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Peregrine Travel Centre

The Treasures of Portugal

The Treasures of Portugal

From £2,165 GBP

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Description

Portugal offers so much to travellers: from rich history and exquisite architecture, to hidden natural pearls in the remote Azores. This journey offers the best of Lisbon and the fascinating Azores in a round trip expedition.

Seven hills of history
Starting and ending in Lisbon, this voyage gives you the chance to discover the steep streets and charming neighbourhoods of the Portugese capital.

The Azores – the colours of nature
With nicknames like the green, purple and black islands, one gets an idea of how unique and distinctive each of our Azores destinations are.

São Miguel is studded with lakes and rolling hills, mountains and green plains. The island’s capital is the charming university town of Ponta Delgada.

Ilha do Pico is a stunning natural destination, ideal for bird watching and hiking.

Lovely and historic Angra was founded in the 15th century, an ideal stopping place for traders from the New World.

Also known as the “pearl of the Atlantic”, Madeira is a veritable floating garden in the Atlantic ocean, hosting rare and lush plant and animal life. Funchal is a modern, cosmopolitan city that offers inviting cafes, interesting shops, cobblestone streets and a magnificent natural setting.

The volcanic sand of Porto Santo has been said to have curative powers, prompting visitors from all over to this remote island. Enjoy a visit to these golden beaches.

Trip Name
The Treasures of Portugal
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 136m Passenger Capacity: 970 Built: 2003 MS Midnatsol has a strong environmental profile and a modern design. The interior’s bright, colourful décor is inspired by the warm sunny climate, a motif also reflected in the many pieces of Norwegian modern art on display. She is also a TV star, being featured in the award winning documentary "Hurtigruten 365", made by Norwegian TV. On deck 9 you find the sun deck and a Jacuzzi. Key qualities of the MS Midnatsol include the large, two-story panorama lounge above the bow, and the large glass expanses that allow natural light to enter, while providing extraordinary views. MS Midnatsol is an ice class 1X ship and equipped with advanced technology, making her very well suited for expedition voyages in Antarctica. Two-story panorama lounge  Bars  Café  Library  Restaurant  Separate a la carte restaurant  Playroom  Sauna  Shop Jacuzzis Fitness room Amfi theatre for educational lectures and conference facilities

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Legendary Lisbon
Lisbon is a legendary city with centuries of history, built on seven hills along the shores of the River Tejo. Take some time to visit world famous sites like Tower of Belém before embarkation on MS Midnatsol.
Day 2 - Days 2 - 3 - Towards volcanic beauty
We sail west towards the volcanic archipelago of the Azores. These nine islands are the western frontier of Europe, and each has its own unique character. Our expert lecturers will prepare you for the upcoming visit. Take a little time to chat with your fellow travellers or just enjoy the deep relaxation of being at sea.
Day 3 - Day 4 - The green island
Known as the “green island”, São Miguel is the largest of the 9 islands, studded with lakes and rolling hills, mountains and green plains. The island’s capital is the charming university town of Ponta Delgada. Join an excursion to the Sete Cidades Massif to see a volcanic crater and lake-filled caldera, and tour the otherworldly landscape of cones, pumice deposits, and lava domes. The scenic Lagoa das Sete Cidades is a highlight of this protected landscape, considered one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal.
Day 4 - Day 5 - UNESCO-listed landscape
Known as the “black island” for the rich volcanic soil that feeds the marvellous vineyards and fruit orchards, Ilha do Pico is a stunning natural destination, ideal for bird watching and hiking. Enjoy Vila da Madalena, the hub of the island, with an impressive 17th century church. Choose an excursion to the UNESCO-listed vineyards to experience the creativity of the adaptations the local people have made to thrive in this rugged and beautiful landscape.
Day 5 - Day 6 - The purple island
Visit the lovely and historic capital of the archipelago. Angra was founded in the 15th century, prospering from its location as an ideal stopping place for traders from the New World. Take in the historic 16th century fortress of São João Baptista. Beyond the edge of town, with the Serra de Santa Barbara massif looming in the west, the island hosts a wild and hilly scenic landscape.
Day 6 - Day 7 - Madeira bound
Enjoy another idyllic day at sea, taking in the fresh salt air, relaxing with a drink or a book, and scanning for wildlife in the living ocean.
Day 7 - Day 8 - The floating garden
Also known as the “pearl of the Atlantic”, Madeira is a veritable floating garden in the Atlantic, hosting rare and lush plant and animal life. The Laurissilva Forest, tracing back to the Tertiary period, is composed of evergreen species that were dominant in Europe 20 million years ago, but today is only found here and a few other isolated spots. Funchal is a modern, cosmopolitan city that offers inviting cafes, interesting shops, cobblestone streets and a magnificent natural setting.
Day 8 - Day 9 - The magic of golden sand
This place has been called “one long beach, with a bit of land attached”. The volcanic sand of Porto Santo has been said to have curative powers, prompting visitors from all over to this remote island. Enjoy a visit to these golden beaches. The rugged interior of Porto Santo is perfect for exciting excursions, walks, and has a lot to offer history buffs. After all, a little-known explorer named Christopher Columbus made his home on the island´s capital: Vila Baleira.
Day 9 - Day 10 - Relax and reflect
The day is yours. Relax on deck or indoors, learn more from our lecture series, and compare memories with your fellow explorers as we sail towards mainland Europe.
Day 10 - Day 11 - Cruising up the Tejo
Early risers will be rewarded with a lovely view of Lisbon as we cruise up the Tejo river, ending our journey in the capital of Portugal.
Day 11 - Please Note:
This is an expedition where the elements rule, and the weather and wind conditions will determine our final schedule. Safety is paramount and the captain will decide the sailing itinerary during the voyage. Therefore, this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience, and why every expedition with us is unique.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-09-201827-09-2018£2,544Arctic Superior. From
17-09-201827-09-2018£3,194Minisuite. From
17-09-201827-09-2018£3,788Expedition Suite. From
17-09-201827-09-2018£2,165Polar Inside. From
17-09-201827-09-2018£2,230Polar Outside. From

Inclusions

    • Explore the verdant, volcanic islands of the Azores
    • Discover the charm of Lisbon, Funchal and Porto Santo
    • Choose from among a wide selection of exciting excursions
    • Learn about the rich history of exploration at every turn from our Expedition team

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