Volcanoes Route: 2-Day Tour On The Island Of São Miguel

Explore the volcanic wonder of São Miguel Island on this captivating 2-day tour. Discover the island’s stunning natural landscapes, from breathtaking crater lakes to geothermal hot springs. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you’ll explore the island’s volcanic heritage and rich culture, uncovering hidden gems along the way. With a maximum of 8 travelers, this personalized adventure promises an immersive experience you won’t soon forget. Set out on a journey that will leave you in awe of the island’s sheer natural beauty and eager to uncover more of its volcanic secrets.

Key Points

Explore the stunning island of São Miguel, Portugal, over a two-day tour, highlighting natural wonders like tea plantations, pineapple farms, and volcanic landscapes.
Experience a personalized small-group adventure with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring an immersive and flexible tour.
Enjoy a range of included activities such as tea tasting, liqueur sampling, and visiting Parque Terra Nostra.
Convenient pickup service from Ponta Delgada and nearby areas, with a smooth tour start and knowledgeable guides.
Tour boasts high customer satisfaction with 11 perfect 5-star reviews, showcasing São Miguel’s best in a memorable way.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This two-day tour explores the stunning island of São Miguel in Portugal, showcasing its best destinations and attractions.

Highlights include a tea tasting at the Gorreana tea plantation, a visit to a pineapple plantation, and entry to the Parque Terra Nostra. You’ll also get to sample traditional Portuguese liqueurs.

With a maximum of 8 travelers, this tour provides a personalized experience. The convenient pickup service covers Ponta Delgada and surrounding areas, with collections starting at 9 AM.

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and accommodates service animals. Refreshing water is provided, and lunch can be arranged.

With 11 perfect 5-star reviews, this tour is a must for anyone seeking an immersive São Miguel experience.

Pickup and Meeting Details

Pickup is available in Ponta Delgada and surrounding areas, with collections beginning at 09:00 and taking up to 20 minutes.

Meeting points don’t include accommodations on narrow streets or historic centers, though the nearest suitable location can be provided. Travelers also have the option to head directly to their preferred meeting point.

This arrangement ensures a smooth start to the tour, with the guide ready to welcome guests and begin the exploration of São Miguel’s highlights.

Whether you choose to be picked up or meet the group, the tour’s organization prioritizes convenience and flexibility to provide a personalized experience.

Tour Inclusions and Options

A bottle of water is provided for each traveler on the tour. Lunch can be added as an optional extra, though personal purchases aren’t included. The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

The tour package includes the entrance fee to Parque Terra Nostra, which costs €16 per person. Travelers can enjoy a tea tasting at Gorreana, sample traditional Portuguese liqueurs, and visit a pineapple plantation.

The small group size, with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensures a personalized experience throughout the 2-day adventure on São Miguel island.

Accessibility and Participation

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed.

Service animals are permitted, and infant seats are available for those traveling with young children.

Most travelers can participate in the activities without issue.

While the destinations on the tour may involve some walking and uneven terrain, the guides are accommodating and happy to assist participants as needed.

Guests with mobility concerns are encouraged to discuss their needs with the tour operator ahead of time to ensure the experience meets their requirements.

Reviews and Ratings

With an impressive 5.0 rating from 11 reviews, this tour has earned high praise from satisfied customers.

Guests highlight the stunning scenery, knowledgeable guides, and unique spots not often found on social media, emphasizing the overall quality and professionalism of the experience.

One reviewer raved, ‘Our guide was fantastic – she really brought the island to life with her deep knowledge and passion.’

Another noted, ‘The small group size made it feel like a private tour, and we got to see things you can’t find on Instagram.’

Glowing recommendations underline the tour’s ability to showcase the best of São Miguel in a personalized and memorable way.

Gorreana Tea Tasting

Visitors embark on a captivating tea tasting experience at Gorreana, Europe’s oldest surviving tea plantation, where they’ll learn about the intricate process of cultivating and processing this beloved beverage.

The highlights of the tasting include:

Exploring the lush, verdant tea fields and witnessing the skilled tea pickers in action.
Discovering the traditional, handcrafted methods used to produce the estate’s signature black and green teas.
Savoring the aromatic brews and discerning the unique flavors and notes that make Gorreana’s teas so distinctive.
Browsing the on-site shop and purchasing a variety of high-quality teas to take home as souvenirs.

This captivating tea tasting offers a delightful glimpse into the rich heritage and time-honored traditions of São Miguel’s renowned tea industry.

Traditional Liqueurs Tasting

Travelers on the 2-day tour of São Miguel get the chance to savor a selection of traditional Portuguese liqueurs, offering a delightful taste of the island’s rich cultural heritage.

The liqueur tasting takes place at a local hotel, where knowledgeable guides introduce visitors to a variety of artisanal spirits.

From the renowned Azorean Ananas, made with pineapples, to the fragrant Ginjinha, crafted with tart cherries, each liqueur boasts a unique flavor profile and captivating backstory.

Participants learn about the production methods and historical significance of these beloved beverages, gaining a deeper appreciation for São Miguel’s vibrant culinary traditions.

The liqueur tasting is a highlight of the tour, allowing travelers to savor the essence of the Azores in every sip.

Pineapple Plantation Visit

The tour includes a visit to a local pineapple plantation, where guests can witness the unique cultivation process that gives the Azorean pineapple its signature sweetness and tropical allure.

During the visit, travelers will:

Explore the lush, verdant greenhouses and learn about the specialized techniques used to grow these prized fruits.
Observe the intricate harvesting and sorting procedures that ensure each pineapple meets the highest quality standards.
Enjoy a tasting of the plantation’s fresh, juicy pineapple, savoring the vibrant flavors that have made it a beloved local delicacy.
Browse the on-site shop, stocked with an array of pineapple-infused products, from jams and juices to beauty items and souvenirs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Any Special Attire Required for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t require any special attire. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended to fully enjoy the sights and activities. Travelers should dress for the expected weather conditions during their visit.

Can Children Participate in the Liqueurs Tasting?

Children are not allowed to participate in the liqueurs tasting portion of the tour. Minors must avoid the liqueurs tasting, but they can still join the other activities like the tea and pineapple plantation visits.

Are There Any Restrooms Available During the Tour?

The tour provides restrooms at select stops, allowing travelers to take breaks as needed. While specific restroom locations aren’t listed, the guides aim to accommodate participants’ needs during the experience.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

The tour spends approximately 1-2 hours at each location, allowing ample time for visitors to explore, take photos, and learn from the knowledgeable guide. The pace is balanced, ensuring a relaxed and immersive experience throughout the day.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

The tour operator offers group discounts for bookings of 3 or more travelers. These discounts can provide significant savings, making the tour more accessible for small groups exploring São Miguel’s highlights together.