Your holiday summary
| Holiday type |
Ocean cruises |
|---|---|
| Country |
Portugal |
| Travel type |
Cruise |
| Price range | From £799 |
| Travel partner | Newmarket Holidays |
| Duration | 15 nights |
|
Need help with your booking? 0330 333 6731 |
Azores & Madeira Cruise - Marco Polo ex Tilbury
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Discover three contrasting islands of the Azores, the 'floating garden' of Madeira and two of Portugal's principal cities - Lisbon and Oporto - on this fascinating near-Atlantic cruise.
- 15 nights' accommodation in your choice of cabin
- Full-board arrangements including full breakfast, luncheon, dinner, afternoon tea and midnight snacks
- On-board entertainment as arranged
- Calls at ports as detailed in the itinerary
- The services of a friendly, professional crew and cruise staff
- Port charges and taxes
- Single and upgrade cabins are available for a supplement
Make your way to Tilbury for embarkation and this afternoon's sailing.
Days Two and Three
Cruise south into ever-warmer waters, getting to know your fellow adventurers, and enjoying the on-board amenities of Marco Polo.
Day Four
The Portuguese capital and 'Gateway to the New Worlds', Lisbon stands on the River Tagus, down which the great explorers sailed during the Age of Exploration. Enjoy a morning excursion through the maze of narrow, hilly streets of the Alfamar district - a striking contrast to the steel and glass of the modern city.
Days Five and Six
Marco Polo heads into the Atlantic, and you'll be able to spend two more days enjoying the relaxed pleasures of ocean cruising.
Day Seven
Today we'll reach the Azores, and tie up in Horta, principal settlement on the island of Faial. Step ashore to explore this colourful former whaling station and perhaps head inland to discover the vast, extinct Caldeira, the volcano's floor covered in colourful flowers and plants.
Day Eight
Our second Azorean call is at Terceira, the easternmost of the central group, known as the 'purple isle' on account of the lilacs and wisterias. Head ashore, perhaps to explore the island's extraordinary caves, or to discover the ornate churches and bull-running traditions of the capital, Angra do Heroismo.
Day Nine
The pretty and very friendly island of Sao Miguel, largest of the Azores archipelago, welcomes Marco Polo, today. Explore the port city of Ponta Delgada, with its magnificent architecture and array of fine churches, or explore further inland, where this green island is covered in tea plantations and groves of exotic fruit trees.
Day 10
Today is spent at sea, cruising under hopefully sunny skies.
Day 11
Madeira is a sun-blessed, lush, green sub-tropical paradise, the verdant island capital, and Funchal a perfect, relaxing, captivating port of call. Don't miss the truly wonderful Botanical Gardens, or the exhilaration of a wickerwork 'toboggan' ride from Monte to Livramento!
N.B. Today is a Public Holiday in Madeira and some shops may be closed.
Day 12
Marco Polo turns for home, heading south as another day is spent at sea.
Day 13
Returning to the European mailand, the Portuguese port of Leixoes gives you the chance to step ashore, perhaps joining this afternoon's excursion to the historic city of Oporto, in its picture-postcard setting on the River Douro. Visit one of the Port wine lodges for which the city is world-renowned.
Days 14 and 15
Two last days to enjoy life on board Marco Polo, as she cruise towards the Western Approaches and into the English Channel.
Day 16
Marco Polo returns to Tilbury, at the end of a truly wonderful voyage of discovery.
MV Marco Polo
In an age of vast, impersonal, floating hotels, 22,000-tonne 'Marco Polo', her profile marking her out as the epitome of sea-going elegance, is a beautiful ocean-liner in the classic tradition. Offering high levels of comfort, sumptuous dining and a genuinely warm welcome from the crew, 'Marco Polo' will offer everything you'd expect of such a high-class vessel.
Fully stabilised and air-conditioned, 'Marco Polo' boasts eight passenger decks, which are serviced by four lifts and three wide stairwells. Out on deck a vast amount of space ensures plenty of viewing opportunities when cruising through scenic waters, and more-than-ample room for sunbathers to top up their tans, while belowdecks you'll find facilities to cater to all your cruising pleasures by day and night. In addition to the comfortable lounges and bars, beautiful main dining room and light and airy bistro there's a shopping arcade, a library, a card room and an internet room. The Spa, Beauty and Fitness Centre spoils the body-conscious with a gym, a hair and beauty salon, a table-tennis room, a massage and sauna area, and even deck-top Jacuzzis.'Marco Polo"s 15 categories of cabins and suites all offer private facilities with showers or bath/showers, TV with satellite, 'view from the bridge' and in-house movie channels, telephones, hairdryers and personal safes. Cabins have a variety of twin and double beds, with upper berths for third and fourth sharing passengers. Outside cabins offer porthole or larger windows. Your cabin will be looked after your steward/stewardess and housekeeper, who will ensure that beds are made, towels are changed and toiletries replenished. All cabins feature 110v and 220v current and have an electrical socket. Even in the most economical cabins, the standard features are impressive.
