Voyage to Madeira and the Azores aboard the m/s ANDREA

Entirely unknown to the world before the 15th century, the Azores remain one of the least-visited parts of Europe. Eight hundred miles off the coast of Iberia, this volcanic island chain combines some of the most breathtaking natural scenery with a slow, relaxing, provincial Portuguese way of life. Its villages are charming. Its cliffs, coasts, caverns, and volcanic peaks are majestic. And its remote, rustic island life is ideal for a leisurely exploration by ship. During the great Age of Exploration, the Azores were the first familiar lands encountered by Vasco da Gama, Columbus, and other adventurers returning home. Their atmosphere is still part Old Europe, part Atlantic exotic – a perfect location for spring adventure. On this departure, you will have the added pleasure of visiting Madeira, a lush, mountainous speck in the sea equally famous for its wine, its flowers, and the town of Funchal, known as "Little Lisbon."

Voyage to Madeira and the Azores

Cadiz–Ponta Delgada
10 Days / 9 Nights

April 14-23, 2009

Day 0. Depart USA under own arrangements.

Day 1. Cadiz, Spain. The oldest continuously-inhabited city in Western Europe, Cadiz is a gorgeous Andalusian port featuring an 18th-century, golden-domed cathedral. Embark m/s Andrea this evening and depart.

Day 2. Portimão, Portugal. Portimão is one of the principal towns of the Algarve. Enjoy an optional half-day excursion from Portimão's markets to Lagos. The city, with its Moorish archways, is astoundingly historic – Prince Henry the Navigator lived most of his life here. Glance at his statue before exploring the pretty 18th- and 19th-century streets.

Day 3. At Sea.

Day 4. Funchal, Madeira Island. Awake to Madeira, home of the fortified wine – thickly wooded, and mountain-ringed. Enjoy a half-day optional tour of the island's capital, Funchal, known as "Little Lisbon" for its steep cobblestone streets and 18th-century houses. Visit the 16th-century Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens and wander through the Mercado dos Lavradores.

Day 5. At Sea.

Day 6. Vila do Porto, Santa Maria, Azores. Santa Maria was the first of the Azores to be discovered, in 1427; its beaches and bays are the epitome of tranquillity. On a half-day optional tour, visit the village of Anjos, where Columbus first set foot upon his return from the New World in 1493; the Nossaq Senhora da Purificãçao, a Baroque church in Santo Espirito; and the vine-covered half-crater resort Baia de São Lorenço.

Day 7. Angra de Heroismo, Terceira Island. Terceira has a wide interior of pastureland and barren volcanic coast. On a full-day optional tour, explore Angra do Heroismo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its strategic role during the Age of Exploration. Continue to the villages of São Sebastiao and Porto Judeu, with their flamboyantly decorated chapels. Lunch at a local restaurant, then see Biscoitos, named for the biscuit-like lava along the coast. Also visit the Wine Museum and the Algar do Carvão, an enormous volcanic cavern. 

Day 8. Santa Cruz, Graciosa Island | Velas, São Jorge Island. Tiny Graciosa Island is an especially peaceful landscape of narrow seaside towns with white houses, windmills, farms and vineyards still serviced by ox-drawn carts. Our half-day optional tour unveils the Furna do Enxofre, an immense cavern at the bottom of a volcanic crater with a subterranean lake. In the afternoon, cruise to São Jorge Island, a mountainous island with sheer cliffs. On an optional tour, see the villages of Ribeira do Nabo and Urzelina; in the latter, see the bell tower of an old church – the remainder having been buried by an 1808 eruption. Also visit the Sete Forest Reserve.

Day 9. Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island. Arrive in Ponta Delgada, the historic capital of the Azores. Admire the grand churches, convents, trim white houses, and arcaded Manueline palaces on an optional tour, and see the Forte de São Brás, a Renaissance fortress. Continue to the fantastic Caldeira das Sete Cidades, a vast volcanic crater, the volcanic lakes and the Peninsula of Silence.

Voyage to Madeira and the Azores
CRUISE INCLUSIONS

1. Cruise as described in the itinerary aboard the 104-passenger m/s ANDREA
2. All meals aboard ship including house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
3. Welcome and farewell receptions aboard the ship, hosted by the Captain
4. Complimentary coffee, tea and pastries at all times aboard the ship 
5. On-board nightly musical entertainment
6. Professional Elegant Cruises tour staff
7. Complete pre-departure materials including destination information

NOT INCLUDED: International airfare; transfers to/from the ship; shore excursions; meals ashore; gratuities; port charges; fuel surcharge; luggage and trip cancellation insurance; personal expenses such as laundry; alcoholic beverages except as noted, telephone calls, faxes, and e-mail services.

AIR TRANSPORTATION
Call us for International economy or business class airfare, as we will gladly assist you in making your air arrangements.

EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT
Reserve your cabin six months prior to the departure of your selected cruise and receive a
$ 300.00 per person early booking discount.

FUEL SURCHARGE
Our prices are based on fuel rates at the time of brochure printing, and although we will do everything we can to maintain our rates, it may be necessary to apply a surcharge.

Voyage to Madeira and the Azores
ANDREA CRUISE RATES

Cabin Description	Cruise only rates per person
4 Inside	$3,195
3 Outside	$4,195
2 Deluxe	$5,595
1 Master	$6,695
Suite	$7,895
Sup. Single	$5,495
Std. Single	$4,595
Port charges:	$110
Single Supplement: 50% for categories 2, 3 & 4; 100% for category 1 & suites For assistance with your international air arrangements, please contact us at 1-800-683-6767.

Cabin Category Information
All cabins have lower beds (separated or connected, as indicated), private facilities with bath and/or shower, hairdryer, air conditioning, storage wardrobe, vanity with chair or stool, television, telephone, personal safe. Except for the five inside cabins, all staterooms feature either windows or portholes.