HIGHLIGHTS
- Breathtaking
savannah scenery
- Colossal
dunes that beckon adventurers
- Diverse
birdlife
- 17th-century
churches
- Portuguese,
African, and Brazilian influenced cuisine
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Apr 12, 2025 | Apr 26, 2025 | 6,200 |
6,396 |
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Apr 12, 2025 | Apr 26, 2025 | 6,200 |
6,396 |
ITINERARY
Days
1, 2
Cape
Town - South Africa
The
southernmost tip of Africa is blessed with spectacular scenery,
sweeping beaches, two oceans, and enough attractions to satisfy even
the most jaded traveler. The city sits at the foot of Table Mountain,
part of a national park, with several hiking trails and a cable car to
the summit for unforgettable views. Down at sea level, head to the VA
Waterfront to browse the shops, food and craft market featuring lots of
local goods, and visit the aquarium.
Days
3, 4
Day
at Sea
Days
5, 6
Walvis
Bay - Namibia
Situated
on the edge of the Namib desert, north of the Tropic of Capricorn in
the Kuiseb River delta, Walvis Bay is one of Africa's most exciting
destinations. It has a history spanning centuries – it was
first “discovered” by the explorer Bartholomeus
Diaz in 1487; the Cape Dutch, however, `founded` it in 1793, and in
1840, Britain annexed Walvis Bay and a small area surrounding the
territory to ensure the safe passage of British ships around the Cape.
The many layers of colonial influence have left their mark, and a short
stroll around the city will reveal remnants of the town's history in
the facades of old trading posts, maritime structures, and charming
cottages. The real showstoppers, however, are the colossal dunes that
beckon adventurers to conquer their lofty heights. For those who climb
the towering mountains of sand, your efforts will not be in vain: the
desert panorama at the summit will leave you both literally and
metaphorically breathless. But Walvis Bay's allure doesn't stop there.
Its lagoon shimmers with a flamboyance of flamingos, the salt pans
glisten like scattered diamonds, and playful dolphins dance in the
Atlantic's embrace. Take a boat trip to view the wildlife in its
natural habitat.
Day
7
Day
at Sea
Day
8
Namibe
- Angola
Formerly
known as Moçâmedes during the Portuguese colonial
era, the Angolan city of Namibe is a city of contrasts. One side is
harsh desert landscapes while the other is stunning coastline beauty.
The region is known for its Mukubal culture, and it is not uncommon to
see semi-naked women wearing the traditional Ompota headdress walking
the streets. Namibe is also the only place in the world to find the
Welwitschia Mirabilis, a strange plant that only grows in southern
Angola. Visitors who want to venture into the desert can expect to find
specimens estimated to be between 1,000 and 1,500 years old.
Day
9
Day
at Sea
Day
10
Luanda
- Angola
Luanda
may not be the first destination that springs to mind when it comes to
traveling the west coast of Africa. The Angolan capital is less
developed for tourism than some other destinations, but what the port
lacks in infrastructure it more than makes up for with its authentic
charm, rich heritage, and warm hospitality. Foodies can enjoy the
city's unique fusion of Portuguese, African, and Brazilian influences
in seafood dishes such as caldeirada de peixe (fish stew) and muamba de
galinha (chicken stew), best enjoyed at waterfront restaurants
overlooking the ocean. Nature enthusiasts will undoubtedly want to go
beyond the city limits to experience breathtaking savannah scenery as
well as picturesque beaches with crystalline waters replete with
kaleidoscopic fish. The city gained independence from Portugal in 1975
and the end of colonial rule marked a new chapter in Luanda's history.
Today, remnants of Luanda's colonial past can still be seen in its
architecture, street names, and cultural traditions, serving as a
reminder of the city's complex and multifaceted heritage.
Day
11
Day
at Sea
Day
12
Sao
Tome - Sao tome and Principe
São
Tomé, or rather, São Tomé
Príncipe (STP), is a dual-island nation that offers one of
the most captivating travel experiences on the planet. The islands are
found in the waters of the Gulf of Guinea northeast of Trindade and
southeast of Guadalupe and form Africa's second smallest nation. Yet,
small is beautiful here: STP seamlessly intertwines mesmerizing natural
beauty with a captivating historical narrative, extending a remarkably
safe and hospitable welcome to travelers. Since its independence in
1974, the island nation has quietly promoted ecotourism. Although there
are just 13,000 visitors a year (it's one of the least-visited places
on the planet), you are encouraged to be as mindful as possible when
exploring the pristine forest. Thanks to its remote location, Sao Tome
is home to almost 200 endemic species - more per square mile than
anywhere else on earth - which has led to its being named the African
Galapagos. Between July and October, the humpback whale-watching
opportunities are excellent.
Day
13
Day
at Sea
Day
14
Cotonou
- Benin
Cotonou
sits along Benin's Atlantic coast, midway between Nigeria and Togo. As
the de facto capital of the country (the actual capital is Porto-Novo),
this buzzing city thrives with activity, from the lively Boulevard St.
Michel to the sprawling Dantokpa Market, one of West Africa's largest
open-air markets, where artisans sell anything and everything from
colorful fabrics and fresh produce, to traditional medicines and
livestock. For the truly adventurous, pounded yam (igname
pilée), and spicy peanut soup, a West African staple meal,
are sold from numerous stalls throughout the market.A short journey
from Cotonou leads to Ganvie, a remarkable `floating village` on Lake
Nokoué. Often (slightly optimistically) referred to as the
`Venice of Africa,` this serene destination offers a blissful contrast
to the city's hustle and bustle. The stilted village was established
when the last remaining tribes of Tofinou fled from the Fon, whose main
weakness was that they refused to get wet; consequently, entire
communities constructed their homes over the lake.
Day
15
Tema
(Accra) - Ghana
From
its humble origins as a fishing village to its current status as
Ghana's largest port, Tema's industrial growth has somewhat obscured
the picturesque scenery of the region. However, the neighboring beaches
retain their unspoiled beauty, and, happily, these serve as a testament
to the diverse birdlife found in the area. Gannets, Boobies, and
Kingfishers all nest in and navigate the forests and waters along the
coast. However, most visitors will undoubtedly want to travel the
20-mile distance to Accra, the country's capital. Here, you'll find
markets flush with color and activity, as well as 17th-century churches
and a surprisingly lush botanical garden.
Crystal Symphony (Luxury Expedition, 606-guests)
Crystal Symphony 606 Guests - Nearly One Staff Member Per Guest
With elegant lines and sweeping ocean views, our intimate ship houses expansive suites and guest rooms alongside a world-class choice of dining, wellness, and entertainment.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Gratuities
are complimentary
- Beverages
including select fine wines, champagne, premium spirits, and all
nonalcoholic beverages such as bottled water, soft drinks, and
specialty coffees
- At
least one complimentary reservation to Osteria d' Ovidio and one
complimentary reservation to Umi Uma
- Butler
service in all suites and guest rooms
- Wi-Fi/Internet
access in-room and throughout the ship, signal permitting
- An
expansive, complimentary in-suite dining menu will be available.
- Both
110-volt (American current) and 220-volt (European current) outlets are
provided in your suite or guest room.
