Full-Day Guided Tour to Furnas Valley & Terra Nostra Park4.7(2,100 Reviews)
From€57.50per person
Listing ID : 65730
4.7(2,100 Reviews)
Full-Day Guided Tour to Furnas Valley & Terra Nostra Park
—Duration
EnglishSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration8 Hours
Group SizeMin. 2 Persons
Starts AtPonta Delgada
LanguagesEnglish
Full-Day Van Tour — Azores
Furnas Full Day Van Tour with Lunch — São Miguel, Azores
A journey through volcanic valleys, thermal waters, and the living landscape of São Miguel Island
This Furnas full day van tour takes you deep into one of the most geologically active and botanically rich regions of the Azores, combining natural wonders, cultural stops, and a traditional Azorean lunch in a single well-paced day. Departing from Ponta Delgada, the route crosses the island's southern coast before descending into the steaming caldera of Furnas. Every stop is designed to give you authentic contact with São Miguel's landscape and heritage.
The itinerary balances leisure and discovery without rushing. From strolling through an internationally acclaimed botanical park to watching a centuries-old cooking tradition unfold beside a volcanic lake, the day offers moments that are both visually striking and genuinely informative. The return route along the north coast adds a contrasting perspective on the island's terrain.
The tour is conducted in a van, making it accessible to a broad range of travellers, including those who prefer a comfortable, guided experience over physical activity. A local guide accompanies the group throughout, providing context at each location and ensuring a coherent narrative from departure to return.
Tour Highlights
Walk through Terra Nostra Park, a historic botanical garden home to plant species collected from across the globe.
Relax in the famous thermal pool of Terra Nostra, fed by iron-rich geothermal waters at a naturally warm temperature.
Visit the caldeiras of Furnas Lake and witness the extraction of Cozido das Furnas, a stew slow-cooked underground by volcanic heat.
Stop at Gorreana Tea Plantation on the north coast, the oldest operating tea estate in Europe and the only one in Portugal.
Take in sweeping panoramic views from the Pico do Ferro viewpoint overlooking Furnas Valley and its caldera lake.
Taste naturally carbonated mineral water known locally as Agua Azeda, a traditional Azorean experience found in the village centre.
Pass through Vila Franca do Campo, the first historical capital of São Miguel, for a brief comfort stop and a glimpse of the town.
Itinerary
1
Departure — Ponta Delgada to Vila Franca do Campo
The tour begins at the briefing point at Picos de Aventura in Ponta Delgada. The van heads east along the southern coast, making a short comfort stop at Vila Franca do Campo, the island's original capital.
2
Terra Nostra Park — Botanical Garden and Thermal Pool
Arriving in Furnas, the group enters Terra Nostra Park to explore its remarkable collection of global plant species. Visitors have the opportunity to soak in the warm thermal pool located within the park grounds.
3
Furnas Lake Caldeiras and Cozido Extraction
The tour moves to the geothermal vents at the edge of Furnas Lake, where the iconic Cozido das Furnas is slow-cooked underground. Witnessing the pots being lifted from the earth is a singular cultural experience unique to the Azores.
4
Lunch at a Local Restaurant
The group sits down for a traditional Azorean lunch at a local restaurant in the Furnas area, with the Cozido das Furnas typically among the featured dishes. This is included in the tour price.
5
Furnas Village — Fumaroles and Agua Azeda
After lunch, a walk through the village centre reveals clusters of active fumaroles and natural mineral springs. Tasting the naturally sparkling Agua Azeda is a distinctive local ritual worth experiencing.
6
Return via North Coast — Pico do Ferro and Gorreana
The return journey follows the north coast road, with a stop at the Pico do Ferro viewpoint for views over the Furnas Valley. The tour concludes with a visit to the Gorreana Tea Plantation before arriving back in Ponta Delgada.
What Is Included
Included
Van transport throughout the day
Local guide accompaniment
Entrance to Terra Nostra Park
Access to thermal pool at Terra Nostra
Traditional Azorean lunch at local restaurant
Not Included
Personal travel insurance
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Gratuities for the guide
Any beverages not specified in the itinerary
Important Information
A minimum of 2 participants is required for this tour to operate. The operator will contact you directly if rescheduling becomes necessary.
Duration
Approximately 8 hours for the full day experience.
Meeting Point
Picos de Aventura, Ponta Delgada, for the initial briefing before departure.
What to Bring
Closed, comfortable footwear, a light jacket, and water are required. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a small backpack, and a camera are strongly recommended.
Cancellation
Please review the operator's cancellation policy at the time of booking. The operator reserves the right to reschedule if minimum participant numbers are not met.
Accessibility
The tour involves walking on paths within Terra Nostra Park and around the village. Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven ground for short distances.
Age Range
Children aged 6 to 11 are welcome with a reduced rate. Adults are classified as 12 years and older. The tour suits a wide range of ages and fitness levels.
Reserve Your Spot
Join this full-day journey into the volcanic heart of São Miguel and experience Furnas as few travellers do. Spaces are limited — secure your place before the tour fills up.
Is the thermal pool at Terra Nostra included in the tour? ▼
Yes, access to Terra Nostra Park and its thermal pool is included in the tour price. You are welcome to bring a swimsuit and towel to make use of the pool during the visit.
What is Cozido das Furnas and will I get to try it? ▼
Cozido das Furnas is a traditional Portuguese stew cooked underground using geothermal heat from the volcanic vents near Furnas Lake. The included lunch at a local restaurant typically features this dish as one of the options.
What happens if there are fewer than 2 participants booked? ▼
A minimum of 2 participants is required for the tour to run. If the minimum is not reached, the operator will contact you to arrange an alternative date or offer a suitable resolution.
Is the tour suitable for children? ▼
Yes, children aged 6 and above are welcome on the tour. A reduced rate applies for children between 6 and 11 years old, and the itinerary is designed to be engaging for a range of ages.
What should I wear for the tour? ▼
Comfortable closed-toe footwear and light, practical clothing are recommended. Bringing a light jacket is advisable as temperatures in the Furnas valley can be cooler, particularly in the morning and at higher elevations.
Does the tour include transport from my hotel? ▼
The tour departs from Picos de Aventura in Ponta Delgada, where the briefing takes place. Participants should make their own way to the meeting point unless otherwise arranged directly with the operator.
Furnas TourSão MiguelAzoresTerra Nostra ParkThermal PoolCozido das FurnasGeothermalGorreana TeaVolcanic ValleyFull Day TourPonta DelgadaAzores Day Trip
This tour operates on São Miguel Island, the largest island in the Azores archipelago, an autonomous region of Portugal located in the North Atlantic Ocean. The primary destination is Furnas, a civil parish situated within the Povoação municipality in the eastern part of the island. Furnas is internationally recognised for its geothermal activity, including caldeiras, fumaroles, and naturally heated lakes. The tour also visits Terra Nostra Park in Furnas, Vila Franca do Campo on the southern coast, the Pico do Ferro viewpoint overlooking the Furnas Valley, and the Gorreana Tea Plantation on the island's north coast. The departure and return point is Ponta Delgada, the regional capital of the Azores, located on the southern coast of São Miguel. This route provides cross-island coverage, showcasing the contrasting landscapes of the volcanic interior and both the northern and southern coastlines of São Miguel.
Type: Guided Van Tour | Region: Azores, Portugal | Island: São Miguel | Primary Destination: Furnas | Activity Level: Low to Moderate | Duration: Full Day (8 Hours) | Includes: Botanical Garden, Thermal Pool, Geothermal Sites, Traditional Lunch, Scenic Viewpoint, Tea Plantation | Suitable For: Families, Couples, Solo Travellers, Cultural Tourists
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