Atlantic Odyssey, Ascension to Praia

In the evening the vessel departs from Ascension Island. Ascension Island is a volcano in the middle of the ocean, about 1,280 kilometres (800 miles) to the northwest of St. Helena. It is a dry island with a moist and richly-vegetated peak named Green Mountain (859 metres; 2818 feet). For more than 300 years after its discovery, in 1501, the island was uninhabited. The few visitors were deterred from settling due to the aridity. It was eventually occupied in 1815 by the British who wished to prevent any possible use by the French for an attempt to release Napoleon from St. Helena.

At sea, witness the northbound spring migration of northern birds like arctic terns and long-tailed skuas that join you to cross the Equator ("the Line").

Disembark at 9.00 hours*. Passengers who fly from Praia on the night of April 30/ May 1 are offered an excursion in Praia on the island of Sao Tiago.

Praia on Sao Tiago, the main island of the southern group, has a character of its own. Make an excursion to Cidade Velha, steeped in history, and observe the massive fortress on the hill, built to deter English marauders in the period when the Crowns of Portugal and Spain were united and Portuguese possessions became as fair game to the likes of Drake and Raleigh as were Spanish ones. See the ruins of the Cathedral, the oldest Christian Church in the tropics, and the slave whipping post in the main square. The village is well watered and there are plantations of sugar cane, which support a rum distillery, and several species of birds. Have another guided stroll around the City of Praia, the capital of the Cape Verdes, which has given rise to a unique variety of folk music, which you shall hear as you pass the various bars!

* There are reserved rooms for the disembarking passengers in a hotel in Praia. Your luggage is collected and you can freshed up at the end of your excursion before traveling to the airport in the night or to your hotel if you are staying longer in Praia.