THE MANY COLOURS OF THE AZORES
from
26 April 2024
to
06 May 2024
11
days,
10
nights on board
Ponta Delgada (Azores, Portugal) – Lisbon (Portugal)
From
5 680 €
4 260 €*
- Your expedition
- Itinerary
- Activities on board
- Staterooms & Fares
- Your crew
- Extension Tours
- Special Guests
- Gallery
YOUR EXPEDITION
The many colours of the Azores
The first colour you’ll notice is green. It’s the dominant tone in this mountainous archipelago whose climate is made milder by the Gulf Stream.
Then, you’ll start to notice other colours. The electrifying blue of the hydrangeas, and the dark turquoise of the Eurasian teals. The dark black of the volcanic beaches; the yellow paint framing church gates; the grey of the ancient volcanos’ ash; the rich red of the wine produced from vines that grow on these lava-rich terrains. And finally, the colours of the rainbows that shimmer as whales blow air into the sky.
The perfect cruise to enjoy the wide palette of colours that nature has to offer.
Why choose this expedition?
Volcanic landscapes dotted with jagged peaks, lakes, and calderas
Blue whales in the waters surrounding Faial Island
The archipelago’s endemic birds; Graciosa Island’s biosphere
The vines of Pico Island, surrounded by black volcanic rocks
The baroque architecture of Angra do Heroísmo
3 days at sea at the end of the cruise, a chance to relax aboard a human-sized ship following 8 intense days of exploration
Itinerary
01
Day 1 Friday 26 April 2024
Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Boarding from 4 pm.
Exploris One welcomes us aboard in the vast modern port of São Miguel, the largest island of the Azores archipelago. Its many churches and baroque buildings are visible from the ship. We will get the chance to visit it tomorrow – for now, time to enjoy the ship, the warm welcome of its crew, the comfort of its cabins, and the convivial feeling its small size provides.
02
Day 2 Saturday 27 April 2024
Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal
Angra do Heroísmo – literally, “the bay of heroism” – used to be the capital of the Azores, and was an essential hub for Portugal’s maritime conquest, since it was a stopover connection for Portuguese navigators travelling to Brazil or the East Indies. The port was strategically located as the two bays it is made up of are protected from strong winds by the nearby Monte Brasil.
The paved streets date back to the 16th century. Behind each street corner, another palace, convent or cathedral. The forts of São Sebastião and São João Baptista remind us of the kings of Lisbon’s Atlantic ambitions.
The city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1980. Luckily, it has successfully been rebuilt, almost identical to how it was, thanks in part to funds from UNESCO.
03
Day 3 Sunday 28 April 2024
Graciosa Island, Azores, Portugal
Small, remote, and cragged, Graciosa Island is the perfect place for a day of exploration. The ornithological conferences given on board by our naturalists help us recognise the species present on this island. One bird, in particular, is worth the trip: the Monteiro’s storm petrel, a species endemic to the archipelago, was only discovered in 1996.
04
Day 4 Monday 29 April 2024
São Jorge Island, Azores, Portugal
São Jorge is more difficult to reach by boat, but our Zodiacs make an easy job of it. There, steep cliffs alternate with flat surfaces near the sea, created by collapsed cliffs or lava flows, called fajãs. They are a hotspot for mammals, molluscs and birds that search for food in these wetlands. We might spot a little egret or a wood pigeon. São Jorge Island was made a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2016.
05
Day 5 Tuesday 30 April 2024
Horta, Faial Island, Azores, Portugal
Faial still hasn’t completely recovered from the 1957 eruption of the Capelinhos volcano. Its devastating effects are still visible: there are quasi-lunar landscapes grey with ash, and the Capelinhos lighthouse is still half buried underground. The preceding eruption this one, back in the 9th century, created the Faial caldera. The 400-metre-deep crater is slightly dizzying – but its beauty makes it worth it!
The island is the perfect spot to admire whales swimming in the surrounding sea. Twenty-four species can be found in the archipelago, and the blue whale is present year-round off the coast of Horta. Our naturalists will guide us on a Zodiac tour so that we can get up and close to the largest of all mammals on the planets – 33 metres in length – in the pristine waters of the strait between Faial and Pico.
06
Day 6 Wednesday 01 May 2024
São Roque do Pico, Pico Island, Azores, Portugal
This island is named after its highest peak. This majestic ancient volcano seems to form a bridge between the sea and the sky. With an elevation of 2351 metres, Ponta do Pico is the highest peak in Portugal. Its beautiful slopes make for a perfect hiking spot. Northwest of the island, the landscape is filled with vineyards, where wine has been produced for 500 years.
Currais, a type of hand-built stone enclave, protect the vines from the windy and salty weather as they grow. In the Criação Velha region, we’ll taste some lovely wines from the region: red, rosé or white, they all derive their excellent taste from the volcanic soil in which the grapes are grown.
07
Day 7 Thursday 02 May 2024
Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
The island has been shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity. We will visit some of its 280 volcanoes, which provide us with truly unforgettable sights. The island’s highest peak, Pico Vara, is only 1108 metres in altitude, making hiking around the island a not-too-intimidating option. On top of this peak, there’s a primary laurel forest. We might also come across a Saint Miguel Cattle Dog, a breed that harks from this specific island.
Across from Pico Vara is the Sete Cidades volcano, whose 5-kilometre-wide caldera, covered in emerald-green vegetation, is stunning. The pure blue sky is reflected in the waters of the caldera’s two lakes. These wondrous discoveries continue as we visit one of Europe’s rare tea plantations.
08
Day 8 Friday 03 May 2024
Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Free morning to visit the town
Lunch on board the ship. Departure in the early afternoon.
It is now time for Exploris One to sail towards continental Europe: two and a half days and three nights of travel await.
09
Day 9 Saturday 04 May 2024
At sea, Atlantic Ocean
After one week of intense exploration, it is now time to enjoy this “holiday within a holiday” as we sail back home. Your schedule for the next few days? Discovering the comfort of the ship; making the most of its amenities; and enjoying this “mini-Transatlantic” voyage.
10
Day 10 Sunday 05 May 2024
At sea, Atlantic Ocean
11
Day 11 Monday 06 May 2024
Lisbon, Portugal
Disembarkation after breakfast.
Exploris One heads off for its inaugural European cruise. If you’re curious to find out what the various Atlantic shores of the Old Continent have in common… why not extend your trip?
Activities on board
Zodiac© Cruises
Explore rocky coves, discover secluded bays and search for wildlife in hard-to-reach places. Our Zodiacs© allow you to get close to nature in complete safety.
Sea Kayaking
Silent, discreet, and easy to handle, kayaks are perfect to explore less accessible areas and to get closer to places of incredible beauty.
Guided Hikes
Hikes for all levels will be offered during your expedition. Explore historic landmarks, walk on gorgeous sandy beaches or pack ice. Admire the fauna and flora and take in the spectacular sights.
Photography Workshop
Our photography experts will offer conferences and workshops on board the ship and on dry land so you can get the best out of your camera and capture the most incredible landscapes.
Snorkelling
Dive with your mask and snorkel and admire the fascinating underwater wildlife.
Birdwatching.
Observe the most beautiful species of birds in their natural habitat, alongside renowned ornithologists and wildlife specialists.
Informative lectures
Our experts, scientists, naturalist guides, historians and special guests will offer unique lectures on the fauna, flora, history and biology of the regions we visit
Staterooms & Fares
Select your cabin on board Exploris One
L'Exploris One
The best an expedition cruise has to offer
Exploris One, which sails under the French flag, has been especially designed to navigate the world’s most demanding waters, both in open water and in the polar regions. Equipped with a reinforced hull, it is the ideal ship for exploring glacial regions in a completely safe environment: in fact, it is regarded as a global benchmark in terms of safety.
Thanks to its recent renovations (2018 & 2023), Exploris One is able to offer both adventure and comfort, along with an excellent personalised service, making our expeditions truly unique. It features 60 cabins and 12 suites, among the most spacious available on board any expedition ship today. It boasts a fitness and wellness area, panoramic decks and lounges, as well as outdoor Jacuzzis, so that our passengers may relax in between calls.
The ship is also equipped with twelve Zodiacs©, which allow all of our passengers (depending on weather and sailing conditions) to disembark at the same time, several times a day, on territories which are not usually accessible.
Ice class
Class 1A
Tonnage
6,158 GT
Length
108 meters
Breadth
16 meters
Average speed
12,5 knots
Zodiacs
12
Passenger decks
5 decks
Crew
102
Maximum number of passengers
144 (120 in polar regions)
Flag
French Flag (2023)
Officers
French & International
Classification
Lloyd's Register
Cabine PREMIUM , Au pont 3, à l'avant du navire
Au pont 3
- 14-15 m²
- 2 hublots
- Deux lits séparés ou un lit queen-size
- Coin salon avec bureau
- Penderie avec coffre-fort
- Salle de bain en marbre avec douche
- Mini bar
- Peignoirs et chaussons de bain
- Coiffeuse et sèche-cheveux
- Réveil avec station d’accueil
- Sélection de produits de bain
- Bureau et papier à lettres
- Ligne téléphonique directe par satellite
- Prises 110/220V
- Accès internet WIFI illimité (réception satellite aléatoire en fonction de la navigation et de la latitude)
- TV écran plat, chaînes internationales (aléatoire suivant la zone de navigation) et vidéos à la demande avec contenu interactif
- Room service 24H/24
- Climatisation individuelle
Complet
Cabine SUPERIEURE , Au pont 4, à l'avant du navire
Au pont 4
- 16-18 m²
- Fenêtre - Sabord (80cm x 80cm)
- Deux lits séparés ou un lit queen-size
- Coin salon avec bureau
- Penderie avec coffre-fort
- Salle de bain en marbre avec douche
- Mini bar
- Peignoirs et chaussons de bain
- Coiffeuse et sèche-cheveux
- Réveil avec station d’accueil
- Sélection de produits de bain
- Bureau et papier à lettres
- Ligne téléphonique directe par satellite
- Prises 110/220V
- Accès internet WIFI illimité (réception satellite aléatoire en fonction de la navigation et de la latitude)
- TV écran plat, chaînes internationales (aléatoire suivant la zone de navigation) et vidéos à la demande avec contenu interactif
- Room service 24H/24
- Climatisation individuelle
OCEAN Stateroom , Deck 3
On deck 3
- 18 m²
- Window - porthole (80cm x 80cm)
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Lounge area with desk
- Wardrobe with safe
- Marble bathroom with shower
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V sockets
- Unlimited WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
DELUXE Stateroom , Deck 4
On deck 4
- 18 m²
- Large window - porthole (120cm x 110cm)
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Lounge area with desk
- Wardrobe with safe
- Marble bathroom with shower
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V sockets
- Unlimited WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
BALCONY Stateroom , Deck 5
On deck 5
- From 19 to 20 m², including a 1.5 m² French-style balcony
- Sliding panoramic bay window
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Lounge area with desk
- Wardrobe with safe
- Marble bathroom with shower
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V sockets
- Unlimited WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
NAVIGATOR Suite , Deck 7
On deck 7
- 37 m², including 1 large 8 m² balcony
- Sliding panoramic bay window
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Lounge area with desk
- Wardrobe with safe
- Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Butler service
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V outlets
- Unlimited Premium WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
DISCOVERY Suite , Deck 5
On deck 5
- 39 m² including two french balconies (1,5 m² each)
- Two Sliding panoramic bay windows
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Living room with sitting area equipped with a sofa bed
- Dressing room with safe
- Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower
- Coffee machine
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V outlets
- Unlimited Premium WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
GRAND Suite , Deck 7
On deck 7
- 57 m² including a large 8m² private balcony
- Sliding panoramic bay window
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Living room with sitting area equipped with a sofa bed
- Dressing room with safe
- Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Butler service
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V outlets
- Unlimited Premium WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
SHIPOWNER'S Suite , Deck 7
On deck 7
- 67 m² including a large 15m² private terrace
- Two sliding panoramic bay windows
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Living room with large lounge equipped with a sofa bed
- Large dressing room with safe
- Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Butler service
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V outlets
- Unlimited Premium WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
* This price is per person based on double occupancy, including our “Discovery Offer -25%” - Limited time offer.
Extension Tours
Extension - Escapade à Lisbonne
Extension - Escapade à Lisbonne , Portugal
3 days - 2 nights
Minimum number of participants :
Explorez les stations balnéaires royales à l’extérieur de Lisbonne, dont la ville de Sintra, inscrite à l’UNESCO, et admirez la vue imprenable sur le cap de Roca.
Prolongez votre expédition à Lisbonne, et visitez le point le plus occidental de l’Europe continentale. Promenez-vous dans les jardins fleuris romantiques du palais de Monserrate et découvrez l’impressionnante église de Sainte-Marie du monastère des Hiéronymites.
Forfait 3 jours / 2 nuits
Tarif : nous consulter
Gallery
