Hanseatic Inspiration, INT Expedition Azores ex Funchal to Bilbao – 15 Apr 2021

13 Night cruise departing from Funchal to Bilbao onboard Hanseatic Inspiration.

The peaks of the Atlantic await! Experience the various facets of Europe’s most westerly islands: subtropical plant life, bizarre volcanic landscapes and hiker’s paradises.

Highlights of this cruise:

Azores/Portugal (Santa Maria , Pico , Faial, Flores, Sao Jorge , Terceira , Sao Miguel)
On this expedition, the HANSEATIC inspiration will take you to the heart of the Atlantic’s natural paradise: each of the Azores is a world unto itself. Mild temperatures, rich plant life, hidden crater lakes and historic towns will awaken your curiosity. Santa Maria, the sunny island, welcomes you with light sandy beaches and its capital, Vila do Porto, where Portuguese history comes to life. A monument honours the memory of Columbus, who dropped anchor here in 1493 on the Santa Maria. Become an explorer yourself on one of the most inhospitable islands, the crater island of Pico*. Deep-black rocks, raw volcanic cones and Portugal’s highest mountain set the scene for stunning walks. Rich in minerals, the volcanic soil is also perfect for viniculture, adding another string to the island’s bow. Numerous species of marine mammal make their home off the coast – gain fascinating insights into their lives on a whale-and-dolphin-watching trip*. Faial marina exudes cosmopolitan flair, welcoming yachts that have carried people across the Atlantic from all over the world. With its splendid manor houses, churches and museums, the old town is the archipelago’s architectural gem. Discover a magnificent work of nature on a scenic tour to the Capelinhos volcano*. The visitor centre provides all sorts of information about eruptions and volcanic activity. Enjoy an impressive view of the volcanic area on an all-terrain vehicle tour across Faial*. The hike around the caldera* will take you along a narrow path around the almost circular crater. The fantastic views of the ocean will be worth the effort. Conclude your eventful day with a glass of Pico wine at Peter Cafe Sport, the famous meeting point for people who have circumnavigated the globe. A new day, a new blissful island: Flores, a colourful UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is an insider tip for hikers and nature lovers. Get to know the flower island of Flores* on a fascinating tour. The Rochas dos Bordoes, black basalt columns, rise up to 30 m (98 ft) like organ pipes in the wind. In Faja Grande, the waterfalls plunge down from an equally impressive height. The steep green coasts of Sao Jorge rise out of the deep-blue ocean in impressive fashion. Particularly stunning are the lush stretches of land formed by cooled lava, where tropical fruits and coffee are cultivated. On an independent shore visit to the peaceful town of Velas, discover interesting facts about Saint George, the dragon slayer and the island’s patron saint. The island of Terceira was part of the transatlantic trade routes in the 16th and 17th centuries. Once one of the most important supply ports for the Spanish and Portuguese, now one of the most beautiful cities on the Azores: the Renaissance buildings will shine on a city walk through Angra do Heroismo*. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a charming blend of cobbled alleys, churches and a cathedral. Cross untouched heather and dark lava fields on a hike through the wild highlands of Terceira*. Sao Miguel wins the title of the greenest island. Even pineapples grow here in the mild climate of the Gulf Stream. In Furnas, fumaroles, tea plantations and the Botanical Gardens* create a feast for the senses: straight lines of tea shrubs contrast with steaming springs, while the subtropical plants add a splash of colour. The crater lakes of Sete Cidades* show just what nature can do, the blue sky and green slopes reflected in their water. Idyllic river valleys and beaches await in the hiker’s paradise of Sao Miguel*.

Leixoes (Porto)
As you bid farewell to the Azores, conclude your cruise with Portuguese culture in a baroque city famous for its port wine. Explore Porto in a tuk-tuk* and delight in travelling through the labyrinthine alleys. Porto by bus and boat* takes you into the old town and to the scenic backdrop along the Douro.