Islands of the Azores: Basalt Peaks to Volcanic Vineyards
Islands of the Azores: Fado Music to Fin Whales
Towering basalt peaks, bubbling hot springs, nutrient rich waters, emerald green farmlands and the fascinating history of the explorers, whalers, and farmers that called these remote islands home - this is just sample of the beauty and vitality you’ll discover as we explore the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. All born from volcanoes, each island has a unique landscape and piece of history that we’ll uncover as we explore these remote gems. Experience the warmth and hospitality of the locals as they share a glimpse into their island life with traditional dishes, world class wine and cheese tastings, Fado music and the beauty of each destination.
Highlights
- Aboard National Geographic Endurance, take advantage of the ship’s state-of the-art amenities, from wellness programs and spa treatments to gourmet dining options as we travel to the more secluded and seldom visited islands of the Azores Archipelago.
- April is one of the best months to see the many whales that pass through these waters on their annual migrations. With the help of some of the best whale spotters in the world, search for fin, blue, sei, and pilot whales, just to name a few.
- Discover the varied past and stories of explorers, whalers, and conquers that all had a part in weaving the tapestry of island history.
- Experience the commitment the locals have to sustainable growth and protecting the natural beauty and ecosystems of the archipelago.
- Expedition Cruises
- National Geographic Journeys
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About National Geographic Endurance
The first new polar build in Lindblad’s 50-year history, National Geographic Endurance is named to honor explorer Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Transantarctic Expedition.
A fully-stabilized vessel of the highest ice class (PC5 Category A), she will enable adventurous guests to go where few have or can. Endurance’s most striking exterior feature is her distinctive profile, the patented X-Bow®, a game-changing design that guarantees the smoothest, most comfortable ride in all kinds of conditions; and since it eliminates bow impact, a quieter ride, as well.
An equally impressive feature may well be her capacity: she carries just 138 guests, a commitment to expedition excellence over scale. Scandinavian-inflected, luxuriously appointed, her inviting interiors would be a destination in themselves. Because she is a Lindblad expedition ship, however, her attention is focused on the world outside—with acres of window glass to keep you connected to the stunning views beyond the pane, and a fleet of expedition tools to get you out exploring.
| 07 | Category 7 | $21,649.00 USD |
| 06 | Category 6 | $19,508.00 USD |
| 05 | Category 5 | $17,019.00 USD |
| 04 | Category 4 | $15,370.00 USD |
| 03 | Category 3 | $13,964.00 USD |
| 02 | Category 2 | $11,459.00 USD |
| 01 | Category 1 | $11,160.00 USD |
Costs Include: All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), tips (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.
Not Included: Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship’s crew at your discretion.
Airfare: For all programs, airfare is an additional cost unless otherwise indicated. Sample airfares are based on 2007 fares and are subject to change. We will gladly assist in making your air arrangements.
Note: Complete pre-journey information, including suggestions on what to bring and recommended reading, will be sent after your reservation is confirmed 4-6 months prior to departure.
Life On Board
Each ship in the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet is a destination in its own right, featuring thoughtfully curated amenities and cultural experiences that connect you with the region you explore through culinary delights, performances by local musicians, soothing spa treatments, and more.
Strong relationships with local experts, farmers and artisans help infuse an authentic sense of place into your onboard experiences while creating a more well-rounded story. No matter which ship carries you to your destination, your time on board will be as rewarding as your time on shore.
Savor the Flavors of Your Destination
Sampling local cuisine is a highlight of the onboard experience, and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions takes great care to bring the culinary riches of each destination to the meals you enjoy on board. Executive chefs design unique and innovative menus that feature modern takes on classic cuisine as well as essential dishes from the regions you visit, like paella in Spain or fresh udon in Japan.
Relationships with local farmers, vintners, and other purveyors enable you to enjoy immersive culinary experiences, both on board and onshore. In the Azores, pick fresh ingredients at a market guided by a local chef, or sample renowned wines in Bordeaux. Expeditions to the Galápagos Islands and the Pacific Northwest feature a sustainable farm-to-table dining program to incorporate the freshest ingredients into daily meals while supporting local agriculture and seafood industries.
Rejuvenate With Our Wellness Program
Dedicated wellness spaces—including treatment rooms, saunas, fitness centers, and more—invite you to tap into the soothing rhythms of the ocean. You can greet the day with a sunrise yoga session led by your ship’s wellness specialist, get in a workout with stunning views of Antarctic icebergs, or unwind in the spa with a restorative deep tissue massage from our fully accredited massage therapists. Treatments are tailored to each guest and incorporate natural ingredients from the surrounding lands and waters.
Immersive Music Experiences
Ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar curates onboard musical experiences so that your time at sea is accompanied by melodies that are reminiscent of our ports of call. For select voyages, he arranges performances featuring local musicians whose songs bring the rich traditions of the surrounding regions to life. Enjoy a warm greeting by local singers and dancers as you sail into the South Pacific island of Wallis, dance to the beats of Guyana’s popular calypso music, or experience an impassioned choral ensemble in the echoing grand ruins of Visby, Sweden. Each experience taps you into the rhythms of the regions you'll explore, offering a unique window into the identity of the destination.
The Art of Expedition Travel
Ship interiors tell the stories of your destinations through local artwork and decor, infusing each vessel with an authentic sense of place. On voyages aboard National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution, you can walk through the corridors and shared spaces as you take in the first-ever ship-based exhibitions of visual and auditory works, created to express the fragile beauty of the polar regions.
Science at Sea
Taking knowledge further
Get an inside look at innovative science and conservation projects
The ships in the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet are not only equipped for adventure—they also host important research and conservation work as part of the Visiting Scientist Program. This innovative initiative allows scientists to use the fleet as a platform to build and foster their research endeavors in places like Antarctica, the Arctic and the Galápagos.
The Visiting Scientist Program has been active for years, and in response to the program’s popularity with guests, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is expanding it for the upcoming travel seasons. Now, more travelers than ever before can voyage alongside fascinating researchers, enjoy talks on their findings, and in some instances participate in the scientific process through activities such as data collection.
New and Ongoing Research Projects
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has supported over 40 projects on 60 voyages since 2021. These projects take place all over the world—from pole to pole and everywhere in-between. From manta rays to microbes and microplastics, we are excited to support and collaborate on research projects throughout our worldwide fleet.
Undersea Realms
Marine scientists are using the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet as a platform to dive into ocean habitats and make discoveries from the intertidal to the deep sea.
Environment
Using state-of-the-art ships as their roving base camps, researchers are studying environmental science and human impacts in remote parts of the world.
Wildlife and Ecology
Scientists are joining expeditions to search for some of the planet’s most incredible creatures—from tiny microbes to giant whales—and using what they find to advance the knowledge of species and ecosystems.
Citizen Science
Guests can get involved in the advancement of science by participating in a variety of research projects hosted on their expedition.
Guest Speakers Program
In addition to the scientists and researchers who join voyages, National Geographic-Lindbald Expeditions hosts a range of fascinating experts from the worlds of literature, music, photography and politics as part of our Guest Speakers Program. These renowned individuals offer in-depth insights and compelling conversations, helping you connect more deeply to the people, places and wildlife along your journey.
Making a Difference
Using the power of travel to make a positive impact
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions cares deeply about the planet and is proud to serve as a catalyst for meaningful change.
Pioneering Responsible Exploration
From our consistent quest to improve our practices to offsetting 100% of our carbon emissions, supporting conservation, science, and education initiatives around the planet, and investing in the communities in the places we explore, we are guided by our commitment to explore responsibly.
FOCUS AREAS
Single-use plastic free
The National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet is 100% free of single-use plastic bottles, cups, straws, and stirrers. Together with National Geographic's "Planet or Plastic?" campaign, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is raising awareness about the need to reduce the amount of plastic in the world's oceans.
Responsibly-sourced Food
At the heart of the culinary program is a sustainable seafood and locally-sourced food policy. Only the most sustainable options are served to help keep oceans healthy and fish stocks regenerating.
Global conservation
Thanks to generous travelers, the LEX-NG Fund supports impactful projects around the world that are preserving the oceans, restoring critical marine and coastal habitats, and fostering environmental stewardship in regions visited by the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet and beyond.
Education
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions believes in the ability of teachers and young minds to change the world. With like-minded partners such as the National Geographic Society, Lindblad bridges the gap between people and nature. Because when people learn about the planet, they’re inspired to protect it.
Science
Scientific understanding can help protect critical habitats and species while inspiring travelers to see the world in a new way. By harnessing the power of citizen science and championing efforts to study the furthest depths of the ocean, the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet becomes a platform for exploration and knowledge.
Artisans & local communities
Forming community relationships in the regions National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions explores is a core company value. As you explore, you have many opportunities to make meaningful, mutually beneficial connections with artisans and other local people.
The first new polar build in Lindblad’s 50-year history, National Geographic Endurance is named to honor explorer Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Transantarctic Expedition.
A fully-stabilized vessel of the highest ice class (PC5 Category A), she will enable adventurous guests to go where few have or can. Endurance’s most striking exterior feature is her distinctive profile, the patented X-Bow®, a game-changing design that guarantees the smoothest, most comfortable ride in all kinds of conditions; and since it eliminates bow impact, a quieter ride, as well.
An equally impressive feature may well be her capacity: she carries just 138 guests, a commitment to expedition excellence over scale. Scandinavian-inflected, luxuriously appointed, her inviting interiors would be a destination in themselves. Because she is a Lindblad expedition ship, however, her attention is focused on the world outside—with acres of window glass to keep you connected to the stunning views beyond the pane, and a fleet of expedition tools to get you out exploring.
| 07 | Category 7 | $21,649.00 USD |
| 06 | Category 6 | $19,508.00 USD |
| 05 | Category 5 | $17,019.00 USD |
| 04 | Category 4 | $15,370.00 USD |
| 03 | Category 3 | $13,964.00 USD |
| 02 | Category 2 | $11,459.00 USD |
| 01 | Category 1 | $11,160.00 USD |
Costs Include: All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), tips (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.
Not Included: Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship’s crew at your discretion.
Airfare: For all programs, airfare is an additional cost unless otherwise indicated. Sample airfares are based on 2007 fares and are subject to change. We will gladly assist in making your air arrangements.
Note: Complete pre-journey information, including suggestions on what to bring and recommended reading, will be sent after your reservation is confirmed 4-6 months prior to departure.
Life On Board
Each ship in the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet is a destination in its own right, featuring thoughtfully curated amenities and cultural experiences that connect you with the region you explore through culinary delights, performances by local musicians, soothing spa treatments, and more.
Strong relationships with local experts, farmers and artisans help infuse an authentic sense of place into your onboard experiences while creating a more well-rounded story. No matter which ship carries you to your destination, your time on board will be as rewarding as your time on shore.
Savor the Flavors of Your Destination
Sampling local cuisine is a highlight of the onboard experience, and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions takes great care to bring the culinary riches of each destination to the meals you enjoy on board. Executive chefs design unique and innovative menus that feature modern takes on classic cuisine as well as essential dishes from the regions you visit, like paella in Spain or fresh udon in Japan.
Relationships with local farmers, vintners, and other purveyors enable you to enjoy immersive culinary experiences, both on board and onshore. In the Azores, pick fresh ingredients at a market guided by a local chef, or sample renowned wines in Bordeaux. Expeditions to the Galápagos Islands and the Pacific Northwest feature a sustainable farm-to-table dining program to incorporate the freshest ingredients into daily meals while supporting local agriculture and seafood industries.
Rejuvenate With Our Wellness Program
Dedicated wellness spaces—including treatment rooms, saunas, fitness centers, and more—invite you to tap into the soothing rhythms of the ocean. You can greet the day with a sunrise yoga session led by your ship’s wellness specialist, get in a workout with stunning views of Antarctic icebergs, or unwind in the spa with a restorative deep tissue massage from our fully accredited massage therapists. Treatments are tailored to each guest and incorporate natural ingredients from the surrounding lands and waters.
Immersive Music Experiences
Ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar curates onboard musical experiences so that your time at sea is accompanied by melodies that are reminiscent of our ports of call. For select voyages, he arranges performances featuring local musicians whose songs bring the rich traditions of the surrounding regions to life. Enjoy a warm greeting by local singers and dancers as you sail into the South Pacific island of Wallis, dance to the beats of Guyana’s popular calypso music, or experience an impassioned choral ensemble in the echoing grand ruins of Visby, Sweden. Each experience taps you into the rhythms of the regions you'll explore, offering a unique window into the identity of the destination.
The Art of Expedition Travel
Ship interiors tell the stories of your destinations through local artwork and decor, infusing each vessel with an authentic sense of place. On voyages aboard National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution, you can walk through the corridors and shared spaces as you take in the first-ever ship-based exhibitions of visual and auditory works, created to express the fragile beauty of the polar regions.
Science at Sea
Taking knowledge further
Get an inside look at innovative science and conservation projects
The ships in the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet are not only equipped for adventure—they also host important research and conservation work as part of the Visiting Scientist Program. This innovative initiative allows scientists to use the fleet as a platform to build and foster their research endeavors in places like Antarctica, the Arctic and the Galápagos.
The Visiting Scientist Program has been active for years, and in response to the program’s popularity with guests, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is expanding it for the upcoming travel seasons. Now, more travelers than ever before can voyage alongside fascinating researchers, enjoy talks on their findings, and in some instances participate in the scientific process through activities such as data collection.
New and Ongoing Research Projects
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has supported over 40 projects on 60 voyages since 2021. These projects take place all over the world—from pole to pole and everywhere in-between. From manta rays to microbes and microplastics, we are excited to support and collaborate on research projects throughout our worldwide fleet.
Undersea Realms
Marine scientists are using the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet as a platform to dive into ocean habitats and make discoveries from the intertidal to the deep sea.
Environment
Using state-of-the-art ships as their roving base camps, researchers are studying environmental science and human impacts in remote parts of the world.
Wildlife and Ecology
Scientists are joining expeditions to search for some of the planet’s most incredible creatures—from tiny microbes to giant whales—and using what they find to advance the knowledge of species and ecosystems.
Citizen Science
Guests can get involved in the advancement of science by participating in a variety of research projects hosted on their expedition.
Guest Speakers Program
In addition to the scientists and researchers who join voyages, National Geographic-Lindbald Expeditions hosts a range of fascinating experts from the worlds of literature, music, photography and politics as part of our Guest Speakers Program. These renowned individuals offer in-depth insights and compelling conversations, helping you connect more deeply to the people, places and wildlife along your journey.
Making a Difference
Using the power of travel to make a positive impact
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions cares deeply about the planet and is proud to serve as a catalyst for meaningful change.
Pioneering Responsible Exploration
From our consistent quest to improve our practices to offsetting 100% of our carbon emissions, supporting conservation, science, and education initiatives around the planet, and investing in the communities in the places we explore, we are guided by our commitment to explore responsibly.
FOCUS AREAS
Single-use plastic free
The National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet is 100% free of single-use plastic bottles, cups, straws, and stirrers. Together with National Geographic's "Planet or Plastic?" campaign, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is raising awareness about the need to reduce the amount of plastic in the world's oceans.
Responsibly-sourced Food
At the heart of the culinary program is a sustainable seafood and locally-sourced food policy. Only the most sustainable options are served to help keep oceans healthy and fish stocks regenerating.
Global conservation
Thanks to generous travelers, the LEX-NG Fund supports impactful projects around the world that are preserving the oceans, restoring critical marine and coastal habitats, and fostering environmental stewardship in regions visited by the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet and beyond.
Education
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions believes in the ability of teachers and young minds to change the world. With like-minded partners such as the National Geographic Society, Lindblad bridges the gap between people and nature. Because when people learn about the planet, they’re inspired to protect it.
Science
Scientific understanding can help protect critical habitats and species while inspiring travelers to see the world in a new way. By harnessing the power of citizen science and championing efforts to study the furthest depths of the ocean, the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet becomes a platform for exploration and knowledge.
Artisans & local communities
Forming community relationships in the regions National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions explores is a core company value. As you explore, you have many opportunities to make meaningful, mutually beneficial connections with artisans and other local people.
About Lindblad Expeditions
For more than 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has been sailing to captivating places near and far in pursuit of discovery, bringing along adventurous travelers to share in the thrill of uncovering the world’s wild secrets. With every voyage we undertake, our core belief is reinforced: that our planet holds infinite potential—for new experiences, enhanced knowledge, and increased understanding of our role in protecting its trove of natural and cultural treasures.
This enduring quest for discovery drives us to find new ways to help you explore. It’s why we build ships that facilitate exploration with their cutting-edge technologies, design itineraries and assemble expedition teams that inspire, and chart courses that take you deeper into remote places to give you a richer picture of our world. Because when it comes to exploration, it’s not just what you see, but how you see it that matters.
About Lindblad Expeditions
For more than 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has been sailing to captivating places near and far in pursuit of discovery, bringing along adventurous travelers to share in the thrill of uncovering the world’s wild secrets. With every voyage we undertake, our core belief is reinforced: that our planet holds infinite potential—for new experiences, enhanced knowledge, and increased understanding of our role in protecting its trove of natural and cultural treasures.
This enduring quest for discovery drives us to find new ways to help you explore. It’s why we build ships that facilitate exploration with their cutting-edge technologies, design itineraries and assemble expedition teams that inspire, and chart courses that take you deeper into remote places to give you a richer picture of our world. Because when it comes to exploration, it’s not just what you see, but how you see it that matters.
