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

*specific hotel and location to be announced

Lisbon, one of the world’s oldest cities, is spread across seven hills with stunning views of São Jorge Castle. Key areas to explore include the elegant Baixa district, the charming Alfama neighborhood with its iconic yellow trams, and the scenic Graça area overlooking pastel-colored buildings. The Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases impressive Gothic architecture. Don’t miss trying a local favorite, the classic Portuguese custard tart, pastel de nata. The city is also home to Europe’s longest suspension bridge, the Ponte 25 de Abril, which spans the Tagus River.

Sea days are full of relaxation and activities. Unwind and enjoy the serene ocean views from the ship’s observation decks. It’s a great chance to meet other passengers, share stories of your journey, or explore the library filled with fascinating books. Attend expert-led onboard lectures for new insights, or take advantage of photography workshops to sharpen your skills with guidance from professional photographers.

Madeira is famous for lush gardens with subtropical plants, but Funchal, the capital of the Garden Island, has more to offer. Rua de Santa Maria's colorful Old Town street is brightened with 200 painted doors. Madeira wine cellars' tasting rooms are scattered throughout the town. Taking a cable car ride to Monte provides a scenic experience, then from the top, carreiros, straw-boatered drivers, guide wicker-basket sleds down the steep streets.

The historic streets of breathtakingly beautiful Santa Cruz de la Palma, on La Palma, make it one of the prettiest settlements in the Canary Islands. Steeped in history, this island capital is home to palaces, colonial-style houses, and the Shrine of Virgen de las Nieves, the oldest religious statue in the Canary Islands. Santa Cruz is as equally picturesque in the day as at night when the city comes alive.

Tenerife beguiled Agatha Christie when she arrived in 1927 in the old town of Santa Cruz, Tenerife’s capital. Mount Teide, at 3,700 m high, is the world’s third-largest volcano and dominates the landscape. Its volcanic slopes make excellent terroir for quality wines. Admiral Nelson lost his arm in 1797 in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, the world’s first city laid out in a grid with charming 16th-century pastel mansions adorned with wooden balconies.

The city of Dakhla's position on a peninsula along Morocco's Atlantic coast where the desert meets the sea makes it a unique gateway to Western Sahara's landscapes. The region is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts, with its vibrant flamingo population attracting numerous visitors. Kitesurfing and desert safaris are also popular activities, offering chances to see mammals like sand cats and reptiles including spiny-tailed lizards.

Nouadhibou, Mauritania’s bustling port city, is a cultural hub known for its diverse population, vibrant markets, and strong economy based on iron ore and fishing. The Port Artisanal is busy with Mauritanian and Senegalese pirogue fishing boats. Nearby, Cap Blanc features pristine sands and a colony of monk seals, while the UNESCO-listed Banc d'Arguin National Park, renowned for its nesting birds and migratory waders, is also close by.

Nouakchott, Mauritania’s capital and largest city, is a key Saharan hub. It offers Fishermen’s Beach, known for its colorful boats and sunset views. The city hosts the Presidential Palace and the National Museum of Mauritania, which provides insights into regional history. Notable shopping areas include the Grand Market, Artisan’s Village, and the Silver Market, known for Mauritanian silver jewelry with distinctive designs.

Fabulous museums, a thriving art scene, and elegant seaside dining showcase Dakar's rich culture and forward outlook. The bustling traditional Medina quarter with its mosques, tea shops, and street markets contrasts with the Senegalese capital's French-influenced architecture and cuisine. Mbalax music dominates the vibrant nightlife. Traditional crafts like woodcarvings and paintings sell at Soumbédioune market, making it the perfect souvenir stop.

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