour comes with a competitive price starting from $72.01 per person.

For this cost, the full-day excursion includes pickup from Ponta Delgada city center and a small group size limited to 15 participants.

Travelers will enjoy a live English and Portuguese-speaking guide, as well as lunch with drinks, dessert, and coffee.

Entrance fees to key sites like Furnas Lake, Gorreana Tea Factory, and Terra Nostra Garden are covered.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and pets and smoking aren’t allowed.

Recommended items include comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a swimsuit for the thermal bath experience.

Customer Ratings

Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews highlight the tour’s exceptional quality, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 88 reviews.

Participants praised the knowledgeable and friendly tour guides, who received a perfect 5/5 rating. The transportation was also highly rated at 4.8/5, with reviewers appreciating the convenience of pickup from the city center.

Customers felt the tour provided excellent value for money, with a 4.7/5 rating in this area. Recurring praise centered on the enjoyable experiences, such as tasting local cuisine, exploring Furnas Valley, and relaxing in the thermal baths.

The tour’s seamless organization and flexibility to accommodate travel plans further contributed to its overwhelmingly positive customer reception.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Pickup and Group Size

For this full-day tour of Furnas Valley, the provider offers pickup from the Ponta Delgada city center, ensuring a seamless start to the day’s adventure.

The group size is limited to 15 participants, creating an intimate and personalized experience. This small-group format allows the knowledgeable tour guide to provide more attentive service and engagement with the travelers.

The size restriction also ensures that everyone can comfortably fit in the transportation provided, making for a pleasant and hassle-free journey through the picturesque Furnas Valley.

With these convenient pickup arrangements and the carefully curated group size, participants can sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the natural wonders that await.

Recommended Items

When visiting the Furnas Valley, travelers will want to pack a few essential items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

The tour recommends wearing comfortable shoes, as the itinerary includes walking around several sites. Sunscreen is also essential, as the volcanic landscape can expose visitors to direct sunlight.

Plus, a swimsuit is recommended for those who wish to indulge in the thermal baths at the Terra Nostra Garden.

These simple but practical items will help participants make the most of the full-day tour, allowing them to explore the natural wonders of the Furnas Valley with ease and comfort.

Booking Information

Travelers can check availability for the Full-Day Tour of Furnas Valley on specific dates and starting times. The tour can accommodate a range of participants, including adults aged 11-99, children aged 3-10, and infants 2 and younger.

Booking options are flexible, allowing travelers to easily adjust their travel plans as needed. With small group sizes limited to 15 participants, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience.

Those interested can reserve their spot now and pay later, making it convenient to secure their place on the tour. The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, ensuring travelers’ peace of mind.

Tour Accessibility

The Full-Day Tour of Furnas Valley isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

The tour involves exploring uneven terrain, visiting sites with limited accessibility, and participating in activities that may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

While the tour company strives to accommodate all participants, the nature of the locations visited and the activities included make it difficult to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for wheelchair users.

Travellers with any mobility concerns should consult with the tour provider prior to booking to determine if the tour is a good fit for their needs.

The tour is, however, open to adults, children, and infants, providing a flexible option for families and groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. The tour includes lunch with drinks, so bringing outside food and beverages is not permitted. Participants should rely on the included meals and refreshments provided during the tour.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English and Portuguese?

The tour is available in English and Portuguese. However, there’s no information provided about the availability of other language options. Participants should inquire with the tour operator to determine if additional language support is offered.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Stops or Activities?

Yes, you can customize your tour to include additional stops or activities. The tour operator offers flexible booking options to accommodate special requests and tailor the itinerary to your preferences, as long as they’re within the tour’s scope and duration.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Special Meal Options Available?

The tour offers a vegetarian lunch option, and can accommodate other dietary requirements with advance notice. Participants are encouraged to specify any dietary needs when booking to ensure their preferences are met.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy if I Need to Change My Plans?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing participants to adjust their plans without penalty. Flexible booking options are also available to accommodate changing travel schedules.

Recap

The São Miguel full-day tour of Furnas Valley offers a truly captivating experience. Visitors can savor local delicacies, enjoy the region’s natural wonders, and enjoy a relaxing thermal bath. With knowledgeable guides and a small group size, this tour provides a personalized adventure through São Miguel’s enchanting landscape. Whether seeking stunning views or a cultural exploration, this tour is an excellent choice for experiencing the beauty of Furnas Valley.

You can check if your dates are available here: