Explore some of the Mediterranean islands on this 16-day Atlantic Island Chronicles: Exploring Cabo Verde, the Canary Islands, and the Azores from Cabo Verde to Azores aboard National Geographic Orion. The remote islands off the coast of Portugal and Western Africa beckon with rich history, volcanic vistas, world-class wine and cheese, and picturesque fishing villages. Sail through Cabo Verde, the Canaries, and the Azores to uncover natural and historic treasures, including scenic hiking trails, tucked-away ports, and UNESCO World Heritage sites in Madeira and Fogo Island. At sea, the elegant National Geographic Orion serves as your home base, offering the chance to spot vibrant marine life and enjoy spectacular views of these mostly untouched archipelagos.
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.
Arrive in the remote, mountainous volcanic islands of Cabo Verde and the capital city of Praia on Santiago Island. Transfer to the hotel and join us this evening for a welcome reception and briefing before dinner.
Start your day in this island paradise with a walking tour of the old town center, or “Plateau.” Experience the colonial influence on the architecture of the Presidential Palace and Main Square. Explore the open-air market, where displays of local fruits and vegetables resemble works of natural art. Then, take a bus to Cidade Velha, the historic center of Ribeira Grande and the first city built by the Portuguese in Africa. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the ruins narrate the story of architecture designed to protect against pirates, provide sanctuary within the cathedral and convent, and support everyday life with the thatched roofs of Banana Street. After lunch, head to the port and embark on the National Geographic Orion.
This morning, you find yourself in Sao Filipe on the island of Fogo, ready 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. You visit Portela, one of the villages swallowed up by lava in that eruption. The locals have since reclaimed the land, rebuilding restaurants and shops and restoring their homes.
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 on a range of subjects, from 15th-century Portuguese and Spanish navigators to the amazing navigation skills of the cetaceans traveling these waters, explained by our marine biologists.
Day 7-8: La Palma and La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain
Drop anchor in the azure waters of the Canary Islands, central to the history of Atlantic exploration. The larger island, La Palma, known as La Isla Bonita, boasts 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, and take in fantastic views of the town and harbor below. Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows, with its fusion of baroque and Spanish-Moorish architecture. On the island of La Gomera, visit the house where Christopher Columbus stayed while his ships were provisioned with supplies, and consider a hike in the verdant Garajonay National Park.
Day 9-11: At Sea | Desertas Islands, Portugal | Madeira
After a day at sea, you start the day south of Madeira in the Desertas Archipelago. This small group of volcanic islands is a nature reserve, protecting both sea and land. The area serves as a refuge for the Mediterranean monk seal and an array of seabirds. You then 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.
Enjoy all that the National Geographic Orion has to offer on 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 that feed in this fertile stretch of ocean.
Head ashore at Siracusa, one of the most powerful cities in the classical world. Explore the archaeological park, where a well-preserved Greek amphitheater with carved limestone seats is still used today. Paradise Quarry, now an attractive garden and orange grove, was the primary source of that limestone, and is the site of the curious Ear of Dionysius—a huge cave with incredible acoustics. Make the most of your time in port: explore the city's excellent market or explore the adjacent island of Ortigia, where a stunning cathedral was built on the columns of the 6th-century Temple of Athena. Alternatively, take an evening stroll through the city's piazzas. Spend the following day at sea, relaxing aboard the National Geographic Orion, as she makes her way toward Greece.
As you sail into Faial, be on deck to enjoy the stunning island views and watch for whales known to move through these waters. Once ashore on Faial, head to Capelinhos to see how the landscape dramatically 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.
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.
$17,8782-3 travelers
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
15 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 15 Dinners
15 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)
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.