Volcanoes Route: 2-Day Tour on the Island of São Miguel

The "Volcanoes Route: 2-Day Tour on the Island of São Miguel" is an enthralling adventure that immerses travelers in the captivating volcanic landscapes of this Azorean gem. From the breathtaking panoramas of Sete Cidades to the geothermal wonders of Furnas, this small-group tour offers an intimate and enriching experience. With a perfect 5.0 rating, it’s clear why this journey has captured the hearts of past visitors. But the true allure of this tour lies in its ability to transport you to a world where nature’s raw power and beauty converge, leaving you with memories that will linger long after the trip has ended.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best 2 Day Tours In Sao Miguel.

Key Points

• The tour focuses on the volcanic landscapes of São Miguel island, including the Sete Cidades volcanic crater and Furnas thermal activity.
• The tour includes visits to Arruda Pineapple Plantation, Caldeira das Sete Cidades, Praia do Areal de Santa Barbara, Furnas Lake, and Parque Terra Nostra thermal pool.
• Convenient pickup and drop-off services are provided, with a 5.0 out of 5 overall rating from 13 travelers.
• Travelers can choose between lunches included or excluded, and the tour offers a traditional liqueur tasting experience.
• The tour highlights the geology, culture, and natural wonders of São Miguel, with knowledgeable and friendly guides leading the exploration.

Tour Overview

The Volcanoes Route tour on the island of São Miguel offers travelers a two-day exploration of the stunning volcanic landscapes.

Named after the tour’s focus on the island’s volcanic features, it boasts a 100% recommendation rating from 13 previous travelers. Guests can choose between two options – with lunches included or without, giving them the flexibility to tailor the experience to their preferences.

The tour covers a range of key attractions across São Miguel, including the famous Sete Cidades crater lake, pineapple plantations, and the geothermal wonders of Furnas.

With convenient pickup and drop-off services, this tour provides an immersive way to discover the natural beauty and volcanic heritage of this captivating Portuguese island.

Island Highlights: Day 1

On the first day, guests explore the iconic Sete Cidades, a remarkable volcanic crater home to twin lakes of striking colors.

They’ll visit the Arruda Pineapple Plantation, where they can learn about the island’s prized fruit.

The tour then heads to Pico Carvao for panoramic views before stopping at the Vista do Rei Miradouro, one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.

Guests will also discover the Caldeira das Sete Cidades, a dramatic lagoon, and Praia do Areal de Santa Barbara, a popular surfing spot.

The day concludes with a visit to the turquoise waters of Lagoa do Fogo, a stunning volcanic lake.

Sete Cidades Attractions

Sete Cidades, a remarkable volcanic crater, lies at the heart of the first day’s exploration. Visitors are captivated by its stunning lagoon, tinted in shades of blue and green.

The tour takes guests to the Vista do Rei Miradouro, one of the "seven wonders of Portugal," offering panoramic views of the picturesque Sete Cidades valley.

Other highlights include:

• Exploring the Caldeira das Sete Cidades, the lagoon itself, a natural wonder shaped by volcanic activity.
• Visiting the Arruda Pineapple Plantation, where the island’s famous tropical fruit is grown.
• Stopping at Pico Carvao for breathtaking panoramic vistas.
• Enjoying the black sand beach of Praia do Areal de Santa Barbara, a surfer’s paradise.

Island Highlights: Day 2

Furnas, the volcanic heart of São Miguel, takes center stage on the second day of the tour. Visitors explore the region’s thermal activity, including Caldeiras where locals cook traditional dishes in the ground.

The tour stops at Gorreana Tea Plantation for tastings and continues to Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, a lush nature reserve with waterfalls. At Furnas Lake, travelers discover a Gothic chapel and spot local fauna.

The highlight is a dip in the Parque Terra Nostra’s thermal pool. The tour then visits Vila Franca do Campo, the island’s first capital, before returning to Ponta Delgada.

With a mix of natural wonders and cultural experiences, the second day showcases São Miguel’s volcanic diversity.

Furnas Exploration

The volcanic heart of São Miguel takes center stage as visitors explore the region’s thermal activity in Furnas.

This geologic wonderland features:

• Caldeiras, where visitors observe the bubbling mud pools and fumaroles that showcase the island’s volcanic nature.
• Furnas Lake, home to a picturesque Gothic chapel and diverse wildlife.
• Parque Terra Nostra, a lush garden with a thermal pool fed by natural hot springs.
• Plantações de Chá Gorreana, the oldest tea plantation in Europe, where guests can sample the island’s renowned teas.

These captivating sights immerse travelers in the dynamic geology and rich culture of São Miguel’s volcanic landscape.

Included in the Tour

The tour includes several complimentary experiences that allow visitors to fully enjoy the unique offerings of São Miguel. Guests can enjoy a tea tasting at the iconic Gorreana tea plantation and savor traditional liqueurs. Pickup and drop-off in Ponta Delgada are provided, and entry to the renowned Parque Terra Nostra thermal pool is included. The tour offers the flexibility to add an optional lunch, providing an authentic taste of local cuisine.

Included	Excluded
Tea tasting at Gorreana	Personal purchases
Traditional liqueur tasting	Lunch (if not included)
Pickup and drop-off in Ponta Delgada
Entrance to Parque Terra Nostra (€16 per person)

Pickup and Drop-off Details

The tour begins with a 09:00 AM pickup, allowing up to 20 minutes for collection of participants.

Travelers have the option to either meet at a direct meeting point or request a pickup. The tour returns to the same meeting point at the end of the experience.

Pickup and drop-off are included in the tour package, providing convenience for travelers. This flexible arrangement ensures a seamless start and end to the 2-day Volcanoes Route adventure on the stunning island of São Miguel.

• Direct meeting point option
• Pickup request available
• Returns to original meeting point
• Pickup and drop-off included

Traveler Feedback

Based on the 13 reviews available, travelers have overwhelmingly recommended the Volcanoes Route tour, awarding it a 5.0 out of 5 overall rating.

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, Marco and João, who provide a personalized and insightful experience.

Highlights mentioned include the diverse array of attractions, from the stunning Sete Cidades lagoon to the thermal pools of Furnas, as well as the small group size that allows for a more intimate exploration.

Travelers also appreciate the recommendations for local cuisine and the beautiful scenery throughout the tour.

The tour’s free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance further adds to its appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Attractions?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit specific attractions. Travelers can contact the tour guide to discuss their preferences and interests, and the itinerary can be adjusted accordingly based on availability and feasibility.

Is the Tour Suitable for Individuals With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be fully suitable for individuals with mobility issues, as some stops involve uneven terrain and walking. However, the guide can likely accommodate requests and adjust the itinerary to make the experience more accessible.

What Languages Do the Tour Guides Speak?

The tour guides for this experience speak both English and Portuguese fluently, allowing them to provide informative commentary and assistance to travelers from various backgrounds during the tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Larger Groups?

According to the information provided, there’s no mention of any group discounts for the tour. The website does not seem to offer any special pricing options for larger groups at this time.

Can I Book Additional Activities or Extensions to the Tour?

Yes, you can book additional activities or extensions to this tour. The tour guide can provide information on optional add-ons that can enhance your experience, such as visiting other attractions or extending the duration of the tour.

Recap

The Volcanoes Route: 2-Day Tour on the Island of São Miguel offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the island’s stunning volcanic landscapes. Featuring iconic sites like Sete Cidades and Furnas, this small group adventure provides an intimate and enriching experience, with breathtaking views, geothermal wonders, and convenient transportation. Traveler reviews consistently praise this tour, making it a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy São Miguel’s natural beauty.