The Furnas – Full Day Tour provides an immersive exploration of Sao Miguel’s geothermal wonders. Travelers can indulge in a relaxing thermal baths experience, savor the renowned Furnas Stew, and witness the captivating hot springs and scenic viewpoints that make this region so unique. With flexible pickup, a knowledgeable guide, and a full meal, this tour offers a seamless way to connect with the natural and culinary heritage of the Furnas area. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a foodie, this comprehensive experience promises to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- A full-day tour of Furnas, Sao Miguel island, Azores, priced from $81.71 per person and lasting approximately 8 hours.
- Pickup options from Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, or Lagoa areas, with an additional fee for the earlier pickup.
- Thermal baths experience in the mineral-rich, naturally heated waters of Furnas, with therapeutic benefits.
- Tasting of the renowned Furnas Stew, a traditional dish cooked in the volcanic soil of the region.
- Exploration of the captivating hot springs, fumaroles, and scenic viewpoints in the Furnas Valley.
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Overview of the Tour
This full-day tour of Furnas, Sao Miguel island in the Azores, provides an immersive experience, priced from $81.71 per person and lasting approximately 8 hours.
Guests will be picked up from the Ponta Delgada area at 9:00 AM for free, or from the Ribeira Grande or Lagoa area at 8:30 AM for an additional 25€.
The tour highlights include a thermal baths experience, tasting the famous Furnas Stew cooked in volcanic soil, exploring hot springs and natural landscapes, and visiting scenic viewpoints of the Furnas Valley.
Inclusions cover a guided tour with an English/Portuguese-speaking guide, free WiFi in the vehicle, a full meal with dessert, and entry fees for the Terra Nostra Park.
Pickup and Dropoff Details
Guests have the option to be picked up from the Ponta Delgada area at 9:00 AM free of charge, or they can choose pickup from the Ribeira Grande or Lagoa area at 8:30 AM for an additional 25€. This flexibility ensures travelers can conveniently join the tour from their preferred location.
| Pickup Location | Pickup Time | Additional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ponta Delgada | 9:00 AM | Free |
| Ribeira Grande | 8:30 AM | 25€ |
| Lagoa | 8:30 AM | 25€ |
The tour concludes with drop-off at the original pickup points, allowing guests to seamlessly return to their starting locations.
Thermal Baths Experience
One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to experience the thermal baths in Furnas.
Visitors can indulge in the soothing, mineral-rich waters that are naturally heated by the volcanic activity in the region.
The baths feature several pools of varying temperatures, allowing guests to customize their experience.
Guests can relax and unwind while admiring the stunning natural surroundings.
The thermal baths are known for their therapeutic benefits, offering relief for various skin conditions and muscle aches.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their swimwear and towels to fully enjoy this rejuvenating experience.
The thermal baths are a truly unique and unforgettable part of the Furnas tour, providing a chance to take in the island’s incredible geothermal wonders.
Furnas Stew Tasting
Another highlight of the Furnas tour is the opportunity to taste the renowned Furnas Stew, a traditional dish cooked in the volcanic soil of the region.
Visitors get to witness the unique cooking method as the stew is prepared in the natural steam vents, absorbing the rich flavors of the local ingredients.
The Furnas Stew tasting experience offers:
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A chance to observe the traditional cooking process, where the stew is slowly simmered underground for several hours.
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The opportunity to savor the hearty and flavorful dish, made with a variety of local meats, vegetables, and spices.
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An intimate connection with the culinary heritage of Furnas and the Azores.
Exploring Hot Springs
Throughout the Furnas tour, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the region’s captivating hot springs, where the earth’s natural thermal energy bubbles up to the surface.
These geothermal wonders offer a unique chance to witness the dynamic geological processes that have shaped the Azores archipelago.
As part of the experience, guests can marvel at the steaming fumaroles and observe the bubbling pools of mineral-rich waters.
The contrast between the lush, verdant landscapes and the volcanic activity underfoot creates a mesmerizing natural display.
Exploring the hot springs is a highlight of the tour, providing visitors with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Furnas’ remarkable geological heritage.
Scenic Viewpoints of Furnas
As visitors explore the captivating hot springs, they’ll also have the chance to take in the scenic viewpoints that offer breathtaking vistas of the Furnas Valley. From these elevated perspectives, guests can gaze out over the lush, verdant landscapes and witness the dramatic interplay between Furnas’ volcanic features and its picturesque natural setting.
The tour highlights three must-see viewpoints:
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Pico do Ferro Viewpoint: This panoramic overlook provides sweeping views of Furnas’ volcanic crater lake and the surrounding forested hills.
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Vista do Rei Viewpoint: Perched atop a hilltop, this vantage point offers a stunning panorama of the entire Furnas Valley.
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Miradouro da Boca do Inferno: This dramatic clifftop lookout showcases the rugged coastal scenery and the steaming fumaroles along the shoreline.
Inclusions in the Tour
The tour generally includes a guided exploration with an English/Portuguese-speaking guide, providing visitors with free WiFi access throughout the journey.
Plus, the package encompasses a full meal featuring the renowned Furnas Stew, as well as entry fees for the renowned Terra Nostra Park.
The Furnas Stew, cooked in the volcanic soil, is a signature dish that allows travelers to savor the unique flavors of the region.
The tour also grants access to the stunning hot springs and natural landscapes of the Furnas Valley, offering a comprehensive experience of this geothermal wonder.
With these inclusions, the Furnas – Full Day Tour provides an immersive and enriching adventure for visitors to the Azores.
Exclusions From the Tour
Despite the comprehensive inclusions, the Furnas – Full Day Tour doesn’t cover the cost of swimwear and towels for visitors who wish to take a dip in the thermal baths. Plus, the tour may not be suitable for those requiring wheelchair accessibility, as this option isn’t specifically provided.
The key exclusions from the tour are:
- Swimwear and towels for the thermal baths experience.
- Wheelchair accessibility, making the tour potentially inaccessible for some visitors.
- Any additional expenses or activities not explicitly mentioned in the tour inclusions.
Guests are advised to plan accordingly and bring their own swimwear and towels if they intend to enjoy the thermal baths. Plus, those with mobility challenges should inquire about the tour’s accessibility before booking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?
Yes, restroom facilities are available during the tour. Participants can use the restrooms at the various stops, including the Terra Nostra Park, where the Furnas Stew is served.
Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options, if requested in advance. The guide will work with participants to ensure their dietary needs are met during the included Furnas Stew meal.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
The maximum group size for the Furnas full-day tour is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, most small-group tours have a limit of around 12-15 participants to ensure a personalized experience.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
There is no option to extend the tour duration. The Furnas – Full Day Tour is a fixed 8-hour experience. Guests must book the tour as advertised, as the itinerary and logistics cannot be modified.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though a full meal is already included. It’s a good idea to pack any additional snacks or beverages you may want during the day.
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Recap
The Furnas – Full Day Tour provides a comprehensive immersion into the geothermal wonders of Sao Miguel, Azores.
Visitors can relax in thermal baths, savor the renowned Furnas Stew, and explore captivating hot springs and scenic viewpoints.
The tour’s flexibility, guided experience, and included meal offer an engaging way to connect with the region’s unique natural and culinary heritage.
