Volcanic Vistas of the Azores & Madeira

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

Praia da Vitoria is located on the picturesque island of Terceira and offers coastal charm in abundance. A stroll along its sandy shores presents outstanding views of the Atlantic Ocean, while the lively marina is the perfect place for sampling fresh seafood and delicious Azorean dishes. You can delve into the island’s fascinating volcanic history at Algar do Carvão – a geological wonder allowing exploration on foot – and on a scenic hike to the peak of Monte Brasil, affording panoramic vistas. Praia da Vitoria is also the ideal base to experience a thrilling whale-watching tour, embrace the local culture, or relax amidst the lush island landscapes.

The main town and capital of the island of São Miguel, and of the Azores Archipelago, Ponta Delgada has a rich history stretching back over 500 years, showing its importance as a key trading post between Europe and the Americas. The island is home to beautiful lakes, mountains, sandy beaches and the twin crater lakes of the extinct Sete Cidades Volcano. The cobbled streets and colourful houses are undeniably Portuguese, and are a perfect blend of historic and modern buildings, intermingled with parks, enchanting squares and a modern marina. The striking, three-arched city gates, Portas da Cidade, which once stood in the harbour and now resides in Gonçalo Velho Cabral Square, were dedicated to the Portuguese navigator who discovered the Azores.

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

Famous for its outstanding natural beauty, the Atlantic island of Madeira is known as the ‘floating garden’, with its array of subtropical flowers and plants – grown from the bulbs and seeds of the British merchants who came to the island after making their fortune from selling Madeiran wine. Produced since the 17th century, Madeira Wine’s historical and maritime links make for fascinating reading, of course accompanied by a glass or two of the ‘liquid history’, as described by Winston Churchill.

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

Overlooking the River Tagus, Portugal’s capital city offers an abundance of maritime highlights, including the iconic Ponte de Abril Suspension Bridge, and the UNESCO-listed Belém Tower, which served as an embarkation and disembarkation point for Vasco de Gama and other Portuguese explorers. The delicious pastéis de nata are also not to be missed when visiting Lisbon, particularly when sampled at the original bakery, which opened in 1837.

Where the Tagus – the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula – meets the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is spread along the shores of both riverbanks, connected by the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge. Belém Tower is a World Heritage Site tower that was originally built here to defend the city before it was transformed into a lighthouse and customs house. Close by is the renowned Discovery Monument, representing the prow of a caravel – led by Prince Henry the Navigator and other prodigious Portuguese pioneers.

One of Lisbon’s most iconic monuments, the Cristo Rei – Statue of Christ – stands tall over the Tejo Estuary, and was inspired by the equally iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro. It overlooks the 25 de Abril Bridge, Europe’s longest suspension bridge, which connects Lisbon with the Almada municipality. Based on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, it was named to remember the Portuguese Carnation Revolution on 25th April 1974.

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.