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Islands of the Azores: Basalt Peaks to Volcanic Vineyards Cruise

Islands of the Azores: Basalt Peaks to Volcanic Vineyards Cruise

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Description

Towering basalt peaks, bubbling hot springs, emerald-green farmlands, fascinating seafaring history, world-class wine and cheese and captivating fado music—this is just some of the beauty and vitality you’ll discover as we explore the dramatically beautiful Portuguese archipelago of the Azores aboard the state-of-the-art National Geographic Endurance. 

Trip Name
Islands of the Azores: Basalt Peaks to Volcanic Vineyards Cruise
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 103 metres Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins) Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014 With just 53 cabins, National Geographic Orion offers an intimate and refined platform for exploring some of the world’s most remote and culturally rich regions—from the Pacific Islands and Asia to Antarctica and the Mediterranean. Purpose-built for expedition travel, she boasts an ice-class hull for navigating polar waters and exceptional manoeuvrability that enables access to secluded bays, narrow inlets and winding rivers—places far beyond the reach of larger cruise ships. Life aboard Orion is designed to immerse guests in the natural world, with panoramic deck spaces, a whirlpool hot tub, and ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Her public areas include two relaxed dining venues, a lounge with bar, an observation library, fitness centre and spa, as well as the OM System Photo Gear Locker to support photography at all levels. Open-Bridge access allows guests to connect with the ship’s officers and learn about navigation first-hand. Whether sailing through polar pack ice or anchoring off a tropical atoll, Orion delivers a seamless blend of adventure and comfort.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal / Embark Ship
Arrive in Ponta Delgada, the charming capital of the Azores. Transfer from the airport to the city and spend the day at your own pace exploring the sights, sounds and tastes of this island capital. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship.  Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - Day 2 Pico / Faial
The tallest mountain on the Atlantic Ridge, the long dormant Ponta do Pico is a defining feature of this beautiful island whose claims to fame are whaling history and wine. Visit one of the island’s former whaling villages and learn about the importance of the whaling industry to these islands​. Travel to the wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and see the unlikely lava stone corrals that protect the precious vines. Enjoy a tasting of these very special wines.Sail to the island of Faial in time to raise a glass at Peter Café Sport, a legendary pub where sea adventurers historically dropped off their mail.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Day 3 Faial
​Head to Capelinhos, where you can see how dramatically the landscape changed when its volcano erupted in 1957. Farms and villages were covered with ash, which added nearly an extra mile of land to the island. Later, stroll in the marina, visit the excellent scrimshaw museum or enjoy a coffee at a local café.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - DAY 4 São Jorge
 Visit São Jorge, formed by volcanic fissures. On trails that crisscross the ridge and beaches, hike to Caldeira de Santo Cristo Lake, known for its clams; visit the small villages perched on the fajãs; explore the coffee and tea plantations and taste world-renowned São Jorge cheese. Be on deck with binoculars this afternoon as you sail around the tip of the island, passing cliffs with nesting seabirds and looking for Risso’s dolphins and whales.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - DAY 5 Terceira
 First settled by Portuguese navigators around 1450, Terceira became a popular port of call for merchant ships and the economic and religious center of the Azores. We will wind along the coastline and explore historic villages like Porto Judeu, a small fishing community; Sao Sebastiao, which has a notable 15th-century parish church; and Altares, with its quaint whitewashed houses capped with traditional chimneys and painted cones. Upland at Algar do Carvao, be amazed by a huge lava tube adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, and later stroll the streets of Praia da Vitoria. Or, take a walking tour with local guides to see the forts, palaces, churches, museums, and gardens of Angra do Heroismo. Step back in time in this 15th-century UNESCO World Heritage site and see firsthand the indelible mark left by the ancient explorers, conquerors, and religious leaders.  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - DAY 6 Santa Maria
 As we cruise towards the island of Santa Maria, be on deck to search for the islands’ many cetaceans. Go ashore at Santa Maria, historically significant as the first landfall of Christopher Columbus on his return from the Americas in 1493. We’ll see a statue of the explorer in the village of Anjos and admire breathtaking vistas as we travel along the coast. Those who choose to hike the Pico Alto-Baíia dos Anjos trail will travel from the highest point on the island to the sea to observe marine birds in their azure surroundings.     Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Day 7 Ponta Delgada
Explore the Furnas Valley and sample a typical Azorean​ specialty for lunch: cozido, a dish made with a variety of meats and vegetables naturally cooked underground from the heat of volcanic activity. Then, join local cetacean spotters and a marine biologist on a catamaran in search of cetaceans.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Day 8 Ponta Delgada / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Ponta Delgada and transfer to the airport for flights home.Departure Time: Depart after 10:00 a.m. local time.Departure City: Ponta Delgada, AzoresMeals Included: Breakfast
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
Day 10 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

    • Go whale-watching, follow scenic hiking trails, and learn of the volcanic history unique to the Azores
    • Discover the varied past and the stories of explorers, whalers, and conquerors who all had a part in weaving the tapestry of island history
    • Experience the commitment the locals have to sustainable growth and protecting the natural beauty and ecosystems of the archipelago
    • Aboard National Geographic Endurance, take advantage of the ship’s state-of the-art amenities, from wellness programs and spa treatments to gourmet dining options

Map

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