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Lindblad Expeditions Cruises, Atlantic Odyssey, Cruise Vacation Package
Duration: 19 Days / 18 Nights
Priced From: Call Travelwizard
Dates: Oct
Ship: National Geographic Endeavour
From: U.S./Portugal, Portugal
Experience a leisurely, old-style crossing as we sail from the heart of Old World Lisbon, lively capital of Portugal and historic point of departure for the great maritime explorers of Renaissance times: Vasco da Gama, Cabral and Magellan. As our Atlantic Odyssey heads westward in the wake of Columbus, we explore Madeira, famed for its wine, the less-visited islands of the Canaries and the volcanic Cape Verde Islands. We cross the tropical ocean, with our Naturalists watching for marine life and providing a full program of talks on the history, geology and marine life of the Atlantic Ocean. The beautiful natural harbor of Salvador, Brazil is our final stop.
There are immense pleasures to ocean-going and the new National Geographic Explorer is designed to help you maximize them with spacious cabins, inviting public spaces and a relaxing spa, gracious dining room and a warm, attentive staff.
Itinerary
DAY 1 — U.S./Portugal, Portugal
Fly overnight to Lisbon, capital city of Portugal.
DAY 2 — Lisbon, Portugal/Embark Ship
Arrive this morning in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city. Check in to dayrooms at the Sana Metropolitan Park Hotel. A scenic drive reveals Lisbon's 17th-century architecture and tiled roofs, including the Monastery of Jeronimos and the Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark National Geographic Explorer. (L,D)
DAY 3 — At Sea
During our first day at sea, we have a chance to relax and settle in to shipboard life. Prepare for Madeira by brushing up on the Age of Exploration with talks from our staff. (B,L,D)
DAY 4-5 — Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
First settled by the Portuguese in 1418, Madeira’s enchanting scenery, abundant flora and equable climate have made it a subtropical Eden. Arrive in Funchal, the capital, which has the feeling of an open-air museum with its 15th- through 18th-century architecture and winding streets. Stroll the colorful marketplace, explore the Botanical Gardens and the Museum of Sacred Art. Then see a performance of authentic Fado singing and have a traditional lunch, sampling Madeira’s legendary namesake wine, prized by connoisseurs. (B,L,D
DAY 6-7 — La Palma & La Gomera, Canary Islands
Known to ancient geographers as the Fortunate Islands, these agriculturally rich islands have occupied a central place in the history of Atlantic exploration. Las Palmas is known as isla bonita, the “pretty isle,” for its lushly forested mountain slopes set against azure waters. We head up to La Mirador de La Concepcion on the edge of a small crater for beautiful views overlooking the town, and visit the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, with its fusion of Baroque and Spanish-Moorish architecture. On the unspoiled island of La Gomera, visit the house in which Columbus lived as his ships took supplies. We spend time at the Parque Nacional de Garajonay to hike and stretch our legs. (B,L,D)
DAY 8-9 — At Sea/Crossing the Tropic of Cancer
During your time at sea, drop by the Bridge where we keep a constant lookout for seabirds and marine creatures, perhaps stopping to film them with the ship's underwater video cameras. (B,L,D)
DAY 10-11 — Cape Verde Islands
During the eighteenth century, when the Atlantic slave trade was at its height, tens of thousands of African slaves crossed the Atlantic annually. The Cape Verde Islands, 600 miles off the coast of West Africa, were central to this story. Today it is one of the world’s smallest independent nations, whose rich traditions link to three continents. The island of Santo Antao has a variety of landscapes: terraced hillsides and deep valleys. We drive through cypress and eucalyptus forest to explore Ribeira Grande, one of the greenest valleys. On the island of Fogo (Portuguese for “fire”) we take a breathtaking drive over 5,000 feet up into the caldera of the volcano that gives the island its name. We have the unique opportunity to sample the local wine at its source: inside the caldera of the ancient volcano! (B,L,D)
DAY 12-16 — Sail the Atlantic Ocean/Equator Crossing
Upon leaving the Cape Verdes, we cross the equator and celebrate our passage into the southern hemisphere. During your days at sea, plan to engage in a variety of activities. Read in the ship’s library, search for whales and dolphins, enjoy a rejuvenating massage in our Wellness Spa, work out in the Fitness Center, listen to talks from our Expedition Team, learn about marine exploration from our Undersea Specialist—or simply relax. (B,L,D)
DAY 17 — Salvador/Disembark/Home
Salvador marks the completion of our odyssey. We disembark and explore the city’s European, African and native Brazilian influences as seen in the pastel-colored baroque buildings and narrow streets of the Old City, a World Heritage Site. After lunch, we head to the airport for an overnight flight home. (B,L)
DAY 18 — Arrive U.S.
Save time, money and stress!
For reservations: Fill out the Lindblad Expeditions Cruise vacation planner to be contacted by our Lindblad Expeditions, Ocean Voyages Cruise vacation specialist.
Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
10/09
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