Cruise the Portuguese Archipelago of the Azores

   
 
 

Enchanting Azores Cruise

9 Days / 1 location in Portugal

Island life is often described as more laid back and indeed time spent on these islands seems to take you back a little to the more simple days when there was time to just relax and enjoy. The Azorean archipelago has an intricate culture affected by many other parts of the world. This combined with its remote location mid-Atlantic makes it both isolated yet worldly. It is a strategic transit point for both mariners and aviators. There is a history of pineapple and tea plantations, wine once bottled solely for the Russian Tsar, intricate scrimshaw, whaling, volcanic activity and waves of emigration. This archipelago is a natural gathering place for whales, dolphins, migrating birds and seabirds. This year the cruise has an added day to allow more time in São Jorge – visiting all nine islands.

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Azores
On Board the M/V Polar Star
Meals: Dinner

Sao MIGUEL - In Ponta Delgada, we board our expedition ship M/V Polar Star - the ideal way to reach all of these remote islands.

 
Day 2     Azores
On Board the M/V Polar Star
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

GRACIOSA - This island takes us back in time - mule-drawn carts with milk cans, perhaps an old windmill in the distance. We explore Furna do Enxofre - 184 steps down to an underground volcanic cavern and lake. Afternoon Zodiac cruising is around the bird sanctuary islands of Praia or Braixo, home of the Red-Billed Tern and the Grebe.

 
Day 3     Azores
On Board the M/V Polar Star
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

FLORES & CORVO - Considered the prettiest of all the islands, it is also of geological interest. On our overland route we see the basalt "organ-pipe" cliffs of Rocha dos Bordoes, volcanic craters known as calderas often with beautiful lakes, cascading waterfalls and perhaps old watermills. On the tiny island of Corvo, we set off on a lovely hike to the rim of the volcanic cone, with a view of the vast caldeira and the coastline. The waters around Flores and Corvo are also excellent for whale and dolphin watching - notably Sperm and Fin whales.

 
Day 4     Azores
On Board the M/V Polar Star
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

FAIAL - In Horta, ocean-crossing yachts gather and sailors leave their mail for those who are sure to follow. After a Zodiac cruise to a beautiful volcanic lagoon, Caldeira do Inferno, we visit Ponta dos Capelinhos. In 1957-58 a series of submarine volcanic eruptions occurred that eventually created new land and devastated the nearby village. The museum tells the geological and human story. Back in Horta we visit the Scrimshaw Museum before returning to the ship.

 
Day 5     Azores
On Board the M/V Polar Star
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

(Pico) This stunning island is physically dominated by a dramatic volcanic peak. Learn more about the local wine industry through a visit to a vineyard / wine museum and the UNESCO designated Lajido Acros. A drive will provide the opportunity to see more of the dramatic peaked landscape and then on to the museum in Lajes do Pico that tells the story of the early whaling in the archipelago.

 
Day 6     Azores
On Board the M/V Polar Star
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

(Saõ Jorge) This largely rural island has many more cattle than people and is known for its strong cheddar-like cheese. It is of geographical interest with its cliff shoreline marked with flat fajãs sweeping to the sea. After visiting the charming old world harbour town of Velas, the ship cruises the coastline to find a tranquil fajã for a Zodiac landing.

 
Day 7     Azores
On Board the M/V Polar Star
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

(Terceira) The UNESCO site Angra do Heroismo has a delightful waterfront area and Mediterranean feel. A walking tour takes in the Misericorda church, Convent do São

 
Day 8     Azores
On Board the M/V Polar Star
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

(Santa Maria) Dramatic waterfalls, lava tube caves and terraced cliffside vineyards create a stunning coastline on this island, the only one that is both sedimentary and volcanic. Sea conditions will dictate the day’s schedule but possibilities include a visit to São

 
Day 9     Azores
Meals: Breakfast

(Saõ Miguel) Disembark in Ponta Delgada.

Optional Land Excursion: (09h00 – 16h00) This optional day gives you an opportunity to see the rest of Saõ Miguel island. The program includes a visit to the thermal springs and steaming geysers at Furnas, a tea plantation and pottery factory. A highlight of the day includes a volcanically cooked lunch (cozido nas caldeiras).

 

Notes

(Please note that this is our planned itinerary – actual execution is subject to weather and scheduling limitations. We reserves the right to adjust the itinerary as needed without recourse.)

Price Includes
Tour Escort
Meals Daily Shipboard
Sightseeing and Entrances Per Itinerary
Shore Excursions
Conferences and Shipboard Entertainment
Accommodations in Select Cabin Category
Price Does Not Include
 Fuel Surcharges
 Optional Excursions
POL-1269
1.28.15.WP26