Ponta Delgada: Furnas Volcano & Nordeste Full-Day Tour

The Furnas Volcano and Nordeste Full-Day Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the diverse natural wonders and cultural highlights of São Miguel’s eastern side. From scenic lookouts to a traditional Furnas stew lunch, this tour promises an immersive experience showcasing the region’s unique charm. Whether you’re interested in the island’s volcanic landscapes, traditional industries, or lush natural parks, this comprehensive excursion has something to captivate every traveler’s interests. With convenient pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and a small group size, this tour provides a personalized and enriching way to discover the hidden gems of the Nordeste region.

Key Points

• This full-day tour explores the diverse natural wonders and cultural highlights of the Nordeste region on the eastern side of São Miguel island.
• Key attractions include the Santa Iria Lookout, Gorreana Tea Factory, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, Pico do Ferro Lookout, and the Furnas volcano.
• The tour includes a traditional Furnas stew lunch at Restaurante Tony’s and offers optional visits to Terra Nostra Park and Caldeiras Vulcânicas.
• Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle with a small group size of up to 8 participants for a personalized experience.
• The tour is not suitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, or those over 254 lbs (115 kg), ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour explores the eastern side of São Miguel island, showcasing the diverse natural wonders and cultural highlights of the Nordeste region.

Guests will visit the Santa Iria Lookout, Gorreana Tea Factory, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, Pico do Ferro Lookout, and the iconic Furnas volcano.

The tour includes a delicious lunch of traditional Furnas stew at Restaurante Tony’s.

Participants can also choose to visit the Terra Nostra Park and Caldeiras Vulcânicas for an additional fee.

With small group sizes limited to 8 people, travelers will enjoy personalized attention from a local guide throughout the day’s activities.

Pickup and Transportation

The tour includes pickup service within a 5-kilometer radius of Ponta Delgada center, between 9:00-9:20 AM.

Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, with a small group size limited to 8 participants. This ensures a more personalized experience and allows for easier navigation through the island’s winding roads.

The small group size also means you won’t feel lost in a large crowd, and the air-conditioning will keep you comfortable throughout the day’s adventures.

The convenient pickup service eliminates the need to worry about finding your own way to the starting point, allowing you to simply sit back and enjoy the ride as you embark on your Furnas Volcano and Nordeste exploration.

Itinerary Highlights

After being picked up and transported to the starting point, the tour embarks on a journey to explore the highlights of the East side of São Miguel island.

Visitors will stop at the scenic Santa Iria Lookout, learning about the local tea culture at the Gorreana Tea Factory. Next, they’ll venture into the lush Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park and take in the panoramic views from the Pico do Ferro Lookout.

The main draw is the Furnas volcano, where they’ll savor a traditional Furnas stew lunch at Restaurante Tony’s. Optionally, they can visit Terra Nostra Park and the Caldeiras Vulcânicas for an additional fee.

The tour concludes at the picturesque town of Vila Franca do Campo.

Included Experiences

The tour includes a tea tasting at the Gorreana Tea Factory, where visitors learn about the local tea culture and production.

They’ll also enjoy a traditional Furnas stew lunch, either regular or vegetarian, at Restaurante Tony’s.

Throughout the day, the local guide provides insightful commentary, sharing the history and significance of the natural wonders explored.

While Terra Nostra Park and the Caldeiras Vulcânicas are optional, with an extra fee, they offer a chance to further take in the island’s volcanic landscapes.

With bottled water provided, the tour ensures travelers stay hydrated as they discover the highlights of São Miguel’s eastern side.

Optional Activities

While the Furnas stew lunch and tea tasting are included in the tour, visitors can opt to further explore the island’s volcanic landscapes by adding Terra Nostra Park and the Caldeiras Vulcânicas to their itinerary for an additional fee.

Terra Nostra Park is a lush botanical garden with natural thermal pools, perfect for a relaxing soak.

The Caldeiras Vulcânicas, or Volcanic Calderas, offer a unique opportunity to witness the island’s geothermal activity up close, with steaming fumaroles and boiling mud pots.

Both optional add-ons provide a deeper insight into the geological wonders of São Miguel and allow travelers to customize their tour experience to their preferences.

Dietary Accommodations

The tour offers a vegetarian lunch option to accommodate dietary preferences. Participants who require a vegetarian meal can easily be accommodated during the lunch stop at Restaurante Tony’s.

This ensures everyone on the tour can enjoy the traditional Furnas stew, regardless of their dietary needs. The tour company is committed to catering to various dietary requirements and providing a comfortable experience for all guests.

Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or have any other dietary restrictions, the team will work to ensure you’re well-fed and satisfied throughout the day’s activities. Just let the staff know about any special dietary needs when booking, and they’ll make the necessary arrangements.

Physical Restrictions

Along With dietary accommodations, the Furnas Volcano & Nordeste Full-Day Tour has some important physical restrictions to consider.

It’s not suitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, or those weighing over 254 lbs (115 kg). This is to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants throughout the day’s activities, which involve walking, hiking, and getting in and out of the tour vehicle.

Travelers with these conditions may find the terrain and physical demands of the tour too challenging. The tour operator has set these restrictions to provide the best possible experience for everyone.

Those with concerns about their fitness level should consult the tour provider before booking.

Booking and Payment

Customers can reserve their spot on the Furnas Volcano & Nordeste Full-Day Tour through the convenient ‘Reserve now & pay later’ option. This allows them to secure their place on the tour without needing to pay upfront. Payment in full is then due closer to the tour date.

The tour costs $81.71 per person, which covers the local guide, tea tasting, Furnas stew lunch, bottled water, and optional park entrance fees. Booking early is recommended, as the tour is likely to sell out.

With pickup offered within 5km of Ponta Delgada center and a small group size of up to 8 participants, this tour provides a personalized and hassle-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Specific Pickup Location Within the 5km Radius?

Yes, you can request a specific pickup location within the 5km radius around Ponta Delgada center. The tour company will do their best to accommodate your preferred pickup spot during the 9:00-9:20 AM pickup window.

How Long Is the Total Duration of the Tour?

The tour typically lasts about 8-9 hours from pickup to drop-off. It includes sightseeing, a stop for lunch, and optional activities, providing a full-day exploration of the East side of São Miguel island.

Can I Bring My Own Lunch or Snacks?

Participants can bring their own lunch or snacks for the tour, but the inclusion of a traditional Furnas stew (with a vegetarian option) for the group lunch is a highlight of the experience.

Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Vehicle?

The tour vehicle doesn’t have Wi-Fi available. However, you’ll likely have cellular data coverage throughout the trip, so you can stay connected using your own mobile device if needed. The focus is on enjoying the scenic sights and experiences.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The cancellation and refund policy allows full refunds for cancellations made up to 24 hours before the tour. Within 24 hours, no refunds are available. Participants can reschedule the tour for another date if needed.

Recap

This Furnas volcano and Nordeste tour provides a comprehensive exploration of São Miguel’s eastern side.

Visitors will witness the island’s diverse natural landscapes, from lush tea plantations to volcanic craters.

With convenient pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and a personalized small-group experience, this tour offers an immersive glimpse into the region’s natural and cultural wonders.

Dietary accommodations and optional activities further enhance the tour’s flexibility, making it an ideal choice for a well-rounded São Miguel adventure.