Islands of the Azores—National Geographic Orion

Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal

PICO/FAIAL

The tallest mountain on the Atlantic Ridge, the long dormant Ponta do Pico is a defining feature of this beautiful island whose claims to fame are whaling history and wine. Visit the once-booming former whaling village Lajes do Pico, and learn about the importance of the whaling industry to these islands at the Whalers’ Museum. Then travel to the wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the moonscape terrain left by the lava flows has been painstakingly converted to vineyards. See the unlikely lava stone corrals that protect the precious vines, and enjoy a tasting of these very special wines. This afternoon, sail to the island of Faial in time to raise a glass at Peter Café Sport, a legendary pub where sea adventurers historically dropped off their mail.

Faial

Following breakfast, head to Capelinhos, where you can see how dramatically the landscape changed when its volcano erupted in 1957. Farms and villages were covered with ash, which added nearly an extra mile of land to the island. Later, stroll in the marina, visit the excellent scrimshaw museum and enjoy a coffee at a local café.

Sao Jorge

This morning visit São Jorge, formed by volcanic fissures. An impressive mix of imposing sea cliffs and fajãs—coastal plateaus formed from lava 8 flows—the island has fertile soil that supports picturesque grasslands and farms. On trails that crisscross the ridge and beaches, hike to Caldeira de Santo Cristo Lake, known for its clams; visit the small villages perched on the fajãs; explore the coffee and tea plantations; and taste world renowned São Jorge cheese. Be on deck with binoculars this afternoon as you sail around the tip of the island, passing cliffs with nesting sea birds and looking for Risso’s dolphin and whales.

TERCEIRA

First settled by Portuguese navigators around 1450, Terceira became a popular port of call for merchant ships and the economic and religious center of the Azores. You’ll wind along the coastline and explore historic villages like Porto Judeu, a small fishing community; Sao Sebastiao, which has a notable 15th-century parish church; and Altares, with its quaint whitewashed houses capped with traditional chimneys and painted cones. Upland at Algar do Carvao, be amazed by a huge lava tube adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, and later, stroll the streets of Praia da Vitoria. Or, take a walking tour with local guides to see the forts, palaces, churches, museums and gardens of Angra do Heroismo. Step back in time in this 15th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site and see firsthand the indelible mark left by the ancient explorers, conquerors and religious leaders.

SANTA MARIA

As you cruise towards the island of Santa Maria, be on deck to search for the islands’ many cetaceans. Go ashore at Santa Maria, historically significant as the first landfall of Christopher Columbus on his return from the Americas in 1493. You’ll see a statue of the explorer in the village of Anjos and admire breathtaking vistas as you travel along the coast. Those who choose to hike the Pico Alto-Baíia dos Anjos trail will travel from the highest point on the island to the sea to observe marine birds in their azure surroundings.

SÃO MIGUEL

Explore the Furnas Valley and see its famed hot springs, hike the trails and visit a tea plantation. Sample a typical Azorean dish for lunch: cozido, a dish made with a variety of meats and vegetables naturally cooked underground from the heat of volcanic activity. Following lunch, join local whale spotters and a marine biologist onboard a catamaran in search of the gentle giants of the sea.

SÃO MIGUEL/DISEMBARK

Disembark in São Miguel and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Sao Miguel/ Disembark

Disembark after breakfast this morning and travel to Sete Cidades, a charming village nestled amid twin lakes: one green and one blue, separated by a man-made bridge. Enjoy time to explore the lakes and the village before a traditional Azorean lunch. Transfer to the airport for your homebound flights in the afternoon.