Located on the tip of the African continent, Dakar, the dynamic capital of Senegal, extends along the narrow Cape Verde peninsula. While its vastness may initially overwhelm, Dakar enchants with its diverse neighborhoods, vibrant cultural scene, and abundant natural beauty. Explore the lively Kermel market in the historic center, a sensory feast of colors and local delicacies. Just offshore, Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a solemn reminder of its history as a slave trade center. Across the plateau, the pristine Madeleine islands are sheltered within a national park, offering a serene escape from urban life.

During your voyage at sea, indulge in a variety of onboard services and activities. Unwind with a spa session or stay active at the fitness center. Depending on the season, enjoy the swimming pool or soak up the sun. This port-free journey offers engaging conferences, captivating shows, boutique shopping, and a chance to meet PONANT photographers. For sea enthusiasts, the upper deck provides stunning views of the waves and potential marine life sightings. An enchanting experience blending comfort, relaxation, and entertainment awaits.

The capital of Cape Verde, Praia, is located on the southern tip of Santiago island. You can dally in the districts planted with Tamarind and Albizia trees. Above the harbor, the statue of Diogo Gomes pays homage to the man who discovered Cape Verde in 1460. A few streets away, in the old center, the Ethnographic Museum presents the diversity of the archipelago’s cultural origins. Its historical building with transom windows is one of the city’s more unusual curiosities.

Included Excursion

PRAIA & CIDADE VELHA
Welcome to the largest and most African of the Cape Verde islands. This tour takes you through Praia, the modern capital, and its historical center, including a visit to the Ethnological Museum. You'll then head to Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the original capital, known for its role in the slave trade. Visit the ruins of the Fort of Real do São Filipe and explore remnants of Portuguese settlers. Enjoy a walk along Rua Banana, see the 16th-century Pelourinho, and experience a traditional dance performance by a batuco group while savoring local coffee.

CAPE VERDEAN ESCAPADE
Explore Cape Verde's rich history and the island of Santiago's unique traditions. In Praia’s historic center, known as Platô or Plateau, wander the paved streets and discover historic gems like the Nossa Senhora da Graça Church, the vibrant vegetable market, and the Ethnographic Museum. Continue your adventure through the stunning mountain scenery from São Domingos to Rui Vaz, here a surprising culinary discovery awaits you in the form of a delicious traditional lunch.

Set on the shores of the Porto Grande Bay on the north-west coast of São Vicente, Mindelo is considered to be Cape Verde's cultural capital. Here in singer Cesaria Evora's homeland, you can listen to real morna in the bars of the old town, where you can also sip the local grog, a Cape Verdian sugarcane spirit. A few streets from the elegant floating resort of Pont d'água you'll see the pastel-coloured houses and colonial buildings of the historical district. Other landmarks are the facades of the old Governor's Palace and the busy municipal market.

Included Excursion

JAUNT TO SAO VICENTE: CULTURE, SCENERY AND ADVENTURE
Sao Vicente, known for its arid landscape, offers a captivating mix of wild Atlantic beaches and a vibrant city, Mindelo, celebrated as Cape Verde's cultural capital. Explore Mindelo’s heart, featuring Praia Nova, Palacio de Povo, Rua de Lisboa, and Rua de Praia with its colorful colonial architecture. Ascend Monte Verde, the island's highest peak, for panoramic views of Mindelo, sandy beaches, and Baia das Gatas, famous for its music festival. Enjoy Praia Grande's waves and local grog, and return to Mindelo to experience its renowned Cape Verdean music. The island's former agricultural zones now lie barren due to scarce rainfall.

SANTO ANTAO, THE AUTHENTIC ISLAND
From the pier, board a van to the national harbor and then take a ferry to Santo Antao. Start with a scenic coastal drive to Paúl Valley for a moderate hike through lush plantations. Enjoy fresh local fruits and visit a traditional sugar cane distillery to learn about and taste Grogue, the local liquor. Continue to the fishing village of Ponta do Sol for a guided visit, then head to Ribeira Grande Valley for lunch at a local restaurant. Drive along the former trading route, with spectacular views of valleys and volcanic formations, including the Cova crater. Finally, descend back to Porto Novo harbor. Finally, you will take the ferry for the cruise back to Mindelo, and your ship

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

The capital of the island of Palma, Santa Cruz de la Palma is the pearl of the Canaries. Founded in 1493 by the conquistador Alonso Fernandez de Lugo, the city has preserved a large and atypical architectural heritage from its colonial past, with its traditional Canarian houses adorned with brightly colored wooden balconies, its cobbled streets, its sumptuous palaces, and its numerous religious buildings. The Santa Catalina Castle is the symbol of the city. This 16th-century military fortification helped defend the city from repeated attacks by French privateers.

Included Excursion

ABOVE THE CLOUDS OF LA PALMA
La Palma's Roque de Los Muchachos, at 2,426 meters, offers breathtaking views of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, known for its massive crater and pine forests. Visitors can explore the Visitor Centre's exhibits on astronomy and local culture, enjoy the unique "Sea of Clouds," and have free time to take in the stunning surroundings before returning to the port.

NATURAL AND RELIGIOUS SANCTUARIES OF SANTA CRUZ DE LA PALMA
Experience the enchanting natural beauty of Santa Cruz de La Palma, the capital of La Palma in the Canaries. Admire volcanic landscapes and lush forests in Caldeira de Taburiente National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. From Mirador de la Cumbrecita, take in the vast Caldeira de Taburiente, one of the world's largest craters, surrounded by Canary Island pines. Enjoy a panoramic view from Mirador de la Concepcion and visit the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, featuring Gothic arches, a silver altar, and a 15th-century terracotta Virgin.

With its particularly pleasant climate, El Hierro, the youngest of the Canary Islands, invites you to discover enchanting panoramas in an atmosphere of unrivaled calm and serenity. You will be captivated by the untouched natural environment, featuring a majestic volcano, lush forests, sheer cliffs, and natural pools. Besides the treasures on land, you will also have the chance to discover its underwater environment. Teeming with life, it is a paradise for diving enthusiasts, since the island is home to the Punta de La Restinga Marine Reserve, its thousands of colorful fish, and stunning underwater volcanic landscapes.

The capital city of Tenerife is located on the northeast coast of the island. Close to the port is the monumental Plaza de España, bedecked with a fountain and plant sculptures. Around the plaza, you can admire the white marble Triunfo de la Candelaria obelisk, the historic casino of Santa Cruz, and the majestic Guimerà Theatre. Not far from here, the picturesque Iglesia de la Concepción church features the characteristic traits of Canaries architecture.

A stopover of sunny climes, Las Palmas is located on the northeast coast of Gran Canaria. A few streets away from Puerto de la Luz port, you’ll discover the vast Las Canteras beach, bordered by the town’s characteristic palms. You’ll find these palms all over Las Palmas, in the streets and squares, especially on the Plaza de Santa Ana in the heart of the historical district. It feels like you’ve traveled back in time here, as you stand looking at the tall houses beside the Santa Ana cathedral. Very close by, you can visit the Casa de Colón, a museum dedicated to the famous explorer. The museum is housed in the palace belonging to the island’s former governor. Chances are, you’ll be drawn to the covered Vegueta market to partake in some daily life along with the locals and taste some unfamiliar dishes.