Exploring the natural wonders of the Furnas Valley on São Miguel Island in the Azores is a captivating experience. This full-day guided tour takes guests on a journey through the island’s south coast, showcasing the charming town of Vila Franca do Campo and the renowned thermal baths of Poça da Begia. With a knowledgeable local guide, travelers can enjoy the valley’s volcanic landscapes, savor traditional Azorean stew, and enjoy the flexibility to customize their experience. The tour’s highlights and inclusions suggest an immersive and personalized adventure, leaving one curious to discover more about this unique destination.
Key Points
- A full-day tour exploring the captivating Furnas Valley on São Miguel Island in the Azores, including the south coast and the charming town of Vila Franca do Campo.
- Opportunity to relax in the famous thermal baths of Poça da Beija, surrounded by a tropical atmosphere.
- Chance to taste the traditional Azorean stew cooked in volcanic soil, known as Cozido das Furnas.
- Small group size with a knowledgeable local guide providing personalized attention and a tailored nature walk.
- Flexible booking options, including free cancellation and pay-later policy, as well as customizable preferences for private tours.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
The Furnas Guided Tour with Optional Hot Springs offers a full-day exploration of the captivating Furnas Valley on São Miguel Island in the Azores.
The tour provides the opportunity to discover the south coast of the island, including a visit to Vila Franca do Campo, the first city of São Miguel.
Guests can relax in the famous thermal baths of Poça da Beija, surrounded by a tropical atmosphere.
Throughout the day, a passionate and knowledgeable local guide and driver accompanies the small group, ensuring an engaging and tailored experience.
Highlights include tasting the traditional Azorean stew cooked in volcanic soil, known as Cozido das Furnas, and enjoying optional beach time in Água de Alto.
Inclusions
This guided tour with optional hot springs includes a passionate and knowledgeable local guide and driver to accompany the small group.
Insurance is also provided, along with a guided nature walk tailored to guest abilities.
Lunch and entrance fees to Lagoa das Furnas and the hot springs are included as well.
The tour includes the following:
- Passionate and knowledgeable local guide and driver
- Insurance
- Guided nature walk tailored to guest abilities
- Lunch
- Entrance fees to Lagoa das Furnas and hot springs
These inclusions ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests, allowing them to fully enjoy the natural wonders of the Furnas Valley.
Highlights
Discover the south coast of São Miguel Island, home to the charming town of Vila Franca do Campo, the first city of the island. Explore the natural wonders of the Furnas Valley, including the famous Lagoa das Furnas, where you can relish the traditional Azorean stew cooked in volcanic soil, known as Cozido das Furnas. Unwind in the renowned Hot Springs of Furnas, surrounded by a tropical atmosphere, for a truly rejuvenating experience.
| Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Discover the south coast of São Miguel Island | Optional beach time in Água de Alto |
| Taste the traditional Azorean stew cooked in volcanic soil (Cozido das Furnas) | Relax in the famous Hot Springs of Furnas |
Booking and Flexibility
Travelers can freely cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance, and they may also opt to book now and pay later to secure their spot on the tour.
For those seeking a more personalized experience, the tour provider offers the flexibility to customize preferences for private tours.
The tour’s booking and flexibility include:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
- Book now and pay later to hold your reservation
- Customizable tour preferences for private tours
- Convenient pickup locations in Ponta Delgada city
- Small group sizes, limited to 8 participants
This ensures a hassle-free and adaptable tour experience for all travelers.
Pickup and Group Size
Guests are picked up from any location within Ponta Delgada city, with tour departures scheduled for either 7:00 AM or 9:00 AM.
The group size is kept small, limited to a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience. This allows the knowledgeable local guide to provide individualized attention and tailor the nature walk to your’ abilities.
Having a small group size also makes it easier to navigate the scenic landscapes and thermal areas of the Furnas Valley without feeling crowded.
With the convenience of door-to-door pickup and a cozy group setting, guests can fully enjoy the beauty and wonder of this Azorean destination.
Dietary Restrictions
Participants with dietary restrictions can inform the provider prior to the tour, allowing the team to accommodate their needs.
The provider is happy to cater to a variety of dietary requirements, including:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Lactose-intolerant
- Nut allergies
South Coast Discovery
The tour kicks off with a captivating journey along the south coast of São Miguel Island, where guests will have the opportunity to explore the charming town of Vila Franca do Campo, the first city on the island. This quaint coastal town offers a glimpse into the island’s rich history and culture, with its picturesque streets, traditional architecture, and stunning ocean views.
| Coastal Highlights | Duration | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Vila Franca do Campo | 1 hour | Historic city center, coastal promenade |
| Água de Alto | 30 minutes | Tranquil beach, scenic viewpoints |
| Miradouro da Ponta do Cintrão | 20 minutes | Panoramic vistas of the south coast |
| Lagoa do Fogo | 45 minutes | Scenic crater lake, hiking trails |
| Furnas Valley | 1.5 hours | Volcanic landscapes, natural hot springs |
Volcanic Stew and Hot Springs
After exploring the south coast, travelers arrive at the heart of the Furnas Valley, where they’ll have the opportunity to taste the traditional Azorean stew cooked in the volcanic soil, known as Cozido das Furnas. This unique culinary experience allows visitors to witness the natural cooking process, as the stew is buried underground near the hot springs and steams to perfection over several hours.
The tour then leads guests to the famous Hot Springs of Furnas, where they can:
- Relax in the naturally-heated pools
- Bask in the tropical atmosphere
- Soak in the mineral-rich waters
- Enjoy the serene, picturesque setting
- Rejuvenate both body and mind
This immersive experience in the volcanic landscape of the Azores promises an unforgettable day for all visitors.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour has no age restrictions. Guests of all ages can participate, though the guided nature walk may be tailored to suit individual abilities. The provider should be informed of any special needs during booking.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?
Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though a lunch is provided as part of the package. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any restrictions or recommendations.
Is There Wheelchair Accessibility During the Tour?
The tour offers wheelchair accessibility, with the guide assisting participants as needed. Guests should inform the provider of any accessibility requirements when booking to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.
Can We Stop for Souvenir Shopping Along the Way?
Yes, there are usually opportunities to stop for souvenir shopping along the way during the tour. The guide can provide recommendations for the best local shops and artisan markets to explore.
Are There Any COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place?
Yes, the tour provider follows COVID-19 safety protocols. Guests must wear masks, practice social distancing, and sanitize their hands regularly. The van and tour sites are cleaned and disinfected between each group.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Azores: Day at the Farm With Outdoor Traditional Lunch
- Furnas & Terra Nostra Botanic Park Guided Tour W/ Hotsprings
- Sete Cidades Private Tour 2 People
- Ponta Delgada Self Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery
- Lagoa Do Fogo: Guided Volcano Geo Tour W/ Hotsprings Bathing
- Ponta Delgada: East Circle, Furnas Volcano, & Northeast Tour
- Ponta Delgada: São Miguel Buggy Tour Around Sete Cidades
- Shore Excursions From Ponta Delgada
- São Miguel: Ribeira Funda Hike & Tea Plantation With Lunch
- Full-Day Faial Da Terra + Nordeste From Ponta Delgada
- Stand Up Paddle Rental | Sete Cidades
- Ponta Delgada: Pineapple Wine Tasting and Pineapple Tour
- Seven Cities & Fire Lake – Full-Day Tour
- Sao Miguel: Private Transfer From Airport to Ponta Delgada
- Seven Cities: Guided E-bike Cycling Tour
Recap
This full-day Furnas guided tour offers an immersive experience exploring the natural wonders of São Miguel Island.
Guests will discover the island’s captivating south coast, savor a traditional volcanic stew, and unwind in the famous thermal baths of Poça da Beija.
With flexible booking options and a knowledgeable local guide, this small-group tour provides a personalized journey through the Furnas Valley’s stunning landscapes.