Islands of the Azores
An island hopping discovery of the Azores Archipelago aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
- 21 April 2020
Far out in the Atlantic, some 800 miles from the Portuguese coast, the nine islands of the Azores are known for their spectacular volcanic scenery, abundant flora and peaceful lifestyle. But, the appeal of this remote and unsophisticated archipelago is difficult to define in words. If you appreciate dramatic scenery, exploring islands where time appears to be standing still, watching for passing whales and learning about the local people and their customs, then this could be the voyage for you. The islands are also perfect for walking enthusiasts with paths through verdant mountain landscapes and we are offering some hiking opportunities which, weather permitting, will be a joy for the keen walkers in our group.
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Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Lisbon, Portugal.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the charming Palacio Estoril Hotel for an overnight stay. Located in the heart of Estoril, just 20 minutes from the centre of Lisbon, the Palacio is set in beautiful gardens with outstanding views over Estoril and the Bay of Cascais. Take the chance to explore independently before meeting for dinner this evening.
Day 2 Lisbon to Sao Miguel, Azores.
After breakfast in the hotel we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Ponta Delgada. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky for embarkation. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
Day 3 Sao Miguel.
Enjoy a full day exploring the island of Sao Miguel, known as Ilha Verde, the green island and home to some of the most stunning viewpoints in the Azores. This morning we head west towards the Sete Cidades volcano from where we can enjoy excellent views over the Lagos de Canarios. We will continue our drive along the attractive northern coast before arriving in the Furnas Valley, an enormous valley and luxuriant garden in the east of the island where we enjoy lunch. We will also visit the village of Furnas and the botanical gardens before returning to the ship and sailing this evening. For the keen hikers, if weather permits, we will arrange to walk the 13 kilometre trail in Sete Cidades.
Day 4 Santa Maria.
Today’s planned itinerary includes a visit to the remote settlement of Sao Laurenco, known for vineyards which rise steeply up high sea cliffs in terraces and admire Maia from a spectacular view point. This coastline is accentuated by a dramatic waterfall, lava tube caves, seabirds and marine life. Time and conditions permitting, the MS Hebridean Sky will continue its circumnavigation of Santa Maria and cruise around the Formigas (or Ant Islands).
Day 5 Terceira.
This morning explore Angra do Heroismo, a charming UNESCO heritage town with a distinct Mediterranean flavour of cobblestone streets with a certain quiet charm. Enjoy a walking tour that takes in the Misericorda church, Convent do Sao Francisco, public gardens and museum. In the afternoon there will be free time to hike to Monte Brasil, offering wonderful views over the island, or alternatively relax and wander the historic town at your own pace.
Day 6 Graciosa.
Known as the ‘White Island’, Graciosa has a gentle rolling landscape, dotted with windmills and traditional whitewashed houses. Visit Furna do Enxofre (‘Cave of Sulphur’), a geologically unique phenomenon and one of the original examples of the volcanic Azores and take the winding stairway down to the magnificent volcanic cavern and lake. Also see the village of Santa Cruz and the charming Matrix church. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure to explore the small town of Vila da Praia.
Day 7 Flores & Corvo.
Named after its abundant flora, Flores is often regarded as the prettiest island of the Azores. A rugged terrain island with flowers growing in the deep canyons and waterfalls casting hues of blues and green as they splash down to the sea. Visit the vertical basalt cliffs of Rocha do Bordoes, formed by the cooling of lava. See a stunning array of natural features including calderas, fajas, rivers, waterfalls and valleys. This afternoon we will use our small ship to circumnavigate the tiny island of Corvo, the smallest island in the archipelago.
Day 8 Sao Jorge.
This largely rural island is of geographical interest with its cliff shoreline marked with flat fajas sweeping to the sea. We start our morning tour on the western part of the Island, Ponta dos Rosais, visiting a Forest Park and cheese factory. As we move to the north we enjoy the view over the Fajas, an area of flat land at sea level resulting from the erosion of cliffs. From here we make our way to Urzelina to visit the remaining tower of a church buried under lava from the eruption of 1808. Now it is surrounded by fruit trees and vegetation. Upon our return to Velas we will take a walking tour of this charming old-world harbour town. This afternoon will be at leisure to explore independently or relax on board. Moor overnight.
Day 9 Pico.
Explore distinctive Pico, home to Portugal’s highest peak and numerous black lava flows. The UNESCO-designated Lajido Acros tells the story of early winemakers who used the volcanic soil for the grapes and, on a visit to a vineyard, we will enjoy a tasting of the local product. After a typical Azorean lunch we will learn about whaling life in the Azores at the Museum of Lajes returning to the ship via the Lagoa do Capitao offering views over the north of the island.
Day 10 Faial.
This morning enjoy an island drive where we explore the fairly recent volcanic activity at Ponta dos Capelinhos. See how a 1957- 1958 volcanic eruption transformed the area and created a new land mass. Continue to the impressive Caldera, now a nature reserve, which is 400 metres deep and nearly 1500 metres in diameter. After lunch, weather permitting, there will be the opportunity to join a whale and dolphin watching boat trip and learn more about the varied marine life and rich history of whaling in the Azores.
Day 11 Sao Miguel to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Ponta Delgada airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Dates and Prices
21 April to 1 May 2020 | ||
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Category | Price | |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £4995 | |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £5395 | |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £5895 | |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £6295 | |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £6795 | |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £7195 | |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £8195 | |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £6895 | |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £7095 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS210420
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel accommodation in Estoril with dinner & breakfast • Nine nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • Wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team • Transfers • Gratuities • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky.
Tour Extensions
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For those who would like to spend some time in Portugal after disembarking the MS Hebridean Sky, we have arranged a two-night extension at the delightful Sintra Boutique Hotel. Sintra is a magnificent town located in the hills behind Lisbon and home to some of Portugal’s finest palaces and gardens. Spend two days in this wonderful setting with two half day tours included as well as time to explore at leisure.
Sintra
The Itinerary
Day 1 Ponta Delgada to Lisbon, Portugal.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival in Lisbon we transfer to the Sintra Boutique Hotel for our two night stay. The remainder of the day is free to relax at the hotel or for independent exploration.
Day 2 Sintra.
After breakfast enjoy a morning walking tour of Sintra which will include the National Palace, an interesting mix of styles with the original building dating back to the 15th century. Lunch will be under your own arrangements and then for our afternoon tour we will head to the Monserrate Gardens, a wonderfully romantic place designed by Sir Francis Cook in the mid-19th century. Return to our hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 3 Lisbon to London.
This morning transfer to the airport for our return scheduled flight to London.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
1 to 3 May 2020 Category Price Twin £395 Single £595 Price Includes: Two nights accommodation at the Sintra Boutique Hotel with breakfast, two half day tours, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Itinerary at a glance
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000