Duration
14 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
8 Ports
15 April
Setting sail from Dakar
The busy, dusty streets of Senegal's capital Dakar are filled with life and colour, noises, smells and local music. The city extends over the Cap Vert peninsula - as the name suggests, it is a former French colony, and the distinctive atmosphere still has traces of the French influence. You can get a great view of the flat peninsula and ocean beyond from Les Mamelles (The Breasts), two small and appropriately shaped hills. The people here are friendly and helpful, so expect a warm welcome - but watch out for the usual hustles and scams of a busy city.
Our tip
For a brief respite from the heat and bustle, go to the Institut Francais in the centre of town. We find it a bit of a haven; lovely gardens to enjoy over a coffee.
16 April
At sea
17 April
Cape Verde: Praia
Praia is the capital of Cape Verde, set on the south coast of Santiago island. Highlights include a scattering of attractive Portuguese colonial architecture around the Praca Alexandre Albuquerque, while the lively fruit and vegetable market will give you a taste of local life at street level.
18 April
Cape Verde: Mindelo
The dry and barren volcanic island of São Vicente is home to Cape Verde’s most appealing port, the charming city of Mindelo. The cobbled streets and colonial architecture are a real pleasure to explore, and the city plays host to a raucous carnival in February.
19-20 April
At sea
21-22 April
Canary Islands: Santa Cruz de La Palma
The lush volcanic island of La Palma is one of the Canary Islands’ best kept secrets, a place where tourism is still low key and the beautiful scenery is unspoilt by high rise developments. Don’t miss the colourful colonial architecture of the capital, Santa Cruz, reminiscent of the Spanish Caribbean.
23 April
Canary Islands: Los Cristianos
Once just a sleepy fishing port on the southwest coast of Tenerife, Los Cristianos is now a buzzing resort town that rubs up against the high-rise hotels and lively bars of Playa de las Americas. Enjoy a day at the beach, a round of golf, watersports galore or a trip into the quieter island interior.
24 April
Canary Islands: La Gomera
Little La Gomera is the quietest of all the Canary Islands, still barely touched by tourism. The dramatic landscape of craggy volcanic peaks and misty laurel forest is staggeringly beautiful, and the diminutive capital, San Sebastián, is low key and laid back.
25-26 April
Portugal: Funchal
Funchal, Madeira’s bustling capital, tumbles down a dramatic hillside towards a beautiful sweeping bay. Highlights include colourful markets, wine lodges and the spectacular cable car ride up to the village of Monte, home of the famous toboggan run.
27 April
At sea
28-29 April
Arriving in Lisbon
The roots of historic Lisbon's fame lie in its strategic position on the edge of the Atlantic and the fact it offers one of the world's greatest natural harbours. No surprise therefore that it became the home of the world's most famous explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator. Built on seven hills, we always find Lisbon to be soulful, captivating and picturesque, with architecture which reflects its status as a great port.
Don't miss
Belem Tower, dating from the 1500s, was both a fortress and the explorers’ departure point. On the façade you will find a stone rhinoceros sculpted into the tower – Europe’s first sight of this extraordinary beast!
Your home from home
Sleek and stylish, Le Boréal, Le Soléal, L'Austral and Le Lyrial are wonderful small ships that blend luxury and intimacy with a discreet elegance and tasteful décor.
What we love
These chic sisters are amongst the most stylish ships at sea, with muted natural tones, minimalist interiors and playful splashes of colour. The accommodation is flexible, with the option to combine staterooms and create expansive suites, while the restaurants deliver the sort of outstanding gastronomic experience that you would expect from a French flag cruise line.
Capacity | 264 Guests (Le Boréal, Le Soléal & L'Austral) / 244 Guests (Le Lyrial) |
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Crew | 140 Staff |
Style | Refined with a wonderful mix of a modern super yacht and nautical tradition, all with a French flair. |
Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Where to stay in Dakar
The comfortable Radisson Blu is probably the best choice.
Sightseeing in Senegal
Outside Dakar lies the beautiful Pink Lake – Lake Retba. Its high salt content attracts a bacteria which creates the colour.
Our recommended hotel
The Pousada de Lisboa, newly opened in May 2015, has a great location in the heart of the city and an interior to wow you.
Take a day trip from Lisbon
Visit Sintra – Roman and Moorish influences make this magical city with its fairytale palaces and extravagant villas a must.