Cape Town To Lisbon

HIGHLIGHTS

• Breathtaking savannah scenery
• Diverse birdlife
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Beautiful beaches
• Spanish and Portuguese culture
• Moorish castles

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.

Day 16
Takoradi - Ghana

Takoradi is equal parts a busy commercial hub and blissful beaches. The fourth-largest city in Ghana enjoys a frenetic economy fueled by the oil industry but has not lost its traditional roots; head to the labyrinthine Market Circle and you'll find local vendors as likely to engage in a lengthy conversation as they are to sell you a bolt of vibrant Ghanaian fabric or handful of local spices. Takoradi also serves as the entry point to the 15th-century Elmina and 16th-century Cape Coast Castles, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites and both somber reminders of the dark history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Days 17, 18, 19, 20
Day at Sea

Days 21, 22
Praia - Cape Verde

Set in the south of Santiago, Praia showcases what Cape Verde does so well: impressive diversity with a unique appeal. As the capital of the biggest island in the 10-island archipelago, the city is home to over half the country's population, yet retains its Afro-Portuguese authenticity. The old capital (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) Cidade Velha was the first European colonial outpost in the tropics and features some of the city's original street layout along with impressive remains including two churches, a royal fortress, and Pillory Square, a sober reminder of the island's slave trade. Santiago is also home to beautiful beaches where visitors can relax on golden sands and swim in the clear Atlantic waters.

Day 23
Porto Grande - Cape Verde

Also called Mindelo, beautiful Porto Grande (Big Pier), in São Vicente is the cultural capital of Cape Verde. The 10-island archipelago was uninhabited until it was colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century, and today Portuguese is still the official language throughout Cape Verde although Creole tends to be used in conversation. Legend says that Cape Verdean culture is based on music, food, and the telling of stories and certainly this can certainly be felt in the bars and restaurants that play traditional songs and spill out onto the pavements. São Vicente stretches to far more than just Mindelo, take a 4x4 adventure through the desert dunes or hike through deep, fruit-filled valleys set against a backdrop of volcanoes and dramatic seascapes to really appreciate the beauty of the island.

Days 24, 25
Day at Sea

Day 26
Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Spain

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a city steeped in history. The island's spectrum of vistas goes from sea to sky, from golden beaches to lush mountains, including the stunning UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Anaga Mountain. As the vibrant capital of the island, Santa Cruz offers a plethora of activities; enjoy the historic downtown (where you can admire the colonial architecture and visit the Church of the Immaculate Conception) or relax on the golden sands of Playa de las Teresitas. Culinary enthusiasts won't be left wanting either - savor local Canarian dishes, including the indomitable Papas Arrugadas con Mojo (small, boiled potatoes with a red or green sauce). The destination's origins date back to the 15th century when it served as a crucial stopover for explorers en route to the New World when Alonso Fernández de Lugo arrived on the island of Tenerife and conquered the indigenous Guanche kingdoms. In the region where Santa Cruz now stands, the Guanches had a settlement known as Añazo, which was later destroyed by the Spanish.

Day 27
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria - Spain

Las Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands. You can hit the beach without leaving the city - its waterfront is blessed with sandy stretches shelving into gentle blue waters. For a fix of Spanish culture, head to the Vegueta, Las Palmas' picturesque Old Town, where the narrow cobbled streets are lined with grand houses in traditional Canarian architectural style, and squares like Plaza de Santa Ana are dotted with palm trees and low-key bars and cafes. Playa El Confital offers tranquil rock pools and secluded coves popular with naturists.

Day 28
Day at Sea

Days 29, 30
Funchal - Portugal

Funchal is a picturesque city on the island of Madeira, Portugal, known for its stunning natural beauty, botanic gardens, charming old town, and lively markets. The sub-tropical island of Madeira was the favored retreat of Sir Winston Churchill – a blissful island wonderland of rugged mountains, colorful flowers and ornate architecture. Once ashore, enjoy browsing through local shops that boast an array of intricate embroidery, vibrant tapestries and detailed wickerwork. Sample the famed Madeira wine while relaxing in one of the island's numerous cafés.

Day 31
Day at Sea

Day 32
Lisbon - Portugal

Discover the world's last colonial empire, turned bustling cosmopolitan city. Lisbon has dozens of Moorish castles, pastel buildings, and white sand beaches to explore. This Atlantic-coast city perfectly encapsulates Mediterranean charm with its wine, food, and architecture.

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.