Exploring the volcanic island of Faial has never been easier. The full-day private tour offers a seamless and immersive experience, guiding visitors through the island’s top attractions. From the scenic southern coastline to the captivating Capelinhos volcano, the tour promises an unforgettable journey. With a knowledgeable local guide and private transportation, travelers can sit back, relax, and soak in the natural beauty that Faial has to offer. Whether it’s a picnic lunch in a nature reserve or strolling along the black-sand Almoxarife Beach, this tour ensures a comprehensive and carefree discovery of the island’s wonders. But the best part? There’s still more to uncover.
Key Points
- Private, guided tour of Faial Island’s top sights and attractions, including Capelinhos volcano, Cabeco Gordo caldera, and Almoxarife Beach.
- Transportation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with pickup and drop-off services.
- Inclusive of a hearty picnic lunch, snacks, and bottled water in a nature reserve.
- Comprehensive coverage of all necessary fees, taxes, and personal accident and liability insurance.
- Seamless and carefree experience with a focus on exploring the island’s unique geological features.
Tour Overview
This full-day private tour of Faial Island takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the island’s top sights and attractions, all within a single day.
Guests will be transported around the island in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.
Over 10 must-see destinations are on the itinerary, including a volcano, scenic overlooks, and beautiful beaches.
Along the way, travelers will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch, complete with drinks, as well as snacks and bottled water.
With all fees and taxes included, plus personal accident and liability insurance, this tour is designed for maximum efficiency and convenience, allowing guests to make the most of their time on Faial.
Included in the Tour
The tour consistently includes a rich picnic lunch with drinks, ensuring guests can enjoy a satisfying meal during their day of exploration. Snacks and bottled water are also provided throughout the tour, keeping travelers energized and hydrated.
Plus, all necessary fees and taxes are covered, as well as personal accident and liability insurance, providing peace of mind for participants. These inclusive amenities allow guests to fully enjoy the tour without having to worry about extra expenses or logistics.
Whether enjoying a scenic coastal drive or exploring a volcanic landscape, the tour’s all-inclusive nature ensures a seamless and carefree experience for everyone.
Meeting and Pickup
For the convenience of travelers, the tour offers pickup and drop-off services at the location of their choice on Faial Island.
Guests meet the guide at Praça Infante Dom Henrique in Horta, the main city, ensuring a seamless start to the day’s adventures.
This centralized meeting point allows the tour to efficiently depart and return, maximizing the time spent exploring the island’s highlights.
The guide will greet participants and ensure everyone is accounted for before setting off in the comfortable, air-conditioned private transportation provided for the tour.
With the logistics handled, guests can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic journey ahead, anticipating the unique experiences that await them on Faial.
Scenic Drive and Capelinhos Volcano
As the tour departs from Horta, the guide leads the group on a scenic drive along the island’s southern coastline, gradually revealing the breathtaking vistas of Faial.
The first major stop on the itinerary is the Capelinhos volcano, a sight that captivates visitors with its unique geological history.
The volcano erupted in 1957, dramatically altering the island’s coastline.
Visitors can explore the visitor center and learn about the volcanic activity.
Hiking trails lead to viewpoints offering panoramic perspectives of the rugged terrain.
Guests have ample time to wander, snap photos, and enjoy this natural wonder.
Picnic Lunch at Nature Reserve
Following the scenic drive and exploration of the Capelinhos volcano, the tour group settles down for a hearty picnic lunch at a nearby nature reserve.
The guide lays out a rich spread of local delicacies – fresh bread, cured meats, regional cheeses, and seasonal produce. There’s also a selection of drinks to quench the thirst, like crisp white wine and refreshing juices.
The group finds a peaceful spot amidst the lush greenery, taking in the serene surroundings as they enjoy their meal. It’s a chance to recharge and refuel before continuing the adventure.
The guide shares insights about the nature reserve and encourages the group to explore a bit after their lunch.
Cabeco Gordo Caldera and Almoxarife Beach
The tour continues with a visit to the captivating Cabeco Gordo caldera, where the guide leads the group through the volcanic crater’s dramatic landscapes.
At the caldera, the group is awestruck by the jagged rock formations, vibrant colors, and lush vegetation blanketing the crater walls. The guide shares fascinating insights about the volcano’s geological history and its role in shaping the island.
Afterwards, they make their way to the black-sand haven of Almoxarife Beach, where the group has time to stroll along the shoreline and take in the stunning coastal vistas.
Here, they can:
- Dig their toes into the soft, jet-black sand
- Admire the towering cliffs that frame the beach
- Spot local wildlife, like seabirds soaring overhead
- Snap photos of the striking contrast between the dark sand and the azure ocean
Tour Highlights
The tour kicks off with a scenic drive along the island’s southern coastline, leading the group to the captivating Capelinhos volcano. Here, the guide shares the volcano’s fascinating history, explaining how it dramatically erupted in the 1950s, dramatically altering the landscape.
After exploring the volcano, the group heads to a nature reserve for a picnic lunch amidst the tranquil surroundings.
The tour then ventures to the Cabeco Gordo caldera, a stunning geological formation offering breathtaking views.
The final highlight is a visit to Almoxarife beach, where the black volcanic sand provides a dramatic contrast to the azure waters. Throughout the day, the guide ensures the group maximizes their time, creating an efficient and memorable Faial experience.
Reviews and Ratings
Travelers have left 33 reviews for this full-day private tour of Faial, earning it a Badge of Excellence from the tour provider.
Reviewers consistently praise the tour’s efficiency, with one visitor noting, ‘We saw so much in just one day – it was incredible!’ Another guest appreciated the personal touch, writing, ‘Our guide was so knowledgeable and made the experience really special.’
Highlights mentioned include:
- The scenic drive along the southern coastline to Capelinhos volcano
- The picnic lunch at a beautiful nature reserve
- Exploring the Cabeco Gordo caldera and the striking Almoxarife black-sand beach
- Learning about the island’s volcanic history from the expert guide
With top-notch logistics, stunning sights, and rave reviews, this Faial tour seems like a must for anyone visiting the Azores.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
The tour is private, so the group size is limited to just the customer(s) and their party. This ensures a personalized experience with the guide’s full attention, flexibility, and ability to cater to the group’s preferences.
Do We Get Any Free Time to Explore on Our Own?
The tour provides a well-planned itinerary, but there’s also free time for independent exploration. Guests can take advantage of opportunities to wander at their own pace and discover hidden gems on Faial Island.
Is There an Option for a Shorter or Longer Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour provider typically offers both shorter and longer durations to accommodate different preferences. Travelers can inquire about half-day or multi-day options for more flexibility in their Faial Island exploration.
Can We Make Any Changes to the Itinerary During the Tour?
Yes, the tour can be customized during the day. Travelers can discuss changes to the itinerary with their guide, who’ll do their best to accommodate any requests and provide a personalized experience within the tour’s timeframe.
Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Included in the Tour?
The tour price covers all key costs, but travelers should note any optional activities or purchases may incur additional fees. The guide can provide details on any potential extra expenses during the tour.
Recap
The Full-Day Private Tour of Faial offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the island’s natural wonders.
From the dramatic Capelinhos volcano to the captivating Cabeco Gordo caldera, each destination unveils the island’s unique geological marvels.
The included transportation, knowledgeable guide, and picnic lunch make this tour a seamless and carefree way to explore the beauty of Faial.
It’s a must-do experience for anyone seeking to enjoy the island’s stunning landscapes.