Azores: Private tour to All São Miguel island with lunch

Exploring São Miguel in a Day: The Private Tour Experience

If you’re dreaming of seeing the highlights of São Miguel Island without the hassle of planning every detail yourself, this private full-day tour might just be the ideal choice. It promises a comprehensive taste of the island’s most stunning sights—from crater lakes to waterfalls, and even a visit to Europe’s only tea plantation. The promise of a personalized experience, complete with a local guide and a tasty Azorean lunch, makes it particularly appealing for those who want to make the most of a single day.

What really caught our eye about this tour? First, the fact that it’s private, meaning it’s tailored to your interests and can be customized on the spot—no giant tour buses, more flexibility. Second, the diverse itinerary that covers both natural wonders and cultural stops, giving you a well-rounded view of São Miguel. However, bear in mind that with such a packed schedule, this tour is quite full on, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a busy day.

If you enjoy scenic drives, breathtaking viewpoints, and learning about local traditions, this tour seems like a solid fit. It’s perfect for those who want to see a lot in one day, especially if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer a more intimate experience with a dedicated guide.

Key Points

• Tailored private experience offers flexibility and personalized attention.
• Comprehensive itinerary covers lakes, waterfalls, tea plantations, and scenic viewpoints.
• Local guide enhances the experience with insights into Azorean culture and history.
• Well-organized schedule balances sightseeing with a generous 1.5-hour traditional lunch.
• Comfortable transportation ensures a smooth ride across diverse terrains.
• Suitable for travelers seeking a full-day, all-in-one tour with convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introducing São Miguel’s Natural Marvels

This tour is a fantastic way to see São Miguel’s most iconic landscapes in a single day. We loved the way it combines the awe-inspiring crater lakes of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo with fascinating stops like the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Waterfalls and the Pico do Ferro viewpoint. The variety ensures you get a good mix of photo ops, scenic drives, and some downtime to truly soak in the views.

The tour starts with a pickup from your accommodation—making it stress-free from the get-go. From there, your guide takes the wheel in a large, comfortable SUV, so you’re not crammed or tired from the driving. The small-group/private setting means your guide can customize the day if you wish, or simply focus on sharing interesting tidbits about each location.

Exploring the Lakes and Volcanoes

One of the tour’s highlights is undoubtedly the crater lakes of Sete Cidades. Known as one of the 7 wonders of Portugal, these legendary lakes are set in a dormant volcanic caldera, with their vivid blue and green waters reflecting in the stillness. As one reviewer, Claudia, put it, “João was an incredible nice and very helpful driver,” and his commentary made the experience all the more memorable. You’ll get a chance for photos at the Vista do Rei Lookout, arguably the most famous viewpoint over the lakes.

Next, you’ll visit Lagoa do Fogo, a stunning, isolated lake with crystal-clear waters. The guide typically offers a guided tour or a photo stop here, giving you time to marvel at the natural beauty. Seeing these lakes in one day provides a striking contrast: the lush, caldera-filled Sete Cidades and the more remote, pristine Lagoa do Fogo.

Waterfalls, Greenery, and Cultural Stops

After the lakes, the journey continues northward to Ribeira dos Caldeirões Waterfalls, a peaceful natural park where cascades tumble over volcanic rocks amid lush greenery. It’s a great chance to stretch your legs and appreciate the quieter side of the island.

The tour then takes you to Furnas Valley, famous for its bubbling hot springs and volcanic activity. Here, you’ll enjoy a local Azorean lunch—a buffet of starters, main courses, drinks, and desserts. Reviewers like Eduardo appreciated the opportunity to sample regional flavors, noting the “traditional food of the region.” The Pico do Ferro viewpoint offers a panoramic vista over the steaming landscape, perfect for photos and understanding the volcanic forces shaping the island.

The trip doesn’t stop there. You’ll visit Povoacao, a charming historical village, and Nordeste, a picturesque fishing town with scenic vistas. The wide-ranging stops ensure that you get a real sense of both the natural environment and local culture.

The Tea Plantation and Coastal Views

Crossing back towards the west, the itinerary includes a visit to Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s only tea plantation. It’s a quiet, interesting stop where you can walk through the tea fields and learn about the local tea production. The reviews mention this as a highlight, with many appreciating the chance to see a unique part of Azorean agriculture.

Finally, the tour concludes with scenic lookouts like Ponta do Escalvado and Vista do Rei, offering sweeping views over the coast and volcanic landscapes. After a busy day filled with sights, you’ll be dropped back at your accommodation, tired but full of memories.

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The Practical Side: Price, Duration, and Value

At $259 per person, this tour offers quite a comprehensive package. Considering it includes private transportation, a guide, and a full buffet lunch, the value is solid, especially if you’d prefer not to worry about logistics or driving yourself. The 8-hour duration is perfect for fitting in the island’s highlights without feeling overly rushed, though it is a full day.

The private nature means no crowded buses, and you get a more personalized experience. The vehicle’s size and comfort, along with parking fees covered, make the logistics straightforward. Plus, with skip-the-line access at some sites, you won’t waste precious time waiting.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of São Miguel’s highlights in one day. It’s also perfect for travelers who prefer the intimacy and flexibility of a private guide, rather than large group tours. If you’re traveling with a partner, friends, or solo but want a more bespoke experience, this is a good pick.

Since the tour includes a lot of walking, scenic stops, and bus rides, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a busy itinerary. It’s not necessarily tailored for families with very young children or those with mobility issues, although the accessibility details are positive.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this private tour offers a rich and flexible way to experience São Miguel Island. You’ll get to see the volcanic lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, and even a tea plantation, all while enjoying the comfort of private transport and a knowledgeable guide. The reviews highlight the value of having a friendly, enthusiastic guide like João, who adds a personal touch that makes the experience memorable.

The combination of natural beauty, cultural insights, and delicious food makes it suitable for travelers who want a fully immersive day without the stress of planning logistics. If you’re after a comprehensive, well-organized tour and don’t mind a packed schedule, this could be the highlight of your Azores trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day to explore the main sights of São Miguel.

Is the tour private?
Yes, it’s a private experience that can be customized upon request, with a dedicated guide and vehicle.

What is included in the price?
The price covers private transportation, a local guide, parking fees, a full buffet lunch, and pick-up/drop-off at your accommodation.

Can the tour be canceled?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages does the guide speak?
Guides are available in Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and English.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The description mentions wheelchair accessibility, but it’s best to confirm with the provider beforehand.

How much walking is involved?
There’s some walking at sites like waterfalls and viewpoints, but it’s generally not overly strenuous.

Are meals vegetarian options available?
The description doesn’t specify, but since it’s a local buffet, special requests might be accommodated if informed in advance.

What makes this tour unique?
The private, customizable approach combined with a diverse itinerary showcasing natural and cultural highlights is a major plus.

Would I get enough time at each stop?
The schedule is designed to balance sightseeing with enough time for photos and brief explorations, based on reviews.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a thoughtfully curated, flexible, and scenic way to see São Miguel in a day, this private tour offers a lot of value. It’s great for curious travelers eager to learn, see, and taste the best the island has to offer—all in one comfortably managed day.

You can check availability for your dates here: