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Beaches of Cape Verde Islands

Canary Islands and Cape Verde

Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville
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Embark on the Le Dumont-d'Urville in Lisbon and enjoy the next 11 days exploring the Canary Islands & Cape Verde. Discover Madeira, the island of the eternal spring. The lively streets of Funchal, its old district, as well as its magnificent botanical garden located on the heights of the town will not fail to delight you. Do not miss the chance to wander through the streets of the historic district of Vegueta, rich in architectural treasures including the Santa Ana Cathedral. Your discovery of Cape Verde will start in São Vicente with the visit of Mindelo, its cultural capital and the birthplace of the famous singer of morna, Cesaria Evora. Further to the south, you will reach Santiago, the most populated and also the most African of the archipelago’s islands. Your journey around the Atlantic will conclude with a visit to Dakar, the bustling capital of Senegal.
The striking facade of the Las Palmas cathedralPlaza in Lisbon, PortugalLisbon, PortugalFishermen in the Cape Verde IslandsBeaches of Cape Verde Islands
Highlights
  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cidade Velha, Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower in Lisbon
  • Enjoy the rich cultural offerings of Lisbon, the Portuguese capital
  • Explore the elegant buildings in Mindelo, Cape Verde
  • Sip the local grog, a Cape Verdian sugarcane spirit.
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Lisbon | Embark

Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometers from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbor, impose two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. Sample the local delicacies such as the pasteis de nata—delicious creamy bakery flans. On the Alfama hillside, as you explore the Moorish streets, you may well hear sounds of fado drifting from the bars. Along Chiado’s elegant streets, big fashion labels will entice you for a bit of luxury shopping.

Day 2: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
During your day 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 center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the onboard 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.

Day 3: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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-colored mosaics. If you follow these patterns, they’ll lead you to the appetizing Mercado dos Lavradores market stands, the Frederico de Freitas Museum, and the golden paneling 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 the top of Monte, where you can see the picturesque botanical garden.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Whale & Dolphin Watching, The Blandy Wine Lodge And Vineyards, Cooking Experience, Levada Walk, and Funchal & Sacred Art Museum.

Day 4: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Day 5: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 traveled back in time here, as you stand to look 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.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Hiking Tour In Bandama, Las Palmas City Tour, Essence Of Gran Canaria, and Back In Time.

Day 6-7: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
During your day 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 center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the onboard 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.

Day 8: Mindelo, Cape Verde

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Set on the shores of the Porto Grande bay on the north-west coast of São Vicente, Mindelo is considered to be Cape Verde's cultural capital. Here in singer Cesaria Evora's homeland, you can listen to real morna in the bars of the old town, where you can also sip the local grog, a Cape Verdian sugarcane spirit. A few streets from the elegant floating resort of Pont d'água you'll see the pastel-colored houses and colonial buildings of the historical district. Other landmarks are the facades of the old Governor's Palace and the busy municipal market.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Mindelo And Folklore, and Mindelo By FWD Vehicle.

Day 9: Praia, Cape Verde

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The capital of Cape Verde, Praia, is located on the southern tip of Santiago island. You can dally in the districts planted with Tamarind and Albizia trees. Above the harbor, the statue of Diogo Gomes pays homage to the man who discovered Cape Verde in 1460. A few streets away, in the old center, the Ethnographic Museum presents the diversity of the archipelago’s cultural origins. The historical building with transom windows is one of the city’s more unusual curiosities.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: The Countryside, and Praia and Cidade Velha.

Day 10: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
During your day 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 center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the onboard 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.

Day 11: Dakar, Senegal | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
On the tip of the African continent, the buzzing capital of Senegal stretches along the narrow peninsula of Cape Verde. You may be overwhelmed by its sheer size, but Dakar will win you over with its richly diverse districts, appealing cultural scene, and rich natural surroundings. In the historic center, you'll enjoy the pell-mell of colors and tasty delights in Kermel market. A visit to the island of Gorée is deeply moving; for several hundred years this island was the largest slave-trading center on the African coast. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you are looking for pristine, unspoiled nature, the wildlife in the heart of Madeleine Islands' national park will not disappoint.

Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport to begin your journey home.

Ship/Hotel

Le Dumont-d'Urville

Le Dumont-d'Urville Ship
Le Dumont-d'Urville Restaurant
Le Dumont-d'Urville Paint Gallery

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Cabin
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Deluxe Stateroom
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² Private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Deluxe Suite
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 6m² private balcony
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Prestige Suite Deck 5
8m² private balcony King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Suite Deck 6
8m² private balcony King-size bed or twin beds
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Privilege Suite
Area: 32 m² Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin 8m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Grand Deluxe Suite
Area: 45 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Owner's Suite
Area: 45 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 10 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Unlimited Wifi
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Gratuities to Onboard Crew
  • “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
  • 24h Room Service (special selection)
  • English-Speaking Lecturer 
  • Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
  • Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
  • Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite. 
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Visa Fees
  • Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
  • Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
  • Luggage Handling 
  • Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
  • Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions 
  • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
  • CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

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