Islands of the Azores: Basalt Peaks to Volcanic Vineyards

Arrive in Sao Miguel, the vibrant capital of the Azores. Transfer from the airport to the city and enjoy a day of exploring its sights, culture, and cuisine at your own pace. In the afternoon, visit the hospitality desk before boarding the ship and setting sail.

Ponta do Pico, the tallest mountain on the Atlantic Ridge, dominates this island, known for its whaling history and wine production. Visit Lajes do Pico, a former whaling hub, and explore the Whalers’ Museum to learn about the industry’s impact. Then, head to the UNESCO-listed wine region, where lava-sculpted terrain has been transformed into vineyards. See the unique lava stone corrals that shield the vines and enjoy a tasting of these distinct wines.

In the afternoon, sail to Faial Island and stop by Peter Cafe Sport, a historic pub where sailors once left mail for fellow adventurers.

Following breakfast, head to Capelinhos, where you can see how dramatically the landscape changed when a volcano erupted in 1957 covering farms and villages 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 cafe.

Visit Sao Jorge, an island formed by volcanic fissures. An impressive mix of imposing sea cliffs and fajas—coastal plains created by lava flows—the island has fertile soil that supports picturesque grasslands and farms. On trails that crisscross the ridge and beaches, hike to the Caldeira de Santo Cristo Lake, known for its clams; visit the small villages perched on the fajas; or explore the coffee and tea plantations and taste world-renowned Sao Jorge cheese. In the afternoon, be on deck with binoculars as you sail around the tip of the island, passing cliffs with nesting seabirds and looking for Risso's dolphins and whales. 

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. 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. Upland at Algar do Carvao, be amazed by a huge lava tube adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, and enjoy a stroll through seaside Praia da Vitoria before returning to the ship. Alternatively, take a walking tour of the World Heritage–listed town of Angra do Heroismo where you’ll see the indelible mark left by explorers, pirates and religious leaders as you learn about the island’s colorful past.

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-Baiia dos Anjos trail will 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, visit a tea plantation, or stroll the lovely garden of Terra Nostra. 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 on board a catamaran in search of the gentle giants of the sea.

Disembark in Sao Miguel and transfer to the airport for flights home.