Volcanic islands and historic cities of the North Atlantic

Located on the northeastern coast of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas welcomes visitors with year-round sunshine, golden beaches, and a vibrant blend of history and island culture. Just a short walk from Puerto de la Luz, the sweeping sands of Las Canteras Beach invite you to relax beside the Atlantic, while palm-lined streets and lively plazas create a distinctly Canarian atmosphere.

In the historic Vegueta district, Plaza de Santa Ana is framed by elegant colonial buildings and the impressive Santa Ana Cathedral, offering a glimpse into the city's rich past. Nearby, the Casa de Colón, housed in the former governor's palace, explores the legacy of Christopher Columbus and his voyages. Complete your visit with a stroll through the bustling Vegueta Market, where colorful stalls showcase local produce, regional specialties, and authentic flavors that offer a taste of everyday life in Las Palmas.
 

Located on the northeastern coast of Tenerife, Santa Cruz is the island's vibrant capital, where elegant plazas, historic landmarks, and distinctive Canarian architecture come together. Just steps from the port, the expansive Plaza de España welcomes visitors with its striking fountain, landscaped gardens, and lively atmosphere.

Surrounding the square are several of the city's most notable landmarks, including the white marble Triunfo de la Candelaria monument, the historic Casino of Santa Cruz, and the beautifully restored Guimerá Theater. A short stroll away, the charming Iglesia de la Concepción showcases traditional Canarian design and stands as one of the city's most treasured historic churches, offering a glimpse into Tenerife's rich cultural heritage.
 

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.

The capital of the island of Palma, Santa Cruz de la Palma is the pearl of the Canaries. Founded in 1493 by the conquistador Alonso Fernandez de Lugo, the city has preserved a large and atypical architectural heritage from its colonial past, with its traditional Canarian houses adorned with brightly colored wooden balconies, its cobbled streets, its sumptuous palaces and its numerous religious buildings. The Santa Catalina Castle is the symbol of the city. This 16th century military fortification helped defend the city from repeated attacks by French privateers.

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 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.

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 center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call is also 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 can 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.

Situated along the Atlantic coast, Casablanca is the very image of contemporary Morocco: Westernised and cosmopolitan. Exploring the architectural heritage of the “White City” tells you all you need to know about its cultural and historical diversity. Breathtaking highlights include the majestic Hassan II Mosque, considered to be one of the greatest religious buildings in the world. You can explore the narrow alleys of the old Medina, which stand in sharp contrast to the surrounding modern architecture. To get the most from the seafront, the Ain Diab Corniche provides a pleasant place for strolling with easy access to the beach.

Included Excursions:
Casablanca and the Rick's Cafe - 4 hours and 30 minutes
From the pier, board your coach for a 15-minute ride to the Hassan II Mosque for an inside visit of this typical example of stunning Arab-Islamic architecture. It is the brainchild and crowning achievement of King Hassan II, the world's third-largest mosque, and it was built to commemorate the former king's 60th birthday, opening in 1993. It is the only mosque in Morocco where non-Muslims are allowed to enter inside.

From here, you reach the Habbous Quarter via Mohammed V Square for a short stroll through this historic part of the city, lined with souks, shops, and a warren of alleyways surrounding the Royal Palace. At Casablanca's New Medina, a modern development in a traditional style, you have the opportunity to view the outside of the magnificent Regional Law Courts.

Your visit of the Habbous finishes with discovering the Andalusian Music Museum. This small museum traces the history of Andalusian music and how it became a part of Moroccan heritage. Discover interesting pictures, ancient instruments, and manuscripts as you wander around the museum with your guide.

At the end of your moroccan adventure, enjoy a one hour open bar at the famous Rick's Café, the mythical saloon from the 1942 film “Casablanca”. Set in an old courtyard-style mansion built against the walls of the Old Medina, the restaurant – piano bar is filled with architectural and decorative details reminiscent of the film.

Finally, you go back to the ship, awaiting you in the port of Casablanca.

Please note that proper dress is required to enter the Mosque, men must wear long pants and have shoulders covered, women must have their knees and shoulders covered. You have to take off your shoes to enter the Mosque, a shoe bag is included in the tour. This tour involves some walking times, wearing comfortable walking shoes is recommended and protect yourself from the sun. Local drinks and assorted canapés are included at the Rick’s Café. This excursion is limited to 30 participants.

Included Excursions:
Discover Casablanca- 4 hours and 30 minutes
From the pier, board your coach for a 15-minute ride to the Hassan II Mosque for an inside visit of this typical example of stunning Arab-Islamic architecture. It is the brainchild and crowning achievement of King Hassan II, the world's third-largest mosque, and it was built to commemorate the former king's 60th birthday, opening in 1993. It is the only mosque in Morocco where non-Muslims are allowed to enter inside.
From here, you reach the Habbous Quarter via Mohammed V Square for a short stroll through this historic part of the city, lined with souks, shops, and a warren of alleyways surrounding the Royal Palace. At Casablanca's New Medina, a modern development in a traditional style, you have the opportunity to view the outside of the magnificent Regional Law Courts and enjoy an inside visit at the Notre Dame de Lourdes Church. After all this discoveries, you enjoy a Moroccan tea at a local venue.
Finally, you enjoy a drive along the coastal road and admire the golden beaches of the Ain Diab Resort before returning to your ship.

Please note that proper dress is required to enter the Mosque, men must wear long pants and have shoulders covered, women must have their knees and shoulders covered. You have to take off your shoes to enter the Mosque, a shoe bag is included in the tour. This tour involves some walking times, wearing comfortable walking shoes is recommended and protect yourself from the sun.

At the entrance of the River Arade, Portimão is a former sardine port that has become a famous seaside city. From this pleasant town, you can explore Silves, the former capital of the Algarve. The town is dominated by a Moorish castle, one of the best preserved in Portugal. You can also admire the incredible cathedral with its baroque façade, built on the site of an old mosque. Then you go to Monchique, a small mountain town surrounded by a forest lush eucalyptus and cork oaks. In the maze of narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, you discover here a wilder and more authentic Algarve.

A few kilometers south of Lisbon, Setúbal, one of Portugal's most important fishing ports, enjoys an exceptional geographical location. The city is surrounded by vast parks and nature reserves that protect the biodiversity of the Sado estuary and the Arrábida serra. Don't miss the possibility to discover the magnificent wild and unspoilt expanses that border the peninsula and the estuary, whose waters are home to many dolphins, which can easily be observed.

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. The Alfama hillside is also worth visiting: known for its fado bars and its Moorish streets, this district is the oldest one of the city and one of the most typical. Not far from there, Chiado’s elegant streets are home to big fashion labels and are an invitation to a bit of of luxury shopping.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark today. Then, head to the airport for your flight home.