Couples PRIVATE Hybrid 4X4 Tour - Furnas (Inc Hot Springs and 3 Course Lunch)
Description
With ECO in mind our Hybrid 4x4 Vehicle has a go off-road capability with the luxury and comfort of a modern SUV, whilst being kinder to the environment. All of Azores Connections tours are private and tailored to your pace and ability, leaving you relaxed and with a head full of memories from the nature that will surround you on this truly unique Island experience.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Here you'll have the opportunity to take a relaxing lakeside walk ,experiencing a lush green trail with wood carvings as well as the chapel of nossa senhora das vitórias, erected on the shoreline of the lake by José do Canto in the mid eighteen hundreds as a final resting place for him and his wife. Its very Gothic appearance is like no other chapel you will find on São Miguel.
Following on from your relaxing walk on the banks of the lake you will be met by Andy your guide who will lead you around the area where the water boils and the ground is hot to the touch, and gives you the opportunity to see where your 'cozido lunch' is gently simmering. buried for 6 hours and cooked using the steam of this very volcanic location.
What better way to enter into the holiday spirit than a relaxing soak in the Hot Springs of Terra Nostra Gardens. the clock is not an issue here, take your time and fully immerse yourselves in the healing hot water of this historical 18th century hot spring lake. This 12.5 hectare site also has lots of hidden gems for you to explore, once you've completely unwound. Wander through this botanical marvel and absorb the nature before heading off for lunch.
Following on from your 3 course lunch you'll be whisked away to the second active volcanic zone of Furnas with its fumeroles bubbling and steaming away. Experience the sights and smells of this place and maybe taste one of the many volcanically filtered spring waters that are meandering into the town. Packed with minerals from the volcanic rock it has passed through, it's a taste sensation not to be missed.
If time allows you'll make your way to the North Coast of São Miguel to visit one of the only 2 surviving tea plantations in the whole of Europe. Listen to the natural processes involved in tea production 'Azorean Style' as well as seeing the machinery still used to this day to turn the leaves into tea that you can taste in the on site café. This plantation dates back to 1883 and your visit here is a rare opportunity to taste authentic organic European tea.
Before returning back to your hotel, no North Coast visit is complete without popping in to see one of the best views on the Island. It's a 180 degree coastal observation point with a breathtaking view over the rustic and rugged cliff edges and the magical deep blue ocean.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We offer pick-up for Cruise Ships arriving in Ponta Delgada for Shore Excursions, as well as Hotels within the Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, Maia and Fenais da Luz areas. This tour includes a visit to the volcanic hot springs - Please bring: Bathing suits. Towels. Sandals/Flip Flops. Drinking Water. Mob/Whatsapp Contact No: (+351) 919 310 104
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Wheelchair accessible
Reviews(17)
Andy was a wonderful guide and knew the history and geography and topography of the island. We learned a great deal about how the island was formed and the historical information of the island.
We booked with Azores connections for our honeymoon. This was our first time using a travel agent and we are very impressed. We booked a few months in advance, with Andy being very flexible over our program, and prompt responses to our questions. We stayed for 5 days on the main island, and we had a wonderful, stress free, experience, with an itinerary that was tailored for us. We got the opportunity for wine tasting, guides around the mountains and lakes, a beekeeping experience and more! We are certain that without Azores connections, we would have missed out on many great opportunities that will now be lifelong memories of ours. Andy gave us the tour personally on one day and was a superb host with lots of knowledge about the history and a very friendly and warm approach to his work. The service was also very flexible on our desires, and when one event was cancelled due to the weather, promptly refunded us. I highly recommend Azores connections for anyone looking to visit the Island(s) and wanting to get a full experience of the island in whatever way you most enjoy.
This is a must do experience if you come to São Miguel! It is such a great way to see parts of the island with a very knowledgeable and personable guide. Andy was the absolute best! This was by far our favorite experience we had on the island! 1000% book it!
One of the best coordinated and relaxing tours. Andy was great! This was a very nice, low key, personal tour experience. We were not in the mood for rushing and wanted to spend a nice private experience in Furnas. Andy knows everything about the villages and culture. He was engaging at the right level, knew how to get everywhere with ease and since he is British but has lived in Furnas for 9 years, knows the locals, can speak fluently in Portuguese. One of the best overall relaxing and interesting tours I’ve done. Oh and the food was amazing (and gluten free for my celiac Husband).
Perfect tour and guide. We were lucky enough to have Andy (owner of the company) who is extremely knowledgeable, passionate about the island and just plain genuinely friendly. I cannot recommend his service and company enough. They are the only company to use if you are visiting the Azores for a day or for a week or for a lifetime !
Andy picked us up right at the cruise port and we had a great day experiencing some of what the island had to offer. Interesting sites, good food and beautiful scenery. He's a great guide and highly recommend this tour.
Our guide, Andy, was very personable and gave us lots of Azorean history, culture and traditions throughout the day. He drove us up into the mountain (volcano) and dropped us off to have an hour leisurely walk enjoying the beautiful lake. Showed us several thermal activity sites, one in particular where local restaurants cook their food for the day. We went to Terra Nostra for the gorgeous gardens and to enjoy the warm mineral bath and then off to lunch at a great local restaurant Tony’s for a 3 course amazing lunch! One of the best excursions we have experienced - definitely would use him again while visiting the Azores!!
Highly...highly...highly recommend this tour!! Andy was professional, full of knowledge, and eager to make this experience everything we were hoping for. We soaked in the thermal spring, drank the local tea, ate the authentic lunch, and left the Azores feeling like we had a new friend. Want to come back and see more soon!
We booked Azores Connections to take care of planning our honeymoon and this was one of the events that we booked. We cannot possibly describe how wonderful this experience with Andy was. He took care of everything! He picked us up from our hotel, gave us a private tour of Furnas, the hot springs, the gardens, and gave us our very own water sommelier course. Andy is incredibly knowledgeable about the island, the volcanic activity, the history, etc. This experience is truly a VIP experience and when we come back to the Azores we will be sure to use this company EVERY time.
We had an amazing day touring S.Miguel with Azores Connections. Andy made the trip very easy in this very popular busy area. From patiently waiting for us while we swam or parking and picking us up. All reservations were booked ahead. Very relaxed and informative day. Thank you. Great memories.
