From Ponta Delgada to Ponta Delgada · Mediterranean · 7 nights
Sleek and stylish, Le Boréal, Le Soléal, L’Austral and Le Lyrial are wonderful small ships that blend luxury and intimacy with a discreet elegance and tasteful décor.
These chic sisters are amongst the most stylish ships at sea,
with muted natural tones, minimalist interiors and playful splashes
of colour. The accommodation is flexible, with the option to
combine staterooms and create expansive suites, while the
restaurants deliver the sort of outstanding gastronomic experience
that you would expect from a French flag cruise line.
Ponta Delgada is the capital of São Miguel, the largest and most populous island of the Azores. Founded in the 15th century, the city is home to elegant architecture and some excellent restaurants, though the main attraction is the tranquility and natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.
São Jorge is home to some of the most dramatic volcanic scenery in the Azores, with some fantastic walks along the coastal plains known as ‘fajãs’, which were formed by lava flows and landslides. The main town on the island, Velas, has a pretty harbour and some interesting churches and museums.
Horta is the capital of the island of Faial, in the centre of the Azores archipelago. The harbour is a popular stop-off point for yachts crossing the Atlantic, and it’s also the base for whale watching trips and excursions to the spectacular Caldeira Cabeço Gordo volcanic crater.
Pico is dominated by its eponymous volcano, a mist-shrouded cone that rises to the highest peak in Portugal. The seas off Pico are a whale-watching hotspot, and you can learn about the island’s whaling history at the museum in Lajes. Pico also has a strong winemaking tradition, and a bottle of Verdelho do Pico makes for a great souvenir.
Terceira means ‘third’ in Portuguese - this was the third island in the Azores to be discovered, and it’s also the third largest island. The main town, the UNESCO-listed Angra do Heroismo, is the oldest in the archipelago, with some lovely historic buildings lining the cobbled streets.
Ponta Delgada is the capital of São Miguel, the largest and most populous island of the Azores. Founded in the 15th century, the city is home to elegant architecture and some excellent restaurants, though the main attraction is the tranquility and natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.
