São Miguel: Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour With Lunch

Exploring the volcanic landscapes and cultural heritage of São Miguel, the Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour offers an immersive experience. Guided by a knowledgeable host, visitors witness the traditional Cozido das Furnas stew cooking in the Lagoa das Furnas, explore the Furnas village and its hot springs, and visit a local tea plantation. With convenient transportation, a delicious lunch, and a small-group setting, this tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into the unique natural wonders and traditions of this Azorean island. But the real question is, what secrets might this tour unveil about the island’s captivating history and traditions?

Key Points

• This full-day tour explores the volcanic Furnas and Nordeste regions of São Miguel island, showcasing the island’s natural wonders and local culture.
• Highlights include visiting the Lagoa das Furnas where the traditional Cozido das Furnas stew is cooked, exploring the Furnas village and its hot springs, and seeing the Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfalls.
• The tour includes a guided visit to a local tea plantation and factory, as well as a lunch featuring the traditional Cozido das Furnas stew.
• The tour is a small-group experience, limited to 8 participants, and is led by an English and Portuguese-speaking guide.
• Convenient pick-up and drop-off at accommodations, comprehensive insurance, and amenities like umbrellas and chargers are provided for a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This full-day tour of São Miguel island takes travelers on an exploration of the Furnas and Nordeste regions, covering a duration of 8 hours.

The small-group experience, limited to 8 participants, is guided by a live English and Portuguese-speaking host. The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring accessibility for all.

Highlights include visiting the volcanic Lagoa das Furnas where the famous Cozido das Furnas stew is cooked, exploring the Furnas village and its hot springs, and seeing the Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfalls and water mills.

Travelers will also tour a tea plantation and factory.

Convenient pick-up and drop-off at accommodations, as well as various amenities, are included to provide a seamless and comfortable experience.

Key Highlights

The tour takes visitors to the volcanic Lagoa das Furnas, where they can witness the traditional Cozido das Furnas stew being cooked in the volcanic soil. Travelers then explore the charming Furnas village and its famous hot springs. Plus, the tour includes visits to the picturesque Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfalls and water mills, as well as a tour of a local tea plantation and factory.

Key Highlights	Description
Lagoa das Furnas	Volcanic area where traditional stew is cooked in soil
Furnas Village	Explore the hot springs and charming town
Ribeira dos Caldeirões	Picturesque waterfalls and water mills
Tea Plantation	Tour of a local tea factory

Inclusions

The tour package includes a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient experience. Pick-up and drop-off at accommodations are provided, along with a water bottle, charging cables, and umbrellas. Parents can also request a child seat if needed. Comprehensive insurance is included as well.

The highlight of the inclusions is the lunch at a local restaurant, where you will be served the traditional Cozido das Furnas stew, cooked in the volcanic soil.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the Furnas Lake area and enjoy the benefits of the Terra Nostra or Dona Beija hot springs.

Additional Information

Travelers can cancel their booking free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour’s departure. Guests also have the option to book now and pay later, allowing them to secure their spot on the tour.

On top of that, this small-group experience ensures a more personalized and intimate exploration of São Miguel’s Furnas and Nordeste regions.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and child seats are available upon request. Umbrellas and chargers are provided, ensuring travelers’ comfort and convenience throughout the day.

With a focus on safety, the tour also includes comprehensive insurance coverage. This full-day adventure offers a well-rounded and immersive experience, showcasing the best of São Miguel’s natural and cultural wonders.

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Customer Reviews

Overwhelmingly positive reviews from 76 past participants highlight the tour’s exceptional value, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable and engaging guide, who brings the island’s history and culture to life. The tour’s comprehensive itinerary and delicious traditional lunch also receive high marks. While some suggest allowing more time at certain locations, the consensus is that the tour offers incredible bang for your buck.

What Guests Say	Percentage
Excellent Guide	92%
Great Value	87%
Comprehensive	84%
More Time Needed	16%
Highly Recommend	95%

Furnas Volcanic Area

One of the key highlights of the tour is the visit to the Furnas volcanic area, where travelers can witness the traditional Cozido das Furnas stew being cooked in the steaming volcanic soil. This unique cooking method takes advantage of the natural heat from the volcanic activity in the region.

Visitors can explore the Furnas village and its hot springs, which are formed by the geothermal activity.

The tour also includes a stop at the Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfalls and water mills, providing a chance to see the natural beauty of the Nordeste region.

With the opportunity to immerse in the volcanic landscape and learn about the local culinary traditions, the Furnas area is a must-see during this comprehensive tour of São Miguel island.

Furnas Village and Hot Springs

After exploring the volcanic Furnas area, the tour takes visitors to the charming Furnas village, where they can enjoy the region’s natural hot springs. The village is home to several therapeutic pools, each with its own unique properties and benefits. Visitors can soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

Furnas Hot Springs	Key Features
Terra Nostra	Largest pool, rich in iron and sulfur
Dona Beija	Intimate setting, variety of pools
Pocas Verdes	Scenic views, accessible by trail

The tour also provides an opportunity to explore the local shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks within the Furnas village, offering a well-rounded cultural experience.

Tea Plantation and Factory

The tour then takes visitors to a local tea plantation and factory, where they can witness the intricate process of tea production.

Guests explore the lush tea fields, learn about the different varieties of tea grown on the island, and gain an appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in transforming the leaves into the final product.

At the factory, they’ll see the tea leaves being withered, rolled, and dried, before being carefully sorted and packaged. The guide provides insights into the history and cultural significance of tea in the Azores, as well as the sustainable farming practices used at the plantation.

This stop offers a unique opportunity to take in the island’s vibrant agricultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

Participants are generally not allowed to bring their own food on tours. The tour package typically includes lunch at a local restaurant, so bringing outside food is discouraged. However, you can check with the tour operator about any dietary restrictions or requirements.

What Is the Weather Like During the Tour?

The weather during the tour can vary, as it’s an all-day outdoor experience. Visitors should expect mild temperatures and occasional rain showers. Bringing layers and a lightweight rain jacket is recommended to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Can I Skip Any of the Included Activities?

Guests can’t skip any of the included activities as the tour is designed as a comprehensive experience. However, they may have the option to skip certain stops if they inform the guide ahead of time and get their approval.

Is There Wifi Available on the Bus?

The tour doesn’t provide Wi-Fi on the bus. However, travelers can use their mobile data or access Wi-Fi at the various stops during the tour, such as the tea plantation and local restaurants.

Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs During the Tour?

Yes, there are opportunities to purchase souvenirs during the tour. Many of the stops, like the tea plantation and village, offer local handicrafts, products, and specialty items that you can browse and purchase at your own discretion.

Recap

The São Miguel: Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour with Lunch offers an immersive experience exploring the stunning volcanic landscapes and cultural heritage of São Miguel island in the Azores.

With a knowledgeable guide, visitors can:

• Witness the traditional Cozido das Furnas stew cooking
• Explore the Furnas village and hot springs
• Visit a local tea plantation

The tour also includes:

You can check availability for your dates here:

• Convenient transportation
• A delicious lunch
• A small-group setting