Exploring the volcanic wonders of Sao Miguel Island’s Furnas region has never been easier. This private and customizable tour offers a chance to explore the bubbling fumaroles, soak in hot springs, and savor the slow-cooked cozido stew – all while traveling in the comfort of a luxury Mercedes minivan. With a knowledgeable guide providing insights, visitors can personalize their itinerary to suit their interests, from visiting a charming former island capital to indulging in a tea plantation tour and afternoon tea. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a foodie, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that’s sure to leave you captivated by the island’s volcanic landscape.
Key Points
- Private and fully customizable tour of Furnas on Sao Miguel Island in a luxury Mercedes minivan.
- Flexible itinerary tailored to visitor interests, including volcanic attractions, traditional cuisine, and local tea plantation.
- Seamless pickup from hotel or port and live commentary from a knowledgeable guide.
- Opportunity to savor local delicacies like the slow-cooked cozido stew and afternoon tea.
- Personalized experience to explore Sao Miguel’s captivating landscapes and cultural heritage at your own pace.
Tour Overview
This private and customizable Furnas tour allows visitors to discover Sao Miguel Island’s volcanic attractions in the comfort of a luxury Mercedes minivan.
The tour can be fully tailored to suit your interests, ensuring you get the most out of your day. You’ll be picked up from your hotel or the port and whisked away to explore the island’s natural wonders.
The itinerary highlights include visiting the Furnas Volcano and Lake, where you can try the traditional cozido stew, as well as heading to the former island capital of Vila Franca do Campo and a local tea plantation.
Along the way, you’ll stop at scenic viewpoints to take in the stunning landscapes.
Itinerary Highlights
Visitors can explore the Furnas Volcano and Lake, where they can try the traditional cozido stew.
They’ll also head to the former island capital of Vila Franca do Campo and visit a local tea plantation.
Along the way, they’ll stop at scenic viewpoints to soak in the stunning landscapes.
The itinerary highlights include:
- Witnessing the bubbling fumaroles and hot springs of the Furnas Volcano.
- Savoring the slow-cooked cozido stew, a local delicacy.
- Discovering the charming town of Vila Franca do Campo, once the island’s capital.
- Touring a traditional tea plantation and learning about the production process.
Inclusions
The tour includes an afternoon tea, providing a chance to savor local flavors.
Plus, the guide provides live commentary throughout the journey, offering insights into the destinations.
As a private tour, travelers enjoy a personalized experience with pickup and drop-off services.
The inclusions ensure a seamless and enriching exploration of Sao Miguel Island.
Whether traveling from a hotel or meeting at a designated point, the tour’s flexibility caters to each guest’s needs.
With a focus on providing an exceptional experience, the inclusions elevate the overall tour, allowing visitors to enjoy the island’s volcanic wonders without logistical hassles.
Meeting and Pickup
The tour offers flexibility in meeting and pickup locations, catering to your’ convenience. Travelers can choose to start the tour from their hotel or accommodation, or they can meet at a designated pickup point.
Pickup services are available from both Ponta Delgada and Lagoa, ensuring a seamless start to the day’s exploration.
The tour provides a range of benefits for travelers:
- Convenient start from your preferred location, whether it’s your hotel or a central meeting point.
- Reliable pickup service from the two main cities, Ponta Delgada and Lagoa.
- Stress-free transportation, allowing you to focus on enjoying the tour.
- Personalized experience tailored to your preferences.
Private and Customizable Experience
This private and fully customizable tour allows guests to create their own itinerary, tailoring the experience to their unique interests and preferences.
Whether you want to spend more time exploring the volcanic landscapes of Furnas or delve deeper into the island’s cultural heritage, the knowledgeable guide will work with you to craft the perfect day.
With a luxury Mercedes minivan at your disposal, you’ll travel in comfort and style, stopping at scenic viewpoints and visiting local highlights like a traditional tea plantation.
This flexibility ensures you get the most out of your Sao Miguel adventure, exploring the island at your own pace and focusing on the sights that captivate you the most.
Volcanic Attractions of Sao Miguel
Sao Miguel Island is home to a captivating array of volcanic attractions, from the steaming calderas of Furnas Volcano to the serene crater lake that bears its name. Visitors can explore these geological wonders, delving into the island’s rich volcanic history and witnessing the raw power of nature that continues to shape this unique landscape.
Some of the must-see volcanic highlights include:
- The bubbling mud pots and fumaroles of Furnas Volcano, where the ground literally comes alive with geothermal activity.
- The stunning Furnas Lake, a tranquil body of water nestled within the volcanic crater, offering breathtaking views.
- The traditional ‘cozido’ stew, cooked underground using the natural steam vents of Furnas.
- Picturesque viewpoints that showcase the island’s dramatic volcanic topography and lush, verdant landscapes.
Traditional Cozido Stew
Amid the steaming vents of Furnas Volcano, visitors can savor the rich flavors of cozido, a traditional Azorean stew cooked underground using the natural geothermal heat.
The hearty dish is prepared by layering various meats, vegetables, and spices in a pot, which is then buried in the volcanic soil to slow-cook for several hours.
The result is a mouthwatering blend of tender pork, beef, and chicken, complemented by the earthy sweetness of yams, cabbage, and potatoes.
Cozido is a true taste of Azorean heritage, offering a unique dining experience that immerses visitors in the island’s volcanic landscape and culinary traditions.
Scenic Viewpoints and Tea Plantation
Along With exploring the volcanic wonders of Furnas, the tour also takes visitors to scenic viewpoints across Sao Miguel Island, offering breathtaking panoramas of the island’s lush landscapes.
Plus, the tour includes a stop at a local tea plantation, where guests can learn about the island’s rich tea-making traditions and sample the fragrant brews.
The scenic viewpoints showcased on the tour are sure to captivate the senses:
Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a breathtaking twin-lake nestled in the crater of an ancient volcano
Pico do Ferro, a stunning lookout point with panoramic vistas of the island’s rolling hills and valleys
Miradouro da Gruta do Carvão, a picturesque viewpoint overlooking the island’s dramatic coastline
Gorreana Tea Plantation, where visitors can enjoy the tranquil beauty of Sao Miguel’s tea-growing heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions. Guests with special dietary needs should inform the tour provider in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made, such as alternative meal options or substitutions.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Private Tour?
The maximum group size for this private tour is not specified. As it’s a private tour, the group size is customizable and can be tailored to the customer’s needs. The exact group size is flexible.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included?
The tour price includes the listed inclusions, but there may be additional fees or taxes not mentioned, such as entry fees to attractions or costs for optional activities like trying the traditional cozido stew.
Can the Itinerary Be Modified on the Day of the Tour?
Yes, the itinerary can be modified on the day of the tour. The tour is fully customizable, allowing guests to adjust the itinerary to their preferences and interests throughout the experience.
Is There an Option to Book the Tour for a Single Traveler?
Yes, the tour can be booked for a single traveler. The tour operator offers private tours, so you can enjoy the customizable itinerary without having to join a group. Pickup and drop-off are also included for solo travelers.
Recap
The Furnas private and customizable tour offers an unforgettable experience exploring the volcanic wonders of Sao Miguel Island. Travelers can discover bubbling fumaroles, savor the traditional cozido stew, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the island, all while traveling in the comfort of a luxury minivan with a knowledgeable guide.
This personalized tour provides an opportunity to take in the unique volcanic landscape and local culture of Furnas.
