Ponta Delgada: Seven Cities & Furnas Volcano Shore Excursion Tour

Exploring São Miguel: A Detailed Look at the Seven Cities & Furnas Volcano Shore Excursion

If you’re heading to São Miguel and considering a guided tour, the Ponta Delgada: Seven Cities & Furnas Volcano Shore Excursion from iGoAzores is worth a look. It promises a well-rounded experience with scenic viewpoints, geothermal wonders, and cultural stops—all packed into around 5 to 6 hours. While it might not cover every corner of the island, it’s a solid way to get a taste of the island’s highlights without feeling rushed.

What we really appreciate about this tour are the knowledgeable guides and the stunning vistas at key viewpoints. The chance to see the iconic Sete Cidades lakes, walk through geothermal parks, and taste the island’s famous tea all add up to a memorable day. However, a thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s pace can be affected by timing issues or late arrivals, which some guests have noted. This is best suited for cruise travelers or visitors with limited time who want a comprehensive look at São Miguel’s natural beauty.

Key Points
– Balanced itinerary covering top viewpoints, geothermal sites, and cultural stops
– Small group size enhances personalized attention and easier access to viewpoints
– Knowledgeable guides who share engaging stories and insights
– Excellent value for the price, with multiple highlights included
– Potential timing issues if the cruise ship departs earlier or late; punctuality matters
– Ideal for cruise passengers seeking a quick yet fulfilling island experience

A Closer Look at the São Miguel Shore Excursion

This tour offers a blend of natural beauty, local culture, and scenic vistas—perfect if you want to experience the best of São Miguel without the hassle of planning your own day. It’s especially appealing because it’s run by iGoAzores, a company with enthusiastic reviews and a reputation for reliable, well-organized trips.

Starting with Convenience: Pickup & Group Size

The tour begins with a pickup at the cruise terminal—a big plus for anyone arriving by ship. The company offers harbor pickup and drop-off, making the logistics straightforward. The group size is capped at 36, but the reviews suggest most groups are much smaller, which tends to make the experience more relaxed and intimate. A smaller group also makes it easier to access some viewpoints that larger buses might struggle with.

Duration & Pacing

Spanning roughly 5 to 6 hours, the tour strikes a balance between visiting enough sites and not overextending your day. The start time is at 9:00 am, giving you a generous window to explore. Still, timing is key—some reviews highlight the importance of punctuality, especially since the tour can be affected if passengers from different ships arrive late or early. Expect a fairly packed schedule, with about 15-minute stops at most viewpoints and attractions.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Vista do Rei Miradouro
This is a highlight of the tour—often considered one of Portugal’s seven wonders. It’s where you get your first glimpse of the famous Sete Cidades lakes, with their mesmerizing blue and green waters. The view is iconic and worth a few minutes to soak in. Travelers often mention how magical it feels to be at such a vantage point.

Stop 2: Miradouro de Santa Iria
Perched on the north coast, this viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas of São Miguel’s cliffs and coastline. Surrounded by lush greenery and wildflowers, it’s a perfect spot for photos and to appreciate the island’s rugged beauty. Many guests enjoy this stop for its natural contrast to the lakes.

Stop 3: Gorreana Tea Plantation
A visit to this world’s last 100% natural tea plantation is a treat. You can walk among the tea fields, learn about traditional cultivation and processing methods, and taste freshly brewed green and black teas. Reviewers rave about the scenic setting—lush, peaceful, and educational. It’s a great break from the busier sites and adds a cultural touch to the day.

Stop 4: Pico do Ferro Viewpoint
Offering panoramic views of Furnas Valley, this spot is a favorite for many travelers. From here, you can see the lush hills, Furnas Lake, and the geothermal activity bubbling below. It’s a short stop—about 10 minutes—but the views are well worth it.

Stop 5: Furnas & Terra Nostra Park
This is the tour’s geothermal highlight. You’ll see steam rising from the ground and bubbling hot springs, creating a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. If time permits, you can relax in the famous thermal pool at Terra Nostra Park, although this is optional and costs €10 per person. The smell of sulfur is unavoidable but adds to the sense of nature’s raw power. Guests appreciate the chance to walk through the lush gardens and see the geothermal activity firsthand.

Optional Pineapple Plantation
Depending on the time you have and the cruise schedule, there’s an opportunity to visit a pineapple plantation, which is unique in its cultivation process. Again, this is optional and might be affected by timing constraints, but it offers a glimpse of local agriculture that you won’t find elsewhere.

What the Reviews Say

The feedback is very positive, with an average rating of 4.6 from 36 reviews. Many travelers highlight the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, often describing them as engaging storytellers. For example, one reviewer says, “Diogo was outstanding. Went out of his way to show us everything the island had to offer.”

Guests also comment on the scenic beauty—viewpoints like Vista do Rei and Pico do Ferro are frequently praised for their breathtaking vistas. Several mention that the stops at the tea plantation and geothermal parks are highlights, making the trip both scenic and educational.

A few reviewers have pointed out timing issues, especially when ships arrive late or early, which can make the tour feel rushed or lead to some disappointment. One reviewer shares, “We arrived early but waited an hour and a half, and the guide never showed up,” which underscores the importance of punctuality. However, the majority of reviews praise the company’s professionalism and reliability.

Value for Money

At around $105 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering the number of sites covered and the inclusion of local storytelling, tea tastings, and pickup. It’s a fuss-free way to see major sights without the hassle of navigating on your own or booking multiple excursions.

Practical Considerations

• Make sure to arrive on time at the cruise terminal for pickup.
• Wear comfortable shoes—many stops involve walking and some uneven terrain.
• Pack a water bottle; the tour provides water but staying hydrated is always wise.
• Bring a camera—views at Vista do Rei and Pico do Ferro are effortlessly Instagram-worthy.
• If you’re interested in thermal pools, plan for optional extra costs and time.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for cruise travelers wanting a rundown in a short amount of time. It’s perfect if you’re interested in scenic viewpoints, geothermal activity, and a taste of local culture through the tea plantation. The small group size and knowledgeable guides make it suitable for anyone who values storytelling and personalized attention.

It’s less suitable if you’re looking for a deep dive into one particular site or prefer more flexibility and time at each stop. Also, if your cruise departs early or has timing constraints, you’ll want to double-check schedules to ensure you’re not rushed or left behind.

Final Thoughts

For those wanting a well-organized, insightful, and scenic tour of São Miguel, this excursion from iGoAzores ticks many boxes. The combination of famous viewpoints, geothermal wonders, and cultural stops offers a rounded glimpse of the island’s natural beauty and local charm. The guides’ knowledge and the small-group atmosphere are often cited as key highlights, making this a comfortable way to explore.

While some timing issues have been noted, overall, the experience tends to meet expectations and provides excellent value for the price. If you’re a cruise passenger or short-term visitor, this tour helps you make the most of your limited time on the island, especially if you’re keen on stunning views and learning about local traditions.

In the End

This shore excursion is best suited for those who appreciate a mix of sightseeing and cultural insights, with a good dose of natural beauty. If you’re up for a day that balances scenic vistas, geothermal activity, and storytelling, and you value a small, well-organized group, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to be punctual, and you’ll likely walk away with great memories—and plenty of photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include pick-up from the cruise terminal?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off at the cruise ship terminal in Ponta Delgada, making it convenient for cruise travelers.

How long does the tour last?
The excursion runs for approximately 5 to 6 hours, starting at 9:00 am, which gives enough time to see multiple sites without rushing.

Are there any additional costs?
While the tour price covers most activities, entrance fees for thermal pools and other optional stops like the Pineapple plantation are not included, and you’ll need to pay extra if you choose to visit them.

Is the tour suitable for families or children?
The description doesn’t specify age restrictions, but given the sightseeing nature and walking involved, it’s generally suitable for most travelers, including families with children.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for viewpoints and walking through parks. Bring layers, as mountain and geothermal areas can be cooler and may have variable weather.

How many people typically join the tour?
The maximum group size is 36, but reviews indicate most groups are smaller, which enhances the experience.

What if my ship arrives late or early?
Timing can be affected if the ship’s schedule isn’t aligned with the tour start time. Punctuality is crucial—arriving early ensures you don’t miss out or rush through the stops.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded, scenic, and engaging way to explore São Miguel on a tight schedule, this tour is worth considering. Just stay on top of timing, and you’ll get plenty of memorable moments.