Couples PRIVATE Hybrid 4X4 Tour – Furnas (Inc Hot Springs and 3 Course Lunch)

Couples seeking an unforgettable adventure in the Azores can experience the Furnas Valley’s volcanic wonders through a private hybrid 4×4 tour. This exclusive excursion whisks them through breathtaking landscapes, from the serene Furnas Lake to the lush Terra Nostra Park. The highlight? Soaking in soothing thermal baths and savoring a unique "cozido" lunch cooked in the earth’s embrace. With personalized touches and stunning scenery, this tour promises to create cherished memories for the adventurous pair. What secrets does this volcanic paradise hold, waiting to be uncovered?

Key Points

• This private 4×4 tour offers a personalized experience for couples, exploring the volcanic landscapes of Furnas with a 3-course "cozido" lunch cooked in a volcano.
• Highlights include visiting Furnas Lake, Furnas Caldeira, Cha Gorreana tea plantation, and Terra Nostra Park, where couples can enjoy the soothing thermal baths.
• The tour includes round-trip transfers, air-conditioned transportation, all necessary fees, and liability insurance, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience.
• Participants can enjoy the unique natural wonders and local culture of São Miguel, with knowledgeable guides providing in-depth insights.
• The tour is accessible to most travelers, including wheelchair users, making it a suitable choice for couples seeking an authentic and memorable exploration of the Azores.

Tour Overview

The Couples Private Hybrid 4X4 Tour in Furnas, São Miguel Island, Portugal, is a full-day 4×4 safari starting from Ponta Delgada.

Guests will visit Furnas Lake, Furnas Caldeira, Cha Gorreana tea plantation, and the thermal baths in Terra Nostra Park.

The tour includes a 3-course "cozido" lunch cooked in a volcano, providing an authentic and memorable dining experience.

Throughout the day, travelers will witness the island’s stunning natural landscapes and learn about the local culture and traditions from the knowledgeable guides.

The tour’s private nature ensures a personalized experience tailored to your’ interests and preferences.

Inclusions and Highlights

The Couples Private Hybrid 4X4 Tour includes a comprehensive package of services and amenities to enhance the experience.

The tour covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, all necessary fees and taxes, and a delectable 3-course "cozido" lunch cooked in a volcano.

Guests can also enjoy:

• Private round-trip transfers from cruise ports or hotels
• Free WiFi on board
• Liability insurance coverage
• A traditional soup, volcanic stew, dessert, water, wine, and coffee as part of the lunch

This well-rounded tour ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience, allowing couples to fully enjoy the natural wonders of Furnas, São Miguel Island.

Pickup and Requirements

For this tour, pickup is available from cruise ships docked in Ponta Delgada and hotels located in Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, Maia, and Fenais da Luz.

Passengers should bring their bathing suits, towels, sandals or flip-flops, and drinking water. The tour starts at 9:30 am and confirmation is received upon booking.

Infant seats, service animals, and strollers are allowed, and the tour is wheelchair accessible. Guests can contact the tour operator at (+351) 919 310 104 for any inquiries.

With personalized transportation and a private experience, this tour ensures a seamless and enjoyable exploration of Furnas.

Accessibility and Information

This tour starts at 9:30 am, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.

The tour is accessible to most travelers, including those in wheelchairs. Infant seats, service animals, and strollers are allowed. The private nature of the tour ensures a personalized experience.

To prepare for the tour, guests should bring:

1. Bathing suits
2. Towels
3. Sandals/flip flops
4. Drinking water

The tour covers beautiful scenery, knowledgeable guides, and excellent local cuisine, as highlighted in the overwhelmingly positive reviews from previous travelers.

Ratings and Feedback

Overwhelmingly positive reviews from 13 previous travelers have given this tour an outstanding 5.0 overall rating.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, who provide excellent local insights and share the island’s beautiful scenery. The unique experience of the volcanic cozido lunch and thermal baths are also highlights, leaving visitors eager to return.

Guests consistently recommend this tour for its personalized and authentic exploration of Furnas. The private nature of the tour ensures a tailored experience, catering to couples and small groups.

With 100% of travelers saying they’d recommend this tour, it’s clear this hybrid 4×4 adventure delivers an unforgettable and highly satisfactory introduction to São Miguel’s geothermal wonders.

Unique Volcanic Landscape

The volcanic landscape of Furnas is nothing short of mesmerizing. Visitors are captivated by the steaming caldeira, with its bubbling mud pools and fumaroles releasing plumes of sulfurous vapor.

The dramatic terrain includes:

1. Furnas Lake, a serene body of water nestled in a volcanic crater.
2. Lush, verdant forests that contrast with the stark volcanic features.
3. Thermal springs and pools, where visitors can relax and soak in the mineral-rich waters.
4. The Cha Gorreana tea plantation, a unique agricultural venture thriving in this volcanic environment.

This otherworldly landscape showcases the enduring power and beauty of the island’s volcanic origins, providing a truly unforgettable experience for all who explore it.

Gorreana Tea Plantation

Nestled amidst the verdant slopes of Furnas, the Gorreana Tea Plantation stands as a testament to the region’s unique microclimate. As the oldest tea plantation in Europe, it offers visitors a glimpse into the intricate process of tea production. Guests can stroll through the lush gardens, witness the meticulous hand-picking of leaves, and learn about the history and traditions that have been passed down for generations.

Tea Varieties	Harvest Seasons	Processing Methods	Brewing Tips	Sustainability Efforts
Black Tea	Spring (April-May)	Withering, Rolling, Oxidation, Firing	Steep for 3-5 minutes	Organic Farming
Green Tea	Summer (June-July)	Withering, Pan-Frying, Drying	Steep for 1-2 minutes	Energy-Efficient Facilities
Oolong Tea	Autumn (September-October)	Partial Oxidation, Roasting	Steep for 2-3 minutes	Water Conservation

Thermal Baths Experience

After exploring the historic Gorreana Tea Plantation, the tour continues to the soothing thermal baths nestled within Terra Nostra Park.

Visitors can indulge in the restorative, mineral-rich waters, which are heated naturally by the volcanic activity in the region.

The thermal baths offer:

1. A relaxing soak in pools ranging from 32°C to 40°C.
2. Tranquil gardens and lush tropical foliage for a peaceful ambiance.
3. Opportunity to experience the unique "green lake" with its distinctive hue.
4. Access to changing rooms, showers, and towels for a comfortable experience.

The thermal baths provide a rejuvenating respite, allowing couples to unwind and soak in the natural wonders of the Azores.

Since You Asked

Can We Modify the Tour Itinerary to Suit Our Preferences?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be modified to suit the travelers’ preferences. The tour provider offers a private tour, allowing for flexibility and personalization to meet the specific needs and interests of the couple.

How Long Does the 4×4 Safari Portion of the Tour Last?

The 4×4 safari portion of the tour lasts the full day, starting from Ponta Delgada. It includes visits to Furnas Lake, Furnas Caldeira, Cha Gorreana tea plantation, and the thermal baths in Terra Nostra Park.

Is the Tour Suitable for Travelers With Limited Mobility?

The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with limited mobility. According to the overview, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and it allows for infant seats, service animals, and strollers, ensuring a comfortable experience for all participants.

Do We Need Any Special Permits or Licenses to Participate?

No special permits or licenses are required to participate in this tour. The tour operator handles all necessary arrangements, including transportation and access to the various sites visited during the full-day excursion.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Additional Activities?

Yes, the tour can be extended or additional activities can be added. Travelers can request customizations or upgrades when booking to create a more personalized experience tailored to their interests and needs.

The Sum Up

This private Furnas tour offers couples an unforgettable adventure through the island’s stunning volcanic landscapes. Highlights include soaking in soothing hot springs, savoring a delicious 3-course volcanic lunch, and exploring the lush Terra Nostra Park. It’s a unique opportunity to take in the enchanting natural wonders of this volcanic paradise while enjoying personalized attention and a tailored experience.