Set out on a captivating journey through the stunning volcanic landscapes of São Miguel, Azores. This guided van tour whisks you away to the breathtaking Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, where you’ll discover the mesmerizing beauty of their iconic crater lakes. Along the way, you’ll uncover the island’s rich history, learn about the lush pineapple plantations, and pamper yourself in the soothing thermal baths of Caldeira Velha. With an experienced guide by your side, you’ll unveil the hidden gems that make this destination truly enchanting. Prepare to be captivated by the island’s natural wonders and leave with memories that will linger long after your return.
Key Points
- A guided van tour exploring the volcanic landscapes and emerald lakes of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo on the island of Sao Miguel, Azores.
- The tour includes visits to scenic viewpoints, a thermal bath experience, and opportunities to learn about the island’s agricultural heritage and cultural insights.
- The tour is priced from $72.96 per person, with a small group size of up to 7 participants, and is available in English and Russian.
- Pickup and drop-off locations are flexible, with options across the island, including from cruise ships for an additional fee.
- Customers have praised the tour for its captivating experience, the guide’s knowledge of history and traditions, and the opportunities for breathtaking photographs.
Tour Overview and Details
This guided van tour of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo on the island of São Miguel in the Azores offers visitors a chance to explore the region’s stunning volcanic landscapes and emerald lakes.
Priced from $72.96 per person, the 8-hour tour is limited to just 7 participants and is available in English and Russian.
Pickup is provided from anywhere on the island, including cruise ships, with a small transfer fee for locations outside Ponta Delgada.
Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy and the option to reserve now and pay later.
The tour covers numerous scenic viewpoints and allows time for a thermal bath at Caldeira Velha, making it an immersive and memorable experience.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour covers an extensive itinerary, allowing visitors to discover the island’s lesser-known areas and witness the breathtaking volcanic landscapes.
It begins with a 25-minute stop at the Pineapple Plantations of the Azores, where guests can learn about the region’s unique agricultural heritage.
The journey continues with visits to three notable viewpoints: Coal Peak, Muro das Nove Janelas, and Lagoa do Canário, each offering stunning vistas of the island’s natural wonders.
The tour highlights include:
- Exploring the Grota do Inferno Viewpoint, a dramatic volcanic crater with a 45-minute visit.
- Admiring the panoramic views from the Vista do Rei Lookout and the Viewpoint of the Cerrado das Freiras.
- Discovering the charming Church of São Nicolau in Sete Cidades and the nearby Ponta do Escalvado Lookout.
Key Stops
The tour begins with a visit to the Pineapple Plantations of the Azores, where guests spend 25 minutes learning about the region’s unique agricultural heritage.
Next, the journey continues to three breathtaking viewpoints: Coal Peak, Muro das Nove Janelas, and Lagoa do Canário, each offering stunning vistas of the island’s volcanic landscapes.
Guests then explore the Grota do Inferno Viewpoint, the Vista do Rei Lookout, and the Viewpoint of the Cerrado das Freiras before visiting the Church of São Nicolau in Sete Cidades.
The tour also includes stops at the Ponta do Escalvado Lookout, Ponta da Ferraria, and the Lagoa do Fogo Viewpoint, providing ample opportunities to capture the natural beauty of São Miguel Island.
Tour Experience and Highlights
Guests exploring the stunning volcanic landscapes and emerald lakes of São Miguel Island on this guided van tour can expect a captivating experience, with ample opportunities to capture breathtaking photos at the various scenic viewpoints along the way.
The tour takes visitors to lesser-known areas of the west and central parts of the island, providing a unique glimpse into the island’s rich history and culture.
Key highlights include:
- Discovering the history and traditions of the Azores with an experienced guide.
- Enjoying a relaxing thermal bath at the Caldeira Velha (advance booking required).
- Marveling at the stunning natural beauty of the volcanic lakes, including the iconic Lagoa do Fogo.
Inclusions
This guided van tour includes an experienced, multilingual driver/guide who can share insights into the history and culture of the Azores. Guests also receive bottled water and insurance coverage, with the option to add-on visits to the Caldeira Velha thermal baths and interpretive center for an additional fee.
Lunch, which typically costs between 10-20 euros per person, isn’t included in the base tour price.
The Caldeira Velha visit costs 3 euros per person and requires advance booking, while the thermal baths and interpretive center experience is priced at 10 euros per person.
These add-ons provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the natural wonders and learn more about the unique environment of the Azores.
Customer Feedback
Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the guided van tour of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, rating it 5/5 based on their experiences.
The guide’s deep knowledge of the islands’ history and traditions, as well as their polite and helpful demeanor, make the tour a hit with customers.
Customers particularly appreciate the guide’s:
- Expertise in sharing the fascinating history and cultural traditions of the Azores.
- Friendly and accommodating attitude, ensuring a pleasant and informative experience.
- Ability to navigate the stunning volcanic landscapes and provide ample opportunities for breathtaking photographs.
Tour Duration and Pricing
The guided van tour of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo lasts for a full 8 hours, providing ample time to explore the stunning volcanic landscapes and natural wonders of São Miguel Island.
Priced from $72.96 per person, the tour offers exceptional value, especially considering the small group size limited to just 7 participants. This ensures a more personalized experience and allows the knowledgeable guide to provide in-depth insights into the island’s history, geology, and cultural traditions.
Whether you’re seeking epic vistas, thermal baths, or a deeper understanding of the Azores, this comprehensive tour delivers an unforgettable day filled with natural beauty and exploration.
Pickup and Drop-off Locations
The tour offers convenient pickup locations across San Miguel island, including Ribeira Grande and Ponta Delgada, with the option to arrange pickup from cruise ships for an additional fee.
Guests can choose to be dropped off at either Ribeira Grande or Ponta Delgada at the end of the tour. This flexibility ensures that travelers can easily access the tour from various parts of the island and seamlessly return to their starting point or accommodation.
The key pickup and drop-off locations include:
- Ribeira Grande
- Ponta Delgada
- Cruise ships (additional transfer fee applies)
This range of options makes the tour accessible and hassle-free for visitors to San Miguel Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes bottled water, but bringing additional snacks or beverages can enhance the experience. However, glass containers are not recommended for safety reasons.
Are There Any Special Requirements for the Thermal Bath at Caldeira Velha?
Advance booking is required for the thermal bath at Caldeira Velha. Visitors must pay an additional 10 euros per person to access the baths. Swimwear and towels are recommended, and guests should be prepared to follow any safety guidelines provided by the staff.
How Much Time Is Spent at Each Stop During the Tour?
The tour spends varying amounts of time at each stop, ranging from 10 minutes to an hour. Visitors can explore the Plantações de Ananás for 25 minutes, the Grota do Inferno Viewpoint for 45 minutes, and the Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha for an hour.
Can the Tour Be Customized to My Preferences?
Yes, the tour can be customized to your preferences. The provider offers flexibility in the itinerary and duration, allowing you to focus on the sights and experiences that interest you most during your visit.
Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?
The tour operator offers discounts for group bookings, though the exact discount amount isn’t specified. Larger groups can enjoy cost savings, making it a more affordable option for those traveling together.
Recap
Enjoy the captivating landscapes of São Miguel, Azores, on this guided van tour.
Witness the stunning volcanic lakes of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, explore lush pineapple plantations, and relax in the thermal baths of Caldeira Velha.
With an experienced guide, you’ll capture unforgettable memories of the island’s enchanting natural wonders.
