Towering basalt peaks, bubbling hot springs, emerald-green farmlands, fascinating seafaring history, world-class wine and cheese and captivating fado music—this is just some of the beauty and vitality you’ll discover as we explore the dramatically beautiful Portuguese archipelago of the Azores.
Why Ralph Recommends this trip...
• Go whale-watching, follow scenic hiking trails, and learn of the volcanic history unique to the Azores
• Soak up the Azorean culture, sampling local wine and cheese, and dine on a delectable local specialty: a stew cooked underground by volcanic heat
• 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
Day-by-Day Itinerary:
Thursday, April 16th, 2026 - São Miguel, Azores, Portugal / Embark
Arrive in Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel in the Azores, where we embark on the National Geographic Orion.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 9:00 a.m. local time. Arrival City: Ponta Delgada, Azores
Meals included: lunch, dinner
Friday, April 17th, 2026- 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 we 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. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Saturday, April 18th, 2026 - Faial
Following breakfast, we head to Capelinhos, where we 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.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Sunday, April 19th, 2026 - São Jorge
This morning visit São Jorge, formed by volcanic fissures. An impressive mix of imposing sea cliffs and fajãs—coastal plateaus formed from lava 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 your binoculars this afternoon as we sail around the tip of the island, passing cliffs with nesting sea birds and looking for Risso’s dolphin and whales. Conditions permitting, head off to explore the secluded saltwater lagoons of Fajã dos Cubres and Fajã de Santo Cristo, “Wetlands of International Importance.” Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Monday, April 20th, 2026 – 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. We will wind along the coastline and explore historic villages like Porto Judeu, a small fishing community; Sao Sebastiao, which has a notable 15thcentury 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. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 – Sana Maria
As we 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. We’ll see a statue of the explorer in the village of Anjos and admire breathtaking vistas as we 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. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 - São Miguel
Today we explore the Furnas Valley and its famed hot springs, hiking the trails or perhaps visiting a tea plantation or the lovely garden of Terra Nostra. Sample a typical Azorean dish for lunch: naturally cooked underground from the heat of volcanic activity, cozido is a dish made with a variety of meats and vegetables. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026 - São Miguel / Disembark São Miguel
This morning we disembark and travel to Sete Cidades, a lovely village set amongst green and blue lakes. We will explore the lakes and village and conclude our expedition with a traditional Azorean lunch before transferring to the airport in Ponta Delgada. Departure Time: Depart after 4:00 p.m. local time. Departure City: Ponta Delgada, Azores Meals included: breakfast
Click to explore the ship here. Deck Plans are here.
Rates are Per Person based on Double Occupancy.
We want to speak with you prior to booking to be sure you have made the right choice, and explored all options before, during and after this trip including flights, transfers, travel insurance, passports and visas.
Click here to sign up today.
What's included in this trip:
✓ Accommodations aboard ship
✓ Excursions and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
✓ All meals as indicated in the itinerary
✓ Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, including 24-hour coffee, tea, and soda on demand
✓ Beer, wine, cocktails and spirits. Super premium wines and liquors are available for purchase
✓ Exploration tools such as Zodiacs, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks
✓ The guidance and company of our leading expedition team
✓ Lectures and presentations
✓ Special access permits, park fees, and port taxes
✓ The services of a medical professional
✓ Transfers to and from designated flights
✓ Fitness equipment
✓ Morning stretch classes
✓ Fully stocked library
✓ Complimentary reusable water bottle
✓ Assistance from the onboard certified photo instructor
✓ Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan
What's not included:
- Airfare
- Pre- and post-expedition extensions
- Additional hotel nights
- Travel protection plan
- Crew gratuities
- REAL ID, passport, visa, and immigration fees (if necessary)
- Meals not indicated
- Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, spa treatments, enhanced or premium Wi-Fi upgrades and phone services
Unused services or items included in Lindblad Expedition programs are nonrefundable.
Important information
We want to speak with you prior to booking to be sure you have made the right choice, explored all options before during and after this trip including flights, transfers, travel insurance, passports and visas.
Advance and Final Payments
To reserve your place, an advance payment for the program is required at the time of reservation.
Payment is accepted by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Receipt of your initial payment indicates your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions.
Once your reservation is confirmed, we urge you to use your personalized online account for important information to help you prepare for your voyage. Managing your documents online will facilitate fast and accurate communication and allow you to provide us with the pertinent details required to complete your reservation. Your online account gives you access to your Expedition Guide, which includes valuable information specific to your voyage. You can also use your online account to make easy payments, view recommended flights and reading material, packing list, and so much more.
Advance payment amount will be 15% of the cabin fare. Final payment will be due 120 days prior to departure. For groups of 8 or more a 50% advance payment is due 180 days prior to departure.
Cancellation policy:
Iantosca Cancel Policy
Fees in addition to Supplier fees
- $250 per person cancellation fee once the deposit has been paid until Before 17 December 2025
- $500 per person cancellation fee 18 December 2025- 16 January 2026
- 15% per person cancellation fee after 17 January 2026
*Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.
**Trip cost is the total price paid including extensions, charter airfare, and other additional services.
Travel Insurance
Please be advised, that all passengers must have emergency medical and evacuation coverage to travel to Antarctica.
We recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance. We are happy to quote a policy for you through Allianz. Pricing is based on trip cost and the age of traveler(s). On average, you should expect the policy price to range between $1500-$2000 per person for a $10,000 trip. As more elements are added to the trip, the policy premium will increase.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.