Portugal's Islands in Search of the Meteor Shower - 7 August 2024
Highlights:
- This cruise is planned to coincide with the Perseid Meteor Shower
- Spot shooting stars from the decks of Balmoral in remote Azores waters
- Spend time with an astronomer who will offer an insight to this event
Connoisseur Exclusive! Free Home Transfers within 30 miles of Rosyth Port!
We have planned this cruise to coincide with the Perseid Meteor Shower. As Balmoral sails the remote waters of the Azores, where there’s minimal light pollution, you will have the chance to see shooting stars created by the meteor shower. An astronomer will also be on board to offer a deeper insight into this event.
While in the Azores, you can also discover the Sete Cidades crater lakes, tour to Angra do Heroísmo – a stopover for explorers crossing the Atlantic – and dock in Horta, which is only possible on smaller ships. Wildlife charity ORCA will also be on hand to help you spot marine life from Balmoral.
Elsewhere, you can delve into Lisbon’s maritime history and sail past the uninhabited Vila Franca Islet
Price Includes:
DINING & LOUNGES
- À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Daily buffet dining options
- Late night Supper Club
- Afternoon tea
- Self-service tea & coffee
- In-cabin dining & snacks
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
- Evening shows
- Live music & dancing
- Dance classes
- Lectures & talks
- Cookery demonstrations
- Traditional deck games
- Daily games & quizzes
RELAXATION & FITNESS
- Swimming Pools
- Jacuzzis
- Fitness Centre
- Fitness Classes
Itinerary
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7 August Departing Rosyth Port, Scotland
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12 August Praia Da Victoria, Portugal
The Azores are located on three tectonic plates – the Eurasian, African and North American. Volcanic activity in the area led to the creation of these islands, and Terceira sits on a geological structure called the Terceira Rift. Praia da Vitoria has a magnificent natural harbour which served as a port of call for fleets sailing to Africa and the Indies. The beaches here are mainly dark, with volcanic sand and very little waves, making them popular with locals and visitors alike.
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13 August Horta, Portugal
Horta, on the island of Faial, was discovered in the 19th century by Portuguese explorers, and has a vast maritime heritage. It is regarded as one of the most colourful marinas in the world, due to the thousands of paintings that adorn the marina walls, each marking the safe passage of a boat, and for calm seas as they continued their journey. The seas surrounding the island of Faial are considered to be one of the best places in Europe for whale and dolphin watching.
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14 August Ponta Delgada, Portugal
The main town and capital of the island of São Miguel, Ponta Delgada has a history stretching back 500 years, showing its importance as a key trading post between Europe and the Americas. The cobbled streets and colourful houses are undeniably Portuguese, and are a perfect blend of historic and modern buildings. The island is home to many plantations, including tea and also pineapples, introduced to the Azores around 100 years ago, and said to be sweeter than any other kind in the world.
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17 August Lisbon, Portugal
Overlooking the River Tagus, Portugal’s capital city offers an abundance of maritime highlights, including the iconic Ponte de Abril suspension bridge, and the UNESCO-listed Belém Tower, which served as an embarkation and disembarkation point for Vasco de Gama and other Portuguese explorers. The delicious pastéis de nata are also not to be missed when visiting Lisbon, particularly when sampled at the original bakery, which opened in 1837.
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18 August Leixões, Portugal
A short journey from Leixões takes you into the heart of Oporto, with its fortress-like Cathedral – offering stunning views across the city, and the Baroque Church of Clérigos. Head to the historic Ribeira District, where the narrow, cobbled lanes wind their way down to the Douro River, or visit one of the many wine cellars for a taste of the rich and smooth fortified wine named after the city, Port.
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22 August Return to Rosyth Port, Scotland