The Atlantic islands offer an embarrassment of riches to travelers: from rich history and exquisite architecture, to hidden natural pearls and fascinating cultures. This journey brings you to the best of the Azores and two of the famed Canary Islands in a round trip expedition that begins and ends in historic Lisbon.
Seven Hills of History
Discover the steep streets and charming neighborhoods of the Portuguese capital, where MS Midnatsol waits for embarkation.
With nicknames like the green, purple and black islands, it's easy to imagine how unique and distinctive each of our Azores destinations are.
São Miguel is studded with lakes and rolling hills, mountains and green plains. The island’s capital is the charming university town of Ponta Delgada.
Ilha do Faial is a stunning natural destination, with a deep, flower-filled volcanic cone.
On Ilha Terciera, the lovely and historic port of Angra do Heroísmo was founded in the 15th century as an ideal stopping place for traders from the New World.
Also known as the “pearl of the Atlantic”, Madeira is a floating garden in the ocean, hosting rare and lush plant and animal life. Funchal is a modern, cosmopolitan city that offers inviting cafes, interesting shops, cobblestone streets and a magnificent natural setting.
The volcanic sand of Porto Santo has been said to have curative powers, prompting visitors from all over the world to travel to this remote isle. Take a stroll on the island's golden beaches.
The Contrasts of the Canaries
Our two stops in the Canary Islands, Tenerife and La Gomera, seem worlds apart, yet are separated by only a short stretch of sea. Tenerife hosts elegant modernist architecture, Teide National Park and some lovely beaches.
La Gomera is less visited and features a spectacular cloud forest interior, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore the verdant, volcanic islands of the Azores
- Discover the hidden charm of Funchal, Porto Santo and La Gomera
- Experience the sophistication of Lisbon and the artistic heritage of Tenerife
- Learn about the rich history of exploration at every turn from our Expedition Team
- Hurtigruten expedition in the cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
- Wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Landings with small boats and activities on board and ashore
- Professional English-speaking expedition team that gives lectures as well as accompanies landings and activities
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- International flights
- Travel protection plan
- Luggage handling
- Optional excursions and gratuities
Price includes:
- Hurtigruten expedition in the cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
- Wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Landings with small boats and activities on board and ashore
- Professional English-speaking expedition team that gives lectures as well as accompanies landings and activities
- Complimentary tea and coffee
Not included:
- International flights
- Travel protection plan
- Luggage handling
- Optional excursions and gratuities
Itinerary
Legendary Lisbon - Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a legendary city with centuries of history, built on seven hills along the shores of the River Tejo. Take some time to visit world famous sites like Tower of Belém before embarkation on MS Midnatsol.
Toward Volcanic Beauty - At Sea
We sail west towards the volcanic archipelago of the Azores. These nine islands are the western frontier of Europe, and each has its own unique character. Our expert lecturers will prepare you for the upcoming visit. Take a little time to chat with your fellow travelers or just enjoy the deep relaxation of being at sea.
The Green Island - Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island
Known as the “green island”, São Miguel is the largest of the nine islands, studded with lakes and rolling hills, mountains and green plains. The island’s capital is the charming university town of Ponta Delgada.
Join an excursion to the Sete Cidades Massif to see a volcanic crater and lake-filled caldera, and tour the otherworldly landscape of cones, pumice deposits, and lava domes. The scenic Lagoa das Sete Cidades is a highlight of this protected landscape, considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal.
Colorful Starting Point for Atlantic Crossings - Horta, Ilha do Faial
Known as “Ilha Azul” – or the blue island - because of its colorful and countless hydrangea hedges, Faial offers a peaceful landscape of great natural beauty; a paradise for nature lovers.
Explore the landscape that, as a result of a volcanic eruption in 1957, is a sublime mixture of lava rock and exotic vegetation, making Faial ideal for hiking, walking and bird watching.
The Purple Island - Angra do Heroismo, Terceira
Visit the lovely and historic capital of the archipelago. Angra was founded in the 15th century, prospering from its location as an ideal stopping place for traders from the New World. Take in the historic 16th century fortress of São João Baptista. Beyond the edge of town, with the Serra de Santa Barbara massif looming in the west, the island hosts a wild and hilly scenic landscape.
Madeira Bound - At Sea
Enjoy another idyllic day at sea, taking in the fresh salt air, relaxing with a drink or a book, and scanning for wildlife in the living ocean.
The Magic of Golden Sand - Porto Santo
This place has been called “one long beach, with a bit of land attached”. The volcanic sand of Porto Santo has been said to have curative powers, prompting visitors from all over to this remote island. Enjoy a visit to these golden beaches. The rugged interior of Porto Santo is perfect for exciting excursions, walks, and has a lot to offer history buffs. After all, a little-known explorer named Christopher Columbus made his home on the island's capital: Vila Baleira.
The Garden of the Atlantic - Funchal, Madeira
Also known as the `pearl of the Atlantic´, Madeira is a veritable floating garden in the Atlantic Ocean, hosting rare and lush plant and animal life. The Laurissilva forest, tracing back to the Tertiary period, is composed of evergreen species that were dominant in Europe 20 million years ago, but today are only found here and a few other isolated spots.
Funchal is a modern, cosmopolitan city that offers inviting cafes, interesting shops, cobblestone streets and a magnificent natural setting.
Relax and Reflect - At Sea
The day is yours. Relax on deck or indoors, learn more from our lecture series, and compare memories with your fellow explorers as we sail towards the Canaries.
El Teide and History - Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a bustling city that boasts stylish modern architecture, while the interior of the island is dominated by Teide National Park and the El Teide volcanic peak – the highest point on Spanish soil.
Join an optional excursion to this spectacular volcano, or visit San Cristóbal de la Laguna, with its lovely 15th century architecture and an active artistic community.
Off-the-Beaten Path Beauty - San Sebastián de la Gomera, La Gomera
San Sebastián de la Gomera is an oasis in the Atlantic that is visited far less frequently than the other islands. The steep ravines and narrow valleys of the landscape caused the islanders to develop a unique way to communicate over distances: a loud whistling, called el silbo.
The island's main attraction is the incredible scenic beauty of its interior. Garajonay National Park is a magical place, a dense laurel forest that captures the fog drifting in from the surrounding sea. UNESCO declared the area a World Heritage Site in 1986 and a visit to this landscape is highly recommended.
A Relaxed Journey North - At Sea
Heading north, we sail back to Portugal's mainland. A final day at sea is yours to enjoy. Our lecturers will offer many interesting, relevant presentations to put your trip in perspective. This is your chance to relax and reflect with new friends about the adventures of the voyage.
Cruising up the Tejo - Lisbon
Early risers will be rewarded with a lovely view of Lisbon as we cruise up the Tejo river, ending our journey in the capital of Portugal.
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.