Set sail on a 9-day cruise through the Islands of the Azores: Basalt peaks to volcanic vineyards aboard the National Geographic Endurance. Encounter the defining Ponta do Pico, exploring a whaling village and a UNESCO-listed wine region. Join a researcher to spot cetaceans. Explore Faial's transformed landscape post-1957 volcanic eruption. Experience the unique fado music. Visit São Jorge, hike through cliffs and fajãs, and explore saltwater lagoons. Graciosa, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers natural wonders and historic villages. Terceira, settled in 1450, boasts coastal views and lava tube exploration. Enjoy whale watching and explore Santa Maria's historical significance. Discover Furnas Valley's hot springs and savor a traditional Azorean dish. Conclude the journey at Sete Cidades before departing.
Highlights
Explore Ponta do Pico, the Atlantic Ridge's tallest dormant volcano
Witness the dramatic landscape change after the 1957 volcano eruption in Faial
Explore Graciosa's natural monument, Caldeira da Graciosa and Praia village
Join a local whale guide in Terceira for a whale-watching expedition
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Welcome to São Miguel, the capital of the Azores, and transfer from the airport to the city. Spend the day exploring at your own pace. In the afternoon, check in with the hospitality desk before boarding the ship.
Discover Ponta do Pico, the tallest mountain on the Atlantic Ridge, on an island known for its whaling history and unique wine. Visit Lajes do Pico, a former whaling hub, and explore the Whalers’ Museum to learn about the industry's impact on the region. Then, head to the UNESCO-listed wine region, where lava flows have been transformed into vineyards. Observe the lava stone corrals protecting the vines before sampling these distinctive wines. In the afternoon, sail to Faial and cap off the day at Peter Café Sport, a historic gathering place for sea adventurers.
Following breakfast on board the ship, head to Capelinhos, where you can see how dramatically the landscape changed when its volcano erupted in 1957. Farms and villages were covered with ash, which added nearly an extra mile of land to the island. Later, stroll in the marina, visit the excellent scrimshaw museum and enjoy a coffee at a local café.
This morning visit São Jorge, formed by volcanic fissures. An impressive mix of imposing sea cliffs and fajãs—coastal plateaus formed from lava flows—the island has fertile soil that supports picturesque grasslands and farms. On trails that crisscross the ridge and beaches, hike to Caldeira de Santo Cristo Lake, known for its clams; visit the small villages perched on the fajãs; explore the coffee and tea plantations and taste world-renowned São Jorge cheese. Be on deck with binoculars this afternoon as you sail around the tip of the island, passing cliffs with nesting sea birds and looking for Risso’s dolphins and whales.
Aptly named, this “gracious” island has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for the balance its inhabitants have achieved between the preservation of the geography and sustainable human development. Travel through a beautiful patchwork of farmland and vineyards dotted with windmills en route to the ancient village of Santa Cruz. At the natural monument Caldeira da Graciosa, you'll see Furna do Enxofre, a unique lava cave and underground lake. Later, stroll through the village of Praia, enjoy the sweet pastry queijada da Graciosa, and soak up the tranquility of this quiet harbor.
First settled by Portuguese navigators around 1450, Terceira became a popular port of call for merchant ships and the economic and religious center of the Azores. You wind along the coastline and explore historic villages like Porto Judeu, a small fishing community; Sao Sebastiao, which has a notable 15th-century parish church and Altares, with its quaint whitewashed houses capped with traditional chimneys and painted cones. Stroll the streets of Praia da Vitoria or take a walking tour with local guides to see the forts, palaces, churches, museums, and gardens of Angra do Heroismo. Step back in time to this 15th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site and see firsthand the indelible mark left by the ancient explorers, conquerors, and religious leaders.
As you cruise towards the island of Santa Maria, be on deck to search for the islands’ many cetaceans. Go ashore at Santa Maria, historically significant as the first landfall of Christopher Columbus on his return from the Americas in 1493. You'll see a statue of the explorer in the village of Anjos and admire breathtaking vistas as you travel along the coast. Those who choose to hike the Pico Alto-Baíia dos Anjos trail travel from the highest point on the island to the sea to observe marine birds in their azure surroundings.
Explore the Furnas Valley and its famed hot springs, hike the trails, and visit a tea plantation. Sample a typical Azorean dish for lunch: cozido, a dish made with a variety of meats and vegetables naturally cooked underground from the heat of volcanic activity. Following lunch, join local whale spotters and a marine biologist onboard a catamaran in search of the gentle giants of the sea.
Day 9: São Miguel | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark in São Miguel and transfer to the airport for flights home.
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.
$11,160
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Category 1
Located on the Fore Deck. 183 square ft room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 2
Located on the Fore Deck. 205 square ft. room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers.
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Category 3
Located on the Main Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 4
Located on the Lounge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 5
Located on the Bridge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 6
Located on the Bridge Deck. 344 square ft suite with large balcony, sofa bed, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 7
Located on the Bridge Deck. 430 square ft. suite with large balcony, sofa bed, bathtub, walk-in closet, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category A Solo
Located on the Main Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category B Solo
Located on the Lounge Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
8 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet)
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
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