On the Edge of the Atlantic 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 sub-tropical Azores Islands. Here you will experience volcanic hot springs, steaming geysers and sub-tropical forests, alongside stunning colonial architecture and dramatic volcanic scenery. 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 welcome, late dose of southern sun.
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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) Morning lectures. Afternoon at leisure.
- Day 4: Vigo, Spain (Thurs, 21 Oct) Morning at leisure. 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) Morning lectures. Afternoon at leisure.
- Day 7: At Sea (Sun, 24 Oct) Morning lectures. 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) Morning lectures. Afternoon at leisure.
- Day 12: At Sea (Fri, 29 Oct) Morning lectures. 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, 1 Nov) Full day at sea
- Day 15: Liverpool, United Kingdom (Tue, 02 Nov) Arrive Liverpool early morning and disembark.
Tour cost
TBC