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Island Hopping in the Canary & Cape Verde Islands

Island Hopping in the Canary & Cape Verde Islands

From GBP £7,495

Description

Join us aboard the MS Hebridean Sky for this wonderful island hopping itinerary visiting the diverse islands of the Atlantic with their mountainous landscapes, intriguing topography, lunar like landscapes, verdant pine forests and stunning national parks. We will begin our exploration in the remote and intriguing Cape Verde archipelago whose islands have been used by mariners as a staging post through the ages and there is no better way to explore their dramatic beauty and cultural vibrancy than by small ship. Each island is a little world of its own; some are arid and flat withextraordinary beaches and sand dunes whilst others by contrast are more mountainous and lush.
After a relaxing two days at sea we arrive in our next island group, the Canary Islands, an archipelago consisting of seven main islands that are formed from the tips of a vast volcanic mountain range that lies beneath the Atlantic Ocean. We have three days here during which time we will visit three of the lesser known islands: La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera where we can enjoy nature at its very best. These volcanic islands impress with their unique flora and fauna and boast rugged, rocky landscapes, evergreen cloud forests, metre-high ferns and bizarre-looking dragon trees.
Every new day brings a different vista and our itinerary has been carefully designed so that we can fully explore the dramatic beauty and cultural vibrancy of these amazingly varied groups of islands, each one having a distinct culture and landscape. In the company of just 100 like-minded travel companions we will be able to make the most of the region and in our small groups we can explore the places otherwise inaccessible to the larger ships. Whether your interests lie in botany, geology, history or walking, this cruise has something for everyone.

Trip Name
Island Hopping in the Canary & Cape Verde Islands
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 90.6 metres Passenger Capacity: 118 Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2016 The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky. Your Suite. On board there are 59 exceptionally spacious and well-designed suites. All feature a sitting area and fourteen suites have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views with suites on the Scott and Shackleton Decks featuring private balconies. Each suite affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring vanity unit with sink and walk-in rainfall shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a minifridge, flat screen television and a telephone in each suite. Refillable water bottles, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Additional facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted Molton Brown toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be. The beds in each suite can be configured as twins or double with the exception of suite 601 and 602 which feature fixed double beds. The impressive Hebridean Suite, located on the Shackleton Deck consists of a separate bathroom and sitting room with extra large balcony stretching the length of the suite. Additional benefits of booking this marvellous suite include complimentary mini-bar stocked with your preferences and complimentary laundry. Your Space. The spacious and finely decorated public rooms on board the MS Hebridean Sky include a large lounge on the Byrd Deck featuring a selection of seating options from individual armchairs and sofas to side cushioned benches. Daily briefings given by the Cruise Director and talks from Guest Speakers and expedition staff take place in The Lounge which is fitted with the highest standard of presentation equipment including multiple screens. In addition to the Lounge, there is also The Club, located on the Mawson Deck which features the main bar where the onboard pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The Club also offers a 24-hour tea and coffee station. Towards the aft of the ship on the Mawson Deck is The Library which is well stocked with reference books pertaining to the destinations the vessel is visiting and a selection of essential reads. A collection of games and devices to access the internet via the ship’s satellite can also be found in the library. Access to the ship’s satellite Wi-Fi via your own device is complimentary on board (signal strength varies depending on location and demand). The Dining Room which can seat all guests at one sitting is located on the Amundsen Deck and is a bright and charming setting to enjoy the delicious meals on board. Outside there is a rear Lido Deck located on the Scott Deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. Whilst heaters and blankets make dining al fresco comfortable in cooler climates. Further to this, on the top Shackleton Deck there is an observation area which offers a fantastic platform for spotting wildlife complete with deck furniture, ideal for relaxing with a book or catching up with fellow travellers. You will also find a clinic and Doctor on board and a lift that serves all decks. Additionally there is a small hairdressers with appointments made on request. Your Dining. It is quite a task to create a dining experience as that found on board our Sky vessels when you are cruising in far-flung corners of the globe, indeed it takes a team of highly talented chefs to deliver fresh, varied dishes no matter where you are at sea. Fortunately, our catering teams are well adapted to the world of small ship cruising where no two days are the same and the menus are often scheduled and tailored around the days’ excursions. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the cuisine on board is of a consistent superior quality that befits such vessels. Where possible and when it meets their high standards, our accomplished chefs will obtain local produce in markets. Such purchases enhance the well-stocked larders and enable the chefs on board to exhibit their culinary skills and bring a local touch to the varied menus, emphasising the international expertise of the chefs on board. Afternoon tea and pre-dinner canapés take place every day in either the comfort of the Lounge or out on the Lido Deck when the weather is favourable. Tea and coffee are also available 24 hours a day. Special diets can be catered for with sufficient notice. In keeping with the informal atmosphere on board, when dining you are able to choose your seating arrangements at your leisure. Whether that be joining a table of four to six other passengers outside on the Lido Deck in the evening’s sunshine or whether you prefer to enjoy meals in the à la carte restaurant. For those travelling alone, our onboard friendly restaurant staff will take care to ensure you are seated with other like-minded travellers. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order on request. Lunch and dinner are à la carte with an excellent choice of dishes, with the menu reflecting the daily catch or local delicacies. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with both meals and there is also a comprehensive wine list with a wide selection of new and old world wines from which to choose. The onboard catering and restaurant staff are experienced at sea and enthuse a passion for superb service. Whether it be ensuring you have an outdoor blanket as you enjoy the crisp sea breeze on the Lido Deck or sharing their knowledge of the characteristics of the days’ wine selections, you will experience a service on board like no other. You may also enjoy sumptuous barbeques on deck whilst at times, the chef will make your dish to order at special pasta or stir fry stations. For Your Comfort. The MS Hebridean Sky is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilizers to minimize the ship’s motion. During your voyage we hope to offer the opportunity to visit the Captain and Officers on the Bridge to check the vessels progress by charts and learn more about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and Doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to a specific area on deck. Life Onboard. If large resort-style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers are your ideal, then our ships are not for you as you will not find endless entertainment, round the clock buffets and the people management which is so much a part of today’s big ship on board style. However, if like us you prefer a more peaceful life at sea you will find our flagships the perfect vessels. When choosing your next voyage the choice of vessels is astounding. You can select a ship carrying in excess of 4000 passengers with impersonal service or join us aboard the MS Caledonian Sky, MS Island Sky or MS Hebridean Sky where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day. We promise there will be no organised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of the usual big ship experiences. Instead, the atmosphere is warm and convivial and more akin to a private yacht or country hotel in which you can learn more about the wonders of nature, culture and ancient civilisations in the company of like-minded people. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, Guest Speakers and informative port briefings from our Expedition Leader or Cruise Director and of course good food with wine included at lunch and dinner, all contribute to make any voyage aboard these wonderful vessels a memorable and joyful experience. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of an exceedingly comfortable ship. The daily programme on board is in the capable hands of our Cruise Director or Expedition Leader and staff who coordinate with the Captain and Officers to make the most of each day. Briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage together with a ‘Daily Programme’ that is distributed every evening to your suite outlining the next day’s activities. Dress on board is casual and relaxed and there will be no ‘black tie’ evenings.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London to Praia, Sao Tiago, Cape Verde.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight. Arrive late tonight and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky for embarkation. Moor overnight.
Day 2 - Day 2 Praia.
Today we explore the historic capital of Praia on the island of Sao Tiago. Praia has a wonderful African feel and we will visit Cidade Velha, the old Portuguese capital with a rich history which was once the centre of the slave trade. See the fort and cathedral which dominate the narrow, cobbled lanes and stone houses. Enjoy a traditional performance of Batuco dance before we continue into the green interior, climbing the steep mountains and enjoying the colours as we make our way to Rui Vaz where we enjoy a lunch of local produce in the shadow of Pico da Antonia. We will see local farms and drive past the only water dam in Cape Verde before returning to the ship where we moor overnight.
Day 3 - Day 3 Sao Nicolau.
Sao Nicolau is a charming, peaceful and attractive island of plantations, small holdings and busy farming villages. It also has impressive, almost untouched mountain scenery, friendly residents and lively traditions. On our tour we will drive through a spectacular landscape towards the historical capital Ribeira Brava. Here we will discover the lively centre of the island which reflects the character of the people and learn why Ribeira Brava was the bedrock of Cape Verdean intellect in the 19th century. After lunch enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Day 4 - Day 4 Porto Novo, Sao Antao.
We have a full day on the most beautiful of the islands, Sao Antao. Driving up the old trading route, we pass the volcanic crater ‘Cova’ with its agricultural plantations and enjoy panoramic views of the island before arriving in the tiny, picturesque mountain village of Fontainhas, on the northern side of the island. After lunch in the seaside village of Ponta do Sol, we will take the coastal road towards the greenest valley in the archipelago, the valley of Paul. Here we will enjoy a coffee break whilst learning about the production of sugarcane on the island. Also discover ‘Grogue’, the national drink of the islands and have a taste of it at the oldest traditional Grogue distillery on the island. Drive back along the coast to the southern side of the island and our waiting ship. This evening we sail the short distance to Mindelo where we moor overnight.
Day 5 - Day 5 Mindelo, Sao Vicente.
Enjoy a full day in Mindelo, one of the most attractive of all the Cape Verde towns with its colonial buildings, cobbled streets, cafes and lively restaurants. Depart on a morning discovery tour of The Itinerary the lively markets and the secret corners of the harbour town followed by a coffee break in a typical Cape Verdean bar. The afternoon is free to further explore the vibrant town independently before we will be entertained by local music and capoeira on board. Sail this evening.
Day 6 - Days 6 & 7 At Sea.
Spend a couple of leisurely days on board as we cruise to the Canary Islands. Find a spot on deck to relax or join our lecture programme that will continue in the lounge.
Day 7 - Day 8 La Palma, Canary Islands.
La Palma is known by locals as the ‘Beautiful Island’, and it is easy to see why. It is a simply stunning, peaceful and most importantly an un-spoilt destination that has deservedly been declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve. This afternoon there will be a choice of excursions. You may wish to join the tour to Caldera de Taburiente, a massive eight kilometre wide depression which scientists agree was a majestically tall volcanic mountain that collapsed in on itself. Explore on foot and whilst all may seem stoic and still, the forces of erosion are hard at work and some geologists estimate that it will finally disappear in just 5,000 years. Alternatively, take a drive to visit Los Tilos Forest, nestled between colossal mountains, it is one of the few surviving Laurisilva forests on the planet. Continue to the charming town of San Andres where we will visit the El Tendal Museum and learn more about the island and its history. Before returning to the ship enjoy a tasting at the Rum Factory. Finally for those who would prefer a more energetic excursion there will be a guided trek on offer through the El Pilar area; see remains of volcanic eruptions, the magnificent views of the Valley of Aridane and the crater wall that surrounds the Taburiente National Park.
Day 8 - Day 9 El Hierro.
Probably the least known of the Canary Islands, and once considered to be the end of the world, El Hierro is unique and utterly captivating. This morning is free to explore the town or relax on board. This afternoon we explore the island and it will be impossible not to be entranced by the island’s slow pace and simple style; by its craggy coast, where waves hurl themselves against lava sculpted rock faces; by the pretty farmland and flower meadows of the interior; by the eerily beautiful juniper groves; and by the desolate volcanic badlands that stretch out like moonscapes in the south. We will also have the opportunity to sample some of El Hierro’s local wine and visit the lizard house where the island’s unique giant lizards are bred; near extinction, they are protected by international law. Alternatively, opt for the La Llania hiking excursion which will take us through primaeval forests, along ancient cisterns and mythical witches dance floors to El Hierro’s top viewing point affording spectacular views of the western parts of the island.
Day 9 - Day 10 La Gomera.
Arrive this morning on beautiful and unspoilt La Gomera. On a full day tour we will explore the island including Garajonay National Park, home to the world’s only surviving laurel forest and visit the villages of Hermiqua, Agulo and Las Rosas followed by lunch in a local restaurant. Before returning to the ship experience a demonstration of Silbo Gomero, the island’s unique whistling language, and visit the magnificent rock formations of Agando. Alternatively, you may wish to join a morning guided trek through the Garajonay National Park commencing in the village of El Cedro which offers some interesting examples of Canarias architecture.
Day 10 - Day 11 Tenerife to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 11 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
31-03-202610-04-2026GBP £7,495Amundsen Deck Standard Suite
31-03-202610-04-2026GBP £7,595Byrd Deck Superior Suite
31-03-202610-04-2026GBP £7,695Mawson Deck Premium Suite
31-03-202610-04-2026GBP £7,995Mawson Deck Corner Suite
31-03-202610-04-2026GBP £8,495Amundsen Deck Standard Sole
31-03-202610-04-2026GBP £8,595Byrd Deck Superior Sole
31-03-202610-04-2026GBP £8,995Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
31-03-202610-04-2026GBP £9,495Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
31-03-202610-04-2026GBP £9,995Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite

Inclusions

    • Praia, Sao Tiago: Explore the historic capital, Cidade Velha, with its Portuguese fort and cathedral. Enjoy a traditional Batuco dance performance and scenic drive through the island's interior.
    • Sao Antao: Discover Sao Antao's stunning mountain scenery, visit picturesque Fontainhas, and learn about sugarcane production and Grogue at a traditional distillery.
    • La Gomera: Experience Garajonay National Park's unique laurel forest, witness Silbo Gomero whistling language, and explore charming villages and rock formations like Agando.

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