Private tour Full Day Furnas 1 to 4 people

A private day exploring Sao Miguel’s highlights with a personalized touch

This full-day private jeep tour offers a fantastic way to see some of the most iconic sights of Sao Miguel, Portugal, with the flexibility to tailor the experience to your preferences. For about $480 per group (up to four people), you’ll enjoy around eight hours of exploring volcanic lakes, thermal baths, lush gardens, and panoramic viewpoints, all in a comfortable, private vehicle. Your friendly guide, Eduardo, is often praised for his charisma and extensive knowledge, which adds a warm, engaging element to your adventure.

What we love most about this experience is how it takes you off the beaten path—driving along secondary roads that reveal hidden vistas and secluded spots others often miss. Plus, the chance to customize your itinerary means you get a tour that matches your interests, whether that’s soaking in thermal waters or tasting local tea.

One possible consideration is the extra cost of entrance fees for some stops, like parks or gardens, which are not included in the base price. This means you should budget accordingly if you plan to visit multiple sites.

This tour is ideal for small groups or couples who want an intimate, flexible way to explore. It’s perfect if you value personalized attention and a deeper dive into local scenery and culture, rather than just ticking off a list of sights.

Key Points

Private experience with flexibility: Tailor your day to your interests in a small group.
Authentic local spots: Visit essential sites like Furnas Lake and traditional tea plantations.
Scenic drives on secondary roads: Discover views and places inaccessible to larger tours.
Thermal baths and local cuisine: Enjoy a relaxing swim and a traditional cozedo meal.
Expert guide: Eduardo’s enthusiasm and knowledge elevate the experience.
Cost consideration: Entrance fees are not included for some sites, so plan accordingly.

Detailed Review of the Full Day Furnas Tour

What’s Included and How the Day Flows

This private tour is designed to maximize your time while giving you a genuine sense of Sao Miguel’s natural beauty. Starting around 9:00 am from your hotel in Ponta Delgada, you’ll be picked up in a comfortable, private jeep—a great way to navigate the island’s often narrow and winding roads. With a customizable itinerary, you can decide what interests you most, but generally, the tour hits some of the island’s highlights.

Parque Terra Nostra: Soak and Stroll

The first stop is the Parque Terra Nostra, famous for its thermal waters and lush botanical gardens. While the admission ticket isn’t included, many travelers find it worthwhile to pay the modest fee to enjoy a warm soak in the mineral-rich waters. We loved the contrast of relaxing in hot springs surrounded by exotic plants—an experience that feels both indulgent and authentic.

The gardens themselves are a peaceful retreat—vivid flowers, ancient trees, and winding paths. For a quick walk, it’s a peaceful way to start your day, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some of the local birdlife.

Lagoa das Furnas: Witnessing the Cozido and Scenic Lake

Next, you’ll visit Lagoa das Furnas, a volcanic crater lake famed for its bubbling caldeiras—steam vents where locals cook the cozido, a hearty stew prepared underground with geothermal heat. Watching this age-old method in action is both fascinating and tasty, as you’ll get to sample the dish at a nearby restaurant. The admission is included, making it easier to focus on the sights and smells of this unique cooking process.

This site offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding greenery, making it one of the most photographed spots on the island. The experience highlights how local communities have harnessed geothermal energy—a sustainable and authentic aspect of Sao Miguel’s culture.

Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana: Tea Tasting in a Historic Plantation

After the lake, you’ll go to the Gorreana Tea Plantation, which has been producing tea since 1883. Walking through the tea fields, you’ll see the green rows stretching into the horizon and learn about the traditional process of tea cultivation. The tasting session is a highlight, giving you a chance to sample local teas, and appreciate the nuanced flavors that come from this unique climate.

Visitors often comment on how this stop feels like stepping back in time—here, the focus is on tradition and craftsmanship. It’s a quiet, contemplative experience, perfect for tea enthusiasts or anyone curious about how this crop shapes local life.

Nossa Senhora da Paz: Overlooking Vila Franca do Campo

The Nossa Senhora da Paz Chapel offers a peaceful respite and breathtaking views of the first capital of Sao Miguel. It’s a fitting spot to reflect on the island’s history and enjoy a panoramic vista. The admission fee is included, and the quiet beauty of the chapel coupled with the view makes it a memorable stop.

Travelers say this spot “overlooks the island in a way that makes you appreciate its scale and beauty,” and it’s an excellent place for photos or a quiet moment amid your busy day.

Miradouro Pico Do Ferro: A Viewpoint to Remember

The last major viewpoint, Pico do Ferro, offers a short but sweet stop for some of the best views of Furnas. It’s perfect for a quick photo or just soaking in the scenery. The admission is included, so you can spend as much or as little time here as you wish.

Many guests find this a highlight, praising how clearly you can see the volcanic landscape and lush greenery stretching in all directions. It’s a fitting end to a day of exploration.

The Experience and Value

The tour’s main strength lies in its personalization and the in-depth access it offers. Unlike larger group excursions, you get to decide what to focus on, and your guide, Eduardo, makes the effort to tailor the experience. The 8-hour duration feels just right—long enough to see a lot without feeling rushed.

The cost of $481.48 includes most key sites and a lunch, which adds fantastic value considering the private, intimate nature of the tour. When you factor in the admission fees for parks and attractions, it’s clear that this is a comprehensive, all-in-one way to experience Sao Miguel authentically.

The flexibility and small group size are perfect for those who prefer a relaxed pace and personal attention. The ability to customize means you can skip some stops or spend more time at what interests you most, making each tour unique.

Authenticity and Comfort

The tour emphasizes local culture and natural beauty—from geothermal cooking to traditional tea making—giving you a window into island life beyond typical tourist spots. The jeep provides a comfortable and capable vehicle, capable of navigating rougher roads, so you can access scenic viewpoints and lesser-known sites.

Considerations for Travelers

While the tour is well-rounded, some visitors may find the additional costs for park entries to be a surprise if they don’t plan ahead. It’s wise to bring some extra cash for optional visits or souvenirs. Also, the timing of stops allows for a leisurely experience, but if you have limited time, some flexibility might be needed.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private Furnas tour is perfect for small groups, couples, or families seeking a personalized exploration of Sao Miguel’s natural and cultural highlights. It suits those who appreciate authentic experiences—whether that’s soaking in thermal waters, tasting local tea, or enjoying scenic viewpoints. Travelers wanting a flexible, comfortable, and insightful way to see the island’s key sights will find this tour a rewarding choice.

FAQ

How many people can join this tour?
The tour is private for 1 to 4 people, providing an intimate experience with personalized attention.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes pickup, lunch, and admission tickets for sites like Lagoa das Furnas, Gorreana tea plantation, Nossa Senhora da Paz chapel, and Pico do Ferro viewpoint. Park entrance fees are optional and not included.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is designed to be flexible, allowing you to focus more on sites that interest you most.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, sunscreen, water, and some cash for optional entrance fees or souvenirs. A camera is also recommended.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, including those with service animals. It’s a relaxed pace suitable for most age groups.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning to your meeting point in Ponta Delgada.

Do I need to prepare for the driving conditions?
The vehicle is a jeep, capable of secondary roads, so expect some winding or uneven roads; the experience is suitable for most travelers comfortable in such conditions.

Is there any cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final thoughts

If you’re looking for a personalized, flexible way to explore Sao Miguel’s highlights, this private tour offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, local culture, and relaxed exploration. The small-group setting, combined with a knowledgeable guide like Eduardo, ensures you’ll get insights and access that larger tours often miss. While you should budget for optional extras, the overall experience delivers genuine value, especially for those eager to understand the island’s volcanic landscape and traditions deeply.

Whether you’re a couple wanting a romantic day or a small family looking for an immersive adventure, this tour’s combination of scenic stops, cultural highlights, and authentic experiences makes it a memorable way to discover the heart of Sao Miguel.