Exploring Cabo Verde, the Canary Islands and the Azores

The remote islands off the coast of Portugal and Western Africa beckon travelers with the promise of rich history, volcanic vistas, world-class wine and cheese, and picturesque fishing villages. Sail through Cabo Verde, the Canaries, and the Azores as we discover natural and historical delights that include scenic hiking trails, tucked-away ports, and several UNESCO World Heritage sites in Madeira, Fogo Island, and more.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Praia, Santiago Island

Arrive in the remote and mountainous volcanic islands of Cabo Verde, specifically in the capital city of Praia on Santiago Island, and transfer to the city. Spend the day at your own pace, exploring the sights, sounds, and tastes of this island capital. Check-in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking

Day 2:

Fogo Island

This morning, arrive in Sao Filipe on the island of Fogo, where you will have the opportunity to add volcano-gazing to your life list. The striking landscape of Fogo has been shaped and transformed by lava flows, most recently in 2015. Visit Portela, one of the villages that was engulfed by lava during that eruption. The locals have since reclaimed the land, rebuilding restaurants and shops and restoring their homes.

Day 3:

At Sea

Soak up the serenity of these days at sea as the ship sails northwards across the Tropic of Cancer.

Day 4:

At Sea

Soak up the views from one of the observation decks and attend engaging presentations on a range of subjects, from 15th-century Portuguese and Spanish navigators to talks from marine biologists on the amazing navigation skills of the cetaceans who travel these waters.

Day 5:

At Sea

Visit the Bridge to learn about navigation from your captain, enjoy time in the spa or relax with a book on the observation deck.

Day 6:

La Palma, Canary Islands

Drop anchor in the azure waters of the Canary Islands, which occupies a central place in the history of Atlantic exploration. The larger island of La Palma is 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. Take in fantastic views of the town and harbor below, and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows, featuring a fusion of Baroque and Spanish-Moorish architecture.

Day 7:

La Gomera, Canary Islands

On the island of La Gomera, visit a house where Christopher Columbus stayed while his ships were provisioned with supplies, then consider a hike in the verdant Garajonay Nacional Park.

Day 8:

At Sea

Enjoy a day at sea as you travel towards Madeira.

Day 9:

Desertas Islands

This small group of volcanic islands has been designated a nature reserve, which helps protect both the sea and land. The area serves as a refuge for the Mediterranean monk seal and a diverse array of seabirds.

Day 10:

Funchal, Madeira

Sail on to enchanting Madeira, a subtropical island abloom with flora. First settled by the Portuguese in 1419, 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.

Day 11:

At Sea

Enjoy this final day at sea as you make your way 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.

Lighthouse on Santa Maria Island in the Azores

Day 12:

Santa Maria Island, Azores

Historically significant as the first landfall of Christopher Columbus on his return from the Americas in 1493, make your first landing in the Azores at Santa Maria. For those interested in getting some exercise, hiking trails are available that allow you to experience the island's scenery and atmosphere.

Day 13:

Faial, Azores

As you sail into Faial, be out on deck to enjoy the beautiful island views and keep your eyes on the horizon in hopes of spotting the whales known to move through these waters. Once ashore 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. Farms and villages were covered in ash, adding an extra two square kilometers of land to the island. Later, stroll along the marina, visit the excellent scrimshaw museum, and raise a glass at Peter Café Sport, a legendary pub where sea adventurers historically dropped their mail.

Day 14:

Ponta Delgada, Azores

Arrive in Ponta Delgada and enjoy the best the charming capital of the Azores has to offer. 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 underground geothermal oven. Then, join a team of biologists and crew onboard a local catamaran searching for several species of cetaceans that either transit through or call these waters home.