Private – All of Furnas, Tea Plantation, ticket to Beija included

Discovering São Miguel’s Thermal Wonders and Tea Gardens: A Detailed Review

If you’re planning a trip to São Miguel and want to make the most of its volcanic beauty and lush landscapes, a private tour that combines thermal baths, scenic viewpoints, and a visit to the local tea plantation might just be your perfect day. While we haven’t personally tagged along, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest this experience offers a well-rounded glimpse of the island’s natural and cultural highlights.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the private guide ensures you get a personalized experience, tailored to your interests and pace. Second, the combination of thermal baths and a tea plantation gives you both relaxation and insight into Azorean agriculture. That said, one thing to consider is the potential for a busy schedule if you opt for a longer lunch stop—though the optional cozido meal is worth planning ahead for. This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy soaking in natural thermal waters, appreciating scenic vistas, and learning about local industries in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private tour means fewer crowds and more tailored attention from your guide.
• Authentic Relaxation: Soak in naturally heated thermal waters surrounded by lush greenery.
• Cultural Insight: Visit the Gorreana tea plantation, explore the factory, and walk scenic slopes.
• Convenience: All entrance fees are included, simplifying your day.
• Flexible Duration: About 6 hours, with options to include a traditional Azorean lunch.
• Ideal for: Sightseers seeking a relaxing, immersive day combining nature, culture, and scenic views.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

This tour packs a lot into roughly six hours, making it an excellent way to experience some of the best that São Miguel has to offer without feeling rushed. Starting around 9:30 am, your private guide will pick you up from a designated meeting point, setting the tone for a relaxed yet comprehensive day.

Exploring Furnas: The Heart of Volcanic Activity

The tour’s centerpiece is Furnas, a geothermal hotspot famous for its bubbling mud pools, volcanic craters, and steam cooking pods. We loved the way guides explain the volcanic activity shaping the landscape, giving a real sense of the island’s fiery heart. Walking through the bubbling pools and viewing vantage points like Pico do Ferro and Miradouro de Santa Iria, you’ll get breathtaking panoramas of the lush valley and volcanic caldera. These viewpoints provide excellent photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate São Miguel’s volcanic origins.

Soaking in the Hot Springs: Poça D. Beija

The highlight for many is the visit to Poça D. Beija, a thermal hot spring complex where waters are naturally heated to 104°F (40°C). The experience of soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by tropical greenery is both restorative and fun, even if the weather isn’t perfect—something noted positively by reviewers who appreciated the experience regardless of rain. The ticket is included, so you can relax without worrying about extra costs.

Tasting Local Flavors: Steam Pods and Bolo Lêvedo

Between soaks, there are opportunities to sample local delicacies such as “Bolo Lêvedo”, a sweet, pancake-like bread, or corn cooked on the hot steam pods—an authentic taste of Azorean local cuisine. Although not included in the tour price, these stops reveal how volcanic heat influences local food culture.

Optional Lunch: Cozido in Furnas

For those with a hearty appetite, an optional lunch break at a local restaurant for the famous “cozido”—a stew cooked underground using volcanic heat—is highly recommended. The meal costs around €25 per person and lasts about 1.5 hours. If you choose to include it, your guide can help pre-book. Keep in mind, dedicating time to lunch may cut into some other stops, but it’s a flavorful slice of Azorean life.

Visiting the Gorreana Tea Plantation

The tour culminates with a visit to the Gorreana Tea Plantation, one of the few tea farms in Europe. Here, you’ll tour the factory, walk along the plantation slopes, and shop for souvenirs. The lush green slopes and fresh air provide a peaceful contrast to the geothermal activity earlier in the day. Reviewers mention the guide’s knowledge of tea production, adding another layer of appreciation to this stop.

What Travelers Are Saying

Multiple reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and personalized service, highlighting the value of having a private guide tailor the experience to their interests. One guest called their guide “so knowledgeable and kind,” making every moment feel special. Another mentioned feeling like VIPs, thanks to the attentive guidance.

The scenic views also receive high marks, with travelers loving the viewpoints at Pico do Ferro and Santa Iria, describing them as “breathtaking” and “picturesque.” Even in less-than-perfect weather, the thermal springs proved enjoyable, with reviews emphasizing the warmth and mineral benefits of Poça D. Beija.

The cost-effectiveness of the tour also comes up frequently. At around $170 per person, with all entrance fees included, reviewers feel they received good value, especially given the private, personalized nature of the experience. It’s worthwhile to consider this as an all-in-one day that combines relaxation, culture, and scenic beauty.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour is designed to be flexible within its roughly six-hour window. Starting at 9:30 am, the private nature of the tour means you’ll move at your own pace—perfect for those who prefer a relaxed yet comprehensive exploration.

Transportation is provided, and the guide will meet you at a designated point, streamlining your day. Since the tour is private, only your group participates, ensuring an intimate experience. The tour’s mobile ticket feature adds convenience, and group discounts are available if traveling with others.

If weather looks challenging, the tour still remains worthwhile—particularly the hot springs, which are enjoyable rain or shine. The guide’s knowledge ensures that even in less-than-ideal weather, you’ll gain meaningful insight into the volcanic landscape.

Summary: Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is a perfect match for travelers who want a mix of relaxation, scenic beauty, and cultural insight without the hassle of planning multiple visits. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate personalized attention and enjoy learning about local traditions, whether through tea or cuisine. Nature lovers will savor the views and geothermal wonders, while those seeking a laid-back day will find ample opportunity to unwind.

If you’re after a balanced introduction to São Miguel’s geothermal and agricultural highlights, and you prefer a private, flexible schedule, this tour ticks all those boxes.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
Since the tour includes walking through volcanic areas and soaking in hot springs, it may not be ideal for individuals with mobility challenges. It’s best to check with the provider if you have specific needs.

What is included in the tour price?
All entrance fees for the hot springs and the tea plantation are included, making it a convenient all-in-one experience. Food and drinks, other than the tour stops, are not included.

Can I stop for lunch during the tour?
Yes, you can opt to include a traditional cozido lunch at a local restaurant, but it needs to be booked in advance. The meal costs about €25 per person and requires approximately 1.5 hours.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts roughly 6 hours, starting at 9:30 am. If you include lunch, it might take a bit longer.

Is this tour good in bad weather?
Absolutely. The thermal baths are enjoyable rain or shine, and the viewpoints are still impressive even when cloudy. The guide will adapt the schedule if needed.

How far in advance should I book?
This tour is often booked about 63 days in advance, indicating it’s popular and worth securing early to ensure availability.

In summary, this private tour offers a thoughtfully curated day of soaking in volcanic waters, exploring scenic viewpoints, and learning about local tea production—all in a flexible, intimate setting. Its value lies in the personal guidance, all-inclusive pricing, and the chance to experience São Miguel’s geothermal heart and cultural richness firsthand. Whether you’re looking to unwind after days of sightseeing or want an authentic taste of Azorean life, this tour delivers a memorable, well-rounded day.