São Miguel East Van Tour with Lunch: Furnas & Nordeste
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Sao Miguel, Portugal
- 8 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Discover the natural beauty of São Miguel’s east side on this scenic day trip. Witness bubbling hot springs in Furnas, and sample iron-rich waters and traditional “cozido” stew cooked by volcanic steam. Visit the stunning Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfall and unwind at the scenic Santa Iria viewpoint, a memorable mix of volcanic wonders and serene island landscapes.
- Eastern São Miguel’s scenic highlights from Ponta Delgada with a small group
- Visit a secluded mountain church and admire views of the island’s coastline
- See volcanic springs and gas vents in action at Furnas Lake (hot spring is optional)
- Eat a lunch of traditional stew slow-cooked in the thermal ground
What's Included
- Lunch (cozido stew, drink of choice, dessert, and coffee)
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Centrally located Ponta Delgada hotels and Lagoa Town))
- Expert driver/guide
- Thermal pools (optional)
- Any service not mentioned as being included
- Bottled waterTo minimize environmental impact, we do not provide water bottles on this tour. We encourage you to bring your own reusable bottle
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Pick-up is available from main hotels and designated meeting points in Ponta Delgada. If you are staying outside Ponta Delgada, a transfer to our office can be arranged for an additional cost. Please be ready at the front entrance by 9:00 am. Pick-ups may take up to 20 minutes to be completed.
Operating hours.9:00 am
Itinerary
Your tour begins with hotel pickup in the morning, where you board a comfortable 9-seater van, destined for the east side of São Miguel Island.
Arrive in Furnas, a town built entirely inside a volcano caldera, home to volcanic springs, gas vents, and thermal pools. Take the opportunity to relax in the delightful thermal pools of Furnas town (optional, own expense) and revitalize with a "cozido" stew, cooked in pots buried within the thermal grounds.
Admire some of the island's best panoramic views of Furnas Lake from an elevated viewpoint.
After a stop at the stunning Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfall in the natural park, take in the coastal views from a high cliff. Your tour concludes with hotel drop-off.
Arrive in Furnas, a town built entirely inside a volcano caldera, home to volcanic springs, gas vents, and thermal pools. Take the opportunity to relax in the delightful thermal pools of Furnas town (optional, own expense) and revitalize with a "cozido" stew, cooked in pots buried within the thermal grounds.
Admire some of the island's best panoramic views of Furnas Lake from an elevated viewpoint.
After a stop at the stunning Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfall in the natural park, take in the coastal views from a high cliff. Your tour concludes with hotel drop-off.
1
Nossa Senhora da Paz
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Caldeira das Furnas
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Parque Terra Nostra
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
4
Miradouro Pico Do Ferro
25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Miradouro do Salto do Cavalo
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeiroes
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
Nordeste
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
8
Miradouro de Santa Iria
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 1,224 reviews
David_L, Mar 2026
The views on this tour were amazing, the food exceptional and our guide, Joal was terrific. He was entertaining, informative and showed our group a wonderful day.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review. We’re thrilled you enjoyed the views and the local food, and that Joao made the day both entertaining and informative. It’s great to hear the tour created such a memorable experience for your group.
Chrys_T, Jan 2026
I had a really great birthday trip with our guide, Joao. I’ve done many tours before and he is really one of the best guides I’ve met. Very knowledgeable, lots of local stories and personal tips, amazing storytelling ability, and I was never bored during the whole day. He drove safely and spent the right amount of time at each spot. Another shoutout to the customer service agent because this company hired a gem. I received very prompt replies and updates, even messages before the trip. It all felt very professional and I can clearly tell that Pure Azores is a company that is run by people who know what they are doing. I’ve already booked another tour with them!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
We’re so glad your birthday trip was such a special day. It’s wonderful to hear that João’s stories, knowledge, and care made the tour engaging and enjoyable from start to finish. We’re also happy that our team’s support added to the experience, and we’re thrilled you’ve already booked another tour with us!
Rory_B, Jan 2026
One of the best experiences of our Caribbean cruise.
On our crossing of the Atlantic from Europe to the Caribbean, we had the absolute pleasure of visiting Sao Miguel.
Our host Gonçalo was the perfect ambassador, his knowledge and experience combined with an incredible pride for his home island, made for an unforgettable experience.
After disembarking our ship we (my girlfriend myself and our two Canadian friends) where underway in literally minutes, no waiting, queues or hassle.
Beautiful viewpoints, photo opportunities, lake furnas, the amazingly refreshing hot springs of Poca de Dona Beija (highly recommended) and the waterfall at Ribeira dos Caldeiroes made for an amazing day!
Probs again for Gonçalo who was a fantastic host. Not only did his love for the Azores rub off on us, his English was also impeccable; often joining in when we bantered with our Canadian friends about their ‘exclusive accommodation aboard our ship’
This was a full day excursion. Pick up from the cruise terminal and back to the ship was approximately 8 hours.
10/10 would absolutely recommend!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you very much for your kind words and for taking the time to leave such a great review! We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed your day exploring São Miguel and that Gonçalo made your visit both smooth and memorable. We’re also pleased that the itinerary, smooth pickup from the cruise terminal, and the full-day experience met your expectations. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back to the Azores in the future.
Ann_S, Dec 2025
This excursion is a full day exploring the East side of the island! You get to see so many amazingly gorgeous areas! This experience was AMAZING! João was literally the best guide! He was extremely knowledgeable, funny (even with some cheesy dad jokes), and an unexpected surprise, he’s a great photographer! He made sure that our group was involved and informed. He was attentive to everyone’s needs and requests. João literally made the day more enjoyable! I would highly recommend this experience with João and Pure Azores Tours! Ask for João!!!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for such a fantastic review! We’re so glad to hear that João made your tour so enjoyable with his knowledge, humor and photography skills added something extra special to your experience. We’re really grateful for your recommendation, and we’d love to have you back for another adventure with João anytime!
Elizabeth_A, Dec 2025
Very interesting and beautiful, even though the day was blustery. Daniel was an informative, enthusiastic guide. Very glad to have taken this tour.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour with Daniel despite the blustery weather. We’d love to have you join us again on another tour in the future!
Aichin_J, Dec 2025
Our driver cum guide, Paulo was professional, courteous, knowledgeable. Enjoyable and fun. Great way to tour the island. Highly recommended.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear that our guide made your tour so memorable with his courteous and knowledgeable approach. We really appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back for another tour!
Kim_H, Dec 2025
Wonderful Eastern tour of the island. Spent sufficient time at each stop, not too long or short. Max was very informative throughout the tour. Very kind and cautious driver. Would recommend Max and this tour.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for the great review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Eastern tour and that Max made your experience even better with his knowledge and care. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
neha_n, Nov 2025
The Azores ( San Miguel ) are beyond beautiful. Completely smitten with those breathtaking greens and blues - the warmth of the people we met was just as magical . There really is treasure everywhere 💫Goncalo is an extraordinarily kind and welcoming guide who clearly loves his beautiful island and is so generous with us - as we explore it . Beautiful weather , stunning landscapes , delicious food - deeply grateful 🫶🏿
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re so happy you fell in love with the beauty of São Miguel and the incredible warmth of its people. It’s great to hear that Goncalo made your journey even more memorable with his passion for the island. We hope you carry these beautiful memories with you and that you’ll return to discover even more treasures of the Azores.
David_G, Nov 2025
Tour was amazing. João was amazing. Don’t hesitate just go. The food was good but the sites were by far the highlight. I enjoyed the hot springs and although it was short, still worth it.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for your kind review! We’re so happy you had an amazing experience with João and enjoyed the stunning sites We’re also glad you got to experience the hot springs, even if briefly. Thanks for recommending the tour, and we’d love to see you again soon!
Brian_S, Nov 2025
Great itinerary, beautiful views. Cátia is the best tour guide: knowledgeable, funny, and very accommodating.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so happy you loved the views and had a great time with Cátia! We hope to welcome you back in the future.
Hureen_G, Nov 2025
Joao from Pure Azores was an exceptional guide — knowledgeable, engaging, and truly passionate about showcasing the island. His safe driving, perfect pacing, and clear communication made the day effortless. He anticipated every need, keeping chargers and umbrellas in the car and ensuring we were always comfortable.
As a skilled photographer, Joao helped us capture stunning photos and videos at every stop, making the experience even more memorable. The itinerary covered incredible highlights like Nordeste, Lagoa do Fogo, and the geothermal pools at Furnas, blending scenery, culture, and relaxation perfectly.
A wonderful day with a thoughtful, professional guide — highly recommended!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that João was able to make your day so memorable. It sounds like you got to experience the best of what the Azores has to offer, from the stunning views to the geothermal pools and everything in between. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to see you again.
rosaliedzubina, Nov 2025
This tour was absolutely amazing. The places we visited were stunning. We had a beautiful lunch cooked in the volcanic hot springs in Furnas . Our guide Marcio was outstanding at his job, kind, knowledgeable, patient, and simply enjoyable to be with. The entire experience was perfect!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for your review. We’re thrilled to hear you had an amazing experience and that you enjoyed the stunning places, the delicious lunch, and the company of Marcio. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure!
Richard_T, Oct 2025
Another great day, another great guide in Márcio! A fun and fact filled day visiting the beautiful east of this island. We opted to book the Thermal baths (excellent) and really enjoyed the regional stew at the provided lunch. The company was excellent and the scenery was spectacular.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear you had another great day with Márcio, exploring the beautiful east side of the island. It’s great that you enjoyed the thermal baths and the regional stew. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
NANCY_S, Oct 2025
An amazing experience with Hugo. His love of the island, kind demeanor and respect for the environment was incredibly appreciated! His immeasurable commitment to the best possible customer experience and overall excellence in his delivery was amazing! His zest for the job does not go unnoticed. Thank you for this opportunity to provide feedback on a wonderful tour. We will definitely recommend to others!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! It’s amazing to hear that Hugo’s dedication, kindness, and environmental respect made such a positive impact on your tour. We appreciate your recommendation and are excited to host you again soon!
Rachel_B, Oct 2025
Hugo was great! He took us all over the east side of island we loved it. Super enjoyed the thermal baths.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for the kind words! We're so glad you had an amazing time with Hugo on the east side of the island. The thermal baths are definitely a highlight, and we're happy to hear you enjoyed them!
Diane_F, Oct 2025
The tour guide João was extremely knowledgeable and explained everything we were seeing. We had a great lunch at a local restaurant where the food had been cooked in the underground volcano. The van was very comfortable as well. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for such a thoughtful review! We're so glad to hear that João made the tour memorable with his knowledge and that you enjoyed the unique lunch experience cooked in the underground volcano. We're also happy that the tour was comfortable and enjoyable for you overall. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Jennifer_M, Oct 2025
My sister and I had a wonderful time on Daniel's tour. He was excellent and the thermal springs were great. (Bring a towel!)
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're delighted that you and your sister enjoyed the experience and appreciated Daniel’s guiding. Hope to welcome you again in the future.
Craig_B, Oct 2025
Daniel was a fantastic guide. We couldn't have hoped for better. He went above and beyond to give us a fantastic experience.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
We truly appreciate your feedback. We're thrilled to hear that Daniel exceeded your expectations and made your experience so special.
joseph_s, Oct 2025
Had a terrific tour with a group of interesting folks and Daniel, an excellent guide who provided good island knowledge and a great sense of humor.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re so happy you had a terrific time on the tour and enjoyed Daniel’s guide expertise and humor. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
Lynn_S, Oct 2025
It was a full day of sightseeing with only 9 in our group. Lunch was amazing and included in the tour. I thought it was a good value for everything that was included. Katia, our guide, was amazing.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thanks so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the full day of sightseeing with a small group and our guide Cátia, and it’s great to hear you appreciated the lunch as well.
Jeanette_S, Sep 2025
G was an awesome guide. Great sense of humor & lots of fun! Beautiful sights/stops & interesting history. Was a great time. Definitely recommend.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for your kind words. We're thrilled to hear that G made your tour such an enjoyable experience with their great sense of humor and fun personality, and that you enjoyed the sights and history as well. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again soon!
Theresa_T, Sep 2025
Max was a knowledgeable and respectful. He made touring the East side of Island very enjoyble.
Beautiful landscape.
Learn a lot about the history of Island.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thanks for sharing your feedback! We’re so glad to hear that Max made your tour of the East side of the island both enjoyable and informative. We hope to welcome you again.
Nikki_D, Sep 2025
It was an incredible tour! We loved all of the many beautiful stops and Catia was awesome! The local stew was delicious!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thanks so much for your amazing review! We're so glad to hear you enjoyed the tour and the beautiful stops, and that Catia was awesome! We’re also happy to know you loved the local stew! Looking forward to seeing you again!
TerryVanHoy, Sep 2025
This was an amazing day filled with gorgeous views and unique experiences. Our guide, Max, was excellent sharing a lot of history and interesting information about the area and the Portuguese people while keeping the tour fun and enjoyable Highly recommend going on this tour to see the beauty and uniqueness of Sao Miguel in a small group.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an amazing day exploring São Miguel with Max. It’s great to know that his knowledge and passion for the area made the tour both informative and enjoyable. We truly appreciate your recommendation.
Rochelle_E, Sep 2025
Our tour with Max of the eastern part of Sao Miguel was great! Max knew so much about the formation of Lagao Funas as well as every other spot that we visited. This was a fantastic tour. Thank you Max. You made it an unforgettable experience.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re so happy to hear that you had a great and unforgettable experience with Max exploring the eastern part of São Miguel.
Darlene_K, Sep 2025
We did the east tour with our guide Max and it was amazing! Furnas was definitely a must see. If you don't do the baths you go to a secondary geothermal location where you taste mineral water, sample liquors and can stick your feet in a small geothermal pool. All of the days experiences were great!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
We're glad you enjoyed your tour of the East with Max. Furnas is truly a magical place, and we're glad you enjoyed the alternative geothermal experience!
Renee_K, Sep 2025
Our East São Miguel tour with Max was amazing! We learned so much, ate incredible food, and had a blast bonding as a group. Max has a way of bringing people together and making everyone feel comfortable, he truly went above and beyond. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for the great feedback! Max will be so pleased to hear your appreciation – he puts his heart into every tour. We’re very proud of our team.
Dominique_P, Aug 2025
Thank you so much for a great tour Marcio! As a local he was incredibly knowledgeable and made our tour really interesting. The viewpoints were incredible, definitely recommend this tour :)
Christopher_A, Aug 2025
We had Hugo and he was amazing. He is a local and his knowledge and passion for his home is incredible. The volcano’s were amazing to visit and the food was fantastic. Would highly recommend to anyone!
Kristin_A, Aug 2025
The full day East tour packs breathtaking views, unique geothermal fields, and optional thermal baths (do it) into one incredible day. It’s nice that the tour groups are small (no more than 8 people). Max was a fantastic guide - very knowledgeable and had great energy that kept us excited for each stop along the way throughout the day.
From $88.03
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
São Miguel East Van Tour with Lunch: Furnas & Nordeste
1,224
8 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$88.03
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Sporting Events
- Half-day Tours
- Shore Excursions
- Extreme Sports
- Nature and Wildlife Tours
- 4WD Tours
- Safaris
- Tickets & Passes
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Outdoor Activities
- Private Sightseeing Tours
- Sao Miguel
- Sporting Events - Ponta Delgada
- Half-day Tours - Ponta Delgada
- Shore Excursions - Ponta Delgada
- Extreme Sports - Ponta Delgada
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Ponta Delgada
- 4WD Tours - Ponta Delgada
- Safaris - Ponta Delgada
- Sporting Events - Praia da Vitória
- Half-day Tours - Praia da Vitória
- Shore Excursions - Praia da Vitória
- Extreme Sports - Praia da Vitória
- 4WD Tours - Praia da Vitória
- Sporting Events - Angra do Heroísmo
- Half-day Tours - Angra do Heroísmo
- Shore Excursions - Angra do Heroísmo
- Extreme Sports - Angra do Heroísmo
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Angra do Heroísmo
- 4WD Tours - Angra do Heroísmo
More attractions near Sao Miguel, Portugal