Volcanic landscapes from Cape Verde to Canary Islands

At the tip of the African continent, Senegal’s lively capital, Dakar, stretches across the narrow Cape Verde Peninsula. Its sheer size can feel overwhelming at first, yet the city captivates with diverse neighborhoods, a vibrant cultural scene, and striking natural surroundings. In the historic center, Kermel Market bursts with colors and flavors, offering an array of local delights. Just offshore, Goree Island—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—stands as a powerful place of remembrance, once serving as a slave trade outpost. To the west, the untamed Madeleine Islands, protected as a national park, showcase raw natural beauty.

During days at sea, take full advantage of the wide range of services and activities on board. Unwind with a spa treatment or keep active in the fitness center. Depending on the season, enjoy a swim in the pool or simply relax in the sun. Time at sea also brings opportunities to attend conferences or shows, browse the boutique, or meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. Those who love the open ocean can head to the ship’s upper deck to admire the waves and, with some luck, spot marine life. It is a refreshing interlude that blends comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.

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 centre, the Ethnographic Museum presents the diversity of the archipelago’s cultural origins. Its historical building with transom windows is one of the city’s more unusual curiosities.

Included Excursions:
Cape Verdean escapade
Praia and Cidade Velha

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.

Included Excursions:
Mindelo off road adventure
Jaunt to Sao Vicente: culture, scenery and adventure
Architecture, music and color in Mindelo

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 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, you can 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.

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.

Included Excursions:
Above the clouds of La Palma
Natural treasures of northern La Palma
Volcan and wine

With its particularly pleasant climate, El Hierro, the youngest of the Canary Islands, invites you to discover enchanting panoramas in an atmosphere of unrivalled calm and serenity. You can be captivated by the untouched natural environment, featuring a majestic volcano, lush forests, sheer cliffs and natural pools. Besides the treasures on land, you also have the chance to discover its underwater environment. Teeming with life, it is a paradise for diving enthusiasts, since the island is home to the Punta de La Restinga Marine Reserve, its thousands of colorful fish, and stunning underwater volcanic landscapes.

Included Excursions:
Nature and flavors of El Hierro
Authentic flavors and landscapes of El Hierro

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.

Included Excursions:
Teide National Park
The gardens of Tenerife
La Laguna and Vineyards

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.

Included Excursions:
Timanfaya national park and La Geria bodega
Cesar Manrique Foundation and Cactus Garden
Jameos del Agua and Mirador del Rio
Volcanoes and salt

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.