The Enchanting Azores
Daily Itinerary 8 Days / 7 Nights

Ponta Delgada – Ponta Delgada, Azores

PS89-11
April 19 – 26, 2009

Take a journey back through time to a quieter way of life where there is time to experience the culture and natural history of this unique area. Perched at the height of a mid ocean mountain range are the Azores. The Azores are both isolated and yet very worldly. Through history, it has been an important nautical landfall and in the aviation world a strategic position for cross Atlantic traffic. These influences have resulted in a history of pineapple plantations, tea plantations, windmills, wine selection for the Tsar, fine specimens of scrimshaw, a seagoing lifestyle and volcanic history resulting in periodic waves of emigration worldwide.  We cruise to all nine volcanic islands of this archipelago, also a natural stopping point for migrating birds, seabirds, whales and dolphins.

DAY 1: (Saõ Miguel) Embark in the town of Ponta Delgada the lively capital of the main island.
DAY 2: (Graciosa) Perhaps most laid back and idyllic, this island features the “cave of sulphur”, Furna Do Enxofre, where a tunnel takes you inside a caldeira. There is time later to Zodiac cruise exploring the volcanic coastal cliffs and islets in search of birds such as the Grebe and Red-billed tern.
DAY 3: (Flores & Corvo) The westernmost island of the Azores, Flores, where Europe ends, is both beautiful and of geological interest with fajãs, basalt cliffs, towering peaks, valleys and lakes. In the afternoon we plan to circumnavigate the smallest island, Corvo to view the ancient caldeira responsible for the formation of this island. If sea conditions permit, we will attempt to land.
DAY 4: (Faial) Like thousands of others through time we come to Horta, a haven for sailors. Visit Ponta dos Capelinhos to learn about the recent eruption of 1957-58 and its impact on the nearby community and environment, then relax to enjoy the scenic drive and the spectacular view of Pico’s mountain. Returning to Horta there is time to see some spectacular scrimshaw and wander the town.
DAYS 5: (Pico) Today we get closer to that dramatic mountain viewed yesterday. Explore this beautiful island learning about the local wine industry that at one time made white wine exclusively for the Tsar of Russia, as well as the history of the “whaling” life.
DAY 6: (Saõ Jorge & Terceira) An early morning cruise takes us close to fajãs to see this geological phenomenon up close on this largely rural island before we head to the island of Terceira. Explore the UNESCO heritage site, Angro do Heroismo with an enlightening cultural walk through this Mediterranean style town.
DAY 7: (Santa Maria) A stunning coastline with terraced cliffside vineyards, dramatic waterfalls and lava tube caves, it is the only island that is both sedimentary and volcanic. Weather dictates the exact itinerary but we may Zodiac into sea caves, see more marine life and seabirds, visit Saõ Laurenço or Maia, or circumnavigate Santa Maria and cruise by the Formigas (Ant) Islands. 
DAY 8: (Saõ Miguel) Having come full circle, disembark to join a full day program exploring – thermal springs, steaming geysers, a tea plantation, a volcanically cooked lunch and perhaps a pottery factory.
(Please contact us for a more detailed daily itinerary. Please note that this is our planned itinerary – actual execution is subject to weather and scheduling limitations. PSE reserves the right to adjust the itinerary as needed without recourse.)

Number of Meals Included
7 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
7 Dinners

Expedition Map