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Exploring Cabo Verde, the Canary Islands and the Azores

Exploring Cabo Verde, the Canary Islands and the Azores

From $ 22,350 AUD

Description

The remote islands off the coast of Portugal and Western Africa beckon travelers with the promise of rich history, volcanic vistas, world-class wine and cheese, and picturesque fishing villages. Sail through Cabo Verde, the Canaries, and the Azores as we discover natural and historic delights that include scenic hiking trails, tucked away ports, and several UNESCO World Heritage sites in Madeira, Fogo Island, and more. At sea, the elegant National Geographic Orion is your home base to spot vibrant marine life and take in spectacular views of these mostly untouched archipelagos. 

Trip Name
Exploring Cabo Verde, the Canary Islands and the Azores
Days
16
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 103 metres Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins) Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014 Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, Orion is equipped with the latest technology including large retractable stabilizers, sonar, radar, and an ice-strengthened hull. A shallow draft plus bow and stern thrusters provide the convenience of being able to maneuver close to shore. 14 Zodiacs ensure quick disembarkation and offer the ideal transport for up-close exploration. National Geographic Orion meets strict specifications for environmental protection and the on board waste management systems meet the stringent Antarctic operational standards enabling us to travel to the most pristine environments. A host of advanced design features and technology ensures sustainable marine environmental practices. National Geographic Orion accommodates 102 guests in 53 cabins, including several with balconies. She is spacious and modern, with a variety of public rooms that offer panoramic views of the passing landscape. Friendly and informal, Orion fosters a welcoming atmosphere where like-minded guests share in exceptional experiences and enrichment. Her public rooms include a dramatic window-lined main lounge, as well as an observation lounge and library perched at the very top of the ship, with plentiful observation decks. The spacious lounge is the heart of our expedition community, and is suited for spirited cocktail hours, informative presentations and our nightly tradition of Recap. In addition, a dedicated theater provides a unique setting for specialist presentations or films and slideshows. Both the main dining room and outside buffet easily accommodate all guests at once for open seating dining. On selected nights, weather permitting, our dining room menu is also available on the outside deck. While Orion interiors are elegant, life aboard is always casual, with no need for formal clothing. And you’ll find shipboard services like laundry, in-room cabled internet, and public-area wifi.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Praia, Santiago Island, Cabo Verde
 Arrive in the remote and mountainous volcanic islands of Cabo Verde and the capital city of Praia, on Santiago Island, and transfer to the hotel. Meet us this evening for a welcome reception and briefing before dinner.  Arrival time: Arrive before 6:00 p.m. local time. Arrival City: Praia, Cabo Verde Islands Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - DAY 2 Praia / Embark Ship
 Start the day in this island paradise with a walking tour of the old town center or “Plateau.” Rich in history you will experience the colonial influence on the architecture of the Presidential Palace and Main Square. Explore the open-air market where displays of local fruits and vegetables are works of natural art. Via bus, travel to Cidade Velha, the historic center of Ribeira Grande and the first city built by the Portuguese in Africa. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the ruins tell the story of architecture that protected the city against pirates, provided sanctuary within the cathedral and convent and supported everyday life with the thatched roofs of Banana Street. Following lunch, head to the port and embark the National Geographic Orion.  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - DAY 3 Fogo Island, Cabo Verde
 This morning finds us in Sao Filipe on the island of Fogo, where you will have the opportunity to add volcano-gazing to your life list. The striking landscape of Fogo has been shaped and transformed by lava flows, most recently in 2015. We will visit Portela, one of the villages that was swallowed up by lava in that eruption. The locals have since reclaimed the land and have rebuilt restaurants and shops and restored their homes.  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - DAYS 4-6 At Sea / Cross the Tropic of Cancer
 Visit the ship’s bridge as we sail northward across the Tropic of Cancer. Soak up the views from one of the observation decks and attend engaging presentations on a range of subjects, from 15th-century Portuguese and Spanish navigators to talks from our marine biologists on the amazing navigation skills of the cetaceans who travel these waters.  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - DAYS 7-8 La Palma and La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain
 Drop anchor in the azure waters of the Canary Islands, which occupies a central place in the history of Atlantic exploration. The larger island of La Palma is known as La Isla Bonita, or “the pretty island,” for its lushly forested mountain slopes set against azure waters. Enjoy a scenic drive up to Mirador de la Concepción, perched on the edge of a crater. Take in fantastic views of the town and harbor below and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows, with its fusion of baroque and Spanish-Moorish architecture. On the island of La Gomera, visit a house where Christopher Columbus stayed while his ships were provisioned with supplies, then consider a hike in the verdant Garajonay Nacional Park.  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - DAYS 9-11 At Sea / Desertas Islands, Portugal / Madeira
 After a day at sea, start the day south of Madeira in the Desertas Archipelago. This small group of volcanic islands has been deemed a nature reserve, helping to protect both the sea and land. The area is a refuge to the Mediterranean monk seal and an array of seabirds. Sail on to enchanting Madeira, a subtropical island abloom in flora. First settled by the Portuguese in 1419, the island’s capital city of Funchal evokes a colonial time capsule, with architecture from the 15th through the 19th centuries. Explore its winding streets and culinary delights.  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - DAY 12 At Sea
 Enjoy all that the National Geographic Orion has to offer on this final day at sea as we make our way to the Azores. Spend time on deck with the expedition team as they keep watch over the horizon, searching for the marine creatures and seabirds who feed in this fertile stretch of ocean.  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - DAY 13 Santa Maria Island, Azores
 Historically significant as the first landfall of Christopher Columbus on his return from the Americas in 1493, we make our first landing in the Azores at Santa Maria. For those interested in getting some exercise, there are hiking trails that will allow us to experience the scenery and atmosphere of the island.  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - DAY 14 Faial
 As we sail into Faial, be out on deck to enjoy the beautiful island views and keep your eyes on the horizon in hope of spotting the whales known to move through these waters. Once ashore on the island of Faial, head to Capelinhos to see how dramatically the landscape changed when the volcano at the western end of the island erupted in 1957. Farms and villages were covered in ash, adding an extra two square kilometers of land to the island. Later, stroll along the marina, visit the excellent scrimshaw museum, and raise a glass at Peter Café Sport, a legendary pub where sea adventurers historically dropped their mail.  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - DAYS 15-16 Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, Azores / Disembark Ship
 Disembark in Ponta Delgada, the charming capital of the Azores. Spend the morning touring the Old Town—stopping at the impressive Museum of Carlos Machado to discover the varied history of the archipelago. Enjoy lunch before transferring to the airport and homeward flights.   Departure Time: Depart after 10:30 a.m. local time.  Departure City: Ponta Delgada, Azores  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Visit several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Cabo Verde’s historic Cidade Velha and the Canary Islands’ densely forested Garajonay National Park
    • Discover Madeira’s diverse flora and fauna—from monk seals to the emblematic bird of paradise flower—and learn about the island’s rich Portuguese heritage
    • Explore the imposing volcanic history of the Atlantic Ridge, from Cabo Verde’s Fogo Island to the Azores’ Faial Island
    • Learn how local traditions and architecture evolved in these remote archipelagos
    • Encounter natural and culinary delights in the Azores as you follow scenic hiking trails, taste cheese made exclusively in these islands, and enjoy wine from the grapes that have grown in the nutrient rich volcanic soil

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