An Atlantic expedition experience: sailing to seven sun-drenched Azores islands
Hiker’s paradise with volcanic mountains, waterfalls and charming coastal towns
Lush nature, tea and wine: the Azores are like a gigantic greenhouse
The ideal time to visit with good chances to spot whales and dolphins
Step back in time between colonial past, orange barons and whaling history
At anchor
Further informations
Europe’s westernmost islands in the Atlantic – volcanic and lovely, wild and dreamy. When spring revitalises the coastlines, your small expedition ship transforms the Azores into fascinating new territory. Get to know the varied faces of the archipelago intensively when the HANSEATIC spirit calls at seven of the nine islands. Lush, green vegetation, fascinating volcanic landscapes and hikers’ paradises: on impressive excursions, from deck or from the Zodiac – experience a taste of summer in the mild Azores climate. This expedition starts in Santa Maria. The most southern island is famous above all for its sandy beaches. With idyllic views over green mountain ridges and the blue ocean, take a hike to Formosa beach1, where you can enjoy the spring sunshine on the fine sand.
Deep-black rocks, rugged volcanic cones and Portugal’s highest mountain: welcome to Pico. A scenic tour1 across the crater island reveals bizarre rock formations and lava fields. With its walls of volcanic rock and the craftsmanship of its cultivation practices, the island’s wine region has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover more when you explore Pico’s vineyards on foot1. The history of whaling is still present today. But the only hunt is for the best photos, for which there are good chances on a whale- and dolphin-watching trip1. With enriching presentations from your experts on board, you will delve deep into the world of the ocean giants. Horta’s harbour on Faial is steeped in the stories of people who have circumnavigated the globe and who meet in Peter Cafe Sport. Listen to their tales of the high seas and try the Atlantic’s best gin and tonic. You have lots of time, as the HANSEATIC spirit will moor here overnight. Share the passion of volcanologists on a panoramic trip through the volcanic landscape1 or on a hike around the Faial Caldera1. On a walk around the crater’s edge, admire the natural sight of the crater, which is around 2 km (1.2 miles) in diameter and 400 m (1,300 ft) deep.
Corvo, the smallest of the Azores, is a paradise for seabirds and marine mammals. The weathered slopes rise up to a mighty volcanic crater that shapes the landscape. On an independent shore visit, your experts will explain the origins of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the history of the Mediterranean windmills. With a bit of luck, you might spot sperm whales, Risso’s dolphins and large porpoises in the waters off the coast of Flores. The marvellous marine spectacles do not stop ashore with the seas of vibrant flowers. Nature in the purest sense. The wild and lovely flower island with charming waterfalls invites active discovery and hiking in abundance.
Your route also includes Sao Jorge, whose expansive plateaus and volcanic cones are reminiscent of a dragon. Particularly stunning are the many fajas – lush, green stretches of land formed by cooled lava that spread out at the foot of the steeply sloping coasts. Tropical fruits and even coffee are cultivated here. Get a taste on an excursion with fajas and coffee tasting1. Thousands of cows graze on the evergreen pastures of the highlands. This idyllic landscape and the products of the dairy farmers are the focus of a tour with cheese tasting1.
A hint of the colonial past can still be sensed on the islands today. The capital of the archipelago, Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel, symbolises vibrant history. Churches, squares and the city hall exude baroque flair that you can soak up on a stroll at your own pace. The green island also enchants visitors with fertile valleys, thermal springs and Europe’s only tea plantation. A jeep tour to the crater lakes of Sete Cidades1 – which range from deep blue to turquoise depending on the light – will bring you closer to the creative power of nature. The joys of spring will keep pace with the fantastic panoramas when you discover the hiker’s paradise of Sao Miguel1 on foot – with its river valley, waterfalls and beaches. Afterwards, the HANSEATIC spirit sets course for the Portuguese mainland – enough time to relax and reflect on your experiences and enjoy the service on board. Now is the time to decide which of the Azores is the most beautiful. Or was it the exhilarating all-embracing experience that moved you?
1 The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change.
The itinerary depends on the weather conditions. The natural experiences and wildlife sightings described are possibilities on this expedition and are not guaranteed.
At anchor
When the ship is anchored, there is no pier and the ship anchors in open water. The transfer to land is carried out using tender boats or zodiacs.
Golf
You head for the best and most beautiful greens in the world and are looked after by a PGA golf professional
Zodiac
Where even our small and few ships can't get any further, you can continue your adventures safely in robust inflatable boats (weather permitting).
Music
In an almost private atmosphere you can experience artists up close on the high seas or in front of the most beautiful places in the world.
Arrival and departure options
Tue, 22.04.2025
Scheduled flight from Germany to Funchal
Optionally bookable
Sat, 03.05.2025
Scheduled flight from Porto to Germany
Optionally bookable
Extend your trip
Our popular before and after programs include a wide range of excursions and are usually accompanied by experienced Hapag-Lloyd Cruises tour guides. Recommended for travelers who like to share their experiences with a group of like-minded people. Experience selected highlights of your holiday destination and enjoy the amenities of a group trip - we take care of transfers, excursions and overnight stays.
Explore your cruise destinations on a more personal basis as a couple – ideal for all those who don’t want to be part of a group. The excursions in the programmes are accompanied by a local tour guide who will be happy to attend to your individual wishes. There will also be enough time and space for your own activities. Transfers are exclusively by private car with private drivers. Prices for solo travellers or groups of three or more are available on request.
Our travel concierge will be happy to put together tailor-made travel arrangements for you according to your wishes. From design hotels to luxurious beach resorts to ticket reservations for theater visits or restaurant recommendations for the most exciting cities. The Travel Concierge is available to you before your trip and of course on board.
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The Azores are an invitation to marvel and enjoy. This hiking paradise is still a largely unknown destination in the middle of the Atlantic. Each of the nine islands has its own unique face with bizarre volcanic landscapes, hot springs and lush green vegetation. Numerous marine mammals cavorting off the coast make the archipelago a hotspot for whale and dolphin watching.
Price special
Attractive combination discount
Extend your stay with the subsequent cruise SPI2509 and save € 700 per person (applies to PLATINUM fare).
Extended fun
Extend your stay with the previous cruise SPI2537 and subsequent cruise SPI2509 and save € 3,000 per person (applies to PLATINUM fare).
Included Services
Expedition and information
All landings and rides in the ship’s own Zodiacs (Use of the Zodiacs depends on the destination and on official permits)
Experienced experts from various disciplines accompany every cruise, give presentations and multimedia lectures, provide well-informed answers to questions about the cruising area and take part in the Zodiac landings/rides and hikes from/to ship
Use of the interactive Ocean Academy with individual knowledge formats
Comprehensive information before the cruise – for example about the Arctic, Antarctic, the South Seas and the Amazon, as well as expedition maps
Cabin
In every cabin: champagne to welcome you, mini bar restocked daily with non-alcoholic beverages (additional selection in Grand Suites and Junior Suites), coffee machine (tea on request), 24-hour cabin service
Equipment for loan: one pair of binoculars and two sets of Nordic Walking poles in the cabin itself, furthermore warm parkas, rubber boots, snorkelling equipment
Flat-screen TV with information and entertainment programme, personal email account and Internet access via Wi-Fi (free of charge for one hour per guest and day, satellite-dependent especially in polar areas)
Information about harbours and destinations (where available) in the cabin
Restaurants
International gourmet cuisine – full board: breakfast (early-bird and late riser breakfast), bouillon, afternoon coffee/tea time, lunch and dinner (three restaurants to choose from in the evening with flexible opening hours)
All around carefree
German ship and expedition management as well as a mostly German-speaking service crew
Harbour and airport fees
Cancellation fee insurance (20% excess) in the fares PLATINUM and GOLD
Spa and fitness
Extensive sports programme: fitness area with ocean view, course programme, additional sports activities on shore depending on the destination (Personal training for an additional charge)
OCEAN SPA with Finnish sauna with an ocean view, steam sauna, indoor and outdoor relaxation area (spa treatments and hairdresser at a surcharge)
