NORTHWEST AFRICA AND ITS ISLANDS

ITINERARY

CRUISE ID: D1025050309

DAKAR
DAY 1
Fabulous museums, a thriving art scene and elegant seaside dining showcase Dakar's rich culture and forward outlook. The bustling traditional Medina quarter with its mosques, tea shops and street markets contrasts with the Senegalese capital's French-influenced architecture and cuisine. Mbalax music dominates the vibrant nightlife. Traditional crafts like woodcarvings and paintings sell at Soumbédioune market, making it the perfect souvenir stop.

DAY AT SEA
DAY 2
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

DAKHLA
DAY 3-4
The city of Dakhla's position on a peninsula along Morocco's Atlantic coast where the desert meets the sea makes it a unique gateway to Western Sahara's landscapes. The region is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts, with its vibrant flamingo population attracting numerous visitors. Kitesurfing and desert safaris are also popular activities, offering chances to see mammals like sand cats and reptiles including spiny-tailed lizards.

PUERTO DEL ROSARIO, FUERTEVENTURA ISLAND
DAY 5
Fuerteventura, the oldest Canary Island, has some of the Canaries' best beaches with miles of white and golden sand beaches, interrupted only by cliffs and sheltered coves. With year-round sunshine and refreshing breezes, it's a paradise for beach enthusiasts, attracting surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers. The Mirador Astronómico de Sicasumbre viewpoint provides a Martian-like landscape with volcanic and otherworldly rock formations.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

• LOCAL FLAVOURS Included 4 h 10 m
• FUERTEVENTURA JEEP ESCAPADE Optional 4 h 30 m
• KAYAK & SNORKEL Optional 4 h 30 m
• A JOURNEY THROUGH FUERTEVENTURA'S STARS Optional 4 h 30 m

SELVAGEM ISLANDS
DAY 6
The Selvagens Islands Nature Reserve (also known as the Salvage Island), Portugal's southernmost territory, lies approximately 250 km south of Madeira. It plays a crucial role as a bird sanctuary, safeguarding nesting marine birdlife, such as Cory's shearwater. Designated as a nature reserve in 1971, it is a remarkable, globally unique example of well-preserved and pristine Macaronesian biota, complemented by significant geological features.

FUNCHAL, MADEIRA ISLAND
DAY 7
Madeira is famous for lush gardens with subtropical plants, but Funchal, the capital of the Garden Island, has more to offer. Rua de Santa Maria's colourful Old Town street is brightened with 200 painted doors. Madeira wine cellars' tasting rooms are scattered throughout the town. Taking a cable car ride to Monte provides a scenic experience, then from the top, carreiros, straw-boatered drivers, guide wicker-basket sleds down the steep streets.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

• CABLE CAR & MONTE WITH WINE TASTING Included 3 h 30 m
• LEVADA WALK Optional 4 h 00 m
• LAURISSILVA BY 4X4 - UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE Optional 4 h 00 m
• ENDEMIC FLORA OF MADEIRA Optional 4 h 00 m

PORTO SANTO, PORTO SANTO ISLAND
DAY 8
Porto Santo has been dubbed ‘the golden island’ for its 9-km-stretch of silky sands. This is also where Christopher Columbus stayed en route to ‘discovering’ America The 15th-century Columbus House Museum. Along the palm tree- and bougainvillaea-lined streets of the island’s capital, Vila Baleira, many of the island’s restaurants make the local dish of bolo do caco (bread baked on a piece of tile), yam bread served with garlic butter.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

• PORTO SANTO ISLAND TOUR Included 4 h 00 m
• JEEP OFF ROAD ADVENTURE Optional 3 h 30 m
• HIKE PICO DO CASTELO Optional 3 h 00 m

DAY AT SEA
DAY 9
Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

LISBON
DAY 10
Spread over seven hills with São Jorge Castle views, bustling Lisbon is one of the world's oldest cities. Elegant Baixa, hilltop Alfama with its yellow tram, and scenic Graça overviewing pastel buildings, are top areas. The Jerónimos Monastery in Belém is a World Heritage Gothic site. The classic Portuguese pastel de nata custard tarts are a local treat. Europe’s longest su

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
• One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
• All meals onboard
• Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
• Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes