A scenic Atlantic adventure Spring colour in the Azores
Azores, Madeira and Portuguese Highlights – 15 days from £2,129pp
THIS relaxed springtime cruise will take you away from mainland Europe to explore the islands of the Azores and stunning Madeira, and to the fascinating cities of Lisbon, Cork and historic La Coruna, where you’ll have the chance to visit Santiago de Compostela.
Day One: Board Marco Polo in Bristol today, and settle in to your cabin as she prepares to set sail.
Day Two: Spend the first day relaxing, and getting to know the ship, her crew and your fellow passengers. Day Three: Marco Polo’s first call is in the historic port of A Coruna, or La Coruna. Step ashore to explore the atmospheric medieval quarter, stroll the extensive seafront promenade, or perhaps take a shore excursion to the ancient pilrimage site at Santiago de Compostela.
Days Four and Five: Relax on board as Marco Polo spends another two days at sea.
Day Six: Today we’ll reach the Azores, and tie up in Horta, principal settlement on the island of Faial. Step ashore to explore this colourful former whaling station and perhaps take an excursion to the summit of Cabecao Gordo, which boasts breathtaking views of the entire archipelago.
Day Seven: Marco Polo’s next stop is Ponta Delgada, the cosmopolitan main town of Sao Miguel, the largest of the islands in the Azores.
Here you’ll have an opportunity to go ashore to explore a place that has been a favoured stopping-off point of transatlantic adventurers for centuries.
Day Eight: Relax on board as Marco Polo spends another day at sea.
Day Nine: Madeira is one of the world’s most beautiful islands: a sub-tropical paradise home to some of the most colourful and exotic flora on Earth. Explore the island capital, Funchal, or dare the exhilaration of a wickerwork ‘toboggan’ ride from Monte to Livramento.
Day 10: Relax on board as Marco Polo spends another day at sea.
Day 11: The Portuguese capital Lisbon is Marco Polo’s next port. Stroll the narrow streets of the Alfama district, and climb aboard one of the city’s famous trams. See the extraordinary Manueline architecture of the Belem quarter, and the striking modern buildings of the Baixa.
Days 12-13: A final few days are spent at sea, no doubt reliving the memories your cruise holiday as Marco Polo heads for home.
Day 14: Early this morning, Marco Polo arrives in Cork’s long, narrow harbour of Cobh. Shore excursions here offer you the chance to discover this historic capital of southwest Ireland, to head into the beautiful rolling countryside to fashionable Kinsale or to visit famous Blarney Castle, just north of the city, for a chance to kiss the Blarney Stone.
Day 15: Bid farewell to Marco Polo and all your fellow travellers, today, as you disembark at the end of your cruise.