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Azores
Islands Cruise
DAY 1: SÃO
MIGUEL - In Ponta Delgada, we board our
expedition ship– the ideal way to reach all of these
remote islands. Sail at 6pm.
DAY 2: 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: 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 Bordões, 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: 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: SÃO
JORGE & PICO – We Zodiac cruise to places of São
Jorge inaccessible by land – the remote Fajãs and
bird sanctuary areas. We then steam to São 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:
TERCEIRA – A walking tour of lovely Angra do
Heroismo, an UNESCO 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: SANTA
MARIA – We spend the morning whale watching off
the south coast of São Miguel en route to Santa
Maria, the only island not completely volcanic. We
plan an afternoon landing at São Lourenço or Maia,
with terraced cliffside vineyards and little sandy
beaches.
DAY 8: SÃO
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.
Dates
Currently there are only 2 scheduled daes
April 19
April 26
Price are per person,
double occupancy
Double cabin with private bath: $3240.00
Mini suite with private bath: $4120.00
Suite (separate bedroom): $4315.00 per person
Includes:
All meals from dinner the first day through lunch
the last day
All shore excursions mentioned in the day to day
itinerary
Tour escort
Not included:
Airfare
Gratuities to ship’s staff |
