Scenic Isles of the Azores & Portugal

15 nights Oct 8, 2027

The Scenic Isles of the Azores & Portugal is a 15-night Europe cruise aboard Ambience, operated by Ambassador Cruise Line. Departing London (Tilbury) on October 8, 2027, the voyage visits 7 ports.

Itinerary

Day 1 Oct 8, 2027 London (Tilbury) Departs 17:00 London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a 21st-century city with history stretching back to Roman times. At its centre stand the imposing Houses of Parliament, the iconic ‘Big Ben’ clock tower and Westminster Abbey, site of British monarch coronations. Across the Thames River, the London Eye observation wheel provides panoramic views of the South Bank cultural complex, and the entire city.

Day 4 Oct 11, 2027 Leixoes, Portugal 08:00 – 17:00 9.0 hrs ashore Porto, Portugal's second largest city after Lisbon, is one of Europe's oldest cities and was registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. Of course, Porto's name itself hints at perhaps Portugal's most famous export—port—for it is here that the fortified wine was first produced. The city is reminiscent of times gone by and you wouldn’t be far wrong to liken it to an ideal Shakespearean backdrop. Here, the skyline is composed of sky-high bell towers, opulent baroque churches and majestic beaux art buildings, which combine to create a romantic air that’s only heightened by the glorious shafts of sunlight that illuminate the city.

Day 7 Oct 14, 2027 Ponta Delgada, Azores 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Providing a gorgeous green welcome to sailors venturing on the long journey across the Atlantic, Ponta Delgada’s shoreline is a reassuring sight, as it emerges into view. Sat on São Miguel Island, the largest of Portugal’s Azores islands - which wait on an outpost of western Europe, some 1,100 miles from the mainland. Ponta Delgada is the island’s largest city, and a place of spectacular volcanic vistas, steaming hot springs and impressive landscaped gardens. View less The city’s signature trio of arches welcomes you to Ponta Delgada, and its island of verdant volcanic contrasts. Wander between monochrome churches like the Gothic Church of St. Sebastian, and up to the Convent and Chapel of Our Lady of Hope – which houses the revered icon of Christ that is paraded through the streets annually, and believed to have miraculous powers by locals. Or, head for beaches offering sanctuary on charcoal-coloured sands, or the tropical António Borges Botanical Gardens, where tropical plants add extra shades to the Green Island's scenery. Now extinct, the mighty Caldeira das Sete Cidades is a truly awe-inspiring sight - and the colossal collapsed volcanic caldera blooms with lush greenery and scattered wildflowers. The vast crater has been taken over by a glowing, picturesque lake, which reflects the blue sky above. A full three miles wide - and with a circumference of eight miles - it’s a vast panorama to take in. The Lagoa de Fogo – or Lake of Fire – is another of the island’s calderas – rise up to see the crumpled scenery encasing a beautiful lake. São Miguel Island’s geothermal activity has practical uses too, and you can harness the powers to unwind any tired muscles after a long day, by sinking into the hot springs of Poca Da Dona. Go to Ponta Delgada, Azores Cruises visiting Ponta Delgada, Azores

Ponta Delgada, Azores photo — Day 7 Oct 14, 2027 Ponta Delgada, Azores 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Providing a gorgeous green welcome to sailors venturing on the long journey across the Atlantic, Ponta Delgada’s shoreline is a reassuring sight, as it emerges into view. Sat on São Miguel Island, the largest of Portugal’s Azores islands - which wait on an outpost of western Europe, some 1,100 miles from the mainland. Ponta Delgada is the island’s largest city, and a place of spectacular volcanic vistas, steaming hot springs and impressive landscaped gardens. View less The city’s signature trio of arches welcomes you to Ponta Delgada, and its island of verdant volcanic contrasts. Wander between monochrome churches like the Gothic Church of St. Sebastian, and up to the Convent and Chapel of Our Lady of Hope – which houses the revered icon of Christ that is paraded through the streets annually, and believed to have miraculous powers by locals. Or, head for beaches offering sanctuary on charcoal-coloured sands, or the tropical António Borges Botanical Gardens, where tropical plants add extra shades to the Green Island's scenery. Now extinct, the mighty Caldeira das Sete Cidades is a truly awe-inspiring sight - and the colossal collapsed volcanic caldera blooms with lush greenery and scattered wildflowers. The vast crater has been taken over by a glowing, picturesque lake, which reflects the blue sky above. A full three miles wide - and with a circumference of eight miles - it’s a vast panorama to take in. The Lagoa de Fogo – or Lake of Fire – is another of the island’s calderas – rise up to see the crumpled scenery encasing a beautiful lake. São Miguel Island’s geothermal activity has practical uses too, and you can harness the powers to unwind any tired muscles after a long day, by sinking into the hot springs of Poca Da Dona. Go to Ponta Delgada, Azores Cruises visiting Ponta Delgada, Azores

Day 8 Oct 15, 2027 La Horta Azores 08:00 – 20:00 12.0 hrs ashore Far adrift, in the Atlantic's vast sweep, Horta serves as a welcoming island respite for some truly epic ocean voyages. One of the most westerly parts of Europe, these Portuguese islands lie a full 1,100 miles from the coast of the mainland. The bustling marina here serves as the perfect stopover and a welcome respite for tired sailors and yachts embarking on transatlantic crossings. View less The colourful harbour is decorated with a multicoloured patchwork of their stories and flags, and adding to this massive, ever-growing mural is said to offer sailors protection while out on the seas. While Horta's clientele may come and go with the waves, there's nothing transient about the stunning volcanic cones and soaring wildflower-splashed hills that make up this beautiful Atlantic island pit-stop. Horta is the main city, and a charming welcome to dry land, as you step onto the pentagon-shaped island of Faial. On the frontier of continents, the violent meeting of the European and North American tectonic plates forged this beautiful archipelago - and the rich volcanic scenery here is ripe for exploration and adventure. The busy harbour lies before the dramatic backdrop of the neighbouring Pico Island's cloud-wisped peak - head up to Espalamaca Lookout for the best view of Horta's busy harbour and islands emerging nearby. Horta has a grand volcanic caldera of its own, and you can journey up through threads of cloud, to look down into the island's immense, bowl-shaped crater. The Lighthouse of Ponta dos Capelinhos is an island icon, having survived 1957's dramatic eruption. It now occupies a scenic location on a headland, surrounded by vast swathes of charred new land, which were churned out from the depths.

Day 10 Oct 17, 2027 Praia di Vitoria, Azores 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Set on the east of is the seventh island in the Azores (if you’re starting from the west) Praia da Vitoria often gets overlooked on your way to reach the mainland after days at sea. While many assume the Azores archipelago only offer hardy respite – not to mention terra firma – for travellers who have been enjoying a transatlantic crossing, the archipelago is beginning to gain global recognition as destinations that are well worth visiting in their own right. View less Praia da Vitoria literally translates as “the beach of victory” yet with such an auspicious name, one would be wrong to assume that it is only fun in the sun on the island. Laden with history dating back to the 15th century, Gaspar Frutuoso (the celebrated Azorean historian and priest), wrote about Praia in the 16th century calling it “noble and sumptuous”. The adjectives certainly ring true even today, with its jumble of narrow streets, recently modernised marina promenade and architectural marvels (the old town dates from 1480), Paria da Vitoria has lost nothing of its past grandeur. A stroll to the main square and its market place - unchanged since 1670, or down to the small 16th century fort south of the beach is proof of that! An interesting quirk to note about the town is that due to the two orders Santo Cristo and Misericórdia in the 18th century and in order to please everyone, everything was built in double. This means that the lovely Igreja do Senhor Santo Cristo church (also known as da Misericórdia) has two high alters and two choirs. The church dates from 1521 and was partially destroyed in a fire in 1921.

Day 13 Oct 20, 2027 Vigo 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Few cities enjoy such a magnificent natural setting as Vigo. Arrayed along the sloping southern shoreline of its namesake estuary, it enjoys superb views not only of the bay itself, surrounded by green forest ridges, but also out towards the ocean. It’s undeniably magnificent when seen from your MSC cruise ship as it enters the harbour during its tour of the Northern Europe. These days, cruise passengers mingle with tourists arriving at the Estación Marítima de Ría off the Cangas ferry, and set off to explore the steep, cobbled streets that climb up into Vigo’s old city, known as O Berbés and crammed with shops, bars and restaurants. Along the seafront early in the morning, kiosks revive fishermen with strong coffee, while there and in the lively daily market hall nearby, the Mercado da Pedra, their catch is sold. Immediately below, on the aptly named Rúa da Pescadería, women set out plates of fresh oysters on permanent granite tables to tempt passers-by. A stiff but enjoyable excursion up from the old town, mostly along stone staircases, brings you to the top of the Castro hill. So named for the circular ancient ruins still visible on one side, and also the site of a seventeenth-century castle, the hill enjoys comprehensive views. The Museo Quiñones de León is the focal point of the large Parque de Castrelos, the extensive formal gardens and woodlands which begin 2km southwest of Castro hill. A nice excursion from Vigo is Pontevedra: a lovely old city, set slightly back from the sea at the point where the Río Lérez begins to widen out into the bay. A maze of pedestrianized flagstoned alleyways, interspersed with colonnaded squares, granite crosses and squat stone houses with floral balconies, the old quarter is always lively, making it perfect for a night out enjoying the local food and drink. Go to Vigo Cruises visiting Vigo

Vigo photo — Day 13 Oct 20, 2027 Vigo 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Few cities enjoy such a magnificent natural setting as Vigo. Arrayed along the sloping southern shoreline of its namesake estuary, it enjoys superb views not only of the bay itself, surrounded by green forest ridges, but also out towards the ocean. It’s undeniably magnificent when seen from your MSC cruise ship as it enters the harbour during its tour of the Northern Europe. These days, cruise passengers mingle with tourists arriving at the Estación Marítima de Ría off the Cangas ferry, and set off to explore the steep, cobbled streets that climb up into Vigo’s old city, known as O Berbés and crammed with shops, bars and restaurants. Along the seafront early in the morning, kiosks revive fishermen with strong coffee, while there and in the lively daily market hall nearby, the Mercado da Pedra, their catch is sold. Immediately below, on the aptly named Rúa da Pescadería, women set out plates of fresh oysters on permanent granite tables to tempt passers-by. A stiff but enjoyable excursion up from the old town, mostly along stone staircases, brings you to the top of the Castro hill. So named for the circular ancient ruins still visible on one side, and also the site of a seventeenth-century castle, the hill enjoys comprehensive views. The Museo Quiñones de León is the focal point of the large Parque de Castrelos, the extensive formal gardens and woodlands which begin 2km southwest of Castro hill. A nice excursion from Vigo is Pontevedra: a lovely old city, set slightly back from the sea at the point where the Río Lérez begins to widen out into the bay. A maze of pedestrianized flagstoned alleyways, interspersed with colonnaded squares, granite crosses and squat stone houses with floral balconies, the old quarter is always lively, making it perfect for a night out enjoying the local food and drink. Go to Vigo Cruises visiting Vigo

Pricing

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Price information is not available.

All cabin grades (50) Detailed cabin specs available at booking.

Name	Supplier code	Type
Not listed
Balcony Cabin (Aft - Deck 10)	BAL10AFT	Balcony
Balcony Cabin (Forward - Deck 10)	BAL10FWD	Balcony
Balcony Cabin (Midship - Deck 10)	BAL10MID	Balcony
Balcony Cabin (Midship - Deck 10)	BAL10MIDS	Balcony
Balcony Cabin (Aft - Deck 11)	BAL11AFT	Balcony
Balcony Cabin (Midship - Deck 11)	BAL11MID	Balcony
Balcony	BALG	Balcony
Inside Cabin (Forward - Deck 5)	INS05FWD	Inside
Inside Cabin (Midship - Deck 5)	INS05MID	Inside
Inside Cabin (Forward - Deck 6)	INS06FWD	Inside
Inside Cabin (Midship - Deck 6)	INS06MID	Inside
Inside Cabin (Midship - Deck 8)	INS08MID	Inside
Inside Cabin (Aft - Deck 9)	INS09AFT	Inside
Inside Cabin (Aft - Deck 10)	INS10AFT	Inside
Inside Cabin (Forward - Deck 10)	INS10FWD	Inside
Inside Cabin (Forward - Deck 10)	INS10FWDS	Inside
Inside Cabin (Midship - Deck 10)	INS10MID	Inside
Inside Cabin (Aft - Deck 11)	INS11AFT	Inside
Inside Cabin (Forward - Deck 11)	INS11FWD	Inside
Inside Cabin (Midship - Deck 11)	INS11MID	Inside
Inside	INSG	Inside
Inside Guarantee	INSSG	Inside
Outside Guarantee	OS	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Midship - Deck 4)	OUT04MIDS	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Forward - Deck 5)	OUT05FWD	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Forward - Deck 5)	OUT05FWDS	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Midship - Deck 5)	OUT05MID	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Forward - Deck 6)	OUT06FWD	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Midship - Deck 6)	OUT06MID	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Aft - Deck 8)	OUT08AFT	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Mid - Deck 8)	OUT08MID	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin - Obstructed View (Midship - Deck 8)	OUT08MIDO	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Aft - Deck 9)	OUT09AFT	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Forward - Deck 9)	OUT09FWD	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Midship - Deck 9)	OUT09MID	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Aft - Deck 10)	OUT10AFT	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Aft - Deck 10)	OUT10AFTS	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Forward - Deck 10)	OUT10FWD	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Forward - Deck 10)	OUT10FWDS	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Aft - Deck 11)	OUT11AFT	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Aft - Deck 11)	OUT11AFTS	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Forward - Deck 11)	OUT11FWD	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Forward - Deck 11)	OUT11FWDS	Oceanview
Outside	OUTG	Oceanview
Outside	OUTSG	Oceanview
Deluxe Suite (Forward - Deck 11)	DLX11FWD	Suite
Deluxe Suite (Midship - Deck 11)	DLX11MID	Suite
Junior Suite	JS	Suite
Suite (Midship - Deck 11)	SUI11MID	Suite