Ponta Delgada, Portugal - Canary Island & Atlantic Isle Cruises

Under the Miradouro da Vista do Rei, from which point King Charles the first of Portugal contemplated this impressive panorama in 1901, lie two volcanic lakes - the Green and the Blue Lake, separated by a narrow bridge. Together the two lakes cover an area of 482 hectares and they are 18 metres deep at their greatest depth. You will have the opportunity to admire these lakes from above.

On the shores of the Blue Lake is the village of Sete Cidades; enigmatic in its own name (Seven Cities) and surrounded by the dark forest-covered walls of the Caldeira. The impressive Caldeira of Sete Cidades dominates the entire region of Sete Cidades, which with its seven miles diameter, is the most spectacular volcanic scene in the Azores. A brief stop will be made for you to admire the Santiago Lake, inaccessibly situated at the bottom of an extinct crater and unique for its rare beauty.

You will be served a selection of the best Azorean wines and cheeses in a leading hotel in Ponta Delgada. The hotel veranda overlooks the harbour bay and offers pleasant views of the city's port and marina. You will have the chance to shop for local handicrafts at the hotel's gift shop.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The views at the lake are dependent on the weather conditions on the day. A little walking is involved over rough ground and cobblestones. Comfortable, flat, non slip walking shoes are recommended. There are some steps to negotiate at the hotel.

Driving past lush meadows bordered by hydrangeas to nearly 609 metres above sea level, you will reach the extinct Sete Cidades. A giant crater eight miles in circumference, where they say at the bottom were once 'Seven Cities'. From the edge of the crater, you will see there are now lakes, the two largest of which, will particularly attract your attention. One is bright blue, reflecting the colour of the sky, and the other is bright green reflecting the vegetation of the crater walls.

Your next stop will be at the famous Antonio Borges Botanical Gardens. Planted in the mid-19th century, the Botanical Gardens are a peaceful haven with exotic trees, wooded groves and lush lawns.

Afterwards, continue to the suburb of Abelheira and enjoy a short stop at the small Pineapple Plantation. Discover the various growth stages of the pineapple, which can take up to two years to grow, before returning to Ponta Delgada.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The views at the lakes are dependent on the weather conditions on the day. This tour involves approximately 30 minutes walking over some rough and uneven ground, including steps. Comfortable, flat non slip walking shoes are recommended.

Designed by Cameron Powell in 1986, the stunning Batalha golf course consists of 27 holes of golf laid out over 120 hectares and is situated on the north coast of São Miguel, just 15 minutes from the port. This relatively new course, with its magnificent setting, nestled on the skirts of the surrounding hills and with sweeping views of the ocean, has large flowing greens, wide and generous fairways and sinuously contoured bunkers.

You can enjoy the luxuriant surroundings and the fabulous scenery at a more leisurely pace by hiring one of the club’s golf buggies. It is difficult to select a best hole as they are all in some ways exceptional, but there is a very special sensation to be felt when standing on the soaring 15th tee.

The Club House, with its perfect blend of classical island architecture and modern facilities, covers over 3,000 square metres and offers a superb range of services. With its elevated views, across the course to the mountains and the blue Atlantic ocean, there can be very few better places, anywhere, to enjoy a drink, snack or meal either before or after a round of golf.



This excursion will operate by bus and on foot. Green fees and round trip transportation are provided. Cost of buggy hire is 35 Euros and club hire is 40 Euros (full set), which is payable directly to the Golf club. Guests may use the changing facilities at the Club House, but any refreshments from the bar or restaurant are payable direct in local currency (Euros).

Green fees and roundtrip transportation are provided. Cost of buggy hire is 35 Euros and club hire is 40 Euros (full set), which is payable directly to the Golf club. Passengers may use the changing facilities at the Club House, but any refreshments from the bar or restaurant are payable direct in local currency (Euros).

Setting off from the port, enjoy a brief drive to the centre where, upon arrival, your walking tour will commence. Ponta Delgada is well known for it's churches and you will head to one of the most visited, the Church of St Sebastian. The Gothic style church is believed to have been constructed between 1531 and 1547.

Your walk will then continue through the bustling main streets of Ponta Delgada before making a stop at the Convent and Chapel of Our Lady of Hope. The richly decorated 16th century chapel is home to the statue of ‘Jesus Christ of the Miracles’, a present given to the nuns of the convent by Pope Clement VII in 1530.

After your walking tour, you will rejoin your coach for a short drive to the Jose Canto Botanical Garden. Here, you can learn the history of Jose Canto, a renowned gardener and botanist, and enjoy a stroll through the pleasant gardens. To round off your tour, another short drive will take you to the Antonio Borges Botanical Gardens, established by local politician and merchant trader António Borges Medeiros, an avid 19th century amateur botanist. Take a wander through the gardens, before the return drive to the port.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves around two hours of walking which includes some cobblestoned surfaces and steps. There are also gravel surfaces at the gardens. Flat, non slip walking shoes are advised. Modest attire is required when entering churches. Services may be held without notice which may prevent an inside visit.

Heading out of Ponta Delgada towards the North East, you will see roads lined with Japanese Cedars, Hydrangeas and Ginger Lilies until you reach Ribeira Grande, a unique city with a strong feeling of Portuguese influence.

Heading further north towards a wonderful lookout point, Pico do Ferro Belvedere spectacular views over the Furnas Valley. Descending the Valley, you will have time to explore the Terra Nostra Gardens. Developed over the centuries, the Gardens have an extensive selection of trees from all over the world, as well as a serpentine canal, grottoes, camellias, ferns and cycas.

With over 22 hot springs, Furnas Valley in the area of San Miguel, is where volcanic nature still remains an important part of the island's culture. Locals still make use of the Caldeiras (hot springs) for cooking a kind of stew called 'cozido' using the natural steam venting along the shores of Furnas Lake.

Your return journey will pass by Vila Franca do Campo, the former capital of the island.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves around one hour of walking over some cobblestone, gravel and uneven surfaces, including steps. There is a walk of approximately ten minutes on a slightly inclined road from the coach drop off point, to reach the Pico do Ferro Belvedere viewpoint. Comfortable, flat non slip walking shoes are recommended.

Discover the island of San Miguel in vehicles best suited for the terrain. The journey will take you into the mountains, leaving the town behind and reveal to you lesser-known areas. The ruggedness of the high mountains, covered with trees indigenous to the area, hydrangeas and other varieties of vegetation, contrasts with the softness of the valleys, sparkling clear streams and small villages that you pass.

Vast farmland guarantees richness to the population and travelling through these areas will bring you into contact with the nature and friendliness of the local people.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by jeep and on foot. Each vehicle is equipped with seat belts, which must be worn. This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women and children under 12 may not participate.

The isolated archipelago of the Azores has a well-deserved reputation as being one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. Your boat adventure will begin a short walk away from your ship, where you will venture out into the open sea to search for these fascinating mammals.

The Azores attracts 24 species of cetaceans with Sperm Whales being the most common. Other whales that visit include the Humpback, Minky, Blue, Sei, Northern Bottlenose Whales and the Sowerby’s Beaked Whale. Regular encounters are made with the Pilot Whale, Orca Whale and Pseudorca Whale, as well as the Common, Bottlenose, Risso’s and Striped Dolphin.

Prior to setting off, you will be given a short briefing by one of the whale-watching experts. The crew on board are available during your excursion to answer any questions you may have on marine life and the rich history of the Azores.



BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by boat and on foot. There is a 10 minute walk to the whale-watching base from the ship. This tour is not suitable for those who suffer with seasickness. Due to the swells that can be experienced in the area, it is recommended that all guests should take seasickness tablets with them as a precaution. This tour is dependent on weather conditions. Animal sightings are not guaranteed. Due to the nature of this tour, it is recommended that guests who are pregnant do not participate.

Leaving Ponta Delgada, you will head northwards along pleasant country roads, bordered by flowers. Green meadows stretch away into the distance until you reach Ribeira Grande. This is one of the oldest towns in the Azores and the only one of any size in the north coast. You will have time with your guide to admire the pretty little town square and the church, or do some independent sightseeing. Notice the interesting architecture, typical of the island; buildings constructed in basalt with original windows and decorations.

Pico da Barrosa is in the centre of the island and the Fire Lake occupies the crater of an extinct volcano, from where you will have magnificent views. Surrounded by some of the original vegetation of the island, this is an enormous lake with transparent waters, located in an atmosphere of great calm and beauty.

A short stop will be made at the small Pineapple Plantation to discover the various growth stages of the pineapple, before returning to Ponta Delgada.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The views across Fire Lake are dependent on the local weather conditions on the day, which can be changeable. It is also advisable to take a light jacket as the temperature can sometimes be cooler. Flat, comfortable non slip walking shoes are recommended.