Cabo Verde, the Canary Islands and the Azores

Overview

The remote islands off the coast of Portugal and Western Africa beckon travelers with the promise of rich history, volcanic vistas, world-class wine and cheese, and picturesque fishing villages. Sail through Cabo Verde, the Canaries, and the Azores to discover natural and historic delights that include scenic hiking trails, tucked away ports, several UNESCO World Heritage sites in Madeira, Fogo Island, and more.

Arrive in the remote and mountainous volcanic islands of Cabo Verde and the capital city of Praia, on Santiago Island, and transfer to the hotel. Meet this evening for a welcome reception and briefing before dinner.

Start the day in this island paradise with a walking tour of the old town center or “Plateau.” Rich in history you will 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 are works of natural art. Via bus, travel to Cidade Velha, the historic center of Ribeira Grande and the first city built by the Portuguese in Africa. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the ruins tell the story of architecture that protected the city against pirates, provided sanctuary within the cathedral and convent and supported everyday life with the thatched roofs of Banana Street. Following lunch, head to the port and embark the National Geographic Orion.

This morning finds us in Sao Filipe on the island of Fogo, where you will have the opportunity 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. We will visit Portela, one of the villages that was swallowed up by lava in that eruption. The locals have since reclaimed the land and have rebuilt restaurants and shops and restored their homes.

Visit the ship’s bridge as we 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 talks from our marine biologists on the amazing navigation skills of the cetaceans who travel these waters.

Drop anchor in the azure waters of the Canary Islands, which occupies a central place in the history of Atlantic exploration. The larger island of La Palma is known as La Isla Bonita, or “the pretty island,” for its 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. Take in fantastic views of the town and harbor below and 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 a house where Christopher Columbus stayed while his ships were provisioned with supplies, then consider a hike in the verdant Garajonay Nacional Park.

Spend a day at sea, making the most of the facilities aboard the National Geographic Orion. Enjoy the views and look for bird and marine life from the observation decks, attend fascinating lectures, or simply put your feet up.

After a day at sea, start the day south of Madeira in the Desertas Archipelago. This small group of volcanic islands has been deemed a nature reserve, helping to protect both the sea and land. The area is a refuge to the Mediterranean monk seal and an array of seabirds. Sail on to enchanting Madeira, a subtropical island abloom in 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 who feed in this fertile stretch of ocean.

Historically significant as the first landfall of Christopher Columbus on his return from the Americas in 1493, you make your first landing in the Azores at Santa Maria. For those interested in getting some exercise, there are hiking trails that will allow you to experience the scenery and atmosphere of the island.

As you sail into Faial, be out on deck to enjoy the beautiful island views and keep your eyes on the horizon in hope of spotting the whales known to move through these waters. Once ashore on the island of Faial, head to Capelinhos to see how dramatically the landscape 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.

Disembark in Ponta Delgada, the charming capital of the Azores. Spend the morning touring the Old Town—stopping at the impressive Museum of Carlos Machado to discover the varied history of the archipelago. Enjoy lunch before transferring to the airport and homeward flights.