Tour to Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas

Experience the best of São Miguel in one day with this private tour visiting the island’s most iconic lakes and volcanic sites. For $149.03 per person, you’ll explore Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, and Furnas, with a local guide who knows how to make every stop memorable. The tour lasts about 8 hours, includes lunch, and offers the convenience of pickup service.

What we really love about this experience is how it combines stunning scenery with insider knowledge—you’ll get to see some of the most beautiful lakes in the Azores and learn about the volcanic activity that shapes the landscape. The lunch, which is included in the price, is described as generous and tasty, giving you a true taste of local cuisine.

A potential consideration is that the tour covers quite a bit in one day, so it might feel rushed if you’re a slow mover or want to linger longer at each site. That said, it’s an excellent choice for travelers who want a rundown without the hassle of planning individual stops.

This tour is ideal for those who want a well-rounded introduction to São Miguel’s natural wonders—perfect for first-timers or anyone eager to see the island’s highlights with expert guidance.

Key Points
– Comprehensive itinerary covering São Miguel’s top lakes and volcanic sites
– Expert guides who provide insightful commentary and personalized attention
– Inclusion of lunch offers great value and a chance to enjoy local flavors
– Private tour format ensures a flexible, intimate experience
– Stunning viewpoints at each stop, with breathtaking views of lakes and volcanoes
– Good for all travelers, especially those wanting a quick yet thorough island overview

An In-Depth Look at the São Miguel Tour

This private tour offers a balanced combination of natural beauty, volcanic geology, and local culture. Starting at 9:00 am, the tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation or designated meeting point, making it convenient and stress-free. Led by a knowledgeable guide, perhaps someone like Arturo—who gets high praise for friendliness and expertise—you’ll spend approximately 8 hours exploring some of the island’s most stunning spots.

Why Choose a Private Tour?

Opting for a private experience means you get the flexibility to customize your pace and focus. As many reviews mention, guides like Arturo go out of their way to make the day special—stopping for scenic photos, sharing fascinating insights, and even taking pictures for guests. It’s a more personalized approach compared to large group excursions, which some travelers find more enjoyable and relaxed.

What’s in the Itinerary?

Lagoa das Sete Cidades is the first stop, and it’s a highlight for most visitors. As the largest lake in the Azores, it’s a calm, expansive body of water covering two sectors with distinct colors—green and blue—created by volcanic activity. Here, you’ll see the abandoned Monte Palace hotel and the Lagoa de Santiago, both adding historical and scenic interest. The view from the viewpoints over the lake is breathtaking—many reviews describe it as a “mirror of nature,” and it’s easy to see why.

You’ll spend about 30 minutes here, enough time to soak in the scenery and snap plenty of pictures. There’s no admission fee for this stop, so the focus is on the views and atmosphere.

Next, the tour takes you to Lagoa do Fogo, one of the largest lakes on São Miguel and perched at the second-highest point on the island. From multiple viewpoints, you’ll gaze upon the lake’s vibrant blue waters and volcanic craters. Climbing up to the mountain range provides a spectacular panorama, and some reviews mention the chance to see Ribeira Grande from above. Again, about 30 minutes here, with no entrance fee.

The third stop is Lagoa das Furnas, located in a geothermal area famous for secondarily volcanic features. Beyond admiring the lagoon, you’ll visit the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitória and learn about the Cozido das Furnas—a unique cooking method using volcanic heat. The included lunch often features this local delicacy, cooked naturally in volcanic soil, which adds an authentic touch to your meal.

Afterward, the tour visits Caldeira das Furnas, where you’ll see the geothermal phenomena—hot springs and bubbling fumaroles—that characterize this volcanic zone. It’s about 20 minutes of exploration, and no ticket is needed.

The final stop is the Neo-Gothic Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitorias—a charming, architecturally interesting chapel. This peaceful setting offers a quiet moment to reflect before heading back.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Local Experiences. Guests frequently mention the delicious lunch, often noting the generous portions and the opportunity to witness traditional volcanic cooking. The inclusion of lunch in the price adds value, especially considering that many similar tours do not include meals.

Knowledgeable and Friendly Guides. Several reviews highlight guides like Arturo as super knowledgeable, friendly, and flexible. Guests appreciate guides who are willing to make extra stops or answer questions, which enriches the experience beyond just the sights.

Breathtaking Views. Whether at Lagoa das Sete Cidades or Lagoa do Fogo, the vistas are simply stunning. The tour’s careful selection of viewpoints ensures you’ll get postcard-worthy photos and memories of lush volcanic landscapes.

Flexibility and Personalization. As some reviewers point out, guides like Arturo are willing to adapt plans based on weather or guest interests, making the day more comfortable and tailored.

Considerations and Possible Drawbacks

While most reviews are glowing, some mention that the last lake visited might not be visible year-round, which could disappoint some travelers. Since the tour covers a lot of ground in one day, it can feel a bit rushed—especially if you want more time at each stop. If you prefer lingering longer or exploring on your own, this might be a minor drawback.

How Does the Price Stack Up?

At $149.03 per person, including a full-day private tour and a hearty lunch, this experience offers good value. Private tours tend to be more expensive than group excursions, but the personalized attention, flexibility, and quality of guides justify the premium. Many guests rave about the excellent lunch and the extra stops that guides like Arturo make, which add to the overall value.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience suits first-time visitors who want a comprehensive introduction to São Miguel’s most famous sights, or anyone looking to avoid the stress of planning multiple stops. It’s also perfect if you value local insights and personalized service. Travelers who enjoy stunning landscapes, volcanic geology, and authentic local food will find this tour ticks all the boxes.

If you’re traveling with family, the relaxed yet full itinerary has been praised by those with young children, like a reviewer traveling with a 20-month-old. Just be mindful of the pace—it’s a busy day.

The Sum Up

If you’re seeking a well-organized, insightful, and scenic day on São Miguel, this private tour offers a great blend of natural beauty, cultural insights, and personalized attention. The guide’s knowledge and friendliness bring the experience to life, making it more than just a sightseeing drive. The inclusion of local cuisine and the chance to see volcanic phenomena add authentic touches that elevate the trip.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a full overview of the island’s highlights without the hassle of self-driving or juggling multiple bookings. It’s ideal for those who value insider tips, stunning vistas, and a comfortable, private setting to explore at their own pace.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am with pickup and ending in the late afternoon.

Is lunch included?
Yes, the tour features a generous, local-style lunch, which many reviews describe as very good and well-portioned.

What stops are included?
You’ll visit Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Lagoa das Furnas, Caldeira das Furnas, and the Neo-Gothic Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitorias.

Are tickets required for the stops?
Most stops are free to visit, with no admission fees at Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Caldeira das Furnas, or the chapel.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, guides like Arturo are often flexible and willing to make additional stops or adjust timing based on weather or guest interest.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Many reviews mention children and even infants, suggesting it’s family-friendly, though the pace may be busy with a lot of walking and sightseeing.

What is the group size?
It is a private experience, so only your group will participate, ensuring a more personalized and relaxed day.

How do I book the tour?
You can reserve through the provided link or contact the tour provider directly—perfect for securing a spot tailored to your schedule and interests.

In short, this São Miguel tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenery, culture, and local flavor, guided by friendly experts who care about making your day memorable. Whether you’re after awe-inspiring views, volcanic wonders, or just a relaxed way to see the highlights, it’s a solid choice that many reviewers found to be worth every penny.