On this 11-day Northwest Africa and its Islands Cruise from Dakar to Casablanca aboard SH Diana, explore the vibrant markets of Dakar and the lush subtropical gardens of Funchal on this adventure along the rugged and windswept Atlantic coasts of Northwest Africa and its islands. Explore the unique cultural fusion of colonial European and traditional African influences. Encounter the desert landscapes of Dakhla and the verdant forests of Madeira as you jump from one port to the next.
Highlights
Explore Dakar's vibrant markets and Funchal's lush subtropical gardens
Witness Atlantic coasts of Northwest Africa and its islands
Discover the blend of colonial European and traditional African influences
Encounter the desert landscapes of Dakhla and the forests of Madeira
Cruise from one port to the next, exploring diverse landscapes and cultures
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Dakar's vibrant culture and modern outlook are highlighted by its impressive museums, flourishing art scene, and sophisticated seaside dining options. The bustling Medina quarter, with its mosques, tea shops, and street markets, stands in stark contrast to the city's French-inspired architecture and cuisine. Mbalax music sets the tone for the lively nightlife scene. Visitors can find traditional crafts, such as woodcarvings and paintings, at the Soumbédioune market, offering ideal souvenir choices.
You can spend your day at sea enjoying the many facilities available. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the jacuzzi whilst taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of the knowledgeable on-board experts.
Situated on a peninsula where the desert converges with the sea along Morocco's Atlantic coast, the city of Dakhla serves as a distinctive entry point to the landscapes of Western Sahara. Renowned for its diverse birdlife, particularly its thriving flamingo population, the area draws in many birdwatching enthusiasts. Additionally, activities like kitesurfing and desert safaris are highly favored, providing opportunities to encounter various mammals like sand cats and reptiles such as spiny-tailed lizards.
Fuerteventura, the most ancient of the Canary Islands, boasts some of the archipelago's finest beaches, featuring extensive stretches of white and golden sands, occasionally punctuated by cliffs and secluded coves. Enjoying sunshine throughout the year along with invigorating breezes, the island is a haven for beach lovers, drawing surfers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers alike. Offering a surreal vista reminiscent of Mars, the Mirador Astronómico de Sicasumbre viewpoint showcases volcanic formations and otherworldly rock structures.
Shore Excursions:
Local Flavors:
Discover the origin of Majorero cheese and find out how it's made
Taste Salinas del Carmen’s delicious salt paired with local products
Discover the cultural impact of Fuerteventura’s windmills over the years
The Selvagens Islands Nature Reserve, also referred to as Salvage Island, Portugal's southernmost territory, is situated around 250 km south of Madeira. It serves as a vital bird sanctuary, providing protection to nesting marine bird species like Cory's shearwater. Established as a nature reserve in 1971, it stands as an exceptional and globally unparalleled instance of well-maintained Macaronesian biota, accentuated by notable geological attributes.
Renowned for its verdant gardens featuring subtropical flora, Madeira is not only celebrated for its natural beauty; Funchal, the capital of this Garden Island, boasts additional attractions. The vibrant Rua de Santa Maria in the Old Town stands out with its 200 painted doors, adding a colorful touch to the surroundings. Throughout the town, tasting rooms in Madeira wine cellars offer delightful experiences. For a scenic adventure, visitors can embark on a cable car journey to Monte, where they can enjoy panoramic views. From there, carreiros, adorned in straw hats, skillfully steer wicker-basket sleds down the steep streets, providing an exhilarating and unique experience.
Shore Excursions:
Cable Car & Monte with Wine Tasting
Stroll through Monte and visit the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte
Sample some of Madeira’s world famous wine
Gaze at stunning views from Pico dos Barcelos, 355 metres above sea level
Known as ‘the golden island’ due to its 9-kilometer expanse of fine sands, Porto Santo also holds historical significance as a temporary abode for Christopher Columbus during his journey to the Americas. The Columbus House Museum, dating back to the 15th century, commemorates this historical connection. In the island's capital, Vila Baleira, restaurants along the streets adorned with palm trees and bougainvillea offer local delicacies such as bolo do caco, a bread baked on a tile, often served with garlic butter, and yam bread.
Shore Excursions:
Porto Santo Island Tour
See the traditional windmills scattered across Portela’s landscape
Enjoy the breath-taking viewpoints in Portela and Pico do Castelo
Visit a small museum, set in a 15th century house where Christopher Columbus is said to have lived
As you cruise today, indulge in the luxurious amenities of your vessel. Admire the sweeping ocean vistas from the deck, unwind with a rejuvenating facial or massage at the spa, explore the educational offerings onboard, or retreat to your cabin for some well-deserved relaxation.
Day 11: Lisbon | Disembark
1 Breakfast
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 the 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 suspension bridge, the Ponte 25 de Abril, crosses the river Tagus.
On this day, say goodbye to your fellow travelers and crew, and depart for your flight back home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,7802-3 travelers
Oceanview D4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Oceanview M4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Balcony D5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Balcony M5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Balcony D6
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Junior Suite
SH Diana’s Junior Suites features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
Suite
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
Premium Suite
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Initial deposit is 20% (30% for Suite bookings), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 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
Wifi
Self-service laundry
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
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
24-hour room service
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
The Adventure Life staff, for me it's Franny, always listens to what I say about what kind of travel my wife and I want and expect. It never goes wrong. The motto at AL seems to be I will get back to you right away if not sooner. Requested changes and special requests are encouraged and acted on ASAP.
Dick Philpot
1 week ago
The trip planners at Adventure Life were very helpful and always replied to my inquiries right away. The excursions, accomodations, and local guides were excellent
Avi Argaman
1 week ago
Be sure to sign up for all the tours, otherwise you will be sitting on the boat since not all stops are moored at a dock. Some are anchored.
Gail Puryear
1 week ago
There were two best aspects to our trip:
1. The Adventure Life folks and the folks in Athens and Crete who supported our itinerary, guided us, and ran the cooking program were all superb.
2. Everything they all planned for us went without a hitch. When we needed a bit of help, they came through with really good answers.
We became aware of AL from a friend who had an excellent experience in a different location. So did we. We can recommend AL without reservation.
Tom Campbell
1 week ago
My agent Jeff did not push the sale while providing thorough information and replying quickly to my many questions.