São Miguel: Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour With Lunch

The Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of São Miguel, the largest island in Portugal’s Azores archipelago. This comprehensive tour promises to captivate travelers with its geothermal wonders, historic landmarks, and traditional culinary experiences, all while providing a seamless and accessible adventure for guests. As participants embark on this eight-hour journey, they’ll not only witness the breathtaking landscapes but also gain a deeper understanding of the Azores’ volcanic origins and the enduring traditions that have shaped the lives of its inhabitants. With a knowledgeable local guide leading the way, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression on all who venture to uncover the hidden gems of this remarkable island.

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

Key Points

• This full-day tour explores the geothermal wonders of Furnas and the natural beauty of Nordeste in São Miguel, Azores, including a traditional Portuguese stew cooked on volcanic soil.
• Highlights include visiting Lagoa das Furnas, Europe’s largest hydropolis, and one of the Azores’ most active volcanoes with a 100,000-year eruptive history.
• The tour offers an opportunity to learn about the Azores’ unique tea plantation and enjoy panoramic views at the Senhora da Paz viewpoint.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, with a flexible cancellation policy, and includes pickup from select locations, a local guide, and a traditional Portuguese lunch.
• Customers have praised the tour’s stunning scenery and knowledgeable guides, though some have desired more detailed commentary and time at locations.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The "São Miguel: Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour with Lunch" is a comprehensive exploration of the natural wonders and cultural heritage of the Azores island.

Priced at $99.54 per person, this 8-hour tour is limited to a group of 8 participants and is available in English and Portuguese.

Wheelchair accessibility and a flexible cancellation policy make the tour accessible and convenient.

Highlights include visiting the geothermal Lagoa das Furnas, one of two tea plantations in Europe, and the active Azorean volcano.

Travelers can also savor a traditional Portuguese stew cooked on volcanic soil and admire the stunning viewpoint of Senhora da Paz.

Highlights and Experiences

Exploring Lagoa das Furnas, known as the largest hydropolis in the world, allows visitors to witness the region’s captivating geothermal activity.

This tour offers the unique experience of visiting one of Europe’s two tea plantations. Guests will also explore the most active volcano in the Azores, learning about its eruptive history spanning over 100,000 years.

A highlight is enjoying a traditional Portuguese stew, the "Cozido das Furnas," cooked on volcanic soil for 6 hours.

The tour culminates with a visit to the viewpoint of Senhora da Paz, offering stunning panoramic views of the islet of Vila Franca do Campo.

Itinerary

The tour begins along Avenida do Mar in Ponta Delgada, proceeding to the first stop at the viewpoint of Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo.

From there, the group travels to Lagoa das Furnas, where they observe the cooking of the traditional "Cozido das Furnas" stew and visit the fumaroles.

Participants then have an optional opportunity to relax in the hot springs at Poça da Dona Beija or Parque Terra Nostra.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park to see five watermills and a waterfall.

The tour concludes with a visit to a tea plantation, where guests enjoy a tasting session.

Inclusions

The tour package includes a local guide who provides commentary throughout the day.

Pickup from accommodations in Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, or Ribeira Grande is also provided. Travelers will receive a water bottle, chargers, and an umbrella for their convenience.

Child seats are available upon request. The tour is covered by insurance, and a traditional Portuguese lunch at a local restaurant with various options is included.

Entrance fees to optional sites like Terra Nostra or Dona Beija aren’t part of the package, however.

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Customer Feedback

Based on 78 reviews, the overall rating for the São Miguel: Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour with Lunch is 4.7 out of 5.

The guide received a 4.5/5 rating, while the value for money was rated 4.4/5.

Customers had positive experiences, praising the beautiful scenery and knowledgeable guides.

However, some noted limited time at certain locations and desired more detailed commentary from the guides.

Some key feedback includes:

1. Stunning scenery and landscapes.
2. Knowledgeable and engaging guides.
3. Desire for more time at select locations and more in-depth explanations.

Recommendations

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for this tour, as it involves significant time spent exploring various scenic locations. Plus, visitors should be prepared to incur additional costs for entry to attractions like Terra Nostra and Furnas Lake, which are not included in the tour price. To help plan accordingly, the following table outlines the potential extra costs:

Attraction	Price
Terra Nostra Garden	€8
Furnas Lake	€2
Dona Beija Hot Springs	€5
Vila Franca Islet	€5

Accessibility

Wheelchair users can fully participate in this tour, as it’s designed to be accessible. The tour’s organizers have ensured that all key locations, including the viewpoint, geothermal sites, and restaurants, are wheelchair-friendly.

Plus, the tour van is equipped with a wheelchair lift, allowing seamless transportation throughout the day.

Some key accessibility features of this tour include:

1. Paved and level walkways at all tour stops, ensuring smooth navigation for wheelchair users.
2. Accessible restroom facilities at the main sites visited.
3. Attentive and helpful guides who are trained to assist wheelchair users as needed.

This tour’s commitment to accessibility allows all travelers to fully experience the natural wonders of São Miguel’s Furnas and Nordeste regions.

Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policy for this tour provides travelers with flexibility and peace of mind. Customers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund.

This allows them to adjust their plans if necessary without incurring any penalties. The tour operator understands that unexpected changes can occur, and they aim to accommodate their customers’ needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

While bringing your own food is generally allowed on tours, this particular one includes a traditional Portuguese lunch at a local restaurant. The tour company provides this meal as part of the package, so bringing your own food is not necessary or recommended.

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

Yes, the tour is available in other languages besides English and Portuguese. According to the overview, the tour is offered in multiple languages, including English and Portuguese.

Can I Reschedule the Tour if My Plans Change?

Yes, the tour can be rescheduled if plans change. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing flexibility to accommodate any changes in the traveler’s itinerary.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but participants should be respectful of others and any restrictions at specific sites. Guests are encouraged to capture the stunning natural landscapes and cultural experiences encountered throughout the day.

What Should I Do if I Have Special Dietary Requirements?

If you have special dietary requirements, you should notify the tour operator in advance. They’ll typically accommodate your needs, such as providing a suitable meal option during the included lunch, as long as you inform them ahead of time.

Recap

The Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour on São Miguel offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Azores. With a delectable traditional lunch, knowledgeable local guidance, and accessible accommodations, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for visitors seeking to discover the breathtaking geothermal wonders and captivating history of this remarkable island.

You can check if your dates are available here: