Azores São Miguel | Furnas & Nordeste with lunch included

Planning a trip to the Azores and considering a guided tour of São Miguel? This particular excursion has been highly rated—full of scenic viewpoints, natural wonders, and local treats. Based on the reviews and detailed itinerary, it seems like a solid choice for travelers looking to get a comprehensive taste of the island’s highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple visits on your own.

What really stands out to us are the knowledgeable guides who make the experience engaging and the stunning views you’ll enjoy at each stop. Plus, the inclusion of a volcanic-made lunch and thermal pools means you’re getting a full sensory experience, not just a sightseeing checklist. The only thing to keep in mind is that, with a busy day covering several sites, it might be a bit rushed for those wanting a more leisurely pace or to explore more deeply. But overall, this tour seems perfect for anyone who wants an efficient, well-rounded introduction to São Miguel’s natural beauty.

It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided insights, enjoy scenic viewpoints, and want to try local cuisine in a relaxed setting. If you’re traveling with a small group, the more personalized feel makes for a more intimate experience. Now, let’s get into what makes this tour tick and whether it could be your perfect day on the island.

• Small group size offers more personal attention from your guide.
• Includes lunch made with volcanic heat, a unique Azorean experience.
• Stops at several scenic viewpoints provide stunning vistas and photo ops.
• Visit to a tea plantation gives insight into local agriculture; only two in Europe.
• Thermal pools at Dona Beija or Parque Terra Nostra are included options for relaxing.
• Comprehensive itinerary covers volcanoes, crater lakes, waterfalls, and lush landscapes.

This tour provides a well-structured day of exploring some of the most exciting and picturesque parts of São Miguel. Starting from Ponta Delgada, your day will be filled with viewpoints, volcanic landscapes, and lush greenery, all tailored for those who love their scenery and want to learn a little about the island’s volcanic activity.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Nossa Senhora da Paz Viewpoint is your first stop. Imagine standing on a viewpoint that overlooks the islet of Vila Franca do Campo, born from an underwater volcanic eruption. The panoramic views here are impressive, and you’ll also take in the striking chapel staircase, which is both a religious and architectural feature, representing the rosary’s mysteries. Visitors have appreciated the view as “magnificent,” and it’s a great way to start your day with a dose of natural beauty and history.

Next, you’ll visit the Caldeira das Furnas, a site bursting with volcanic activity. Walking around this active volcano, you’ll see evidence of the island’s eruptive past stretching back over 100,000 years. This stop is more than just sightseeing; it’s about understanding the island’s fiery heart.

Miradouro Pico Do Fero offers a bird’s eye view over Furnas Valley and its crater lake. Experts consider this lake to be one of the largest hydropolises in the world, thanks to its diverse mineral waters. It’s a spectacular scene—rolling green hills, a shimmering crater lake—and provides that classic volcanic landscape photo opportunity.

A highlight for many visitors is a visit to Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana, one of only two tea plantations in Europe still producing tea. Here, you can walk through the lush plantations, learn about the tea-making process, and enjoy the fresh mountain air. It’s a peaceful, aromatic stop that appeals to nature lovers and those interested in local products.

The Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeiroes introduces you to the island’s lush flora and charming watermills. Walking along the watercourse, you’ll encounter waterfalls and a series of historic watermills, showcasing traditional technology amidst thriving nature.

The Lagoa das Furnas crater lake is an awe-inspiring sight—an enormous, steaming body of water formed inside a volcano. You get a generous amount of time here to take photos, walk around, and soak in the volcanic atmosphere.

For relaxation, you have a choice between Dona Beija or Parque Terra Nostra thermal pools. Both options offer warm, mineral-rich waters perfect for unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing. Parque Terra Nostra’s botanical gardens are a bonus if you have time and want to combine a cold walk with a warm dip.

Finally, you’ll end your day with a volcanic lunch, prepared using geothermal heat—a culinary experience that gives you a taste of local ingenuity. Included in the tour, it adds an authentic flavor to your visit, especially for those curious about how locals harness volcanic heat for cooking.

The Practicalities

What makes this tour convenient is the hotel pickup and drop-off, saving you the hassle of navigating public transport or arranging taxis. The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, and guided commentary adds depth to each stop. The price of around $111.56 per person for a full day is quite reasonable when you factor in meals, transportation, and expert guiding.

Keep in mind, while entrance fees are not included in the price and are available at your expense, many sites you’ll visit are free to enter, which helps keep costs manageable. The duration of 8-9 hours means you’ll want to be prepared for a full day, but the pacing seems well thought-out based on reviews.

What Travelers Say

Those who’ve taken this tour praise the knowledgeable guides for their friendly, informative approach, making complex volcanic processes easier to understand. Many reviews highlight the stunning views at Senhora da Paz and Pico Do Fero as some of the best on the island.

One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way the guide explained the volcanic activity and the history behind each site,” illustrating how guided insights add value. The stops at thermal pools, particularly Dona Beija, are described as “relaxing and refreshing,” perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Some noted that the day can be busy, especially with multiple stops, but most felt it was a good balance of sightseeing and leisure, especially since the lunch and thermal pools are included. If you’re not a fan of early mornings or long days, this might feel a little intense, but for most, it’s an excellent introduction to the island’s highlights.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of São Miguel in just one day, with a focus on natural beauty, volcanic activity, and local food. If you prefer guided experiences that provide context and stories about what you’re seeing, this tour fits the bill. It’s particularly good for those who appreciate scenic viewpoints, scenic drives, and a bit of relaxation in thermal pools.

While not specifically tailored for families or children, older children and teenagers who enjoy nature and scenic outings will find it engaging. The inclusion of a volcanic lunch makes it appealing for foodies and curious travelers alike.

If you’re after a balanced, well-organized tour that covers the main natural attractions of São Miguel, this experience offers a lot of value. It combines stunning views, educational commentary, and relaxing thermal pools, all wrapped up in a manageable one-day format. The small group setting means more interaction, and the guide’s knowledge enhances every stop.

The modest price for a full day with lunch and transportation makes this a strong contender if you’re looking to make the most of your time on the island without feeling rushed. Just be ready for a full day, and bring your camera along—you’ll want to capture the volcanic landscapes and lush scenery.

This tour is a good fit for travelers who enjoy nature, geology, and local culture, and who want a hassle-free way to see some of São Miguel’s best sights. It’s not a deep dive into every corner, but it offers a memorable snapshot of the island’s volcanic wonderland.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making transportation easy and convenient.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, giving you a full day of sightseeing without feeling overly rushed.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs about $111.56 per person, which includes guided commentary, lunch, and transportation.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are not included but are available in tour options—many sites you’ll visit are free to enter.

What kind of lunch is provided?
The lunch is a traditional Azorean meal cooked using volcanic heat, offering a unique culinary experience.

Can I visit thermal pools?
Yes, you have options to visit Dona Beija or Parque Terra Nostra thermal pools; entry is not included but can be paid for on-site.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, older children and teenagers interested in nature and landscapes will enjoy it. The focus is on sightseeing and relaxing at thermal pools.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, camera, and possibly a swimsuit if you plan to take a dip in the thermal pools.

If you’re looking to see São Miguel’s highlights in a day with expert guidance and good value, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want an authentic taste of the Azores’ volcanic charm without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.