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Boats line the harbor in the Azores

The Essential Azores

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Le Champlain
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Sail to Terceira Island, known for its rich historical heritage. The city of Angra do Heroismo, once an important commercial port, is home to imposing fortifications and Baroque-inspired monuments from the 16th and 17th centuries. Further west, you will discover São Jorge, with basalt platforms resulting from cliff-face erosion. Le Champlain will then sail to the mountainous island of Pico, whose vineyard landscapes are listed as UNESCO World Heritage. From Faial, don’t miss the chance to visit Horta, a lively, world-renowned marina. Finally, succumb to the charms of São Miguel, as you discover not just the old town of Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores, but also a stunning natural environment with hot springs, lakes and volcanic craters.
Hike to distant volcanoes in the AzoresIntricate cactus of the AzoresTerraces in the Azores IslandsA hiker overlooks the cliffs on the ocean.Boats line the harbor in the Azores
Highlights
  • Visit UNESCO sites: the city of Angra do Heroismo from Terceira; the vineyard landscapes on Pico Island
  • Enjoy a trip off the beaten track, combining nature and culture
  • Discover beautiful and diverse landscapes: volcanoes, mountain peaks, green hills, cliffs, lakes, shrubs
  • View old town, churches, and the famous Portas da Cidade at Ponta Delgada
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Ponta Delgada, Azores (Portugal) | Embark

The coastal city of Ponta Delgada stands on the southern coastline of São Miguel Island, in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. On your way to the town center from the port, you'll pass through the Doors to the Sea, a contemporary architectural complex bordering the Atlantic. The historic district features a beautiful square framed by the three Baroque arches of the City Gates. A few steps from the shore you'll find the Gothic church of São Sebastião and the Renaissance fortress, Fortaleza de São Brásainsi.

Day 2: Praia da Vitória, Azores (Portugal)

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
With its 10,000 inhabitants, Praia da Vitória is one of the most modern towns in the Azores archipelago. It is located on the far east of the island of Terceira. From 1456 to 1474, Praia da Vitória was the seat of the captaincy of Terceira and the capital of the region before being replaced by Angra. Its bay shelters the largest sandy beach in the Azores. Its historic center is a charming maze of streets and alleys whose old houses have double-hung barred windows or interesting mashrabiyas.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Panoramic Tour Of Terceira, Walking Tour Of Angra Do Heroismo.

Day 3: Praia da Graciosa, Azores (Portugal)

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arriving on “graceful” Graciosa Island, you’ll admire its stunning landscapes with its vines surrounded by walls of black basalt, its steep shores, and transparent sea beds. Declared a “World Biosphere Reserve” by UNESCO, the northernmost of the islands forming the Azores archipelago, often designated by the term “eighth Canary Island”, has thus been protected from mass tourism. You’ll be able to visit the St Matthew Church, which has one of the finest pipe organs in the Azores, dating back to 1793. The island will charm you with its deserted volcanic landscapes embellished with beaches of immaculate sand.

Day 4: Velas, Azores (Portugal)

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The port of Velas is on the southern coast of the island of São Jorge. You’ll be surprised by its cliffs that drop right into the sea and its many fajãs that punctuate the island’s shores. These curious geological formations come from lava flows that have entered the sea, landslides due to seismic shocks or erosion. Protected by the wind, the fajãs, flat land surfaces on the sea edge at the foot of imposing cliffs, enjoy fertile soil and a favorable microclimate. Their natural pools (and, in particular, the natural pool of Fajã do Ouvidor) with clear water are an invitation to bathe in an exceptional natural setting.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Panoramic Tour Of Velas, Fajã Dos Vimes Hiking Tour.

Day 5: Horta, Azores (Portugal)

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The main town on Faial Island, in the Azores, Horta has preserved a real authenticity and picturesque charm. The main marina in the archipelago, the town boasts a number of frescos painted by sailors who dropped anchor there from around the world. Also do not miss a visit to the many churches, the Santa Cruz fort dating from the 16th Century and the Scrimshaw Museum, dedicated to the local craft of sculpting on whale teeth. In the south-east of the city is Monte Da Guia, a volcanic cone classified as a Special Protection Area, which will offer you breathtaking views over Porto Pim Bay and the ocean.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Panoramic Faial, Walking Tour Of Horta, Volcanic Hiking To Capelinhos.

Day 6: Lajes do Pico, Azores (Portugal)

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the Azores archipelago, Lajes Do Pico is a small Portuguese town of fewer than 5,000 inhabitants nestling on the southern coast of Pico Island. You’ll be charmed by its colorful little houses and its superb landscapes bearing rich history linked to the whaling period which made its reputation. It is dominated by its enormous and majestic volcano, the highest in Portugal, which culminates at 2,531 meters. You’ll be able to discover its small museum dedicated to the whaling industry and the island’s vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on one of the most beautiful paths in the Azores. If conditions allow it, you’ll perhaps have the chance to observe whales.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Panoramic Tour & Whaler's Museum, Hiking Tour Of Criação Velha.

Day 7: Ponta Delgada, Azores (Portugal)

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The coastal city of Ponta Delgada stands on the southern coastline of São Miguel Island, in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. On your way to the town center from the port, you'll pass through the Doors to the Sea, a contemporary architectural complex bordering the Atlantic. The historic district features a beautiful square framed by the three Baroque arches of the City Gates. A few steps from the shore youメll find the Gothic church of São Sebastião and the Renaissance fortress, Fortaleza de São Brásainsi.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Fire Lake And Ribeira Grande, Island Tour On 4wd Vehicles.

Day 8: Ponta Delgada, Azores (Portugal) | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your journey home. 

Ship/Hotel

Le Champlain

Le Champlain Pool
Ponant Sauna
Swimming pool

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$5,790
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Cabin
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Deluxe Stateroom
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with French window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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Deluxe Suite
Area: 27 m². 6m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower. Up to 3 passengers per cabin.
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Prestige Suite Deck 5
Area: 38 m². 8m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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Prestige Suite Deck 6
Area: 38 m². 8m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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Privilege Suite
Area: 32 m². 8m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower. Up to 4 passengers per cabin.
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Grand Deluxe Suite
Area: 45 m². 30m² private balcony with sliding bay windows. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower + bathtub.
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Owner's Suite
Area: 45 m². 30m² private balcony with hot tub and sliding bay windows. King-size or twin beds and shower + bathtub.

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.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Unlimited Wifi
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Gratuities to Onboard Crew
  • “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
  • 24h Room Service (special selection)
  • English-Speaking Lecturer 
  • Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
  • Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
  • Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite. 
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Visa Fees
  • Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
  • Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
  • Luggage Handling 
  • Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
  • Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions 
  • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
  • CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
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