West & East São Miguel Island Private Tour

Travelers searching for a comprehensive day on São Miguel will find the West & East São Miguel Island Private Tour offers a balanced mix of breathtaking scenery, cultural insights, and personalized comfort. Offered by Follow Me Guided Tours, this 8-hour journey covers some of the island’s most iconic sights, all in a flexible, private setting that promises a personalized experience.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is its unique combination of a driver and an expert guide, ensuring you’re not only comfortable but also well-informed. Add in air-conditioned transport with free WiFi, and you’ve got a recipe for a smooth, relaxed exploration. One potential consideration is the pace—while packed with highlights, it’s a full day that requires some walking and time on your feet. This trip suits travelers who love scenic vistas, volcanic landscapes, and a taste of local culture without the hassle of self-driving or group crowds.

If you’re after an authentic way to see São Miguel’s diverse landscapes and don’t want to miss a thing, this tour is a great match. It’s ideal for those who value flexibility, expert insights, and the convenience of door-to-door service in a private group setting.

Key Points

• Private, flexible experience: Customizable itinerary with a driver and expert guide.
• Stunning views: Includes viewpoints like Vista do Rei, Pico do Ferro, and scenic lakes.
• Diverse highlights: From volcanic craters and lakes to tea plantations and botanical gardens.
• Comfort and connectivity: 9-seater van with A/C and free WiFi.
• All-in-one day: Covers both the West and East sides of the island.
• Value for money: At $171 per person, it offers a comprehensive, personalized day out.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Well-Balanced Day on São Miguel

This tour promises a full immersion into São Miguel’s most striking sights, all within a well-organized and comfortable framework. It’s designed for travelers who want to see a lot without the stress of planning every detail themselves. The combination of scenic drives, sightseeing stops, and optional activities like a thermal bath visit or a traditional lunch makes it both practical and enjoyable.

The tour’s 8-hour duration is enough to see key highlights but not so long that it becomes tiring. Starting from Ponta Delgada, the journey begins with a quick pass through the town, setting the tone for a day filled with panoramic views and volcanic marvels.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

West Side: Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo

The day kicks off with a pickup from your accommodation, followed by a scenic drive to Sete Cidades, one of São Miguel’s most famous sites. The Vista do Rei lookout offers a jaw-dropping panoramic shot of the twin lakes, famous for their striking blue and green hues. Here, you’ll spend about 30 minutes soaking in the views, taking photos, and hearing stories about the volcanic origins of the crater.

Descending into the village, you can wander around and get a sense of local life, all while marveling at the lush landscape. The next highlight is Lagoa do Fogo, a volcano crater filled with a pristine lake. The viewpoints atop the crater offer sweeping vistas—ideal for photos and just absorbing the natural beauty. Expect about 30 minutes at each spot, giving enough time to breathe in the scenery without feeling rushed.

Transition to the East: From Lakes to Tea and Thermal Waters

After the West side, a short drive takes us to the Gorreana Tea Factory, the oldest tea plantation in Europe still in operation. You’ll see how tea is grown and processed, with an opportunity to taste various types and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two. Reviews highlight the interesting tea ceremony and scenic views along the way, making this stop a charming blend of nature and culture.

Next up is the Pico do Ferro viewpoint, perched atop the crater of a different volcano. This spot provides a dramatic overlook of Furnas Valley, with its patchwork of farmland and steaming fumaroles. The views here are often described as breathtaking, especially if you enjoy volcanic landscapes or photographically rich settings.

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The Heart of the Volcanic Activity: Furnas and Lunch

Furnas is the tour’s volcanic core. You’ll see fumaroles and boiling waters that have earned the town its reputation for natural thermal features. The highlight here is the Cozido, a traditional dish cooked underground in the geothermal heat—an authentic experience that many reviews say is a “must-try” for visitors.

Following this, you have the option to visit Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens, where the lush greenery and thermal baths provide a relaxing break. While an entrance is extra (10€/person), many guests find the baths worth the extra cost, especially after a morning of sightseeing.

Scenic South Coast and Final Stops

Closing the day, the scenic drive along the south coast offers views of the ocean and rugged coastline. The tour stops at the Our Lady of Peace Chapel in Vila Franca do Campo, a hillside spot with panoramic views of the island’s first capital and the nearby islet of Vila Franca do Campo—a perfect photo op and a peaceful end to your day.

Transportation and Group Experience

Traveling in a 9-seater van with A/C and free WiFi makes the journey comfortable and connected. The private group setting means the itinerary can be tailored—if there’s somewhere special you’d like to add or skip, the guide is flexible. The driver and guide combo ensures smooth navigation and insightful commentary, which many reviews note as a real plus.

Price and Value

At $171 per person, this tour offers a good deal for what it includes: private, flexible, and guided exploration of São Miguel’s top sights. When you consider the cost of entrance fees (like Terra Nostra’s €10) and what a private guide adds in value, it’s a worthwhile expense for a hassle-free, personalized experience.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This private tour is ideal for travelers who want to see a lot of São Miguel’s natural beauty without the stress of self-driving or arranging multiple tours. It suits those who cherish stunning viewpoints, volcanic landscapes, and cultural stops like tea plantations and botanical gardens. The flexibility makes it especially appealing for families, couples, or small groups seeking an intimate experience.

While it’s a packed day, seasoned travelers or those with good mobility will appreciate how efficiently it covers so much ground. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want a thorough, scenic immersion into the island’s highlights.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, starting from Ponta Delgada, and includes multiple stops for sightseeing and breaks.

What is included in the price?
The price covers private transportation in a van with A/C and free WiFi, a driver and an expert guide, and the flexibility to customize your stops. It does not include lunch (about €20) or entrance fees for Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens (€10).

Are there any specific requirements or restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Travelers should bring swimwear, a towel, and comfortable clothes for walking and thermal baths.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, since it’s a private tour, your guide can include or skip certain stops based on your preferences.

What language is the tour guided in?
The tour is guided in English, providing clear explanations and insights throughout the day.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Most likely yes, especially for families with children who enjoy scenic views and outdoor activities, but consider the walking involved and the full-day schedule.

To sum it up, the West & East São Miguel Island Private Tour offers a well-rounded, personalized way to get to know the island’s most stunning sights. With comfortable transport, expert guidance, and the ability to tailor the day, it’s an excellent choice for travelers eager to experience São Miguel’s volcanic beauty and local charm at a relaxed pace. Whether you’re a nature lover, a cultural explorer, or simply want to see the best without the hassle, this tour delivers a memorable slice of the Azores.

You can check availability for your dates here: