Ponta Delgada: Shore Excursion Sete Cidades & Furnas Volcano

Exploring the natural wonders of Sao Miguel island is a must-do for visitors to Ponta Delgada. The Shore Excursion Sete Cidades & Furnas Volcano tour promises an unparalleled experience, taking travelers on a journey through the island’s iconic landscapes. From sweeping vistas at the Vista do Rei and Santa Iria Lookouts to the serenity of Furnas Lake, this comprehensive tour offers a glimpse into the island’s volcanic origins and rich cultural heritage. With a visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory and the chance to relax in Terra Nostra Park’s thermal pools, this excursion promises to leave a lasting impression. What else can this tour reveal about the captivating Azores?

Key Points

• This shore excursion from Ponta Delgada offers panoramic views of Sete Cidades’ volcanic landscapes, including the iconic Blue and Green Lakes.

• The tour visits the Gorreana Tea Factory, one of Europe’s few remaining tea plantations, providing an immersive experience in Sao Miguel’s agricultural heritage.

• Travelers can relax and unwind in the therapeutic thermal pools of the lush Terra Nostra Park, surrounded by botanical gardens.

• The tour explores the dramatic volcanic features of the Caldeiras Vulcanicas, showcasing the island’s geothermal energy and dynamic geological forces.

• The excursion concludes with a visit to Furnas Lake, where travelers can admire the emerald-green waters and spot local waterfowl amidst the volcanic landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Itinerary Overview

The tour commences at the Multiusos Portas do Mar, where you will be picked up and then embark on a journey to explore Sao Miguel’s most captivating viewpoints and natural wonders.

First, they’ll visit the Vista do Rei Lookout and Santa Iria Lookout, taking in the stunning island vistas. Next, they’ll discover the Gorreana Tea Factory, one of the few remaining tea plantations in Europe.

The tour then moves on to the Pico do Ferro Lookout, Terra Nostra Park, and the Caldeiras Vulcanicas, where travelers can enjoy the island’s volcanic landscapes.

The excursion concludes with a visit to the Furnas Lake and the A Arruda Pineapple Plantation before returning to the starting point.

Iconic Viewpoints Exploration

The tour kicks off with visits to the Vista do Rei and Santa Iria Lookouts, offering travelers sweeping vistas of Sao Miguel’s striking landscapes.

From these elevated viewpoints, participants can drink in the island’s natural beauty, taking in the verdant valleys, pristine lakes, and dramatic volcanic features that define the region’s iconic scenery.

Over the next 25 minutes, the group then visits the Pico do Ferro Lookout, which provides panoramic views of the Sete Cidades volcano and its famous Blue and Green Lakes.

These breathtaking vistas give travelers a powerful sense of the volcanic forces that have shaped Sao Miguel’s stunning natural wonders, serving as a prelude to the exploration of Furnas to come.

Gorreana Tea Factory Visit

Next, travelers visit the Gorreana Tea Factory, where they spend around 30 minutes learning about the production of Portugal’s only tea plantation.

Here, they can explore the historic tea factory, discover the unique process of cultivating and processing the tea leaves, and partake in a tasting of the region’s renowned black and green teas.

The Gorreana Tea Factory is one of the highlights of the tour, as it offers a glimpse into Sao Miguel’s agricultural heritage and the island’s proud tradition of tea production.

Visitors leave with a newfound appreciation for the care and expertise that goes into crafting these premium teas, which are exclusively grown and processed on the volcanic soil of the Azores archipelago.

Terra Nostra Park Relaxation

After exploring the tea factory, the tour then takes visitors to the stunning Terra Nostra Park, where they can spend an hour immersed in its lush botanical gardens and rejuvenating thermal pools.

The park is home to an array of exotic plants and trees, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can take a dip in the park’s thermal pools, which are fed by natural hot springs and said to have therapeutic properties.

With its picturesque landscapes and relaxing amenities, Terra Nostra Park offers a perfect respite from the day’s activities, allowing travelers to unwind and recharge before continuing their island exploration.

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Caldeiras Vulcanicas Experience

Departing the tranquil respite of Terra Nostra Park, the tour moves on to explore the Caldeiras Vulcanicas, where visitors enjoy the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Sao Miguel.

For 25 minutes, guests will wander through the steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pools of this volcanic hotspot.

The powerful sights and smells of the Caldeiras Vulcanicas showcase the raw, geothermal energy that has shaped the Azores archipelago over millennia.

Guests marvel at the colorful mineral deposits and witness the constant geological activity that continues to transform the island.

This unique volcanic experience offers a glimpse into the dynamic forces that lie beneath Sao Miguel’s lush exterior.

Furnas Lake Sightseeing

Following the visit to the Caldeiras Vulcanicas, the tour then arrives at the serene Furnas Lake, where guests spend 20 minutes taking in the striking scenery of this volcanic crater lake.

Surrounded by lush, verdant slopes, the lake’s tranquil waters reflect the towering caldeira walls, offering a peaceful respite from the geothermal activity witnessed earlier.

Visitors can:

• Admire the vibrant, emerald-green hue of the lake’s waters
• Spot waterfowl gliding across the surface, adding to the serene ambiance
• Take in panoramic vistas of the surrounding volcanic landscape

This idyllic stop provides a welcome contrast to the dynamic, fiery landscapes encountered earlier in the tour, leaving guests with a lasting impression of Sao Miguel’s natural wonders.

A Arruda Pineapple Plantation

The tour then moves on to A Arruda Pineapple Plantation, where visitors can spend 20 minutes exploring this unique agricultural operation and learning about the cultivation of one of the Azores’ most famous exports.

Guests will get an inside look at the process of growing these tropical fruits on the volcanic soil of Sao Miguel Island. They’ll see the pineapple fields and greenhouses, and may even get to sample some fresh pineapple.

The knowledgeable local guide will explain the history and importance of pineapple production to the Azorean economy. This stop provides a fascinating glimpse into the island’s agricultural heritage and the hard work that goes into bringing these sweet, juicy pineapples to market.

Important Tour Information

Adjustments to the activity’s start time are made to align with the cruise ship’s arrival, ensuring a seamless experience for participants.

Pickup is guaranteed at the Ponta Delgada cruise terminal lounge, providing a convenient and hassle-free start to the tour.

However, the excursion isn’t recommended for individuals with mobility impairments, as the tour involves walking and navigating uneven terrain. Plus, large bags, luggage, scooters, and electric wheelchairs aren’t permitted on the tour.

Key information for tour-goers:

• Activity start time adjusted to match cruise ship schedule
• Pickup guaranteed at Ponta Delgada cruise terminal lounge
• Not suitable for those with mobility issues

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour does not allow bringing outside food or drinks. Snacks and beverages are not included, but visitors can purchase them during the stops. Travelers should plan accordingly and budget for any additional refreshments they may want during the excursion.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Unfortunately, the tour itinerary and duration are fixed. Extending the tour isn’t an option. However, travelers can explore the island further on their own after the tour or on a future visit.

Can I Request a Different Pickup or Drop-Off Location?

Passengers can request a different pickup or drop-off location, but it’s subject to availability and may incur an additional fee. The tour operator should be contacted directly to discuss any custom arrangements.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

This tour doesn’t offer discounts for children or seniors. However, the price includes multiple highlights and a local storyteller to provide an immersive experience. Contact the tour operator to discuss any special needs or accommodations.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The tour provider offers a flexible cancellation policy – full refunds are available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Plus, they’ll work with guests to reschedule in the event of cruise delays or cancellations.

Recap

This comprehensive shore excursion showcases the natural wonders of Sao Miguel island.

Visitors will explore iconic viewpoints, the Gorreana Tea Factory, thermal pools, volcanic activity, and a pineapple plantation.

The tour provides an opportunity to take in the island’s diverse landscapes and unique experiences, making it a must-do activity for those visiting Ponta Delgada.

You can check availability for your dates here: