Exploring the volcanic wonders of the Furnas region on São Miguel island promises a thrilling full-day adventure. Travelers will dive into the area’s captivating natural landscapes, enjoy local culture, and savor authentic flavors. With expert guides leading the way, this comprehensive tour offers a chance to uncover the intriguing history and remarkable features that make Furnas a must-visit destination. Whether it’s witnessing the powerful Ribeira Grande waterfalls, discovering the secrets of Gorreana’s century-old tea production, or relaxing in the rejuvenating thermal pools, each moment promises to leave a lasting impression. Prepare to be amazed as this tour unveils the true essence of Furnas.
Key Points
- Explore the natural landscapes and cultural heritage of Furnas region on a full-day tour of São Miguel island.
- Visit Ribeira Grande city, Santa Barbara beach, Gorreana Tea Factory, Furnas lake and village, and Furnas hot springs.
- Experience a guided tour with live commentary in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
- Enjoy a traditional Furnas stew lunch, with optional visits to Terra Nostra Park or Poça da Dona Beija thermal pools.
- Benefit from a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and comprehensive tour coverage.
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Tour Overview
The full-day tour of Furnas offers visitors an opportunity to explore the stunning natural landscapes and cultural heritage of this captivating region on the island of São Miguel. The tour lasts 8 hours and is led by live guides fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. The itinerary includes visits to Ribeira Grande city, Santa Barbara beach, the Gorreana Tea Factory, Furnas lake and village, and the Furnas hot springs.
Lunch featuring the local Furnas stew is included, as well as optional visits to Terra Nostra Park or Poça da Dona Beija thermal pools for an additional fee.
Itinerary Highlights
First, guests will visit Ribeira Grande city and Santa Barbara beach, taking in the picturesque coastal landscapes.
Next, the tour includes a guided exploration of the Gorreana Tea Factory, where they’ll learn about the unique tea-making process.
After, the group will head to the Furnas lake and village, admiring the stunning views from the Pico do Ferro Lookout.
The itinerary also features a guided tour of the Furnas hot springs, where visitors can witness the bubbling natural wonders.
Lunch will be a traditional Furnas stew, followed by an optional visit to Terra Nostra Park or Poça da Dona Beija thermal pools.
Pricing Details
The full-day tour of Furnas is priced at €495.00 per group of up to 8 people, providing an affordable option for small groups.
Guests can reserve the tour now and pay later, ensuring flexibility in planning.
The tour includes pick-up and drop-off from Ponta Delgada city center, an experienced tour guide, insurance, a traditional Furnas stew lunch, and entry fees to the thermal springs.
Visitors can expect to visit Ribeira Grande, the Gorreana Tea Factory, Furnas Lake and village, and have the option to explore Terra Nostra Park or Poça da Dona Beija thermal pools for an additional fee.
The tour offers a comprehensive look at the natural wonders of Furnas at a reasonable price.
Inclusions Covered
This full-day tour of Furnas includes a comprehensive set of amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors.
The tour provides pick-up and drop-off services from the Ponta Delgada city center, allowing for convenient transportation to and from the tour’s various destinations.
An experienced tour guide accompanies guests throughout the day, offering informative and engaging commentary in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
The tour also includes insurance coverage, a delicious lunch featuring the renowned Furnas stew, and access to the area’s thermal springs.
With comfortable shoes, swimwear, and a towel, visitors can fully enjoy the natural wonders of Furnas.
What to Bring
To make the most of the Furnas tour, visitors should pack a few key items. Comfortable shoes are a must, as the itinerary involves walking around various sites.
Bringing swimwear is also recommended, as the tour includes visiting thermal pools. Plus, a towel is a good idea for drying off after soaking in the warm waters.
The tour covers a lot of ground, so having a small backpack or bag to carry these essentials can be helpful. By packing appropriately, travelers can ensure they’re prepared to fully enjoy the exceptional sights and experiences the Furnas tour has to offer.
Ribeira Grande and Santa Barbara
The tour begins with a visit to Ribeira Grande, a charming coastal city known for its historic architecture and picturesque Santa Barbara beach.
Guests will have the chance to wander through the city’s quaint streets, admiring the colorful buildings and taking in the relaxed, island atmosphere.
At Santa Barbara beach, they’ll be able to dip their toes in the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy the scenic views.
This stop provides a nice introduction to the natural beauty of the Azores before delving deeper into the volcanic landscapes of Furnas.
With the guidance of the knowledgeable tour leader, visitors can fully appreciate the unique character of this seaside town.
Gorreana Tea Factory Tour
Next, the group heads to the Gorreana Tea Factory, where a guided tour provides an in-depth look at the island’s unique tea-making process.
Visitors learn about the history and production methods of this family-owned business, which has been cultivating tea on São Miguel since the 19th century.
The tour showcases the factory’s traditional machinery and techniques, including:
- Hand-picking the leaves
- Withering the tea leaves
- Rolling and oxidizing the leaves
- Drying the tea in large ovens
Guests also sample various tea varieties produced on-site.
The Gorreana Tea Factory offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s rich agricultural heritage and the enduring artisanal practices that continue to shape this unique corner of the world.
Furnas Village and Thermal Pools
After exploring Gorreana’s centuries-old tea traditions, the tour heads deeper into the island’s volcanic heart, reaching the picturesque Furnas village and its renowned thermal pools. Situated amidst lush greenery, Furnas is famous for its bubbling caldeiras, or fumaroles, which emit plumes of steam from the earth’s core. Visitors can witness the unique geology up close at the Pico do Ferro Lookout. The tour then takes guests on a guided exploration of the hot springs, where they can experience the soothing, mineral-rich waters. For those seeking further relaxation, the option to visit Terra Nostra Park or Poça da Dona Beija is available at an additional fee.
| Location | Attraction | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furnas Village | Pico do Ferro Lookout | Panoramic views of Furnas lake and village | 30 mins |
| Furnas Village | Furnas Hot Springs | Guided tour of the unique geothermal pools | 1 hour |
| Terra Nostra Park | Thermal Pools | Swim in the park’s historic mineral-rich pools | 1-2 hours |
| Poça da Dona Beija | Thermal Pools | Smaller, more intimate thermal pool complex | 1-2 hours |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Bring My Own Lunch or Is It Provided?
The tour includes a lunch featuring the famous Furnas stew, so there’s no need to bring your own lunch. You can relax and enjoy the meal that’s provided as part of the full-day tour.
Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point to Explore on My Own?
Participants can leave the tour group at any time to explore on their own, but they’ll need to coordinate with the tour guide and rejoin the group at the designated meeting point to continue the itinerary.
Is Photography Permitted at the Thermal Pools and Gorreana Tea Factory?
Photography is permitted at the thermal pools and Gorreana Tea Factory. However, visitors should be mindful of any posted rules or restrictions. It’s best to ask the tour guide for guidance on where and when photography is allowed during the tour.
How Much Time Is Allotted for Each Stop on the Itinerary?
The tour itinerary doesn’t specify exact durations for each stop. However, the 8-hour tour allows ample time to explore the highlights like the Gorreana Tea Factory, Furnas village, hot springs, and other attractions without feeling rushed.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Customize the Itinerary?
The tour offers a set itinerary, but customers can’t extend the duration or customize the stops. However, they can add on a visit to the thermal pools at Terra Nostra Park or Poça da Dona Beija for an additional fee.
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Recap
The Furnas full-day tour on São Miguel island offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Guided by experts, the tour includes visits to Ribeira Grande, the Gorreana Tea Factory, Furnas village and lake, and the renowned hot springs.
Travelers can savor a traditional Furnas stew lunch and have the option to explore the thermal pools, providing a well-rounded experience of this unique volcanic destination.