Explore the Atlantic islands on this 15-day voyage from Cabo Verde to the Azores aboard National Geographic Orion. Begin in Praia, Cabo Verde, then visit Fogo to see volcanic landscapes and villages rebuilt after lava flows. Sail north across the Tropic of Cancer before exploring La Palma and La Gomera in the Canary Islands, including UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park. Continue to the Desertas Islands, a refuge for monk seals, and on to Madeira to discover historic Funchal and local cuisine. Cross to the Azores, landing first on Santa Maria, followed by Faial’s dramatic Capelinhos volcano, and Ponta Delgada for cultural tours or whale-watching. At sea, spot marine life with naturalists while enjoying Orion’s observation decks, before concluding in Ponta Delgada.
Highlights
Visit UNESCO sites like Cidade Velha and the Garajonay National Park
Discover Madeira’s diverse flora and fauna, learn about its rich heritage
Learn the volcanic history of the Atlantic Ridge from Fogo to Faial Island
Learn about the evolution of local traditions and architecture
Enjoy the natural and culinary delights of the Azores
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.
Day 1: Praia, Santiago Island, Cabo Verde | Embark Ship
1 Dinner
Arrive in the volcanic islands of Cabo Verde and transfer to Praia, the vibrant capital of Santiago Island. Enjoy the day at your own pace—wander the streets, sample local flavors, or simply take in the atmosphere. Later, check in with the hospitality desk before embarking on the ship. Please arrive by 1:00 p.m. local time.
Arrive in São Filipe on Fogo Island. Visit Portela, a village rebuilt after being damaged by lava in 2015, and see how locals have restored their homes, shops, and restaurants.
Visit the ship’s bridge as you sail northward across the Tropic of Cancer. Soak up the views from one of the observation decks and attend engaging presentations from the National Geographic Photographer and onboard naturalists.
Day 6-7: La Palma and La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain
Drop anchor in the azure waters of the Canary Islands, which occupy a central place in the history of Atlantic exploration. Visit the larger island of La Palma, known as La Isla Bonita, or “the pretty island,” for its lushly forested mountain slopes set against azure waters. Enjoy a scenic drive up to Mirador de la Concepción, perched on the edge of a crater. On the island of La Gomera, visit a house where Christopher Columbus stayed or go for a hike in the Garajonay National Park.
Day 8-10: At Sea | Desertas Islands, Portugal | Madeira
After a day at sea, start the day south of Madeira in the Desertas Archipelago. The area is a refuge to the Mediterranean monk seal and an array of seabirds. Sail on to enchanting Madeira, where the island’s capital city of Funchal evokes a colonial time capsule with architecture from the 15th through the 19th centuries. Explore its winding streets and culinary delights.
Enjoy all that the ship has to offer on this day at sea en route to the Azores. Spend time on deck with the expedition team as they keep watch over the horizon, searching for the marine creatures and seabirds who feed in this fertile stretch of ocean.
Make your first landing in the Azores at Santa Maria, which is historically significant as the first landfall of Christopher Columbus on his return from the Americas in 1493. Experience the scenery and atmosphere of the Azores while hiking one of Santa Maria Island’s many trails.
On the island of Faial, head to Capelinhos to see how dramatically the landscape changed when the volcano at the western end of the island erupted in 1957. Later, stroll along the marina and raise a glass at Peter Café Sport, a legendary pub where sea adventurers historically dropped their mail.
Arrive in Ponta Delgada and set out on a panoramic tour of the island, visit a local tea plantation, and witness your lunch, the unique “Cozida das Furnas,” being unearthed from its geothermal oven in the ground. Or, join a team of biologists and naturalists on a local vessel searching for a number of species of cetaceans that either transit through or call these waters home.
Day 15: Ponta Delgada | Disembark Ship
1 Breakfast
Disembark in Ponta Delgada, the charming capital of the Azores, and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Departure Time: Depart after 11:30 a.m. local time.
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.
$19,7352-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
14 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)
Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
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).
