Private – All of Furnas, Tea Plantation, ticket to Beija included

Exploring São Miguel: A Private Tour of Natural Wonders, Tea, and Thermal Baths

If you’re visiting São Miguel and seeking a way to combine relaxation with a touch of adventure, this private tour offers a compelling option. Covering iconic sites like Furnas, the famous hot springs of Poça D. Beija, and the lush Gorreana Tea Plantation, it’s designed to give you an authentic taste of the island’s volcanic beauty and local culture. What stands out most is the personal touch that a private guide provides, making every stop feel tailored to your interests.

We especially appreciate how the tour balances natural wonders with cultural insights. The inclusion of all entrance fees, a dedicated guide, and a flexible itinerary means you’re free to focus on the experience rather than logistics. That said, it’s worth noting that if you want a full meal experience—like the traditional “cozido”—you’ll need to plan ahead and budget around 25 euros for the lunch. This tour suits travelers who love nature, enjoy tasting local delicacies, and prefer a personalized, relaxed approach to sightseeing.

While the tour is quite comprehensive, weather can sometimes influence certain parts of the experience, especially outdoor viewpoints. However, the thermal baths and tea factory remain largely unaffected, making this a good option regardless of rain. It’s ideal for those wanting a mix of scenic beauty, culture, and downtime soaking in warm waters. If you’re after an authentic, well-organized day that covers some of São Miguel’s most beloved attractions, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private guide means tailored commentary and flexible pacing.
• All-Inclusive Access: Entrance fees for thermal baths and Beija Hot Springs included.
• Cultural & Scenic Highlights: Visit Furnas volcano, Pico do Ferro, Miradouro de Santa Iria, and Gorreana Tea Plantation.
• Ideal for Relaxation: Soak in thermal waters heated by volcanic activity, perfect after a busy sightseeing schedule.
• Authentic Local Flavors: Opportunity to sample Bolo Lêvedo and steamed corn, plus optional lunch with traditional cozido.
• Weather Resilience: Most activities can be enjoyed even if the weather turns rainy.

The Full Lowdown on the Tour

This half-day private tour is crafted for travelers who want a balanced mix of natural beauty, local culture, and relaxation. Starting at 9:30 am, your guide from Azores Like Locals will pick you up—an advantage for those wanting to skip the hassle of organizing transport and wanting a more intimate experience.

Exploring Furnas Volcano and Surroundings

The tour kicks off in Furnas, a place that practically oozes volcanic activity. Here, your guide will walk you through the famous cooking pods, where local chefs harness geothermal heat to prepare traditional dishes like the cozido—a stew cooked underground with volcanic steam. While the actual cozido isn’t included in the price, you can opt for a hearty meal for about 25 euros, lasting around 1.5 hours, which is well worth the experience if you’re craving authentic Azorean cuisine.

The stops at Pico do Ferro and Miradouro de Santa Iria are scenic highlights, offering sweeping views of the lush landscape and the fumaroles below. These viewpoints are perfect for snapping photos and appreciating the island’s dramatic volcanic landscape. Reviewers mention how the guides are knowledgeable about both the geology and the local history, making these stops far more engaging than just sightseeing.

Relaxing in Poça D. Beija Hot Springs

One of the most praised parts of this tour is the Poça D. Beija thermal springs. The ticket is included, so you can unwind soaking in waters that reach around 104°F (40°C). This experience is especially valuable because many visitors find it a soothing way to recharge after a morning of sightseeing. One reviewer praised the guide’s kindness and how the hot springs are enjoyable even on rainy days. The natural waters are surrounded by lush greenery, adding to the feeling of tranquility and connection with nature.

Scenic Viewpoints

The tour also features visits to breathtaking viewpoints like Pico do Ferro, renowned for its panoramic vistas over Furnas Valley, and Miradouro de Santa Iria, which offers expansive views of the island’s volcanic crater landscapes. These spots are perfect for photos and for appreciating how the island’s volcanic activity has shaped its stunning terrain.

Tea Plantation Experience

To round out the day, your guide will take you to the Gorreana Tea Plantation, the oldest and most renowned tea estate in Europe. Here, you get a chance to walk through the plantation slopes, visit the factory to see how local tea is produced, and browse the shop for souvenirs. Reviewers mention how the guides are friendly and knowledgeable, enriching the experience with insights into tea cultivation and production, making it more than just a quick visit.

Flexibility and Additional Options

If you’re interested in a full local experience, you might consider adding the lunch option. Many guests recommend trying the cozido, which adds about 1.5 hours to the tour but is highly praised for its authenticity. It’s worth booking in advance to secure a spot and ensure a smooth experience.

Duration and Logistics

The tour lasts approximately 5-6 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop at a relaxed pace. The private nature means your group can move comfortably and ask questions, making the experience more engaging. The price of $170.81 per person is quite reasonable considering all included entrance fees, the personalized service, and the exclusive access to sought-after locations.

Authenticity and Value

What truly makes this tour stand out are the genuine experiences it offers. The guides’ local knowledge and friendliness are consistently praised, making every stop feel personalized and insightful. The combination of natural thermal waters, scenic viewpoints, and a local tea plantation makes for a well-rounded day that’s both relaxing and educational.

From a value perspective, paying for all entrance fees upfront means no surprises or extra costs along the way. Plus, the tour’s flexibility allows for some customization, particularly if you want to include a meal or spend more time at specific locations.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a more intimate, relaxed day exploring São Miguel’s volcanic and cultural highlights. It’s perfect if you value personalized attention and prefer to avoid crowded group tours. Nature lovers and those looking for some downtime will love soaking in the thermal baths after visiting viewpoints and the tea plantation. The tour also appeals to those interested in local cuisine and traditions, thanks to the optional cozido lunch and tea tasting.

On the practical side, the full itinerary and all-included entrance fees make it a hassle-free option, especially for visitors short on time but eager to experience a broad spectrum of what São Miguel has to offer.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, and the private nature makes it flexible for different ages and mobility levels. It’s particularly good for those who enjoy nature, culture, and relaxation.

What is included in the price?
All entrance fees—covering the hot springs, viewpoints, and tea plantation—are included. The tour price covers the guide and transportation.

Can I stop for lunch?
Not included in the base price, but you can request a reservation for a traditional cozido meal at a local restaurant, which costs around 25 euros and takes about 1.5 hours.

What happens if it rains?
Most outdoor activities, like viewpoints and the tea plantation, can be enjoyed rain or shine. The thermal baths are also unaffected by weather, making this a resilient option even in wet conditions.

How long is the tour?
Expect around 5 to 6 hours total, depending on how long you spend at each stop and whether you add a lunch.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pickup is offered, making the logistics simple and stress-free.

Are entrance fees included?
Absolutely, all fees for the hot springs, viewpoints, and tea plantation are covered in the tour price.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss your preferences with your guide, especially regarding stops or meal options.

What is the guide like?
Reviewers consistently praise guides like Carlos and Andre for their knowledge, friendliness, and patience, making the day both informative and enjoyable.

To sum it up, this private tour offers a well-balanced day exploring some of São Miguel’s most iconic sights with a focus on relaxation, culture, and scenic beauty. Its personalized approach, all-inclusive pricing, and flexible itinerary make it a standout choice for travelers seeking an authentic and stress-free experience. Whether you’re soaking in thermal waters, marveling at volcanic viewpoints, or sampling local tea, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation of the island’s vibrant natural and cultural landscape. It’s particularly suited to those who prefer a more intimate, leisurely pace and value guides who genuinely share their love for the Azores’ treasures.