Travel Advice
Duration
8 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
7 Ports
30 March
Setting sail from Praia
Praia is the capital of Cape Verde, set on the south coast of the verdant and volcanic Santiago island. This is the largest island in the archipelago, and almost half of Cape Verde's population lives here. In the city itself you'll find a scattering of attractive Portuguese colonial architecture around the Praca Alexandre Albuquerque, while the lively fruit and vegetable market on Avenida 5 de Julio will give you a taste of local life at street level. The UNESCO-listed former capital, Cidade Velha, is only a 10-mile drive from Praia, and well worth a visit if you've got time.
31 March - 1 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.
2 April
Cape Verde: Boa Vista
The windswept dunes of Boa Vista are a little piece of the Sahara, blown westwards from the African mainland. The island’s stunning beaches provide nesting sites for loggerhead turtles, while the main town, Sal Rei, is characterised by charming cobbled streets and colonial architecture.
3 April
At sea
4 April
Guinea-Bissau: Caravela Island (Bijagos)
5 April
Guinea-Bissau: Orango Island (Bijagos)
Fringed by a beautiful beach, Orango Island is best known for its resident population of rare saltwater hippos, which can be spotted bathing in the Anôr Lagoon. The terrain is swampy in places, so make sure you bring some shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy.
6 April
Guinea-Bissau: Caravela Island (Bijagos)
7 April
Arriving in 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.
Don't miss
If you have time, take the ferry across to Île de Gorée – at first sight, a beautiful historic town, which will help bring alive the terrible history of three hundred years of slave trading.
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 |
|---|---|
| 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
Ways to make it better
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.
