Day tripsCountriesPortugalPonta DelgadaPonta Delgada to the Volcano Villages: Private, guided tour

Ponta Delgada to the Volcano Villages: Private, guided tour

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Private tour with a local expert

8h 30m
Round trip
Private group
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Reviews

About your trip

Your personal guide will escort you from Ponta Delgada to Vila Franca do Campo, Furnas, and Povoacao. This day trip immerses you in dramatic volcanic landscapes, historic town centers, and scenic beaches. After an exciting day of exploring these unforgettable towns, your guide will transport you back to your accommodation in Ponta Delgada.
Exclusively yours: A premium experience for your group only
Insider insight: Local tips and stories you won’t find online
Perfect balance: Expert guidance with freedom to explore
Ideal for all travelers: Families, friends, or solo adventurers
From €133
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€399

What to expect

Your day trip begins wherever you are

Meet your guide right where you prefer in Ponta Delgada whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.

Discover more with local expertise

Your guide is both your expert behind the wheel and knowledgeable host throughout the day. They’ll manage the day’s itinerary, share stories and local knowledge, and make each moment along the route feel richer. At every stop, they’re by your side.

Guided experience with space to explore

Your professional guide will pick you up right at your door in Ponta Delgada and escort you to your first stop of the day, Vila Franca do Campo. Here, you will explore a vibrant volcanic islet and a hilltop chapel with iconic views. Then, you’ll head to Furnas for its remarkable gardens and hot springs. Your final stop will be in Povoacao, where charming cobblestone streets and an unforgettable volcanic sand beach will take your breath away. After your day of exploration, your driver-guide will take you on a comfortable return journey to Ponta Delgada, for a seamless return journey that you don’t have to plan or book separately. 

Perfect for any private group

Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.

Good to know

  • Two-way private car transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Personalized pickup and drop-off
  • Private professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
  • Attraction admission details specified in the itinerary section below
  • Official guided tours inside attractions in Vila Franca do Campo, Furnas, and Povoacao can be purchased separately - inform us in advance for itinerary planning
From €133
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€399

Your trip at a glance

Your trip at a glance

Start in Ponta Delgada
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Vila Franca do Campo
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 3 hours - admission not included
Vila Franca do Campo
Vila Franca do Campo
Vila Franca do Campo
Vila Franca do Campo
Dramatic volcanic scenes and a serene swimming lagoon await visitors of Vila Franca do Campo. Your experienced local guide will lead you to Ilheu de Vila Franca, a volcanic islet that features a protected marine reserve and a stunning natural circular swimming lagoon. A seasonal ferry takes travelers here with a smooth 10-minute boat ride. From there, you can head to Nossa Senhora da Pas Chapel and climb a bright white, zigzagging staircase to a hilltop chapel that boasts panoramic ocean views high above the town. Finally, stroll through the historic Town Center and enjoy cobbled streets, serene churches, small plazas, and distinctive tiled facades. Be sure to try Queijadas da Vila, the town’s famous sweet, eggy tarts made from a 500-year-old recipe originating from a convent.
2
Furnas
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - admission not included
Furnas
Furnas
Furnas
Furnas
Steaming springs, gorgeous gardens, and volcanic-inspired cuisine define this geothermal journey through Furnas village. In the volcanic heart of Sao Miguel lies Furnas, a village where Earth’s power bubbles to the surface. Begin at Caldeiras das Furnas, where steaming fumaroles hiss from the ground. Next, unwind in the warm, mineral waters of Terra Nostra Park, surrounded by a 200-year-old botanical wonderland. Continue to Poca da Dona Beija, where you can soak in terraced thermal pools and give your body and soul a much-needed respite. Don’t forget to sample Cozido das Furnas, Bolo Levedo, and local pineapples for a true taste of the Azores.
3
Povoacao
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 hour - admission not included
Povoacao
Povoacao
Povoacao
Povoacao
Povoacao
Povoacao
Povoacao
Povoacao
Enjoy charming Povoacao with its peaceful gardens and pristine volcanic beach. Follow your guide on a walk through the historic old town, along cobblestone streets to charming churches and cozy cafes topped with flower-laden balconies. Then, head to Jardim Municipal, a pristinely kept garden with beautiful walking paths, bubbling fountains, and subtropical plants. Travelers can also head to nearby Praia da Ribeira Quente, an unforgettable volcanic sand beach where geothermal vents warm the sparkling waves. Finally, enjoy a scenic walk along one of the most remote parts of the island along the Caminho Agua Retorta. Before departing, try Bolos LĆŖvedos or fresh local seafood at one of the many family-run restaurants.
Back to Ponta Delgada
We’ll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7

Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.

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5176 reviewson Tripadvisor
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4.9
991 reviewson Trustpilot

Know more about your day trip

Furnas is famous for its geothermal activity, featuring bubbling hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots throughout the village. During your 2-hour visit, experience Terra Nostra botanical garden with its thermal pool, witness cozido stew being cooked underground, and explore the volcanic lake.
Vila Franca do Campo, Sao Miguel's former capital, offers historic charm with its churches, marina, and views of Ilheu de Vila Franca. During your 3-hour visit, explore the town center, try local queijadas pastries, and if interested, arrange a boat trip to the nearby islet nature reserve.
Povoacao, the island's oldest settlement, features a charming town center with historical significance. Your 1-hour visit includes exploring its pentagonal square, coastal views, and understanding its importance as the first European settlement in the Azores.
The tour doesn't include meals, but your guide can arrange for you to try the famous Cozido das Furnas, a meat and vegetable stew cooked underground using volcanic heat. You can witness the pots being retrieved from the cooking grounds and enjoy this unique dish at local restaurants.
Pack swimwear and towel for Terra Nostra's thermal pool (note: the iron-rich water stains light fabrics), comfortable walking shoes, layers for changing weather, camera, water, and sun protection. Bring euros for entrance fees, meals, and souvenirs.
Yes, during the Furnas portion of the tour, you can visit Terra Nostra Park's large thermal pool or Poca da Dona Beija's multiple pools (entrance fees apply). Your guide can adjust the schedule to allow approximately 30-45 minutes for this unique bathing experience.
This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural history and volcanic phenomena. Unlike western island tours focusing on landscapes, this eastern route showcases how Azorean culture developed around volcanic activity, from traditional cooking methods to historical settlements.
Parts of this tour are accessible, but some areas in Furnas and Povoacao involve uneven terrain. The main attractions can be viewed with minimal walking, but full exploration requires navigating steps and paths. Contact Daytrip in advance to discuss specific accessibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Day tripsCountriesPortugalPonta DelgadaPonta Delgada to the Volcano Villages: Private, guided tour