Morning stop at the marina of Vila Franca do Campo, the former capital of São Miguel. This is a great opportunity to admire the islet of Vila Franca or enjoy a coffee while tasting the traditional convent-style pastry known as “Queijadas da Vila”.

Discover the beauty of Furnas Lake with a peaceful walk along its shoreline, passing the remarkable Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, a unique example of neo-Gothic architecture. Along the way, admire several artistic sculptures carved from ancient tree trunks that decorate the lakeside path. Throughout the walk, informative panels provide insight into the rich flora and fauna of São Miguel, offering a deeper understanding of the island’s natural environment.

Lunch break or free time, offering the flexibility to enjoy a meal of your choice or use this stop as extra time to explore at your own pace. The village of Furnas, on São Miguel Island, is a picturesque settlement surrounded by an impressive volcanic landscape. Stroll through its quiet streets, discover local shops and cafés, and experience the rhythm of traditional Azorean life, all set within close reach of the island’s famous thermal springs and natural hot pools. The “Cozido das Caldeiras” or “Cozido das Furnas” is a signature dish slowly cooked using the natural heat of the volcanic soil. This unique culinary tradition results in a rich, distinctive flavour that attracts thousands of visitors to the area each year. A vegetarian option is also available, prepared exclusively with locally sourced vegetables. Advance table reservation is strongly recommended, and we can arrange it for you upon request—please feel free to contact us.

A visit to the “enchanted valley” or “mouth of the volcano” invites you to walk among boiling water calderas and steaming fumaroles, where the raw power of the volcanic landscape is truly felt. This area is home to several natural mineral springs and is considered by specialists to be the largest hydropolis in the world, with 22 classified types of mineral and therapeutic waters. Visitors may sample some of the most well-known waters or enjoy a tasting of traditional liqueurs available at a local handicraft shop. This is undoubtedly a place of remarkable diversity and unique beauty, where the surrounding volcanic scenery creates a truly unforgettable atmosphere.

A magnificent area of traditional watermills, now transformed into a natural park where cascading waterfalls are the main highlight. Considered one of the most beautiful areas in the Nordeste region, it offers a peaceful setting surrounded by lush greenery and flowing water. Visitors can also discover the traditional handcrafted “corn leaf dolls”, made using ancestral techniques and available in a local handicraft shop.

On the return journey, a stop at the Gorreana Tea Factory offers a relaxing moment with a tasting of one of the world’s last fully natural teas still in production. Its rolling tea plantations create a striking landscape, beautifully framing the surrounding valleys and adding to the charm of this unique setting.

From this viewpoint, take in the vast beauty of São Miguel’s northern coastline, stretching from Sete Cidades to the Nordeste region, where dramatic dark cliffs trace the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. This is our final stop before returning to your accommodation.

Optional visit to the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Pool. This experience takes place after the lunch break; guests who choose not to have lunch will benefit from additional time to explore the site at their own pace. The Terra Nostra Park spans 12.5 hectares of botanical gardens originally created between the 18th and 19th centuries. It combines lush vegetation—century-old trees, collections of camellias, ferns, and both endemic and exotic species—with shaded pathways, lakes, and tranquil green spaces ideal for walking and quiet contemplation. At the heart of the park lies its iconic thermal pool, filled with iron-rich volcanic water naturally heated to between 35°C and 40°C, offering a deeply relaxing experience with well-known therapeutic benefits linked to the island’s geothermal activity. This optional visit offers a unique balance of nature, heritage, and wellbeing, making it the perfect complement after exploring the Furnas valley. Entrance tickets can be purchased on site for €17 per person.