From the Edge of the Atlantic to the Azores Cruise
About the tour
This ex-UK tour takes you from Liverpool across to the vibrant, contemporary city of Belfast, down to the beautiful green coasts of Galicia and to gorgeous Lisbon, before sailing across to the remote, sub-tropical Azores – a scattering of Eden-like islands, which are the tips of vast underwater mountains in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
These spectacular islands lie on the nexus of three tectonic plates, resulting in their extraordinary landscapes. This is a world of fumaroles and hot springs; of caverns and twisting columns formed from once molten rock; of blue lakes edged by sub-tropical forests, and vivid green pastures sweeping up the slopes of calderas.
This relaxing cruise returns to Liverpool at the end of a journey encompassing vibrant cities, natural beauty, maritime and Napoleonic history and sub-tropical gardens, as well as a late, welcome dose of southern sun. There will be a number of wide-ranging talks during the cruise; some of these will be public (open to the whole cruise) and some will be private to Jon Baines Tours travellers.
Download our brochure From the Edge of the Atlantic to the Azores Cruise Book now
Your tour leader
John and Susi Richardson
Dr John Richardson is an Emeritus Professor of Primary Care and General Practice. He also worked for three years as an occupational physician in Northern Ireland. He has led study tours worldwide and was a medical escort to parties of war widows and veterans on journeys of remembrance for the Royal British Legion. He has also run many history of medicine battlefield tours. He has visited more than 80 countries and worked in 41 of them as a doctor. John has previously led tours for Jon Baines to China, Central Asia, India, Turkey, Central America, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Namibia, Ethiopia, Indo-China and Burma. He has also given lectures on cruises.
Susi Richardson has travelled widely across the world with John either as an expedition nurse, or as a nurse on war grave pilgrimages for the Royal British Legion, or as co-tour leader for Jon Baines Tours.
Need more information?
- Tel: (Toll Free) 1-8777-398-764
- Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Itinerary at a glance
- Day 1: Liverpool, United Kingdom (Mon, 18 Oct) Depart Liverpool. Welcome private drinks and dinner on board.
- Day 2: Belfast (Tue, 19 Oct) Famed for being the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, Belfast is today a modern, stylish and vibrant city. Take a bus tour of Belfast's historic city centre and continue to visit the murals on Falls Road and hear stories of Belfast during the Troubles. Continue onto the acclaimed Titanic Museum for a self-guided tour with commentary. In the afternoon cruise the Irish Sea and hear a lecture.
- Day 3: At Sea (Wed, 20 Oct) Public talk: 'Titanic and her Sisterships, Olympic and Britannic' by Peter Hore. Private talk: 'The Mortal Memory (Nelson's wounds and illnesses)' by Michael Crumplin.
- Day 4: Vigo, Spain (Thurs, 21 Oct) Public talk to mark Trafalgar Day: 'The Campaign of Trafalgar 1803/05' by Peter Hore. Disembark and visit the Castro Fortress with its a lookout view over Vigo and its estuaries and onto the lovely gardens of Parque del Monte Castro. Take a walking tour of Vigo's old town and learn of the history of some of its famous sculptures. Time at leisure to enjoy the famous Galician sea food and Albariño wine. Set sail in the evening.
- Day 5: Lisbon, Portugal (Fri, 22 Oct) A full day at leisure to explore Lisbon OR take an optional tour.
- Day 6: At Sea (Sat, 23 Oct) Private talk: 'Sir George Rooke, the Battle of Vigo Bay and the taking of Gibraltar 1702/04' by Peter Hore. Public talk: 'Surgery in Nelson's Navy (Deals with Trafalgar & Nelson's demise)' by Michael Crumplin.
- Day 7: At Sea (Sun, 24 Oct) Public talk: 'The Bloody Fields of Waterloo (Battle and medical aspects)' by Michael Crumpli. Afternoon at leisure.
- Day 8: Praia da Vitoria, Azores, Portugal (Mon, 25 Oct) Transfer to the attractive small city of Angra do Heroismo, built on the maritime trade with the Americas and historically the most important city in the Azores. The city is a UNESCO world heritage site and boasts interesting museums and impressive architecture such as the 16th century Sé Cathedral. The 205 metre-high Monte Brasil Volcano overlooks Angra do Herosimo. Afternoon at leisure in either Angra do Heroismo or the port of Praia da Vitoria. Depart Praia da Vitoria in the evening.
- Day 9: Horta, Azores, Portugal (Tue, 26 Oct) The ship docks for a full day at the tranquil little port of Horta on Faial Island. At leisure to explore the small port or surrounding dramatic landscapes including volcanic craters, peaceful lakes and emerald green valleys. The Capelinhos Volcano is this verdant island’s most famous landmark and can be seen on an optional 4x4 adventure tour.
- Day 10: Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal (Wed, 27 Oct) A full day shore excursion exploring the botanical gardens and spectacular volcanic landscapes of São Miguel Island and Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores archipelago of Portugal. Travel to the extinct Sete Cidades Volcano – one of the seven wonders of Portugal – where a 13-kilometre-wide crater and colourful lakes create the Azores’ most astonishing scene. Explore Terra Nosta Park, a haven of beautiful gardens, geo-thermal pools and dense woodlands that are home to stunning endemic flora. Continue to the hot springs of Furnas Valley. Return to Ponta Delgada with time to explore before embarking the ship.
- Day 11: At Sea (Thurs, 28 Oct) Public talk: 'The Wrens and the Wireless War in WW2' by Peter Hore. Public talk: 'Blood and Dust - Malta 1565 & 1942 (The two sieges)' by Michael Crumplin. Afternoon at leisure.
- Day 12: At Sea (Fri, 29 Oct) Private talk: 'From the Horse’s Mouth – 20 years as an obituarist' by Peter Hore. Public talk: 'General Sir John Moore and the retreat to Coruna' by Michael Crumplin. Afternoon at leisure.
- Day 13: La Coruña, Spain (Sat, 30 Oct) Visit the Torre De Hercules – said to be the only Roman lighthouse in existence – which offers sweeping coastal views from the top of its 60 metre high tower. Continue to Obelisco, known as the Spanish Stonehenge. Travel to the lookout point of San Pedro for some great views and to Riazor beach. Explore La Coruna's historical old town on a walking tour including Maria Pita Square, Saint Carlos Garden and the tomb of Sir John Moore. At leisure in La Coruña. Set sail in the evening.
- Day 14: At Sea (Sun, 31 Oct) Public talk: 'News of Nelson – the race to bring home the news of Trafalgar' by Peter Hore. Private talk: 'Losing Sight of the Glory - Six centuries of Combat Surgery (Evolution of military surgery, Agincourt to Helmand)' by Michael Crumplin.
- Day 15: At Sea (Mon, 1 Nov) Full day at leisure at sea.
- Day 16: Liverpool, United Kingdom (Tues, 2 Nov) Arrive Liverpool early morning and disembark.
Tour cost
Twin cabins start from £2,480 per person (excluding flights and transfers)