Vila Franca Do Campo: Settlers Town Guided Tour

Discover the rich history and culture of Vila Franca do Campo, the Azores’ first capital, on an immersive guided tour. Explore the town’s charming 16th-century architecture, visit key sites like the Museu Municipal, and delight in local delicacies. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, you’ll uncover fascinating stories and breathtaking views from the Our Lady of Peace Chapel. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to learn about the Azorean way of life, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to learn more about this captivating settlers’ town.

This experience made our list of the 19 Best Guided Tours In Sao Miguel Island.

Key Points

• This 3-hour guided tour of Vila Franca do Campo explores the town’s 16th-century architecture and cultural heritage as the first capital of the Azores.
• Visitors will visit key historic sites, including the Museu Municipal, Igreja De S. Andre, and Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, gaining insights into the town’s early settlers.
• The tour includes scenic stops at the Our Lady of Peace Chapel and Infante Statue, offering breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
• Guests will have the opportunity to taste local delicacies, such as the traditional Queijadas do Morgado pastry, seeing the region’s culinary culture.
• The tour is conducted by knowledgeable guides who share historical information and anecdotes, providing a comprehensive understanding of Vila Franca do Campo’s evolution and significance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

What does the Vila Franca Do Campo Guided Tour entail?

This 3-hour tour takes visitors through Azores’ first capital established in 1476. The tour is limited to 7 participants and is available in 7 languages.

Travelers can expect to visit key sites like the Municipal Museum, S. Andre Church, and Olaria Museum. The tour also includes a scenic drive to the Our Lady of Peace Chapel, a tasting of local delicacies, and a guided tour of a traditional pineapple plantation.

The tour is priced at €39 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Participants can choose from different starting locations, with the main drop-off at the Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL in Ponta Delgada.

Itinerary Highlights

The Vila Franca Do Campo Guided Tour promises an immersive exploration of Azores’ first capital, established in 1476.

Visitors will visit key sites like the Museu Municipal, Igreja De S. Andre, Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, and Museu Olaria, showcasing the town’s 16th-century architecture.

Scenic photo stops at the Our Lady of Peace Chapel and Infante Statue offer breathtaking views of Vila Franca do Campo and the nearby islet.

The tour also includes a tasting of local delicacies, such as the renowned Queijadas do Morgado, and a guided tour of a traditional glasshouse pineapple plantation, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s culture and history.

Experience and Activities

The guided walking tour through Vila Franca do Campo’s historic center and public squares allows visitors to explore the town’s significant landmarks showcasing 16th-century architecture.

Guests will also enjoy a scenic van drive to the Our Lady of Peace Chapel, which offers breathtaking views of Vila Franca do Campo and the Islet.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into the local culture and history, ensuring an immersive experience.

The tour includes:

1. Visiting key sites like the Museu Municipal, Igreja De S. Andre, Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, and Museu Olaria.
2. Sampling local delicacies, including the famous Queijadas do Morgado.
3. Exploring a traditional glasshouse pineapple plantation.
4. Stopping at the Infante Statue for scenic photo opportunities.

Inclusions

The guided tour includes a knowledgeable guide who leads the walking and van tours, providing insights into the local culture and history.

Visitors can sample local delicacies, including the famous Queijadas do Morgado. All admissions and tickets are included, allowing for seamless access to the key sites.

The tour also includes a scenic van drive to the Our Lady of Peace Chapel, offering breathtaking views of Vila Franca do Campo and the Islet.

Personal water supply and insurance are provided, ensuring a comfortable and worry-free experience.

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Logistics and Meeting Points

Depending on the selected option, the starting location for the guided tour varies.

The main drop-off point is at Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL in Ponta Delgada.

Keep in mind that the itineraries are subject to change, so it’s best to check availability for specific dates and times.

The key logistics and meeting points for this tour include:

1. Starting location varies based on the selected option.
2. Main drop-off at Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL, Ponta Delgada.
3. Itineraries are subject to change.
4. Check availability for specific dates and times.

Explore Azores’ First Capital

Visitors step back in time as they explore Vila Franca do Campo, the Azores’ first capital established in 1476.

The guided tour takes them through the historic center and public squares, showcasing the 16th-century architecture. Key sites include the Museu Municipal, Igreja De S. Andre, Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, and Museu Olaria, providing insights into the town’s rich cultural heritage.

Along the way, they’ll enjoy scenic photo stops at the Our Lady of Peace Chapel and the Infante Statue, while also savoring local delicacies like Queijadas do Morgado.

The knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories about the town’s history and the lives of its early settlers.

Scenic Photo Stops

As visitors explore the historic center of Vila Franca do Campo, they’ll encounter scenic photo stops that offer breathtaking vistas.

The tour includes stops at the Our Lady of Peace Chapel, which provides panoramic views of the town and the nearby islet.

Another highlight is the Infante Statue, a monument commemorating the Infante Dom Henrique, who played a crucial role in the exploration of the Azores.

These photo opportunities allow travelers to capture the natural beauty and historical significance of the region.

The guided tour ensures that guests don’t miss these scenic gems, enhancing their overall experience of Vila Franca do Campo.

The tour includes scenic photo stops at:

1. Our Lady of Peace Chapel
2. Infante Statue
3. Viewpoints overlooking Vila Franca do Campo
4. The nearby islet

Local Delicacies Tasting

Alongside the scenic photo stops, the Vila Franca do Campo guided tour offers a chance to savor the local delicacies.

Participants will get to taste the renowned Queijadas do Morgado, a traditional pastry made with cheese, eggs, and sugar.

These bite-sized treats are a local specialty that perfectly capture the flavors of the Azores.

The tasting allows visitors to indulge in a quintessential culinary experience, providing insight into the region’s rich food heritage.

With each delectable morsel, guests can appreciate the artisanal craftsmanship and time-honored recipes that make these delicacies so beloved among locals and travelers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

This tour may not be the best option for people with mobility issues. The itinerary includes guided walking tours and scenic van drives, which could be challenging for those with limited mobility. Guests should check with the tour provider about accessibility accommodations.

Can We Customize the Tour to Our Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to individual preferences. Customers can request modifications to the itinerary, duration, or group size. The tour operator will work to accommodate any reasonable requests within the tour’s capabilities.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can cancel their reservation and receive their money back as long as they do so at least one day before the scheduled tour.

Is There an Age Limit for Participants?

There’s no age limit for participants on this tour. The tour is open to travelers of all ages, though the group size is limited to 7 participants for a more personalized experience.

Can We Purchase Additional Souvenirs During the Tour?

Participants can purchase additional souvenirs during the tour. The itinerary includes a visit to the local traditional glasshouse pineapple plantation, where visitors can browse and buy unique handmade crafts and products as souvenirs.

Recap

Discover the rich history and culture of Vila Franca do Campo, the first capital of the Azores, on this guided tour. Explore key sites, enjoy breathtaking views, and indulge in local delicacies, all while enjoying the town’s 16th-century architecture and captivating stories. This is an ideal way to experience the charm and heritage of this remarkable destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: