Island life is often described as more laid back and indeed time spent on these islands seems to take you back a little to the more simple days when there was time to just relax and enjoy. The Azorean archipelago has an intricate culture affected by many other parts of the world. This combined with its remote location mid-Atlantic makes it both isolated yet worldly. It is a strategic transit point for both mariners and aviators. There is a history of pineapple and tea plantations, wine once bottled solely for the Russian Tsar, intricate scrimshaw, whaling, volcanic activity and waves of emigration. This archipelago is a natural gathering place for whales, dolphins, migrating birds and seabirds. This year the cruise has an added day to allow more time in São Jorge – visiting all nine islands
- 8 nights/9 days |
| |
Day 1:
Thursday, Apr 22 (Saõ Miguel)
Embark in historical Ponta Delgada.
Day 2:
Friday, Apr 23 (Graciosa)
The first day of island hopping is to the tranquil island of Graciosa to visit a cave of sulphur, Furna do Enxofre and the charming town of Santa Cruz. Later Zodiac cruise around the volcanic coastal cliffs and islets.
Day 3:
Saturday, Apr 24 (Flores & Corvo)
Start the day on Flores, often considered the most beautiful island but also
of notable geological interest – fajãs, basalt cliffs, and valleys and lakes often created by volcanic activity. The
afternoon visit will be to the tiny island of Corvo, basically comprised of one caldeira. The ship will circumnavigate
the island or if conditions permit, a landing will take place to visit the one small village and walk the rim of the
caldeira.
Day 4:
Sunday, Apr 25 (Faial)
Faial has been a haven for sailors throughout time. A visit to Ponta dos Capelinhos
gives an insight into the impact of the 1957-8 eruption on the community and environment. The scenic drive back to Horta will take in views of nearby Pico’s mountain and a visit to the Botanical Garden. Back at Horta enjoy the
Scrimshaw Museum and wander the town.
Day 5:
Monday, Apr 26 (Pico)
This stunning island is physically dominated by a dramatic volcanic peak. Learn more
about the local wine industry through a visit to a vineyard / wine museum and the UNESCO designated Lajido
Acros. A drive will provide the opportunity to see more of the dramatic peaked landscape and then on to the
museum in Lajes do Pico that tells the story of the early whaling in the archipelago.
Day 6:
Tuesday, Apr 27 (Saõ Jorge)
This largely rural island has many more cattle than people and is known for its
strong cheddar-like cheese. It is of geographical interest with its cliff shoreline marked with flat fajãs sweeping to the sea. After visiting the charming old world harbour town of Velas, the ship cruises the coastline to find a tranquil
fajã for a Zodiac landing.
Day 7:
Wednesday, Apr 28 (Terceira)
The UNESCO site Angra do Heroismo has a delightful waterfront area and
Mediterranean feel. A walking tour takes in the Misericorda church, Convent do São Francisco, public gardens
and museum. In the afternoon, there is time to hike to Monte Brasil to see the fortification and view, or relax and
wander the historic town.
Day 8:
Thursday, Apr 29 (Santa Maria)
Dramatic waterfalls, lava tube caves and terraced cliff side vineyards create a
stunning coastline on this island, the only one that is both sedimentary and volcanic. Sea conditions will dictate the
day’s schedule but possibilities include a visit to São Laurenço or Maia, Zodiac cruise to see marine life and the sea
caves or a circumnavigation of the island and on to the Formigas (Ant Islands).
Day 9:
Friday, Apr 30 (Saõ Miguel)
Disembark in Ponta Delgada.
Optional Land Excursion: April 30 – (09h00 – 16h00) This optional day gives you an opportunity to see the rest of Saõ Miguel island. The program includes a visit to the thermal springs and steaming geysers at Furnas, a tea plantation and pottery factory. A highlight of the day includes a volcanically cooked lunch (cozido nas caldeiras). Price per person $70.
Note:
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife.
|
