The Furnas Night-Time Experience offers a captivating journey into the geothermal wonders of the Azores. Guests can enjoy the soothing thermal baths of Poça da Dona Beija, relax amidst the natural beauty of the region, and savor a traditional Azorean dinner featuring the renowned ‘Cozido das Furnas‘ stew, slow-cooked using volcanic steam. With a knowledgeable local guide and comfortable transportation, this tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the remarkable natural and culinary delights of Furnas. But what awaits visitors beyond the thermal baths and dinner is a truly unforgettable experience that showcases the true essence of the Azores.
Key Points
- This night-time excursion from Ponta Delgada takes visitors to the geothermal wonders of Furnas, including a guided nature walk and visit to the Poça da Dona Beija thermal baths.
- The tour includes an immersive culinary experience featuring the traditional Azorean ‘Cozido das Furnas’ stew, slow-cooked underground using volcanic steam for a unique flavor.
- Participants can enjoy the relaxing and therapeutic experience of the mineral-rich, natural hot springs at the Poça da Dona Beija baths.
- The tour is led by a local guide and driver, providing a comfortable and informative journey, with pickup and drop-off services in Ponta Delgada.
- The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing full refunds up to 24 hours before departure, and has received excellent reviews from previous participants.
Tour Overview
This nighttime excursion from Ponta Delgada takes visitors to the geothermal wonders of Furnas, where they’ll enjoy a guided nature walk, relax in thermal baths, and savor a traditional Azorean dinner.
The tour includes a local guide and driver, ensuring a comfortable and informative journey.
Travelers will visit the renowned Poça da Dona Beija thermal baths, where they can unwind in the soothing, mineral-rich waters.
The highlight of the evening is a dinner of ‘Cozido das Furnas,’ a hearty stew slow-cooked underground using volcanic steam. This immersive culinary experience is accompanied by regional starters, desserts, and hot beverages.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, this night-time adventure offers an intimate and authentic glimpse into Furnas’ natural and cultural wonders.
Included in the Tour
The Furnas Night-Time Experience tour includes a local guide and driver to ensure a comfortable and informative journey. Travelers will also receive insurance coverage, have access to an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, and enjoy pickup and drop-off services in Ponta Delgada.
The tour package encompasses a traditional Azorean dinner, complete with a regional starter, main course, dessert, and coffee or tea. The meal features the renowned Cozido das Furnas, a meat and vegetable stew cooked underground using volcanic steam – a unique and authentic dining experience.
With these inclusions, the Furnas Night-Time Experience provides a seamless and enjoyable way for visitors to explore the thermal baths and natural wonders of Furnas.
Visiting the Thermal Baths
Visitors will enjoy a relaxing evening at the Poça da Dona Beija thermal baths during the Furnas Night-Time Experience. The thermal baths offer a tranquil setting to unwind and soak in the natural hot springs after a day of exploration.
The baths are fed by underground volcanic activity, providing a soothing and therapeutic experience. Guests can enjoy the warm, mineral-rich waters, allowing the stress of the day to melt away.
The tickets for the thermal baths aren’t included in the tour, so participants should plan to bring their own towels, flip-flops, and a dark-colored swimsuit. This is a perfect opportunity to rejuvenate and recharge before continuing the evening’s activities.
Recommended Items for Thermal Baths
When visiting the Poça da Dona Beija thermal baths, it’s recommended that guests pack a few essential items. These include comfortable towels for drying off, a reliable pair of flip-flops to wear on the wet surfaces, and a dark-colored swimsuit that won’t become see-through when wet. Bringing these items will help ensure a more enjoyable and carefree experience at the soothing natural hot springs.
Some other suggested items include:
- A waterproof bag to store dry clothes
- A small bottle of sunscreen for the outdoor areas
- A lightweight robe or wrap to wear before and after bathing
Following this packing list will help you make the most of your relaxing evening at the Furnas thermal baths.
Traditional Azores Stew Dinner
One of the highlights of the Furnas Night-Time Experience is the traditional Azores meat and vegetable stew, known as Cozido das Furnas, which is cooked underground using volcanic steam. This regional dish features a variety of locally sourced ingredients, resulting in a hearty and flavorful meal. The cooking process is a unique aspect of the experience, as the stew is placed in special pots and buried in the volcanic soil, allowing the natural steam to slowly cook the contents to perfection. After an evening of exploring the thermal baths, guests can savor this authentic Azorean delicacy, which typically includes a regional starter, main course, dessert, and coffee or tea.
| Ingredient | Meat | Vegetable |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Beef, Pork, Chicken | Cabbage, Potatoes, Carrots |
| Preparation | Slow-Cooked Underground | Slow-Cooked Underground |
| Flavor | Rich, Tender | Flavorful, Tender |
| Presentation | Stew | Stew |
Sample Dinner Menu
After savoring the traditional Cozido das Furnas stew, guests can expect a mouthwatering sample menu that showcases the best of Azorean cuisine.
The dinner typically starts with a regional starter, such as a hearty soup or a fresh salad, followed by the main course of the slow-cooked stew.
To cap off the meal, diners are treated to a delectable dessert, often featuring local fruits or traditional sweets, accompanied by a soothing cup of coffee or tea.
The sample menu may include:
- Regional starter
- Cozido das Furnas stew
- Dessert and coffee/tea
This complete dining experience allows visitors to enjoy the rich culinary traditions of the Azores.
Tour Reviews and Booking Details
The tour boasts an impressive 262 reviews and a prestigious Badge of Excellence, attesting to its high-quality experience.
Travelers can conveniently confirm their booking at the time of reservation, with a maximum group size of 8 individuals. Flexible cancellation policies allow for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure.
This level of attention to detail ensures a seamless planning process for guests, who can focus on anticipating the upcoming adventure.
With pickup and drop-off in Ponta Delgada, along with an air-conditioned vehicle, travelers can sit back and enjoy the scenic nighttime journey to Furnas.
The tour’s comprehensive offerings, from the thermal baths to the traditional Azores dinner, create an unforgettable experience.
Cancellation Policy
Travelers can take advantage of the tour’s flexible cancellation policy, which allows for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure. This ensures peace of mind and the ability to adjust plans if needed.
The cancellation policy is straightforward and hassle-free, making it easy for customers to book with confidence. Some key points about the cancellation policy:
- Full refund available up to 24 hours prior to the tour
- No hidden fees or penalties for cancellations within the policy timeframe
- Flexibility to reschedule or cancel the tour as needed
This cancellation policy is just one of the many reasons why the Furnas Night-Time Experience has earned a Badge of Excellence from satisfied customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Tour Suitable for Young Children?
While the thermal baths and dinner may be suitable for older children, this tour is generally not recommended for young children. The nighttime nature of the excursion and the adult-focused activities make it more appropriate for older travelers.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Guests are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on this type of tour. The package includes a traditional Azores dinner, so bringing additional items wouldn’t be necessary. Check with the tour operator if you have any special dietary needs.
Is There a Dress Code for the Dinner?
There is no formal dress code for the dinner. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably and appropriately for the casual, traditional Azorean meal. Warm, casual attire that allows for easy movement is recommended.
What Is the Language of the Guided Nature Walk?
The guided nature walk is conducted in English. The tour provides an English-speaking local guide to lead participants on a relaxed exploration of the natural surroundings, allowing them to fully appreciate the scenic beauty of the area.
Are the Thermal Baths Gender-Separated?
The thermal baths are typically gender-separated, with designated areas for men and women. Visitors should bring appropriate swimwear and be prepared to follow the facility’s policies regarding modesty and etiquette when enjoying the relaxing natural hot springs.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
Recap
The ‘Furnas Night-Time Experience’ offers a unique opportunity to take in the geothermal wonders of the Azores.
From the soothing thermal baths to the traditional Azorean dinner, this tour provides an unforgettable experience that showcases the natural beauty and culinary delights of the region.
With a knowledgeable local guide and comfortable transportation, guests can relax and fully enjoy the highlights of this enchanting destination.
