Azores and Madeira – Cruise Atlantic Islands

Learn about Portugal’s rich and diverse history with our Expedition Team
Explore the lush green volcanic islands of the Azores
Discover the charm of Lisbon, Funchal and Porto Santo
Enjoy a warm and sunny subtropical climate

This voyage explores the history, culture, and influence of Portugal, from the mainland to its verdant volcanic islands in the Atlantic. Our route offers a mix of cities, villages, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and natural beauty, including gems like Madeira and the isolated, golden beaches of Porto Santo.

Azores and Madeira – Atlantic Island Exploration

Day 1

Lisbon

Legendary Lisbon

Estimated time of departure is 8:00 PM

Built on seven hills along the shores of the River Tejo, Lisbon is a legendary city with centuries of history. Take some time to explore the city and experience world famous sites like the Tower of Belém before embarkation.

Day 1

Lisbon

Legendary Lisbon
Day 2-3

At sea

Towards Volcanic Beauty

We sail west towards the volcanic archipelago of the Azores. Our expert lecturers will prepare you for the upcoming visit. Take a little time to chat with your fellow travelers or just enjoy the deep relaxation of being at sea.

Day 2-3

At sea

Towards Volcanic Beauty
Day 4

Ponta Delgada, São Miguel

The Green Island

Known as the “green island”, São Miguel is the largest of the nine islands, studded with lakes and rolling hills, mountains and green plains. The island’s capital is the charming university town of Ponta Delgada.

Day 4

Ponta Delgada, São Miguel

The Green Island
Day 5

Horta, Faial

The Blue Island

Colours on this island not confined to green vegetation, blue sea and white houses. The breakwater is covered in murals, paintings and ships’ names, part of a tradition that holds that good luck will follow sailors who leave their mark before setting off across the Atlantic.

Day 5

Horta, Faial

The Blue Island
Day 6

Angra do Heroísimo, Terceira

The Purple Island

Visit lovely and historic Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira Island. Angra was founded in the 15th century, prospering from its location as an ideal trading port.

Day 6

Angra do Heroísimo, Terceira

The Purple Island
Day 7

At sea

Madeira Bound

Enjoy another idyllic day at sea, taking in the fresh salt air, relaxing with a drink or a book, and scanning for wildlife in the living ocean.

Day 7

At sea

Madeira Bound
Day 8

Funchal, Madeira

The Garden of the Atlantic

Funchal is a modern, cosmopolitan city that offers inviting cafés, interesting shops, cobblestone streets and a magnificent natural setting to explore.

Day 8

Funchal, Madeira

The Garden of the Atlantic
Day 9

Porto Santo

Golden Sand

Enjoy a visit to the golden beaches of Porto Santo. The rugged interior of Porto Santo is perfect for exciting excursions, and has much to offer history buffs. After all, a little-known explorer named Christopher Columbus made his home on the island´s capital: Vila Baleira.
- Included Porto Santo Island Tour
Day 9

Porto Santo

Golden Sand
Day 10

At sea

Relax and reflect

We sail for Portugal´s mainland. Our lecturers will have many interesting presentations to put your trip in perspective. Enjoy a final chance to relax and reflect with new friends about the adventures of the past weeks.

Day 10

At sea

Relax and reflect
Day 11

Lisbon

Cruising up the Tejo

Estimated time of arrival is 8:00 AM

Early risers will be rewarded with a lovely view of Lisbon as we cruise up the Tejo river, ending our journey in the capital of Portugal.

Day 11

Lisbon

Cruising up the Tejo

Departures

2021

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr

30 Apr
May
Jun

30 April 2021

Current offers on this cruise:

No single supplement

Solo travellers who prefer their own space while still travelling with others, have the opportunity to save on select voyages departing in 2021. For a limited time, pay no single supplement if you book one of the below expedition cruises. This offer applies to a selection of departures that you can find on each voyage page.
See full offer details

Book with CONFIDENCE

8 days left!

Book on your terms

Cancel your cruise for any reason and we’ll pay you back - no questions asked.

Financial security

Receive your refund, including the previously non-refundable deposit.

Quick refund

If you cancel, we’ll get the money back into your account within 14 days.

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Possibilities

What's included

Included in your voyage

Expedition Cruise

Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurants Aune and Fredheim
A la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
Complimentary tea and coffee
Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
Range of included excursions

Onboard Activities

Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
Citizen Science programme allows guests to assist with live scientific research
Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
Use of the ship’s, hot tubs, panoramic sauna, outdoor and indoor gyms, and outdoor running track
Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come
Loan of trekking poles, and all equipment for activities
Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
Expedition Photographers help with your camera settings before landings

Not included in your voyage

International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area

Notes

All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
Excursions and activities are subject to change
Please ensure you meet all visa entry requirements
No gratuities expected

Photo: Karsten Bidstrup and shutterstock

A large boat in a body of water with a mountain in the background

Photo: Oscar Farrera

Photo: Agurtxane Concellon

Your ship

MS Fridtjof Nansen

Year built	2020
Shipyard	Kleven Yards, Norway
Passenger capacity	530 (500 in Antarctica)
Gross tonnage	20 889 T
Length	140 m
Beam	23,6 m
Speed	15 knots

MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe.

Practical information

Sailing with MS Fridtjof Nansen

Before you travel with MS Fridtjof Nansen

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Azores and Madeira – Atlantic Island Exploration