Sao Miguel: Full Day Tour of Furnas With Lunch Included

Sao Miguel, the largest of the Azores Islands, is a captivating destination that beckons travelers to explore its volcanic wonders. The full-day tour of Furnas offers an immersive experience, combining the island’s unique geology, cultural heritage, and local cuisine. Visitors will witness the steaming calderas, step into a historic tea factory, and try their hand at traditional pottery making. The highlight, however, is the opportunity to savor a delicious lunch cooked in the Furnas’ geothermal vents, a testament to the island’s remarkable natural resources. With a small group and knowledgeable guide, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure that uncovers the remarkable essence of Sao Miguel.

This experience made our list of the 9 Best Full-Day Tours In Sao Miguel Island.

Key Points

• The full-day tour of Furnas, a volcanic area on Sao Miguel island, lasts 8 hours and is led by a live guide available in English and Portuguese.
• The tour includes a visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory, where participants can explore tea production facilities and sample different varieties of tea.
• Participants will have the opportunity to witness the natural phenomenon of cooked meals steaming from the Caldeira das Furnas and visit the Parish of Furnas and other scenic locations.
• The tour includes a visit to the Ceramica Vieira ceramics factory, where participants can watch artisans at work and try their hand at pottery-making.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and includes hassle-free pickup and drop-off at the Miradouro de Santa Iria in Ponta Delgada.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Details

This full-day tour of Furnas, a volcanic area on the island of Sao Miguel, lasts for 8 hours and allows visitors to explore the unique geological features of the region.

With a small group limited to 8 participants, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Gorreana Tea Factory, Ceramica Vieira in Lagoa, and the Furnas area, including the Caldeira das Furnas.

A delicious lunch is included, and you’ll also explore the Parish of Furnas, Miradouro da Paz in Vila Franca do Campo, and the Vila Franca do Campo Cheese Factory.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and led by a live guide available in English and Portuguese.

You can reserve your spot now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Pickup and Return

The tour pickup location is at the Miradouro de Santa Iria in Ponta Delgada, and the return is also to Ponta Delgada. This convenient arrangement allows participants to start and end their journey in the same place, making it easy to coordinate their day.

The pickup is at a scenic viewpoint, giving travelers a glimpse of the beautiful landscape they’ll soon be exploring.

After a full day discovering the volcanic wonders of Furnas, guests will be returned to the same spot, having had a comprehensive sightseeing experience.

The seamless pickup and drop-off service ensures a hassle-free tour from start to finish.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour immerses visitors in the unique volcanic landscapes of Furnas, providing opportunities to experience the region’s hot springs.

Travelers will visit the Gorreana Tea Factory, where they can learn about the local tea production process.

Next, the group will explore the Cerâmica Vieira ceramics factory in Lagoa, gaining insights into traditional Portuguese pottery.

At the heart of the tour lies the Caldeira das Furnas, where visitors can witness the natural phenomenon of cooked meals steaming from the ground.

After this culinary experience, the tour continues to the Parish of Furnas, the Miradouro da Paz viewpoint in Vila Franca do Campo, and the Vila Franca do Campo Cheese Factory, offering a well-rounded exploration of the area’s cultural and natural highlights.

Gorreana Tea Factory

Visitors first stop at the Gorreana Tea Factory, where they can learn about the local tea production process and the history of tea cultivation on São Miguel island. The factory, which dates back to 1883, is the oldest and only remaining tea plantation in Europe. Visitors can explore the production facilities and see the traditional methods used to harvest, process, and package the tea. They’ll also have the chance to sample the estate’s signature black, green, and flavored teas.

Tea Type	Flavor Profile	Brewing Recommendations
Black	Rich, robust	3-5 minutes, 208°F
Green	Light, grassy	2-3 minutes, 185°F
Flavored	Aromatic, sweet	4-6 minutes, 208°F

The Gorreana Tea Factory offers a unique glimpse into the island’s agricultural heritage and the art of crafting high-quality tea.

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Ceramic Factory Visit

Following a visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory, the tour then takes visitors to the Cerámica Vieira ceramics factory in Lagoa.

Here, they can witness the intricate process of crafting traditional Azorean pottery, from shaping the clay to decorating the finished pieces.

The factory showcases the island’s rich artisanal heritage, allowing guests to appreciate the skill and dedication behind these unique, handmade creations.

Visitors can explore the workshop, watch the artisans at work, and even have the opportunity to try their hand at pottery-making.

The Cerámica Vieira visit provides a fascinating glimpse into the centuries-old traditions that continue to shape the cultural identity of São Miguel.

Furnas Exploration

Delving into the heart of the volcanic region, the tour takes visitors to the iconic Furnas, where they can marvel at the steaming Caldeira das Furnas, a natural cauldron where locals have been cooking traditional meals for centuries.

Visitors will have the opportunity to sample the regional cuisine cooked underground, a unique culinary experience that showcases the area’s geothermal wonders.

Beyond the Caldeira, the tour explores the charming Parish of Furnas, allowing guests to enjoy the local culture and history.

With its lush vegetation, bubbling hot springs, and stunning vistas, Furnas offers a captivating glimpse into the geological forces that have shaped the island of Sao Miguel.

Lunch and Cuisine

The tour includes a delectable lunch that showcases the island’s renowned culinary traditions, allowing participants to enjoy the flavors of Sao Miguel. Lunch is included in the tour, giving visitors the opportunity to savor a variety of authentic local dishes.

The menu might feature:

1. Cozido das Furnas, a hearty stew slow-cooked in the volcanic steam vents of Furnas.
2. Queijo da Ilha, a creamy and tangy local cheese that pairs perfectly with regional breads.
3. Passion fruit mousse, a refreshing and indulgent dessert that captures the tropical essence of the Azores.
4. A selection of Azorean wines, allowing guests to complement the flavors of the meal.

Vila Franca Experiences

Visitors explore the charming village of Vila Franca do Campo, where they marvel at the Miradouro da Paz, a picturesque viewpoint offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape and the nearby Vila Franca Islet.

The tour then takes them to the Vila Franca do Campo Cheese Factory, where they can learn about the local cheese-making traditions and sample the region’s renowned cheese varieties.

Travelers are captivated by the island’s rich cultural heritage, as they discover the unique ceramic work at the Cerâmica Vieira factory and witness the traditional tea production at the Gorreana Tea Factory.

This diverse itinerary provides a well-rounded glimpse into the authentic experiences that make São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes so alluring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

The tour includes a provided lunch, so bringing your own food is generally not necessary. However, you may wish to bring snacks or water if you have specific dietary requirements or preferences.

Is There a Restroom Stop During the Tour?

The tour includes several stops throughout the day, and there are likely opportunities for restroom breaks at various locations, such as the tea factory, ceramics factory, and other sites visited. Passengers can expect access to restroom facilities during the tour.

What Should I Wear for This Tour?

For the volcanic tour, it’s best to wear comfortable, casual clothing and shoes suitable for walking. Bring layers in case the weather changes, and don’t forget sun protection like a hat and sunglasses. Packing a small backpack is recommended to carry any personal items.

Can I Take Pictures During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can take pictures during the tour. The tour guides encourage participants to capture the stunning volcanic landscapes, thermal springs, and other fascinating sights they’ll encounter throughout the day. Just be mindful of others and avoid disrupting the group.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour?

Unfortunately, there is no option to extend the tour. The tour is a fixed 8-hour itinerary that covers the key highlights of the Furnas volcanic area. Extending the tour duration would require booking a separate, longer excursion.

Recap

Enjoy Sao Miguel’s natural and cultural wonders on this comprehensive tour of Furnas.

Witness the island’s volcanic landscapes, explore a historic tea factory, and try your hand at traditional pottery.

Savor a delicious geothermal-cooked lunch, and discover the rich heritage of this captivating region.

With a small group and knowledgeable guide, this tour provides an unforgettable experience of Sao Miguel’s unique geology, industry, and local traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: