On the edge of Europe, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores are a paradise for nature lovers. Embark on a 5-star cruise through cobalt blue lakes formed in the craters of extinct volcanoes, natural belvederes offering extraordinary views, and a kaleidoscope of landscapes. Come and visit this rainbow-colored island chain whose palaces, churches and fortresses are a reminder of the time when the Azores were an important stopping point for ships laden with treasures from the Americas and the Orient.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Ponta Delgada, embark Le Boreal between 5 and 6 PM. Settle in to your cabin and familiarize yourself with the ship and her crew.
Day 2: Ponta Delgada
On your first full day in Ponta Delgada, explore the island on one of three optional excursions:
Sete Cidades: A scenic drive takes you through mountaiuns to the "Vista do Roi" (King's View), an outlook providing an excellent point to take in the remakrable scenery. Continue on to the Twin Lakes, and then descend into the Sete Cidades valley where you can take a leisurely walk in the midst of a volcanic crater. On the way back to the ship, visit the Faja de Baixo pineapple plantation and maybe even get a sample for the road.
Fire Lake & Ribeira Granda: Head north from the harbor to Ribeira Grande, the largest and oldest city on the island's north coast. On a leisurely walk, enjoy the city's famed basalt architecture. Head to Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake) by coach to admire the interior crater of an extinct volcano, still in its natural state.
Furnas Valley & Hotesprings: This full-day trip begins with a scenic drive to Villa Franca de Campo, the first capital of the island. Continue on to the Furnas Valley, where you can enjoy a special meal, the Cozido, cooked underground by geothermal power. Following lunch, explore the Botanical Garden at Hotel Terra Nostra and visit the Gorreana Tea Factory, now a working plantation and museum. Return to the ship at Ponta Delgado.
Day 3: Sao Roque do Pico - Madalena - Horta
The discovery Pico Island by the Portuguese navigators took place sometime between 1449 and 1451. In the beginning, it was known as King Dinis Island, and the current name comes up because the biggest Portuguese mountain lies there. The dry, hot climate of some parts of the island and the mineral resources of the lava soils led to the introduction of vineyards, mainly of verdelho grapes. As time went by, the quality of the local wine and spirits became known inside and outside the island, thus contributing to an increase in the development of vineyards. The wine was exported to Europe and America, with verdelho wine attained international fame. So much so that it was even served at the tables of the Russian tsars.
Choose to see the island and taste the local wine products on your way to Madalena on an optional excursion.
The ship will stop over in Madalena and Horta harbors, where you can choose additional optional excursions.
Day 4: Angra Do Heroismo
The third stop in the archipelago is known as an internal hub as well as an inter-continental stop over for ships sailing between Europe and the Americas. The city of Angra, founded in 1534, became the political economic and religious fulcrum of the Azores and it was filled with precious metals and exotic spices that made the island a privileged and continuous target for the English, French and Flemish privateers.
Join an optional full-day excursion to discover more of this island's historic and geologic heritage.
Day 5: Vila Do Porto - Azores
From Vila do Porto harbor, explore the island on a full-day optional excursion. Start with a dazzling view from the Macela Viewpoint, then on to the sandy beaches of the Praia Formoso. Visit the Museum of Santa Maria, where woven and pottery works are on display, before climbing by coach to the highest point on the island. Admire the entire island from the Sao Lourenco outlook.Continue by the parishes of Santa Bárbara, Fatima, Feteiras, Lagoinhas, Ribeira do Engenho and São Pedro. Enjoy lunch in Vila do Porto and then a short walk into the city center. On your way back to the ship, visit Forte de Sao Bras and the small port of Anjos.
Day 6: At Sea
Rest up for the final stops on your journey. As the ship cruises the open ocean, enjoy the breeze on deck, take advantage of the ship's luxurious amenities, or crack open that book you've been meaning to read.
Day 7: Funchal - Madeira
Funchal is the largest city, the municipal seat, and the capital of Portugal's Autonomous Region of Madeira. The city has been the capital of Madeira for more than five centuries. As legend has it, the name Funchal was applied by the first settlers that landed on its shores due to the abundance of wild fennel. Choose among several optional excursions to explore the unique character of this historic locale.
Day 8: Porto Santo
Porto Santo Island is a Portuguese island situated 43 kilometres (27 miles) northeast of Madeira Island in the North Atlantic Ocean; it is the northernmost and easternmost island of the Madeira archipelago. Officially discovered and recognized by the crown of Portugal in 1418, during the first centuries of settlement, life on Porto Santo was harsh owing to the scarcity of potable water and constant attacks by Barbary Coast pirates and French privateers. The famous explorer Christopher Columbus married Bartolomeu Perestrelo's daughter, Filipa Moniz Perestrelo, a Portuguese noblewoman, and for a while lived on Porto Santo.
Embark on an optional half-day walking tour of the island to learn more.
Day 9: At Sea
Enjoy your last full day aboard Le Boreal. Keep your eye our for bird life and marine mammals as you sail into mainland Portugal.
Day 10: Lisbon
Following an early breakfast on board, disembark in Lisbon. Tranfer to the airport to continue your travels.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Superior Stateroom
8 cabins, 226 sq ft, located on Le Champollion Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area and private bath.
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Deluxe Stateroom
28 cabins, 200 sq ft with private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
Deck 4, 200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
Deck 5, 200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
Deck 6, 200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Deluxe Suites
3 suites, 290 sq ft with 54 sq ft private balcony, located on the Le France Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, desk, minibar, private bath.
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Prestige Suite - Deck 5
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
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Prestige Suite - Deck 6
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
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Owners Suite
1 suite, 484 sq ft with 97 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living, dining areas, private bath with large tub and shower, minibar, 2 flat screen TVs, DVD, CD, and IPOD, Video on demand, Satellite phone.
Notes
Please Note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and subject to change without notice.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
32 minutes ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
1 day ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
2 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
2 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
3 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
