Furnas Volcano & Tea Plantation With Traditional Lunch, East Tour

This full-day east-coast tour of São Miguel combines volcanic scenery, tea-growing heritage, geothermal activity and one of the Azores’ best-known traditional meals. The route normally travels from the Ponta Delgada area toward the north coast, Gorreana Tea Plantation and Furnas Valley before returning along the island’s southern side.

Trip.com currently lists the experience as Furnas Volcano & Tea Plantation With Traditional Lunch, East Tour. The current listing shows a join-in tour, a 4.8/5 rating from 68 reviews, a starting price of approximately AU$133.95 per person and free cancellation by 00:00 one day before use.

The matching supplier itinerary describes an approximately eight-hour guided day with hotel pickup, an air-conditioned minivan, Gorreana Tea Plantation, Pico do Ferro, Furnas Lake, geothermal areas, a traditional cozido lunch and an optional visit to Terra Nostra Garden and its thermal pools.

View the Furnas Volcano and Tea Plantation Tour on Trip.com

Tour overview

The tour is designed as a broad introduction to eastern São Miguel rather than a single-attraction visit. It brings together coastal viewpoints, agriculture, volcanic geology, local food and an optional thermal-bathing experience in one day.

The matching supplier lists a scheduled duration of approximately eight hours, with a normal start around 9:00 am. The exact return time can vary because of pickup rounds, weather, traffic, restaurant timing and the amount of time used at Terra Nostra Garden.

The day usually follows the north coast toward Gorreana before entering Furnas Valley. It then returns toward Ponta Delgada along the south side of the island, often finishing with the Nossa Senhora da Paz viewpoint above Vila Franca do Campo.

Quick facts

Who this tour suits

This experience suits travellers who want to see a substantial part of São Miguel without hiring a car. It is particularly attractive to first-time visitors because it combines several of the island’s signature experiences in one day.

The tour is a strong fit for visitors interested in:

• Volcanic landscapes and geothermal activity
• Traditional Azorean food
• Tea cultivation and historic machinery
• Scenic viewpoints
• Botanical gardens
• Thermal pools
• Small-group sightseeing

It is less suitable for travellers who want several hours at each site, dislike group timing, cannot tolerate winding roads or require fully wheelchair-accessible transport.

Expected itinerary

1. Pickup or meeting point: Join the driver-guide in Ponta Delgada or at a confirmed hotel or Airbnb pickup location.
2. Santa Iria viewpoint: Stop for approximately 20 minutes to see São Miguel’s north coast.
3. Gorreana Tea Plantation: Spend about 45 minutes learning about tea production and sampling local tea.
4. Pico do Ferro: Pause for approximately 20 minutes above Furnas Valley.
5. Furnas Lake: Visit the geothermal cooking area for around 30 minutes.
6. Traditional lunch: Stop for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes for cozido and accompanying dishes.
7. Caldeiras das Furnas: Explore the steaming vents and mineral-water area for roughly 30 minutes.
8. Terra Nostra Garden: Optional 1 hour 30-minute garden and thermal-pool visit at additional cost.
9. Nossa Senhora da Paz: Finish with a viewpoint stop above Vila Franca do Campo.
10. Return: Travel back to the original meeting point or confirmed drop-off location.

The exact sequence may be changed to improve visibility, avoid traffic or adapt to restaurant, weather and attraction conditions.

Santa Iria viewpoint

Miradouro de Santa Iria looks across the steep green coastline on São Miguel’s northern side. It is usually the first scenic stop after leaving the Ponta Delgada area.

The visit is short, so keep a camera ready and remain close to the vehicle. Low cloud or rain can reduce the view, although the coastline is often striking even in changeable weather.

Gorreana Tea Plantation

Gorreana is one of the defining stops on the tour. The estate has produced tea since the 19th century and remains a working plantation and factory.

The official Gorreana website states that visits and tea tastings are free and do not require a reservation. Visitors can see tea fields, historic machinery and production areas when accessible.

The short tour stop generally allows time to:

• Walk through part of the factory
• See traditional tea-processing equipment
• Taste locally produced tea
• Browse the shop
• Photograph the terraced fields

Harvest and active production vary by season and day. A visit does not guarantee that every machine will be operating.

Pico do Ferro viewpoint

Pico do Ferro stands approximately 567 metres above sea level and provides a broad view over Furnas Valley, the village, Lagoa das Furnas and the surrounding volcanic landscape.

The official Azores viewpoint service lists parking, seating and accessible infrastructure at the site. Even so, mist and cloud can cover the view with little warning.

Because the stop is brief, the guide may change its timing to take advantage of a temporary break in the weather.

Furnas Lake and geothermal cooking

Lagoa das Furnas is a crater lake surrounded by forested slopes and geothermal activity. The tour normally visits the cooking area where local restaurants use volcanic heat to prepare cozido.

Large sealed pots are placed in earth holes heated by steam and hot ground. The stew cooks slowly for several hours before being collected and taken to restaurants in Furnas.

The area can smell strongly of sulphur and steam may reduce visibility. Visitors should stay on marked paths because the ground and water around geothermal vents can be dangerously hot.

Traditional cozido lunch

Lunch is included and is one of the tour’s main selling points. The matching supplier describes starters, Furnas stew, fish, meat and vegetarian alternatives, dessert, water, wine, juice, beer, coffee and tea.

Cozido das Furnas typically combines meat, sausages and vegetables cooked slowly using natural geothermal heat. Recipes vary between restaurants and may include ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, taro and local sausages.

Travellers who do not eat pork, blood sausage or mixed meat should request an alternative in advance. Vegetarian, fish and other meal choices may be available, but the supplier needs notice.

Furnas caldeiras

The village of Furnas contains steaming fumaroles, bubbling water, mineral springs and mud pools. These features reveal the continuing geothermal activity beneath the valley.

The guide normally explains the different springs and the way residents have used geothermal resources for bathing, cooking and local traditions.

Do not touch water, steam outlets or surrounding rocks unless a guide specifically confirms that it is safe. Some vents are near boiling temperature.

Terra Nostra Garden and thermal pools

Terra Nostra Garden is an optional part of the tour. Admission is not included in the base price.

The official garden currently lists general admission at €17 for adults and €14.50 for children and seniors. Admission includes access to the garden, permanent and temporary collections, the thermal pool and natural jacuzzis.

The large thermal pool varies from approximately 36°C to 42°C, while the natural jacuzzis are normally around 39°C to 40°C. Changing-room access is included.

The scheduled stop is about 1 hour 30 minutes. That is enough for either a focused garden walk, a thermal soak or a combination of both, but not an exhaustive visit to every part of the grounds.

Nossa Senhora da Paz

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz stands above Vila Franca do Campo. Its elevated stairway and tiled landings lead to wide views across the town and toward the offshore islet.

The matching itinerary allows approximately 30 minutes. Visitors who do not wish to climb the steps can still enjoy views from lower levels, depending on vehicle access and parking.

Pickup and meeting point

Free pickup and drop-off are listed for selected locations in Ponta Delgada, Lagoa and Ribeira Grande. Provide the exact hotel or Airbnb name and address when booking.

Travellers can also meet at the Ponta Delgada Tourist Information Office on Avenida Infante Dom Henrique. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Be ready 10 to 15 minutes before the confirmed pickup time. Shared pickup rounds can involve short delays, but the vehicle cannot wait indefinitely for late passengers.

Transport and group size

The tour uses air-conditioned minivans, with the supplier describing a maximum of eight passengers per van. The overall activity may accept more travellers across multiple vehicles on busy dates.

São Miguel’s roads are winding, particularly around Furnas and the island’s interior. Travellers prone to motion sickness should prepare before departure and request a forward seat when possible.

Large luggage is unsuitable. Bring a compact day bag with only the items needed for the day.

Guide languages

The supplier states that the tour may be operated by a multilingual guide. Matching current listings show English, Portuguese and Spanish options.

When several language groups travel together, the guide may repeat explanations. Select the preferred language during booking and confirm it on the final voucher.

What is included

• Certified driver-guide
• Air-conditioned minivan transport
• Selected pickup and drop-off in Ponta Delgada, Lagoa and Ribeira Grande
• Traditional Furnas lunch
• Starters and dessert
• Meat, fish and vegetarian options where arranged
• Water, wine, juice, beer, coffee and tea with lunch as described by the supplier
• Parking fees
• Passenger travel insurance provided by the operator
• Admission to the Furnas Lake cooking area where listed
• Tea tasting at Gorreana
• Mobile voucher

What is not included

• Terra Nostra Garden and thermal-pool admission
• Swimwear and towels
• Locker charges if applicable
• Optional gratuities
• Personal purchases and souvenirs
• Pickup outside the confirmed service area
• Additional food or drinks beyond the listed lunch inclusions
• Travel insurance beyond the operator’s stated passenger cover

Accessibility and physical demands

The overall tour is not advertised as wheelchair accessible. It involves repeated entry and exit from a minivan, short walks, uneven surfaces and optional thermal-pool access.

The Pico do Ferro viewpoint itself has accessible infrastructure, but other stops may have steps, slopes, narrow walkways or wet ground. Terra Nostra also includes natural surfaces and pool entry that may be difficult for travellers with reduced mobility.

Discuss mobility needs with the supplier before booking. A pushchair can be used, although not every path will be convenient.

Children and infant seats

Infant seats are available and pushchairs are permitted. Families should request the correct child restraint in advance and provide the child’s age and approximate size.

Children must be supervised carefully around geothermal areas and thermal pools. Steam vents, hot water and slippery surfaces create risks that are not present on an ordinary city tour.

The long day and winding roads may be tiring for younger children, so pack snacks, water and quiet activities for transport sections.

Thermal-bathing advice

Bring dark or older swimwear if planning to use the Terra Nostra thermal pool. Mineral-rich water can stain pale fabric and jewellery.

Useful items include:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Pool sandals or flip-flops
• Plastic bag for wet clothing
• Hair tie
• Change of clothes

Thermal water is very warm. Enter gradually, avoid prolonged soaking if feeling unwell and follow all posted health and safety instructions. Travellers with pregnancy, heart, blood-pressure or heat-sensitivity concerns should seek appropriate medical advice before bathing.

Weather and route changes

São Miguel is known for rapidly changing weather. Sun, fog, wind and rain can occur on the same day and in different parts of the island at the same time.

The guide may change the order of viewpoints to improve visibility. A cloud-covered stop does not normally mean the tour is cancelled.

Heavy rain or unsafe conditions can affect geothermal areas, viewpoints and road access. The operator may substitute a stop when necessary.

What to wear and bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light rain jacket
• Layered clothing
• Sun protection
• Reusable water bottle
• Motion-sickness medication if needed
• Personal medication
• Swimwear and towel for Terra Nostra
• Change of clothes
• Camera or phone
• Portable power bank
• Cash or card for Terra Nostra admission and purchases
• Offline copy of the voucher

Photography tips

Gorreana’s curved tea rows are especially photogenic from elevated positions. A wide-angle lens or phone camera works well for the landscape, while a moderate zoom can isolate patterns in the fields.

At Pico do Ferro, expose carefully for bright cloud and darker valley scenery. Mist can move quickly, so take photographs as soon as the view opens.

Protect cameras from steam and rain around Furnas. Avoid changing lenses near geothermal vents or in wet conditions.

Cancellation and booking checks

Trip.com currently displays free cancellation by 00:00 one day before the date of use. The matching supplier offers a full refund when cancellation is completed at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

The final Trip.com checkout and voucher conditions are binding. Before payment, verify:

• Tour date
• Pickup location
• Guide language
• Starting time
• Lunch inclusions
• Dietary requirements
• Terra Nostra admission exclusion
• Minimum booking size
• Child-seat request
• Cancellation deadline in local Azores time

Planning tips

• Submit dietary requests when booking rather than on the day.
• Confirm pickup the evening before departure.
• Bring swimwear even if undecided about Terra Nostra.
• Use darker swimwear because mineral water can stain fabric.
• Prepare for motion sickness before entering winding roads.
• Keep a light rain jacket accessible rather than packed at the bottom of a bag.
• Do not expect guaranteed clear views at every viewpoint.
• Leave the evening flexible in case the return is delayed.
• Download the voucher and operator contact number for offline use.
• Check the live Terra Nostra admission price before travel.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Furnas Volcano and Tea Plantation Tour?

The scheduled duration is approximately eight hours, although pickup rounds, weather and traffic can make the full day longer.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The matching supplier includes a traditional Furnas lunch with starters, alternatives, dessert and a selection of drinks.

What is cozido das Furnas?

It is a traditional meat-and-vegetable stew cooked slowly using geothermal heat from the volcanic ground in Furnas.

Does the tour visit Gorreana Tea Plantation?

Yes. The itinerary includes approximately 45 minutes at Gorreana for the factory, tea tasting and views of the plantation.

Is Terra Nostra Garden included?

The stop is optional, but admission is not included in the base tour price.

How much is Terra Nostra Garden?

The official current price is €17 for adults and €14.50 for children and seniors.

Can visitors swim at Terra Nostra?

Yes. Admission includes the thermal pool and natural jacuzzis, subject to the garden’s rules and opening conditions.

Is hotel pickup included?

Free pickup and drop-off are listed for selected locations in Ponta Delgada, Lagoa and Ribeira Grande.

What languages are offered?

The tour may be multilingual. Matching listings show English, Portuguese and Spanish, but the selected language should be confirmed on Trip.com.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The overall experience is not advertised as wheelchair accessible, although some individual viewpoints have accessible infrastructure.

Can children join?

Yes. Pushchairs and infant seats are available, but they should be requested before the tour.

Can the tour be cancelled?

Trip.com currently shows free cancellation by 00:00 one day before use. The final package and voucher terms govern the booking.

Important: Prices, attraction admission, pickup coverage, meal details, route order and cancellation policies can change. Recheck the selected Trip.com package and final voucher before travel.