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Day by Day Summary and Map
Cruise Segment of Itinerary
Sunday - Apr 20, 2025
Day 1
Praia, Cape Verde
Start the day in this island paradise with a walking tour of the old town center or "Plateau". Learn about the island's rich history as you experience the colonial influence on the architecture of the Presidential Palace and Main Square. Explore the open-air market where displays of local fruits and vegetables are works of natural art. Via bus, travel to Cidade Velha, the historic center of Ribeira Grande and the first city built by the Portuguese in Africa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins tell the story of architecture that protected the city against pirates, provided sanctuary within the cathedral and convent, and supported everyday life with the thatched roofs of Banana Street. Following lunch, head to the port and embark the National Geographic Orion. ... Read More
Monday - Apr 21, 2025
Day 2
Sao Filipe, Cape Verde
In Sao Filipe on the island of Fogo, you will have the opportunity to add volcano-gazing to your life list. The striking landscape of Fogo has been shaped and transformed by lava flows, most recently in 2015. Visit Portela, one of the villages that was swallowed up by lava in that eruption. The locals have since reclaimed the land; they have rebuilt restaurants and shops and restored their homes. ... Read More
Tuesday - Apr 22, 2025
Day 3
At Sea
Wednesday - Apr 23, 2025
Day 4
Tropic of Cancer
Visit the ship's bridge as the ship sails northward across the Tropic of Cancer. Soak up the views from one of the observation decks and attend engaging presentations on a range of subjects, from 15th-century Portuguese and Spanish navigators to talks from your marine biologists on the amazing navigation skills of the cetaceans who travel these waters. ... Read More
Thursday - Apr 24, 2025
Day 5
At Sea
Friday - Apr 25, 2025
Day 6
Santa Cruz de la Palma, Spain
Saturday - Apr 26, 2025
Day 7
La Gomera, Spain
Drop anchor in the azure waters of the Canary Islands, which occupy a central place in the history of Atlantic exploration. The larger island of La Palma is known as La Isla Bonita, or "the pretty island", for its lushly forested mountain slopes set against azure waters. Enjoy a scenic drive up to Mirador de la Concepcion, perched on the edge of a crater. Take in fantastic views of the town and harbor below, and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows, with its fusion of Baroque and Spanish-Moorish architecture. On the island of La Gomera, visit a house where Christopher Columbus stayed while his ships were provisioned with supplies, then consider a hike in the verdant Garajonay National Park. ... Read More
Sunday - Apr 27, 2025
Day 8
At Sea
Monday - Apr 28, 2025
Day 9
Desertas Islands, Portugal
Tuesday - Apr 29, 2025
Day 10
Madeira, Portugal
After a day at sea, start the day south of Madeira in the Desertas Archipelago. This small group of volcanic islands has been deemed a nature reserve, helping to protect both the sea and land. The area is a refuge to the Mediterranean monk seal and an array of seabirds. Sail on to enchanting Madeira, a subtropical island abloom in flora. First settled by the Portuguese in 1419, the island's capital city of Funchal evokes a colonial time capsule, with architecture from the 15th through the 19th centuries. Explore its winding streets and culinary delights. ... Read More
Wednesday - Apr 30, 2025
Day 11
At Sea
Enjoy all that the National Geographic Orion has to offer on this final day at sea as you make your way to the Azores. Spend time on deck with the expedition team as they keep watch over the horizon, searching for the marine creatures and seabirds who feed in this fertile stretch of ocean.
Thursday - May 1, 2025
Day 12
Santa Maria, Portugal
Historically significant as the first landfall of Christopher Columbus on his return from the Americas in 1493, you'll make your first landing in the Azores at Santa Maria. For those interested in getting some exercise, there are hiking trails that will allow you to experience the scenery and atmosphere of the island. ... Read More
Friday - May 2, 2025
Day 13
Faial Island, Portugal
As you sail into Faial, be out on deck to enjoy the beautiful island views, and keep your eyes on the horizon in hope of spotting the whales known to move through these waters. Once ashore on the island of Faial, head to Capelinhos to see how dramatically the landscape changed when the volcano at the western end of the island erupted in 1957. Farms and villages were covered in ash, adding an extra two square kilometers of land to the island. Later, stroll along the marina, visit the excellent scrimshaw museum, and raise a glass at Peter Cafe Sport, a legendary pub where sea adventurers historically dropped their mail. ... Read More
Saturday - May 3, 2025
Day 14
Ponta Delgada, Portugal
Disembark in Ponta Delgada and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Cruise and Land Value Offers that combine with this sailing.
Pricing Terms and Conditions
Unless otherwise indicated above, all cruise rates are per person, double occupancy, cruise-only without airfare, do not include government taxes and fees and quoted in in U.S. dollars. Ponant Cruises rates are based on foreign currencies that are converted to USD based on today's exchange rates. Rates are subject to availability, can vary by ship and sailing date, and for new bookings only. Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change without notice. Port charges are included. Prices do not include additional service charges; Travel Insurance; and applicable government taxes & fees unless otherwise specified in the offer. Surcharges and fees implemented by a travel supplier, even after the reservation is made, will be the sole responsibility of each traveler and is due and payable in full prior to departure. Certain promotions which may include amenities like shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities, drink packages or other packages may be available by category, room type or fare code and may not be combinable with other promotions. For any questions, please consult one of our cruise specialists for applicability and verification. All prices, inclusions & promotions listed on the web-site are current at the time they we published and are subject to change without advance notice. Arrivia, Inc., its subsidiaries, and partners are not responsible for last minute changes to price or itinerary by cruise lines, or for any errors or omissions in the content of this website.
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