Volcanic and beautiful, wild and idyllic – in the mild month of May, the HANSEATIC nature sets course for the Azores as an all-embracing experience. An insider tip in spring and an El Dorado for nature lovers. Right at the start, Graciosa highlights the many facets of the volcanic island chain. Its idyllic fishing villages contrast with the bubbling springs on a hike to Furna do Enxofre*. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Flores, a Garden of Eden, is a medley of blossoming nature, green moss carpets and turquoise-blue crater lakes. The Mediterranean windmills on Corvo – today a paradise for seabirds and marine mammals – bear witness to the time when the Azores served as a harbour for Portuguese and Spanish merchant ships. The stretches of land on Sao Jorge, an untamed world of volcanoes, is gentle and fertile on an excursion with fajas and coffee tasting*. Horta’s harbour on the island of Faial is filled with the stories of people who have circumnavigated the globe. Listen to them in the evening in the old town with its palaces and manor houses – your ship will stay here overnight. Deep-black rocks, rugged volcanic cones and Portugal’s highest mountain: Pico will fascinate you on a scenic tour* and with its vineyards*. Will you be lucky enough to spot whales and dolphins here, as on the entire cruise? The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angra do Heroismo* in Renaissance style on Terceira and the beaches of Santa Maria complete your experiences. Finally, the city gem of Viana do Castelo in the north of Portugal with its palaces, churches and monasteries crowns your unforgettably diverse spring cruise.

The itinerary depends on the weather conditions. The natural experiences and wildlife sightings described are possibilities on this expedition and are not guaranteed.

* The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change.