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The Island World of the Azores Archipelago: An Unspoiled Paradise
Even though a part of Europe, Portugal’s Azores, an archipelago of nine volcanic islands, are probably the least visited part of the continent. Viewed as remote and inaccessible, they lie only some 700 miles west of Lisbon, Portugal’s capital. Identified by some historians with the legendary Atlantis, the Azores were settled early in the 15th century, when Prince Henry the Navigator sent out an expedition to investigate the islands. Owing to their volcanic origin and soil, the islands present stunning landscapes and possess dense and varied vegetation, with European plants thriving along with tropical species. During our unique voyage to the Azores, we will explore its five most attractive and important islands. We will have the time to conduct our exploration leisurely, to admire the islands’ beautiful nature settings, study their wildlife and meet the friendly local inhabitants. For those interested in new discoveries, this is a voyage not to be missed.
Special Savings:
• $750 off the rates per person
• No single supplement [Categories D - A. Limited availability.]
Itinerary
June 1 • USA
June 2 • LISBON, PORTUGAL | EMBARK
June 3 • LISBON
June 4 & 5 • AT SEA
June 6 • SANTA MARIA, THE AZORES
June 7 • PONTA DELGADA, SAO MIGUEL
June 8 • TERCEIRA
June 9 • PICO | FAIAL
June 10 • FLORES
June 11, 12, and 13 • AT SEA
June 14 • ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND | DISEMBARK | USA
View Detailed Itinerary
Corinthian
Launched in 2009, after extensive refurbishment, redecoration and other improvements, the all-suite Corinthian offers the finest in small-ship cruise travel. This private yacht-like cruise ship accommodates only 100 guests in 50 suites, each of which affords ocean views, measures 215 square feet or more and is appointed with a sitting area or separate living room, twin or queen-size beds, spacious closets, air conditioning.
• Satellite TV, DVD/CD player
• Telephone
• Mini-refrigerator
• Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries and teak floor
• Plush terry robes and slippers
• Fresh flowers and fruit basket
• 24-hour room service
BESPOKE SMALL-SHIP AMENITIES
Decorated with rich fabrics, handsome wood, polished brass, rare antiquities and fine works of art, the yacht’s public spaces are warm and inviting. These include:
• Library with Internet access
• 2 Lounges with audiovisual facilities
• State-of-the-art gym/spa
• Beauty salon
• Boutique
• Hospital
• Elevator serving all passenger decks
• Dining room
• Two sun decks
• Jacuzzi
• Swimming platform
Corinthian complies with the latest international and U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations and is outfitted with the most current navigational and communications technology as well as with retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing, an ice-strengthened hull and a fleet of Zodiacs. Corinthian is staffed by 60 European officers and crew. Taken together with her limited guest capacity, excellence of design, craftsmanship and material, Corinthian spaciousness and intimate ambience combine to make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.
| Cabin Code | Cabin Description | Regular Rate | Special Savings Rate | Your Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E | Deluxe suites on Ariadne and Leto Decks with windows and sitting area. 215 sq. ft. Suites *342-*345,*428, *429 *Partially obstructed view |
$[Double] 5,995 $[Triple] 3,995 |
$[Double] 5,995 $[Triple] 3,995 |
$0 $0 |
| D | Deluxe suites on Ariadne and Leto Decks with window and sitting area. 215 sq. ft. Suites 334 - 335, 433 |
$[Double] 6,995 $[Triple] 4,665 |
$[Double] 6,995 $[Triple] 4,665 |
$0 $0 |
| C | Deluxe suites on Athena Deck with portholes and sitting area. 275 sq. ft. Suites 246 - 252 |
$[Double] 7,995 $[Triple] 5,335 |
$[Double] 7,995 $[Triple] 5,335 |
$0 $0 |
| B | Deluxe suites on Ariadne Deck with windows and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 336 - 341 |
$[Double] 8,995 $[Triple] 5,995 |
$[Double] 8,995 $[Triple] 5,995 |
$0 $0 |
| A | Deluxe suites on Leto Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 420 - 427, 430 - 431 |
$[Double] 9,995 $[Triple] 6,665 |
$[Double] 9,995 $[Triple] 6,665 |
$0 $0 |
| AA | Deluxe suites on Cleo Deck with forward windows and sitting area. 285 sq. ft. Suites 505 - 506 |
$[Double] 10,995 $[Triple] 7,335 |
$[Double] 10,995 $[Triple] 7,335 |
$0 $0 |
| VS | Deluxe Veranda Suites on Cleo Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 245 sq. ft. Suites 507 - 518 |
$[Double] 11,995 $[Triple] 7,995 |
$[Double] 11,995 $[Triple] 7,995 |
$0 $0 |
| PHS | Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Phoebe Deck with private balcony, window and sitting area. 260 sq. ft. Suites 601 - 604 |
$[Double] 12,995 $[Triple] 8,665 |
$[Double] 12,995 $[Triple] 8,665 |
$0 $0 |
The single supplement in categories D - A has been waived for this voyage.
Corinthian Deck Plan
PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
• 12-night cruise aboard the all-suite, 100-guest Clelia II
•Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship
• All meals aboard ship, including house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Open bar aboard ship throughout the cruise
• Complete program of tours and excursions
• Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying guest lecturers
• Professional Travel Dynamics International tour staff
• Complete pre-departure materials
• Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated program departure and arrival dates
• Port and embarkation taxes
• Gratuities to porters, guides and drivers
June 1
USA
Fly from the U.S. to Lisbon, Portugal.
June 2
LISBON, PORTUGAL | EMBARK
Arrive in Lisbon and transfer to Clelia II. Overnight in port aboard ship.
June 3
LISBON
The historic city of Lisbon stretches gently over seven hills bordering the Atlantic. During the age of discovery most of Europe’s great expeditions to the New World, Africa and the Far East left from the very port where we embarked on Clelia II. It was here in Lisbon that the extravagant Manueline style emerged—an architecture blending influences from the newly discovered lands with Gothic and Renaissance flourishes. Our tour includes two Manueline monuments, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Belem Tower, a fanciful white tour de force built to protect the city’s harbor, and the Jeronimos Monastery. Continue to the medieval Alfama quarter, where ancient houses and Romanesque churches climb the narrow streets that lead to the 5th-century Castel Sao Jorge and a magnificent vista. This afternoon visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, one of Europe’s finest art museums. Alternatively, enjoy a full-day excursion to the Monastery of Batalha, a blend of Gothic and Manueline architecture, and the 12th-century Cistercian Monastery of Alcobaca. Overnight aboard ship.
June 4 & 5
AT SEA
Make the most of the ship’s amenities and enjoy lectures by our onboard scholars as Clelia II ventures toward the Azores.
June 6
SANTA MARIA, THE AZORES
The archipelago’s southernmost island, Santa Maria was the first to be discovered by Diogo de Silves in 1427. As was true of the rest of the archipelago, there were no humans living on the 5 millionyear- old island. Known today as the “Yellow Island” because of its vast wheat crops, dark ochre earth and golden beaches, it is home to 5,000 people. Swim in Maya Bay with its cliffside vineyards and be one of the few outside of Christopher Columbus to wander the village of Anjos, which was the explorer’s first landfall upon his return from America. Note the distinct oversized chimneys of the whitewashed houses.
June 7
PONTA DELGADA, SAO MIGUEL
Sao Miguel, the largest and most populated of the Azores, was two islands before a volcanic eruption joined them in 1563, only a hundred years after the first Portuguese settlement. Nicknamed the “Green Island” for its lowland meadows and forested hills, it also boats clear lakes, sandy beaches and high mountains. Wander the historic streets of the lively city of Ponta Delgada before driving west to discover breathtaking Sete Cidades, where two lakes—one blue and one green—fill the center of a large volcanic crater. According to legend, when a princess and young shepherd had to part, they both cried tears the color of their eyes.
June 8
TERCEIRA
Most of Terceira is ringed by coastal cliffs, except on the south coast where a volcanic tuff cone creates a beautiful harbor. Explore Angra do Heroismo, the Azores’ oldest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the colorful houses and chapels, witness the tourada à corda, a daily event held from May to September where a bull is tied to a rope and let loose in the streets.
June 9
PICO | FAIAL
The second largest island in the archipelago, Pico is dominated by its imposing volcano, which rises to 7,713 feet, making it the highest point in all of Portugal. Lunar landscapes contrast with areas of luxurious vegetation. Vines grown on lava terrain produce verdelho wine, which has been a specialty of Pico for over 200 years. From Madalena, the island’s main harbor town, we explore Pico, including the villages of Cachoro, built on lava terrain; Sao Roque, which grew prosperous when it was a whaling center; Lajes, the island’s first settlement; and Sao Mateus, set in striking countryside. From Pico, sail to Faial, the “Blue Island”---so named for its blue houses and plethora of hydrangeas. For centuries Horta, the island’s only city, has been an important stopover for transatlantic voyagers, whether in ships, planes or submarines. Take note of the forts built to ward off pirates while driving toward Ponta dos Capilinhos, the active volcano that in 1957 transformed the landscape, burying fields and houses.
June 11
FLORES
Before crossing the Atlantic Ocean, stop in Flores, the westernmost point of both the Azores and Europe. Flores boasts a landscape varied with valleys and volcanoes, hot springs and hydrangeas. Among the island’s treasures are the Waterfall of Ribeira Grande, many of whose smaller waterfalls run into the ocean; the Fundalake, one of seven lakes in the center of the island that were once volcanic craters; and a number of picturesque villages, some of which date from the 15th century.
June 11, 12, and 13
AT SEA
Relax onboard as the ship crosses the Atlantic Ocean toward Newfoundland.
June 14
ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND | DISEMBARK | USA
Disembark and transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S.