Furnas: Thermal Springs & Tea Plantation Day Tour With Lunch

Enjoy the captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Azores during the Furnas: Thermal Springs & Tea Plantation Day Tour. This exhilarating excursion takes you on a journey through volcanic caldeiras, lush botanical gardens, and the charming Gorreana Tea Factory, where you’ll discover the island’s renowned blends. From the breathtaking vistas of the Pico Do Ferro and Santa Iria Lookouts to the mouthwatering flavors of traditional Azorean cuisine, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to uncover more of this remarkable destination.

Key Points

This full-day tour showcases the natural and cultural wonders of Furnas, including visits to thermal pools, a tea plantation, and opportunities to try local cuisine.
Explore the lush Terra Nostra Park with its therapeutic thermal pools and diverse flora, including rare and endangered plant species.
Indulge in a 1.5-hour culinary experience featuring the renowned Cozido dish, homemade breads, cheeses, and traditional desserts.
Discover the volcanic caldeiras, with their hissing, gurgling sounds and pungent sulfur aroma, and learn about the region’s remarkable geological processes.
Visit the Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s only tea manufacturing facility, for a guided tour and the chance to sample and purchase high-quality black and green teas.

Tour Duration and Languages

The tour lasts a full 8 hours, providing ample time to explore the captivating sights and take in the local culture.

Visitors can enjoy the guided experience in their choice of English, Portuguese, or Spanish, ensuring a seamless and engaging adventure.

Whether you’re seeking to photograph the picturesque vistas, indulge in traditional cuisine, or explore the region’s rich history, this comprehensive tour has a lot to offer.

With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse landscapes and unique traditions that make Furnas such a remarkable destination.

The carefully curated itinerary promises an unforgettable day filled with memorable moments and authentic experiences.

Scenic Photo Stops

Along the journey, visitors will have the opportunity to capture breathtaking photographs at several picturesque stops, including the charming town of Vila Franca do Campo, the captivating Furnas landscape, and the stunning Ribeira Grande.

The tour will make a stop in Vila Franca do Campo, a quaint fishing village known for its colorful architecture and stunning natural harbor.

In Furnas, visitors can marvel at the striking volcanic landscape, with its steaming calderas and lush vegetation.

The final photo stop is at Ribeira Grande, a picturesque coastal town featuring a beautiful historic center and stunning ocean vistas.

These scenic locations offer ample opportunities to immortalize the natural beauty of the Azores.

Terra Nostra Park Visit

Visitors’ tour of the remarkable Terra Nostra Park promises a captivating exploration of its lush botanical gardens and therapeutic thermal pools. After arriving at the park, they’ll have 1.5 hours to enjoy its serene beauty, meandering through verdant pathways and relaxing in the famous iron-oxide-tinted pools believed to possess restorative properties. As they soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters, they’ll be surrounded by vibrant flora and the tranquil sounds of nature. The park’s diverse collection of plants and trees, including rare and endangered species, add to the enchanting ambiance, making it a true haven for nature lovers and those seeking a rejuvenating experience.

Experience	Description
Botanical Gardens	Lush, verdant pathways winding through a diverse collection of rare and endangered plant species
Thermal Pools	Famous iron-oxide-tinted pools with mineral-rich waters believed to have therapeutic properties
Serene Ambiance	Tranquil sounds of nature and a captivating natural setting that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation

Furnas Culinary Experience

After exploring the serene Terra Nostra Park, travelers can indulge in the unique culinary delights of Furnas. They’ll enjoy a 1.5-hour break for lunch, cheese tasting, and food sampling, seeing the traditional flavors of the region.

The highlight of this culinary experience is the opportunity to try the renowned Cozido, a traditional dish that’s slowly cooked using the natural heat of the earth’s geothermal vents in Furnas.

Other local specialties include:

Homemade breads and cheeses
Freshly baked pasties
Locally sourced produce and ingredients
Traditional desserts like queijadas and malassadas
Artisanal teas and infusions

Volcanic Caldeiras Exploration

Travelers often marvel at the Caldeiras Vulcânicas, the dramatic volcanic calderas that dot the landscape of Furnas. These steaming, bubbling vents showcase the raw power of the island’s volcanic origins, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the Earth’s internal workings.

During the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to explore these captivating geothermal features up close, learning about the geological processes that shaped the region. The hissing, gurgling sounds of the calderas, along with the pungent aroma of sulfur, create an otherworldly atmosphere that transports visitors to a primordial realm.

It’s a truly humbling experience to stand on the edge of these ancient, formidable craters, reminding us of the dynamic, ever-changing nature of our planet.

Pico Do Ferro Lookout

From the dramatic volcanic calderas, the tour now takes guests to the Pico do Ferro Lookout, which offers a sweeping vista over the lush Furnas landscape.

This scenic overlook perches atop a steep, rocky outcrop, providing a bird’s-eye view of the verdant valleys, sparkling lakes, and towering peaks that characterize this captivating region.

At the Pico do Ferro Lookout, visitors can:

Admire the breathtaking panorama stretching out before them
Spot the charming village of Furnas nestled in the distance
Witness the steaming fumaroles and bubbling hot springs dotting the area
Snap stunning photographs to capture the essence of this volcanic wonderland
Relish the peaceful tranquility and natural beauty of this picturesque setting

This brief stop at the Pico do Ferro Lookout is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who experience it.

Gorreana Tea Factory Tour

The tour next takes visitors to the Gorreana Tea Factory, where they’ll discover Europe’s only tea manufacturing facility that still employs traditional production methods.

During the 1-hour guided tour, guests will wander through the historic factory, marveling at the antique machinery and learning about the meticulous process of tea-making. From the withering troughs to the rolling machines, the experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the art of cultivating high-quality black and green teas.

At the end of the tour, visitors can sample the factory’s renowned blends and purchase some to take home, ensuring they can relive the flavors of this unique tea plantation long after their Furnas adventure.

Santa Iria Lookout

After exploring the tea factory, the tour makes a brief stop at the Santa Iria Lookout, offering sweeping vistas over the coastal town of Ribeira Grande and the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean beyond.

This scenic overlook provides an excellent opportunity to snap photos and take in the breathtaking natural beauty of São Miguel island.

The lookout features: