Furnas & Terra Nostra Gardens tour with biologist guide and lunch

Walk through a volcanic valley and rare plant collections, then soak in natural hot springs

A biologist-guided tour of Furnas crater lake and village, plus Terra Nostra Gardens, departing from Vila Franca do Campo. The day includes a van tour down into the volcanic valley, lunch with local geyser-cooked cozido, an hour to explore Furnas village on foot, a guided walk through the botanical gardens, and a soak in the mineral-infused thermal pool. The guide tailors the route to seasonal highlights and your interests.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Furnas15m
2. Furnas Lake15m

Explore Furnas and Terra Nostra Gardens

• Meet Biologist Guide at Vila Franca Marina
• Briefing and van tour to Furnas crater
• Stop for sightseeing and photos at Furnas Lake
• Lunch with authentic geyser-cooked cozido
• Free time to explore Furnas village
• Walk Terra Nostra Gardens with guide
• Relax in thermal pool at gardens

The experience

You meet your biologist guide at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo and head up the Furnas volcano crater in an air-conditioned van, descending into the valley to reach Furnas Lake. The guide briefs you on the geology and ecology as you stop for photos and take in the volcanic landscape. The village itself sits on active geothermal ground: mineral water fountains and geysers dot the streets alongside watermills, chapels and crossing rivers.

Lunch happens in a village restaurant where you eat cozido, the island's signature dish cooked by geothermal steam underground. The meal includes an entrée, main course, complimentary drinks and dessert. Afterward you have an hour free to walk the village streets and explore on your own before meeting the guide again at Terra Nostra Gardens at 3:30pm. The gardens hold century-old trees, rare plants from around the world, specialty collections, sculptures and fountains that bloom year-round. Your biologist guide walks you through the highlights (what's in season, what's unusual, what the plants are), and the tour ends at the thermal pool, a mineral-infused basin surrounded by the garden's natural setting. The water is abnormally hot and untreated, so bring a swimsuit you don't mind damaging. The minerals will fade the color.

All entry tickets, the van tour, the guided botanical walk and the thermal pool are included. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian, and the team will do its best to accommodate other languages if you request one at booking. Special dietary needs can be arranged if you notify the operator when you reserve.

What’s included

• All entry tickets to Furnas and Terra Nostra Gardens.
• air-conditioned van tour of the crater and valley.
• guided botanical walk through the gardens.
• lunch with local geyser-cooked cozido, entrée, main course, complimentary drinks and dessert.
• access to the thermal pool.
• knowledgeable biologist or naturalist guide.
• pickup included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (4 to 13 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot for heart conditions

Operated by Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a biologist guide to explain the geysers and rare plants alongside the hot springs. The guided botanical tour is built in rather than optional.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 13 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the geyser-cooked cozido that's served for lunch?

Cozido is the traditional island dish cooked underground using geothermal steam from Furnas' volcanic activity. The meal includes an entrée, main course, complimentary drinks and dessert.

How much free time do you get to explore Furnas village on your own?

You have one hour after lunch to walk the village streets, cross the rivers, visit the watermills and chapels, and see the mineral water fountains and volcanic activity at your own pace.

What is Terra Nostra Gardens like?

Terra Nostra Gardens holds century-old trees, rare and exotic plants from around the world, specialty collections, sculptures, fountains and year-round blooms. The biologist guide tailors the walk to what's in season and what's most interesting at the time you visit.

Can you swim in the thermal pool at the end?

Yes, the tour ends with a soak in the mineral-infused thermal pool surrounded by the gardens. The water is abnormally hot and untreated. Bring a swimsuit you can spare, as the mineral water will fade the color. The pool is not suitable for anyone who is pregnant, has had recent surgery or trauma, has unhealed wounds, or has a chronic condition affected by heat.

Is pickup from your hotel included?

Pickup is included. You meet the guide at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo at the specified check-in time.