Transatlantic

The Age of Exploration in the Atlantic is also known as the Age of Discovery and officially began in the early 15th century when several European countries began exploring the world by sea.  These expeditions led to the discovery of several mid- Atlantic islands, the Caribbean islands, and the New World.

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Macaronesia: Gems of the Atlantic:  Macaronesia is the modern name for five different island archipelagos in the mid-Atlantic Ocean: The Canary Islands, the Azores, the Cape Verde Islands, Madeira, and the Savage Islands.  Although geographically separate and geopolitically diverse, these islands are grouped together by scientists based on one common biogeographical feature.

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Myths and Legends of the Canary Islands:  In Greek and Roman mythology, the Canary Islands were known as the Elysian Fields or the Garden of the Hesperides.  Strange lights and the discovery of pyramids suggested the possibility that extraterrestrial had visited the islands.  Recent geological events and sensational television programs have played a role in creating exciting, although fictitious, legends about the Canary Islands.

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The Azores: History, Mythology and Culture:  The Azores occupy a unique place in the North Atlantic, at the junction of three tectonic plates.  In mythology, these islands were believed to be The Fortunate Islands or possibly the remnants of the fabled Lost Continent of Atlantis.  Today, their rich cultural heritage and unique natural beauty are preserved in two distinct UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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The Sargasso Sea:  Atmospheric winds and sea currents shape the mid-Atlantic Ocean into a unique marine ecosystem called the Sargasso Sea.  This area, first described by Christopher Columbus, is home to a fascinating array of interesting plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.

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Lighthouses of the Atlantic:  Lighthouses have played a prominent role in the history, culture, and art of the Atlantic Ocean.  A visual tour of some of the most beautiful lighthouses along our itinerary illustrates the history, structure, function, and charm of these silent sentinels of the sea.

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UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Atlantic:  The World Heritage Program chooses and protects natural and cultural sites that have outstanding value to the common heritage of humanity.  This is history of the World Heritage program showcases some of the magnificent World Heritage Sites possible to visit during a transatlantic crossing.