BOLD PEAKS & PALACES

ITINERARY

Day 1
Cape Town, South Africa

Called ‘the fairest cape in the whole circumference of the earth’ and regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town offers museums, lush parks and shops. Impressive mountains, magnificent beaches and outstanding wineries add to the attraction. Ride a cable-car to the top of famous flat-topped Table Mountain and gaze at the mosaic of towering mountains, verdant valleys and the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The historical highlight is Robben Island, once the prison holding such outstanding anti-apartheid leaders as Nelson Mandela.

Day 2
Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Days 3, 4
Walvis Bay, Namibia

Unspoiled Walvis Bay, a natural lagoon and the only deep-sea harbor on the Namibian coast, offers something for everyone, with spectacular bird-watching being a keynote, as thousands of migrating species make their way here annually to join the local flamingoes and pelicans. “Dune 7,” at the outskirts of town, towers over the scenic bay, and offers excellent photo ops. The city is also a good starting point for a number of exciting day trips into the timeless beauty of the desert region, including off-road explorations, or fly-over dolphin and whale sighting.

Days 5, 6
Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Day 7
Luanda, Angola

Angola’s capital and most populous city, Luanda has enjoyed a massive boom in construction in the last decade following the end of the Angola Civil War. Learn about the history of Angola at the many superb museums, historical sites and monuments throughout the city. The Parque Nacional da Kissama, south of Luanda, is an expansive wildlife park with elephants, water buffalo, antelopes and nesting sea turtles. Kissama is at forefront of Angola’s wildlife regeneration efforts in conjunction with a pioneering relief project known as Operation Noah’s Ark.

Day 8
Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Day 9
Sao Tome, São Tomé and Príncipe

Off the beaten path, São Tomé is a tropical paradise that offers lush rainforests, bird watching, secluded waterfalls and pristine, isolated beaches. Discovered and claimed by Portugal in the late 15th century, the tiny volcanic island offers a unique blend of Portuguese and Creole culture rarely seen anywhere else in the world. Enjoy spectacular views on a hike to the peak of Pico de São Tomé, go in search of the 109 species of orchid, or marvel at the impressive Boca do Inferno blowhole.

Day 10
Cruising the Gulf of Guinea

Day 11
Cotonou, Benin

Cotonou, on the Gulf of Guinea is Benin's chief seaport and commercial center. At the beginning of the 19th century, Cotonou was a small fishing village dominated by the powerful Kingdom of Dahomeywith its elite corps of Amazon warriors. In the 19th century it became a French trading enclave and colony. In the city, view the Cotonou Friendship Stadium, the Cotonou Cathedral with its distinctive striped exterior , Cotonou Central Mosque and Dantokpa Market offering goods and produce from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. A familiar feature of the city is the motorcycle-taxis known as Zémidjans. Memorable excursions include a cruise across Nokoue Lake to the traditional village of Ganvie; a royal reception with the king of Abomey or a tour of Benin's captivating capital city of Porto-Novo.

Day 12
Sekondi, Ghana

The Portuguese explorers who landed in the country in 1471 named it the Gold Coast. English, Danish, Dutch and Germans built their forts (castles )here to reap the abundant riches. In the 17th century, Frederick William, the Great Elector of Brandenburg, built a fort called Taccarary which later became known as Takoradi. Visitors can observe a window into the natural world of Ghana at the Monkey Hill nature preserve located in the heart of the city. Further afield join us as we look back at the tragic history of the Atlantic slave trade at Elmina Castle, the earliest known European structure in the tropics; built in 1482 by the Portuguese. Wander the ramparts of Cape Coast Castle and view villagers mending fishing nets and setting out to sea in painted fishing canoes. Explore one of the Ghana’s last remaining tropical forests at Kakum National Park and walk through the verdant canopy.

Day 13
Abidjan, Ivory Coast

The Ivory Coast's largest city and former capital, skyscraper-studded Abidjan curves around placid Ebrié Lagoon. Being one of the world's largest French-speaking cities, it's often referred to as the "Paris of Africa." Abidjan's more affluent Le Plateau and Cocody neighborhoods exude a palpable European ambiance. Take in the city’s modern architecture whether visiting the Cathedrale St. Paul or La Pyramide. For those that prefer a comprehensive overview of Abidjan’s history, tour the National Museum, which houses an interesting collection of traditional art, including masks, pottery and wooden statues.

Days 14, 15
Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Day 16
Dakar, Senegal

Experience the rhythm and vibrancy of Dakar with its bustling open-air markets, historical colonial architecture and French influences. Visit the African Renaissance Monument standing taller than the Statue of Liberty. Look for embroidered cloth, lace, and silk to turn into traditional robes called boubou. Try bissap, the local tea made with hibiscus, sugar and water. Browse through the gallery and gardens of L’Institut Francais. Savor a café au lait and pastry as you revel in the syncopated rhythm of this dynamic city.

Day 17
Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Day 18
Mindelo (Porto Grande), Cape Verde

Nestled in a bay ringed by mountains, Mindelo is the pride and joy of the island of São Vicente. Delight in a scene enlivened by music that is certain to move you. For an auditory experience, visit the new Floating Music Hub, a project by the visionary architect designer Kunlé Adeyemi. Art lovers can stroll along the picturesque harbor of Porto Grande, which offers a diverse collection of paintings, ceramics, and woodwork, or climb Monte Verde to enjoy sweeping views of the bay. Experience the vibrant Mercado Municipal or the historic Fortim d'El-Rei, which shimmers with glimpses into the city's past.

Days 19, 20
Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Day 21
Santa Cruz de La Palma, Canary Islands

Discover gorgeous Santa Cruz de La Palma with its colorful buildings, 18th Century mansions, and wrought-iron balconies draped with lush bougainvillea, dramatic volcanic mountains, and fertile green valleys set amid a pristine turquoise sea. Explore the star-shaped 17th Century Castillo de Santa Catarina fortress. Then visit the Moorish influenced Iglesia de El Salvador to admire the luminous stained-glass windows. Stroll along O’Daly Street browsing through lovely boutiques, antique and artisan shops. Enjoy a glass of fine Canary Island wine in a jewel-like setting.

Day 22
Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Days 23, 24
Lisbon, Portugal

Legend states that Ulysses founded Lisbon, calling it Olisipo. Others claim that the name is Phoenician, but all agree it’s one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. On All Saints’ Day in 1755 a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city. The Baixa (Lower City) was rebuilt on neo-classical lines that still form the heart of the city. The elegant ‘City of Explorers’overlooks the River Tagus, and offers a number of distinctive neighborhoods to discover. Tour the Alfama, where the winding streets still retain much of their Moorish atmosphere. Stroll to Bairro Alto and hear the melodious sounds of Portugal’s Fado music. Nearby excursions transport you to the lavish 18th-century palace of Queluz and Sintra’s Royal Palace.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Unlimited Shore Excursions
• Exquisite Dining, Including All Specialty Restaurants at No Added Cost
• Unlimited Beverages, Fine Wines, Craft Cocktails, Specialty Coffees and More
• Customizable In-Suite Mini Bar Replenished Daily With Your Preferences
• Unlimited Access to Spa Facilities
• Unlimited WiFi*
• Valet Laundry Service
• 24-Hour In-Suite Dining
• Open Bars and Lounges and Dynamic Entertainment and Enrichment Experiences
• All gratuities are included in your cruise fare except for services from Serene Spa & Wellness™.