Island Worlds with Taste Sensations

With its black volcano almost 2,000 meters (6,561 foot) high and endless white beaches along the coastline, the island of Gran Canaria displays a huge variety of landscapes. A "continent in miniature" with rugged rock formations, dense pine forests, dry valleys and reservoirs in the interior, lush vegetation in the north, shimmering dune landscapes in the south and weirdly shaped cliffs in the west. Almost half the island has been registered by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. The capital, Las Palmas, is no less colorful, with its port and history stretching back 500 years. The showpiece of this historic old town is the magnificent Santa Ana Cathedral.

Many people consider La Gomera to be the most wildly romantic island in the Canaries. Rugged gorges, craggy hillsides, fertile valleys, and evergreen cloud forests characterize the landscape. The Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, embraces the whole central mountain area and is an unusual little spot. Ancient bay trees, heather bushes as high as trees and meter-high ferns form a cloud forest where treemoss hangs from the trees and mosses cling to gnarled branches - a truly mystical natural spectacle which has existed for millions of years.

Santa Cruz is the perfect starting point if you want to discover Tenerife's diverse mix of beach, nature, and avant-garde culture. The capital and port city in the northeast of the island is not only decked out with historic buildings but also features a lively art scene and spectacular modern architecture by Calatrava or Herzog, and De Meuron. Santa Cruz is also not far from other highlights in the north. For example, the lively colonial town of La Laguna, with its impressive mansions, or quaint Taganana in the Agana Landscape Park, which has retained the charm of an old mountain village.

The "Island of Fire", a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has been continually recreated by volcanic eruptions. A third of Lanzarote is a bizarre lunar landscape of barren, beige-grey lines of hills and "fire mountains". In sharp contrast to this are the snow white houses, golden beaches and sparse green vegetation. Its quaint wine-growing areas of La Geria have been declared an all-embracing art form by the Museum of Modern Art. The painter, sculptor and architect César Manrique understood art as the link between man and nature and made a vital contribution to the look of his island home through his artistic creations.

Climbing the rigging, untying ropes, setting sails – today is all about sailing. Time to lean back and relax in the deck chair and watch the passionate crew hoisting the sails by hand.

With more than 5 miles of beach, a modern promenade, and countless restaurants and bars, Agadir, the "White City by the Sea," is a mecca for sun lovers – and a starting point for exciting excursions into the back country. Taroudant, about 50 miles to the east, was once the residence of a Berber prince, a rich caravan centre, and an important trading post. Through one of the five massive city gates in the mighty clay walls, you enter the lively medina with its numerous souks, where Berber handicrafts, leather goods, silver jewellery, and the famous argan oil are traded.

Fitness, cosmetics, massage or relax with a good book in the deck chair and enjoy the sun and the sea. The last sailing day on board invites you once again to your personal pampering program.

Around 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Casablanca is Rabat, one of the country's four imperial cities. This modern capital with its historic center was accepted onto the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2012. Hassan Tower, Rabat's landmark, dates back to the time when the city was the Sultanate's capital. Close by, and yet built hundreds of years later, is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. You can find this regal residence in the elegant French-influenced residential quarter, Ville Nouvelle, with its boulevards and splendid Art Deco colonial buildings. Disembark after breakfast for your continued independent journeys.