Discovery package is per person and includes complimentary Enhanced Wi-Fi, a $250USD laundry credit, and a commemorative jacket and backpack. Discovery Package must be communicated at time of booking.
We're a winner of Conde Nast Traveler's 2022 Readers Choice Awards
The Expedition Experience
These expeditions enable you to take the God-view of a sweeping and fascinating geography or zoom down into a close-up. Explore rarely visited islands, isolated by expanses of ocean. In the Azores, linger amid towering basalt peaks, bubbling hot springs, nutrient-rich waters, emerald-green farmlands, and within a rich history. Experience the warmth and hospitality of the locals as they share a glimpse into their island life with traditional dishes, world-class wine and cheese tastings, fado music and the beauty of each destination.
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Apr
From
$10,940
Prices are per person
Highlights
Atlantic Isles
Europe & British Isles
New
Islands of the Azores: Basalt Peaks to Volcanic Vineyards
Duration
10 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Apr
From
$10,940
Top Highlights
Go whale-watching, follow scenic hiking trails, and learn of the volcanic history unique to the Azores
Discover the varied past and the stories of explorers, whalers, and conquerors who all had a part in weaving the tapestry of island history
Experience the commitment the locals have to sustainable growth and protecting the natural beauty and ecosystems of the archipelago
Immerse yourself in the theme of island exploration and make plenty of discoveries of your own: virgin wildness, world-class whale watching, gardens in bloom, birds, and ancient lore. Discover them through curated daily activities—in our decades of exploring we’ve found the best hikes to see wildlife, where whales come to feed, and the top cuisine and cultural sites. See terraced hillsides, verdant forests and craggy canyons, and receive a world-class welcome from the friendly locals everywhere you travel.
There’s no need to dress up, ever; life aboard is casual all the way. There’s no assigned seating in the dining room—whether you choose the dining room or one of your ship's more casual dining spaces. In fact, many tables accommodate uneven numbers, making for easy mingling and the fun of sharing breakfast, lunch, or dinner with different new friends, staff, or guest speakers.
The Whales of Cape Verde
About 250 humpback whales travel to the Cape Verde islands every year to breed and calve, filling the ocean with song.
Coming into the harbor or seeing the outline of an island on the horizon—the feeling of the sea and exploration is there, and it's amazing.
Alyssa S.
Explore with top expedition teams
See, do, and learn more by going with engaging experts who have been exploring this region for decades. Go with an expedition leader, naturalists, historians, and more.
Expedition Leader
Veteran expedition leaders are the orchestrators of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, the experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.
Sail with a team of naturalists, each passionate about the geographies they explore (and return to regularly) and who illuminate each facet through their enthusiasm and knowledge. Choose to spend time with whoever shares your interests in birding, human history, flora and fauna, and so much more.
Video chroniclers accompany every expedition, shooting vivid HD footage—with no recycled footage ever—to provide you with a professionally edited and completely authentic memento of your expedition. Working during the day, and editing into the night, they have your DVD ready for preview prior to—and available to purchase at—disembarkation.
We arrived early to the island of Tenerife to explore Anaga Rural Park, walking through the subtropical forest on a lovely morning by ourselves. The prehistoric laurel forests still survive in some areas of the Canaries and today we had a chance to enjoy it, as well as the great views of the island. After our hike we walked through La Laguna, a beautiful, colorful, and bursting with life UNESCO city. The mixture of the architecture, the culture, and even the famous native dragon trees were outstanding. Some of us went on a more historical journey, visiting the Pyramids of Guimar and Santa Cruz. We enjoyed an indulgent traditional Canary lunch with a variety of tapas including local cheeses, croquettes, mojo, and great salads. It was a beautiful day exploring the rich culture, history, and nature of Tenerife.
Entering the Spanish autonomous territory of the Canary Islands, we spent the day exploring Gran Canaria. One group went off hiking in the ravine of Los Cernicalos, taking in the native flora and fauna while wandering through the willow forest. The rest of the guests had a full day starting at Los Berrazales Valley, tasting the rich ‘black gold’ coffee and the local wine and goat cheese. A few wished they hadn’t eaten quite so much for breakfast back on the ship! Then we visited the small town of Galdar which had a museum housing an excavation of an indigenous village, including a 13th century cave with paintings. The temperature dropped about 15 degrees as we climbed up the mountains to our lunch destination with stunning views over the central mountains. The skill of our bus driver was tested with the curved roads and tiny villages.
In the evening we crossed the Tropic of Cancer. This voyage has taken us far, steaming from the South American continent, over the equator to the islands of Africa. It’s amazing to visit such a diverse and expansive region of our globe, every day holding different treasures. With incredible weather, we enjoyed the outer decks throughout the day. Our galley prepared an amazing BBQ lunch as we took a rest from watching whales spout in the distance. As seabirds flew by, dolphins played on our bow, a sight that never gets old. Tomorrow we will awake with the Canary Islands in view. We all look forward to our next destination after our regeneration at sea.
As we sail northward on our voyage, we feel the changes. The days are becoming slightly longer, the water cooler, the air dryer. A few of us meet on the bow every sunrise, meeting the morning at sea, noting how the days shift. Our day aboard was packed with activities. Those of us who watched from the bow were delighted by pods of dolphins making quick passes beneath. Bulwer’s petrels and other pelagic seabirds darted about the ocean’s surface, presenting challenging and fulfilling views for the dedicated. The natural history staff gave fascinating presentations about the chronicles of exploration and human movement, tying our voyage to adventures that have come before. It wasn’t all science and lectures aboard; several of us dove into our creativity and took time to paint and collage. Our science team offered a VR experience to some of the sites they have taken their ROV, giving us a unique insight to the reefs below us. With the day winding down, we prepared for a delicious tasting menu provided by our phenomenal galley team and awaited tomorrow with excitement.
Santo Antao is a diverse and rich island surrounded by beautiful subtropical reefs. Many of the islands here are protected marine reserves and state parks, allowing the rich marine life to thrive. Our undersea team ventured out on a dive to explore these waters and to capture the underwater world to share with our guests.
Days at sea are all about looking for wildlife. And we're constantly on the watch for fish, birds, mammals, and you never know what you’re going to see.