28-night Splendor Across the Seas Cruise

Some say the Azores are a remnant of lost Atlantis, and some say they sprang from flowers dropped by an angel. Neither theory seems preposterous during the drive from sea level up to mile-wide volvanic crater rimmed with lush greenery and brilliant flowers. Looking out to sea, you may glimpse Capelinhos, the volcano that rose from the Atlantic only four decades ago.

The nine mountainous islands of the Azores were long a haven for Atlantic traders and explorers sailing between the Old and New Worlds. On the green and fertile island of Sao Miguel, Ponta Delgada was once no more than a fishing village. 16th and 17th century economic growth saw the construction of lavish palaces and churches of the period, many still surviving. Not to be missed are the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, just a causeway apart, but the one blue, the other green.

Madeira has been described as "Island of Eternal Spring". It is renowned for its wine, which many feel ranks among the world’s best. Funchal has a wide selection of resort hotels where watersports, golf and tennis are popular. Visitors can tour the 15th-century cathedral, orchid gardens of Quinta das Cruzes, and buildings associated with Christopher Columbus. Madeira’s discoverer, Zarco, is believed to have lived in the house Quinta das Cruzes. Now it displays furniture and paintings and is surrounded by fabulous gardens. The stunning 15th-century design of Sé Cathedral features white stucco with contrasting black basalt and red tufa rock; the ceiling is inlaid with ivory. Located near Town Hall, the Museum of Sacred Art contains art from several islands, including a group of 15th- and 16th-century paintings of Portuguese and Flemish schools. Visit colorful Mercado dos Lavradores during the morning to see flower vendors and fish and produce stands.