Ponta Delgada: East Circle, Furnas Volcano, & Northeast Tour

The Azores archipelago, a remote volcanic haven in the mid-Atlantic, offers a unique opportunity to explore its natural wonders. A popular sightseeing tour from Ponta Delgada showcases the region’s diverse landscapes, from lush green valleys to steaming geothermal sites. Visitors can enjoy the island’s rich culture, sampling traditional cuisine and relaxing in thermal pools. Whether you’re seeking to uncover the volcanic origins of the Azores or simply enjoy its unspoiled beauty, this comprehensive tour promises an unforgettable experience. What secrets might the Azores hold, waiting to be discovered?

Key Points

• This 8-hour sightseeing tour from Ponta Delgada explores the volcanic landscapes, geothermal areas, thermal pools, and tea plantation of the Azores.
• Highlights include the Santa Iria viewpoint, Gorreana Tea Factory, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, Furnas Valley, Terra Nostra Park, and Caldeiras Vulcânicas.
• Visitors can relax in the thermal pools, explore the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, and savor the traditional Furnas stew.
• The tour includes pickup, drop-off, transportation, and a local guide, with optional add-ons for the thermal pools and Furnas stew.
• Comfortable attire and adherence to tour rules ensure a pleasant and safe journey through the volcanic wonders of the Azores.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 8-hour full-day sightseeing tour from Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, or Lagoa allows visitors to experience the volcanic landscapes, geothermal places, thermal pools, waterfalls, and a tea plantation of the region.

The tour visits the Santa Iria viewpoint, Gorreana Tea Factory, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, Furnas Valley, Terra Nostra Park, and Caldeiras Vulcânicas.

Guests can opt to relax in thermal waters, explore the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, and savor the famous Furnas stew.

The tour also passes by the former island capital, Vila Franca do Camp.

Pickup, drop-off, transportation, a local guide, tea tastings, bottled water, and the Furnas Lake Natural Park entry fee are all included.

Itinerary

The tour begins at the Santa Iria viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of the island’s volcanic landscape.

Next, visitors explore the Gorreana Tea Factory, where they can learn about and taste the region’s renowned tea.

Continuing on, the tour ventures into the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, showcasing the area’s verdant waterfalls and lush vegetation.

The highlight of the day is the Furnas Valley, home to the active Furnas volcano. Travelers can relax in the area’s thermal pools, visit the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, and enjoy the famous Furnas stew.

The tour concludes with a visit to the Caldeiras Vulcânicas, offering a glimpse into the island’s volcanic wonders before returning to the starting point.

Inclusions

The tour package includes pickup and drop-off, transportation by shared air-conditioned vehicle, and a local guide to provide insights throughout the day.

Visitors will also enjoy a visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory, where they can learn about the tea-making process and sample the local teas. Admission to the Furnas Lake Natural Park is included, allowing guests to explore the scenic volcanic landscapes.

Plus, bottled water is provided to keep travelers hydrated during the excursion. While some activities like the thermal pool and Furnas stew lunch carry an additional fee, the inclusions in the tour package ensure a comprehensive and enriching Azorean experience.

Additional Fees (Optional)

While the tour includes various sights and activities, visitors can opt to pay additional fees for certain optional experiences.

For example, guests can choose to relax in the thermal pools for €10 per person.

Plus, they may have the opportunity to enjoy the traditional Furnas stew (Cozido das Furnas) for lunch, which carries a separate charge.

These optional add-ons allow travelers to personalize their experience and indulge in the unique offerings of the Azores. Though they come at an extra cost, they can further enhance the overall tour by providing opportunities to take in the local culture and natural wonders.

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Important Information

Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and swimwear are recommended for visitors on this tour. Luggage or large bags are not allowed, and smoking is prohibited in the vehicle. These guidelines aim to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Recommended Attire	Prohibited Items	Tour Rules
Comfortable Shoes	Luggage/Large Bags	No Smoking
Warm Clothing	–	–
Swimwear	–	–

The tour covers a range of landscapes, from volcanic terrain to geothermal areas and natural parks, so appropriate attire is essential. Adhering to these rules will help create a smooth and pleasant journey for the entire group.

Volcanic Landscapes

This tour showcases the volcanic landscapes of the Azores, immersing visitors in the dramatic geological features that define the islands.

From the Santa Iria viewpoint, travelers can gaze upon the rugged terrain shaped by volcanic activity over centuries.

The tour then delves deeper into these volcanic wonders, exploring the Furnas Valley and Caldeiras Vulcânicas, where steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pools demonstrate the geothermal forces still shaping the landscape.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the power and beauty of the Azores’ volcanic heritage, providing a firsthand experience of the islands’ dynamic and ever-evolving natural landscapes.

Thermal Waters

One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to relax in the thermal waters of the Furnas Valley. Visitors can unwind in the soothing, mineral-rich pools, which are heated by the region’s geothermal activity. The thermal waters are believed to have therapeutic properties and are a popular attraction for both locals and travelers.

Guests can choose to visit the Terra Nostra Park, where they’ll find a large thermal pool surrounded by lush vegetation. Alternatively, they can opt for the Poça da Dona Beija, a series of cascading pools with varying temperatures.

Indulging in these natural hot springs is an incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating experience, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the island’s volcanic wonders.

Furnas Stew

Along With the thermal pools, visitors can indulge in the renowned Furnas stew, a traditional dish native to the Furnas Valley. This hearty, slow-cooked delicacy is prepared underground using the geothermal heat of the region, resulting in a uniquely flavorful and tender meal.

The Furnas stew, known as ‘Cozido das Furnas,’ features a variety of meats, vegetables, and potatoes that are placed in a pot and then buried in the volcanic soil to slowly cook for several hours. This distinctive cooking method infuses the dish with the natural flavors of the earth, creating a savory and satisfying culinary experience.

Visitors can opt to enjoy this local specialty as part of their tour of the Furnas Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this sightseeing tour. The tour operator’s policy prohibits bringing pets due to safety and comfort considerations for all passengers. Passengers are advised to make alternative arrangements for their pets during the tour.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?

The tour is offered in multiple languages, typically including English, Portuguese, and other common European languages. Clients should inquire about language options when booking to ensure the tour is conducted in their preferred language.

How Large Are the Tour Groups?

The tour groups are typically small, with a shared air-conditioned vehicle accommodating a maximum of 8 passengers. This allows for a more intimate and personalized sightseeing experience throughout the volcanic landscapes and natural wonders of the region.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour typically follows a fixed itinerary, but travelers can sometimes customize parts of the experience, such as adding or removing optional activities like visiting thermal pools or sampling local cuisine. However, the overall tour structure is generally not flexible.

What Should I Bring for the Thermal Pool Activities?

For thermal pool activities, you should bring swimwear, towels, and sandals. It’s also recommended to pack sunscreen if you plan to spend time outdoors. Ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Recap

This comprehensive 8-hour sightseeing tour from Ponta Delgada showcases the Azores’ volcanic landscapes, geothermal sites, and natural wonders.

Highlights include the Santa Iria viewpoint, Gorreana Tea Factory, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, Furnas Valley, Terra Nostra Park, and Caldeiras Vulcânicas.

Visitors can relax in thermal pools, explore botanical gardens, and savor the traditional Furnas stew, while also passing by the former island capital, Vila Franca do Campo, for a well-rounded exploration of the region’s diverse attractions.

You can check availability for your dates here: