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Archipelago of the Azores

    

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Essence of the Azores Cruise

2010 Departures

Apr 22
Prices
From		$3525 per Person Double
$2920 per Person Triple
$2115 Single Supplement
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Azores
Days8
VisitingAzores
CountriesPortugal
OrientationOne Way
CategoriesCruises
Small Ship Cruises
Winter & Spring Cruises
See AlsoFlowers of the Azores Cruise
Transatlantic Voyage from South America to Spain
Voyage to Madeira & the Azores

8 days and 7 nights on board the M/V Polar Star

This mid-Atlantic archipelago of nine islands tells a fascinating story. It is a step back in time where farmers take their milk carts to the fields. Their tenacious history is told in the views of windmills, cliffside vineyards, whaling boats and charming communities. Today the surrounding waters are visited by whales and dolphins and migratory and indigenous birds are to be found. A fascinating aspect of these islands is the volcanic formation and activity that has formed both the natural and human history through time. Join us and discover the essence of island life here in the Azores.

Please note that in 2010, this cruise will be for nine days and eight nights. An additional day has been added to allow more time in Sao Jorge.

Itinerary

Day 1
Visiting: 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
Visiting: 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
Visiting: 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
Visiting: 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
Visiting: Azores
On Board the M/V Polar Star
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
SAO JORGE & PICO - We Zodiac cruise to places of Sa� Jorge inaccessible by land - the remote Fa's and bird sanctuary areas. We then steam to St Roque do Pico. We visit Lajido Acros (vineyard) area, a UNESCO site and tour of a wine museum and Furna de Frei Matias near the dramatic cone of Pico mountain, then on to Lajes do Pico on the south coast with an excellent whaling museum. We board the ship to set off in search of whales and dolphins.
Day 6
Visiting: Azores
On Board the M/V Polar Star
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
TERCEIRA - A walking tour of lovely Angra do Heroismo, a UNSECO site, leaves us with the impression of a Mediterranean town. Nearby is Monte Brasil, a volcanic bluff with its fortification, woodland walks and spectacular views.
Day 7
Visiting: Azores
On Board the M/V Polar Star
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
SANTA MARIA - We spend the morning whale watching off the south coast of Sa� Miguel en route to Santa Maria, the only island not completely volcanic. We plan an afternoon landing at Sao Loureo or Maia, with terraced cliffside vineyards and little sandy beaches.
Day 8
Visiting: Azores
On Board the M/V Polar Star
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
SAO MIGUEL - We disembark early in the morning for a full day tour - the only tea plantation in Europe, ceramic factory of Lagoa and Furnas village with geysers, thermal waters, a therapeutic pool and beautiful gardens. Lunch is a traditional affair, Cozido nas Caldeiras - cooked volcanically. Passengers disperse late afternoon in Ponta Delgada.

Notes

Gratuities are included in the 2009 rates.

We reserve the right to levy a fuel surcharge.

Price Includes
Tour Escort
Sightseeing Per Itinerary
Shore Excursions
Accommodations in Select Cabin Category
Three Meals Daily Shipboard
More Options
Flowers of the Azores Cruise
Transatlantic Voyage from South America to Spain
Voyage to Madeira & the Azores
Cruises
Small Ship Cruises
Winter & Spring Cruises
Price Does Not Include
 Fuel Surcharges
POL-0409