Arrive in Luanda, relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*specific hotel and location to be announced

As Angola moves beyond its colonial past and long Civil War, Luanda is transforming into a vibrant, modern city with a deep cultural heritage. Notable landmarks include the Iron Palace, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the 16th-century São Miguel Fortress. In the historic upper district, Cidade Alta, you'll find pink colonial buildings, the Presidential Palace, and government offices. Ilha do Cabo, Luanda’s contemporary side, offers stylish seaside restaurants and bars, showcasing the city's modern flair.

Sea days offer the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge. Whether you prefer a workout at the gym, a soothing spa visit, whale watching from the deck, diving into a good book, or catching some sun, these peaceful days at sea provide the ideal balance to your onshore adventures.

The Republic of Congo’s second city, Pointe-Noire, unfolds as a piece of French Africa with distinct European and African quarters. Strolling through the lively La Cité reveals traditional Congolese cuisine and the vibrant Grand Marché, providing a glimpse into local life. Waterfront restaurants line Côté Sauvage, a laid-back city beach. Beyond the city limits is the stunning Diosso Gorge, a natural canyon in hues of pink, red, and orange.

Gabon, on Central Africa's west coast, is rich in rainforests, wildlife and culture. Over 70 percent of the country is lush rainforest, home to gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, and diverse birdlife. Its coastline features sandy beaches and tranquil lagoons, while the east transitions to savannas and plateaus. Gabon's rich cultural heritage includes the Fang people, the largest ethnic group, with music and dance deeply woven into traditions.

Sao Tome, the Gulf of Guinea's largest volcanic isle, is a tropical idyll with rainforests, beaches, and waterfalls. São Tomé city features 15th-century Portuguese architecture and a slave trade history. Rainforests blanket two-thirds of the island, sheltering wildlife like monkeys, birds, and reptiles, and São Tomé Peak, reaching 2,024 m, provides refuge for island bird species like the ibis and grosbeak.

This laid-back, compact capital has less than 3,000 inhabitants and is the smallest city in the world (according to the Guinness Book of Records). Time seems to move more slowly in this dream-like place with its pastel-colored buildings and salty sea air. The Nossa Senhora da Conceição church contains a beautiful stone carving of St Anthony, the city’s namesake saint.

Santo António do Príncipe, Príncipe's main town, has vibrant colonial architecture, and bustling markets, and is recognized as the world's smallest city. The Nossa Senhora da Conceição church features a stunning stone carving of St. Anthony, the city's patron saint. Macaco Beach, nestled on Príncipe's northwestern shore, is a secluded paradise with pristine golden sands, lush greenery, and clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to the library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of the onboard lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from the onboard professional photographers.

Benin’s vibrant port city is defined by voodoo (the state religion) and its colonial legacy. As a former French colony, Cotonou retains a certain European flair in its cuisine and architecture. The sprawling Dantokpa market, with local crafts and an entire section of sacred voodoo items, offers insights into local culture. Ganvie, a lakeshore village, is the world’s only town on stilts with bamboo houses, where residents get around in canoes.

Voodoo traditions, colonial history, and beautiful beaches: Togo’s capital city, Lome, is awash with history and culture. The National Museum's exhibits - pottery, masks, and art - reflect Togo's rich heritage. Akodessewa Fetish Market is filled with voodoo talismans and animal skins, offering insights into traditional customs. Colonial relics include the German-built Sacred Heart Cathedral and the 1960 Independence Monument.

Tema is a short drive from Ghana’s fast-paced capital, Accra, a city that's culturally rich, modern and historic all at once. European-built forts and Black Star Independence Square’s public monuments offer a glimpse at the past. The neighborhood of Jamestown, a 17th-century fishing community with old colonial buildings, is its pulse with an art scene and local bites like waakye­ – rice and beans with sides – at a low-key ‘chop bar’.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark today. Then, head to the airport for your flight home.