Canaries, Madeira & Andalusia

HIGHLIGHTS

• With the exceptional presence of Patrice Gélinet, French journalist, author and historian.
• A cruise between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to discover exceptional cities and islands.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Garajonay National Park in La Gomera; Teide National Park and San Cristobal de la Laguna in Tenerife.
• The varied landscapes of two exceptional archipelagos: the Canary Islands and Madeira.
• Discover the clever irrigation system called levadas, and the picturesque village of Camacha on Madeira Island.
• The possibility of observing whales on a tour (if conditions allow).
• Visit Andalusia with ports of call in Cadiz and Málaga.

ITINERARY

18 APRIL 2023 - LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA, CANARY ISLANDS

Embarkation 18/04/2023 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 18/04/2023 at 19:00

A stopover of sunny climes, Las Palmas is located on the north-east coast of Gran Canaria. A few streets away from Puerto de la Luz port, you’ll discover the vast Las Canteras beach, bordered with the town’s characteristic palms. You’ll find these palms are all over Las Palmas, in the streets and squares, especially on the plaza de Santa Ana in the heart of the historical district. It feels like you’ve travelled back in time here, as you stand looking at the tall houses beside the Santa Ana cathedral. Very close by, you can visit the  Casa de Colón, a museum dedicated to the famous explorer. The museum is housed in the palace belonging to the island’s former governor. Chances are, you’ll be drawn to the covered Vegueta market to partake in some daily life along with the locals and taste some unfamiliar dishes.

19 APRIL 2023 - ARRECIFE DE LANZAROTE, CANARY ISLANDS

Arrival 19/04/2023 early morning
Departure 19/04/2023 midday

Established on a coast sprinkled with cliffs, Arrecife has a pleasant beach and a lagoon full of charm, Charca of San Ginés, where the fishermen anchor their boats. The city also proposes places fed by history and culture, such as the castle San Gabriel, former fort of defense of the city.

20 APRIL 2023 - SAN SEBASTIAN DE LA GOMERA, CANARY ISLANDS

Arrival 20/04/2023 early morning
Departure 20/04/2023 early evening

La Gomera rises from the water like a mirage. This volcanic island in the Canaries features jagged cliffs, valleys covered in palm trees, and beaches of black sand bathing in crystal-clear waters. But its greatest treasure lies at its heart: an exceptional laurisilva, a laurel forest whose prehistoric vegetation has been preserved thanks to the microclimate on the island. This unique ecosystem, common a few million years ago in the tropics, forms the Garajonay National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like the birds, the Guanches contribute to the poetry of the island too, with their whistled language called Silbo. This magical-sounding, melodious language is also listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.

21 APRIL 2023 - SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, CANARY ISLANDS

Arrival 21/04/2023 early morning
Departure 21/04/2023 midday

The capital city of Tenerife is located on the north-east coast of the island. Close to the port is the monumental Plaza de España, bedecked with a fountain and plant sculptures. Around the plaza, you can admire the white marble Triunfo de la Candelaria obelisk, the historic casino of Santa Cruz and the majestic Guimerà theatre. Not far from here, the picturesque Iglesia de la Concepción church features the characteristic traits of Canaries architecture.

22 APRIL 2023  23 APRIL 2023 - FUNCHAL, MADEIRA

Arrival 22/04/2023 midday
Departure 23/04/2023 midday

This attractive capital of Madeira is located on the southern coast of the island. The walkways of the old town are lined with azulejos, or multi-coloured mosaics. If you follow these patterns, they’ll lead you to the appetising Mercado dos Lavradores market stands, the Frederico de Freitas museum, and the golden panelling of the Cathedral de la Sé. Along the waterfront, the palm tree-shaded promenade leads you to the teleféricos de Monte, Madeira's cable cars. Its panoramic cabins transport you over the city to top of Monte, where you can see the picturesque botanical garden.

24 APRIL 2023 - AT SEA

Arrival 24/04/2023
Departure 24/04/2023

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

25 APRIL 2023 - CADIZ

Arrival 25/04/2023 midday
Departure 25/04/2023 early evening

Andalusia’s Cadiz is located on the Costa de la Luz, in the south-west of Spain. From the beaches of Cortadura, to the flamenco bars of Santa Maria, through the colourful streets of la Viña, you will be amazed by this city, which is both steeped in history and extremely festive. In the medieval El Pópulo district, you will stroll along covered passages in the narrow gaps between houses. You will also be able to mosey around the lush Mina square. The star of the show is the magnificent cathedral and its dome crowned with yellow porcelain, presiding above the Ocean.

26 APRIL 2023 - MÁLAGA

Arrival 26/04/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 26/04/2023 at 08:00

A historical and festive town, Malaga is located in Andalusia, on the Costa del Sol. Between the marina and the beaches, the seaside promenade of La Farola offers an ideal setting for strolling and relaxing. Set slightly further back, the Malagueta bullring is one of the emblematic sites of the city. From the hill overlooking the old town, one can see Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising out from the cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, you will go first to the courtly plaza de la Merced. A few streets back from here, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist, in the Buenavista palace.

WHAT'S INCLUDED