Macaronesia Islands
Daily Itinerary 18 days/ 17 nights

PS89-10
April 2 - 19, 2009

Step out on the aft deck to greet another fine day exploring this remote and magical collection of Atlantic archipelagos. Absorb the sensations of island life, each grouping unique unto itself. Each day brings a new adventure as we visit protected natural reserves, boreal forests, volcanic sites, caldeiras, fajãs, fantastic miradors, tea plantation, vineyard chosen by the Tsar, cobblestone streets rich in history and culture, and spectacular island countryside. As we navigate the waters, join the officers on the bridge to experience navigation in action and watch for migrating birds and seabirds and elusive, spell-binding marine wildlife. Come explore Cape Verde, the Canaries, Salvagens, Desertas, Madeiras and Azores.

DAY 1: (Cape Verde) Embark in the town of Praia where Mediterranean and African influences have blended through time.
DAY 2: Fogo is a dramatic presentation of volcanic activity with a defiant race of people tilling the fertile soils despite orders of evacuation. If the winds allow, in the afternoon visit isolated Brava (wild island) with charming scenery, quaint villages and volcanic features.
DAY 3: On the rugged, windswept island Saõ Antao, the dramatic peaks and canyons are best experienced along the ribeira from Porto Novo to Ribeira Grande.
DAY 4: After a morning exploring the cobbled streets and 19th Century architecture of Mindelo, we leave Saõ Vincente and set out to sea.
DAYS 5 & 6: Relax at sea and enjoy onboard lectures and social time as we transit to the remote islands of the Canaries.
DAY 7: (Canary Islands) Once cleared in at Tenerife the afternoon is spent learning about the formation of Tiede and its flora and fauna at El Portillo.
DAY 8: On Isla Gomera the day is spent at Parque Nacionel de Garajonay a UNESCO site and home to a thriving laurel forest often shrouded in a sea of clouds due to its altitude.
DAY 9: Often called la isla verde (green island), La Palma is home to Parque Nacionel Caldera de Taburiente of huge interest to geologists, volcanologists and nature lovers.
DAY 10: (Salvagens) The first stop of the Madeiras archipelago is Salvagen Islands a protected natural reserve and nesting sanctuary for many species of seabirds.
DAY 11: (Desertas) In the mini archipelago of the Desertas Islands, is a bird and marine sanctuary especially noted for the endangered Zino’s petrel and Monk Seal; after time for everyone to go ashore the ship repositions to Funchal for the evening to enjoy the old world atmosphere.
DAYS 12 & 13: (Madeiras) Funchal is the ideal starting point to explore the island of Madeira with its jagged mountains, waterfalls and ancient forests; Tuesday afternoon the ship heads back to sea for the short trip to the next archipelago, the Azores.
DAY 14: There is time at sea to catch up on journal entries, attend lectures, relax and socialize.
DAY 15: (Azores) Once cleared in to Terceira, the afternoon is spent exploring Angra do Heroismo a UNESCO heritage site with a walking tour and fascinating cultural stops.
DAY 16: On the island of Faial, known by many transatlantic sailors, Ponta dos Capelinhos a recent volcanic site and Capelinhos Museum and a Scrimshaw Museum give further insight into Azorean life.
DAY 17: Pico is home to the Azores highest volcanic mountain. Visit the UNESCO site Lajidos Acros, a winery and whaling life museum.
DAY 18: Disembark the ship in Ponta Delgada, Saõ Miguel in the morning and participate in a full day island program before saying goodbye to fellow explorers.
(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
17 Breakfasts
16 Lunches
17 Dinners

Expedition Map