MYSTIQUE OF THE AZORES

ITINERARY

May 16 Bridgetown, Barbados Depart: 6:00 pm

The historic capital of Barbados, Bridgetown, contains centuries of colonial architecture that display the spread of the British Empire. The Barbados Garrison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consists of many old buildings filled with the fascinating history of how the island grew into what it is today. Lying along the southwest coast of Carlisle Bay, it also offers beautiful and serene beach scenes with soft, white sand. And it’s an enticing destination with ancient shipwrecks to dive and explore near the coast, like the S.S. Stavronikita, one of the most popular dive sites in the entire Caribbean. A trip to Barbados is not complete without a sampling of the local rum at St. Nicholas Abbey, one of the oldest distilleries in the Caribbean.

May 17-23 At Sea

At Sea
Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

May 24 Ponta Delgada (Azores) Portugal

The rugged coasts, volcanoes and crater lakes of the Azores islands create stunning landscapes that beckon you to explore, and Ponta Delgada is the archipelago’s capital city. The Azores are well-known for the cultivation of pineapples, which you can learn more about at Plantacao de Ananas dos Acores, as well as enjoy cocktails and ice cream made with fresh pineapple juice. For a more challenging adventure, find your way to Ponta da Ferraria and go for a swim in what’s considered by many a hot tub in the ocean by climbing down the rocks or wooden ladder. Explore Portugal’s historic architecture at sites like Igreja do Santo Cristo, Portas da Cidade and Igreja Matriz de São Sebastiao.

May 25 Lajes do Pico (Azores), Portugal

Amid the Azores, Europe’s best-kept secret, lies the island of Pico with the municipality of Lajes do Pico. Here you’ll discover a history of whaling and learn how the cetaceans came to be beloved by the locals and respected as part of their environment. Climb up to the lookout on Vigia da Queimada, a prime spot for stunning views, and keep your eyes on the horizon as you search for signs of a whale fluke breaching the sea’s surface. Around the shores of Pico Island you may even see dolphins. Make a trek to the Achada Plateau and find the largest lake on the island, Caiado Lagoon. With a backdrop of verdant hills along a quiet shore, it’s a piece of paradise on Earth.

May 26 Praia da Vitoria (Azores), Portugal

Along the eastern shore of the Azores’ Terceira Island sits Praia da Vitória. Amid its picturesque main square, you find the charming parish church with Manueline architecture, a Gothic doorway and a golden Baroque side chapel. From the Serra do Cume Viewpoint you’ll see verdant stretches of valleys and fields that offer an expansive perspective of the vila. Concrete platforms built into lava rocks along the oceanside create an astonishing scene at the nearby Praia dos Biscoitos, where the waves crash against the volcanic shoreline. Make your way toward the center of the island for a hiking adventure around Furnas de Enxofre, where volcanic activity occurs as hot springs and sulfurous fumaroles

May 27-28 At Sea

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

May 29 Lisbon, Portugal Arrive: 8:00 am

Portugal’s capital Lisbon comes alive with a rich history seen in every nook and cranny of the city. From the resting place of famous explorer Vasco de Gama at Jeronimos Monastery to the impressive turrets of São Jorge Castle dating all the way back to second century B.C.E., Lisbon offers a deep dive into the past to satiate the most curious travelers. While Western Europe’s oldest city boasts an array of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, that does not mean it has remained stuck in the past. On the contrary, the colorful culture and vibrant life that runs throughout the city’s restaurants, shops, and rooftop bars make it buzz with infectious energy. Taking a tuk tuk through its hard-to-reach passages allows you to experience Lisbon as the locals do.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

ALWAYS INCLUDED

FREE cultural immersion on every voyage
FREE dining venues with ever-changing menus
FREE unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits and craft beers
FREE open bars and lounges, including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapés
FREE stocked in-room minibar
FREE specialty coffees, teas and fresh-pressed juices
FREE afternoon and high tea
FREE champagne and gourmet canapés during meet and greet
FREE 24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer
FREE L'OCCITANE bath amenities
FREE pre-paid gratuities
FREE use of walking sticks and binoculars
FREE reusable water bottle
FREE butler service and expanded room service menu in suites

EXCLUSIVELY ON
POLAR EXPEDITIONS

FREE private charter jet service*
FREE enrichment lectures and destination briefings
FREE shore landings led by expert field guides
FREE escorted sightseeing safaris by Zodiac
FREE polar plunge
FREE Atlas Ocean Voyages parka and vest
FREE use of knee boots
FREE private group transfers between airport and yacht*
FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay on Antarctica Expeditions
FREE 1-Night Post-Cruise Hotel Stay on select Antarctica Expeditions

*Available on Antarctica and select Arctic expeditions

Trip delay and medical evacuation coverage included at no additional cost