Full Day Seven Cities & Fire (Min. 2 Persons)

Exploring São Miguel’s Natural Wonders: A Full Day of Lagoons and Local Flavors

If you’re looking to soak in the best of São Miguel’s captivating scenery in just one day, this full-day tour offers a well-rounded experience. For around $86 per person, you’ll spend approximately 8 hours exploring iconic lagoons, tasting local fruit liqueurs, and enjoying the island’s lush landscapes. Your day kicks off with a pickup at 9:15 am, and with a small group, you’ll get a lot of personal attention from your guides.

What we love most about this tour is how it balances breathtaking natural sights with authentic local experiences—like sampling the famous Maracuja liqueur and visiting the natural park of Caldeira Velha. The second highlight? The beautiful vistas of Lagoa das Sete Cidades from the “Vista do Rei” viewpoint—an unmissable photo opportunity and a true highlight for anyone visiting the island.

A potential consideration is that admission to Caldeira Velha is not included**, so if you want to soak in those thermal waters, you’ll need to budget extra. Also, if you’re prone to weather changes, rain and fog might obscure some views, so a flexible attitude helps.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate stunning landscapes, local flavors, and a relaxed pace. It’s perfect for those wanting a comprehensive snapshot of São Miguel’s natural beauty without missing the highlights, especially if you prefer guided tours that handle the logistics.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering São Miguel’s top lagoons and viewpoints
• Authentic experiences such as tasting local fruit liqueurs
• Expert guides provide insight and local knowledge
• Balanced pace with enough time at each stop to enjoy without feeling rushed
• Cost-effective price for a full day of sightseeing and culture
• Flexible and convenient pickup and transportation included

Discovering São Miguel: An In-Depth Look at the Full-Day Tour

What’s Included and How It Adds Value

For $85.98, this tour provides much more than just sightseeing. It includes lunch, comfortable air-conditioned transportation, and all fees and taxes, making it a stress-free way to explore. The only extras are entrance fees to places like Caldeira Velha, which are not included but are optional depending on your interests and budget.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Lagoa do Fogo – A Volcanic Wonder

Your adventure begins with a visit to Lagoa do Fogo, one of São Miguel’s most captivating lakes. Known as “Lake of Fire,” this crater lake is famous for its crystal-clear waters and surrounding volcanic landscape. Stops at mountain viewpoints allow you to appreciate the immense natural beauty from various angles. This stop lasts about an hour, giving ample time for photos and soaking in the scenery.

From the reviews, it’s clear travelers love this spot, with one mentioning the “beautiful views and peaceful ambiance.” The free admission makes it even more attractive as a highlight of the day.

Stop 2: Licores Mulher de Capote – Tasting Local Flavors

Next, your guide takes you to Licores Mulher de Capote, a small local shop where you can taste authentic fruit liqueurs of the island. The star here is the Maracuja (passion fruit) liqueur, which many visitors find delightful. This stop provides a genuine taste of São Miguel’s local craftsmanship—you might even want to buy a bottle as a souvenir.

One reviewer praised this as a “great opportunity to sample the island’s famous fruit liqueurs,” and it’s a chance to enjoy something sweet and refreshing amid the day’s natural wonders.

Stop 3: Lagoa Verde and the Iconic Sete Cidades – The Natural Wonder

The tour’s pièce de résistance is the visit to Lagoa das Sete Cidades, often called the “most famous natural wonder of Portugal.” From the “Vista do Rei” viewpoint, you’ll see the famous twin lakes—Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul—whose contrasting colors are a photographer’s dream.

In three hours, you’ll explore the Lagoa do Canário and Lagoa de Santiago, enjoying panoramic views and opportunities for photos. This part of the tour is highly praised, with one reviewer describing the “breathtaking views and memorable landscapes.”

Additional Highlights and Practicalities

• Lunch is included, and while the menu details aren’t specified, most likely it’s a local dish, giving you a taste of the island’s cuisine.
• The vehicle is air-conditioned, comfortable, and can carry up to 59 travelers, though most groups will be smaller, ensuring a more personal experience.
• The tour starts promptly at 9:15 am, so arriving on time is essential.

From the Traveler’s Perspective

Many reviewers highlight their guides’ knowledge and friendliness. One loved how Manuel, “our guide, picked us up at the cruise terminal on time and shared his pride for the island,” making the experience feel personal and genuine. Another noted Andrés was “a wonderful guide,” even under less-than-ideal weather, which shows the guides’ flexibility and dedication.

The overall sentiment is that the guides enhance the experience, making the scenic stops more meaningful with local stories and insights.

The Experience Beyond the Main Stops

While the main focus is natural beauty and local culture, travelers also value the relaxed pace—no rushing from site to site, plenty of time to absorb each view, and enjoy the authentic local flavors. The inclusion of lunch and transportation adds convenience, particularly for those unfamiliar with the island’s layout.

Is It Worth the Price?

Compared to the cost of independent transportation and entrance fees, this tour offers good value—especially considering the ease of having an experienced guide handle logistics and navigation. It’s especially appealing for travelers who want a rundown without the effort of planning each stop themselves.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day excursion is ideal for travelers who appreciate natural beauty, cultural flavors, and guided convenience. If you want to see the best lagoons comfortably and learn interesting facts from knowledgeable guides, this tour checks all those boxes. It’s suitable for those who prefer a relaxed pace, as there’s enough time at each stop to truly enjoy the scenery without feeling hurried.

It’s also perfect for cruise visitors or those with limited time on the island, as it packs in several highlights into a single day. The small group atmosphere ensures you won’t be just another face in a crowd, and the flexible pickup makes it a convenient choice.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If your idea of a perfect day involves stunning lakes, lush landscapes, and sampling local fruit liqueurs, then this tour offers a solid value for your money. It strikes a good balance between organized sightseeing and authentic experiences, thanks to knowledgeable guides and carefully chosen stops. The inclusion of lunch and transportation helps you focus on enjoying the scenery instead of worrying about logistics.

However, if you’re looking for a very exclusive or highly customizable experience, this might not be your best choice. Also, remember that some sites require additional entry fees, and weather can impact your views. But overall, this tour provides a comprehensive and memorable way to experience São Miguel’s natural wonders.

For travelers who love scenic vistas, local flavors, and guided ease, this tour delivers a delightful taste of the island’s best features—making it a worthwhile addition to your Portugal itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:15 am and wrapping up in the late afternoon.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides air-conditioned transportation for all stops.

Do I need to pay for entrance fees?
Entrance to Caldeira Velha is not included, so you should plan for that if you wish to visit. All other fees are covered in the tour price.

What is the group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 59 travelers, but most groups are small enough for a personal experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Are meals included?
Yes, a lunch is included, though specific details of the menu are not provided.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. If you enjoy scenic views and cultural experiences, you’ll likely enjoy this tour.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, camera, and any personal essentials. If you plan to visit Caldeira Velha, bring a towel and bathing suit if you want to soak in thermal waters.