Description
Join us aboard the MS Hebridean Sky for this wonderful island hopping itinerary visiting the diverse islands of the Atlantic with their mountainous and lunar like landscapes, intriguing topography, verdant pine forests and stunning national parks. Every new day brings a different vista and our itinerary has been carefully designed so that we can fully explore these amazingly varied groups of islands, each one having a distinct culture and landscape.
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. 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 with extraordinary 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 four days here during which time we will visit three of the lesser known islands: La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro where we can enjoy nature at its very best. We will also visit Santa Cruz de Tenerife where there will be the opportunity to explore the beautiful gardens of the city and spectacular Mount Teide. 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.
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, Cape Verde and the Canary Islands offer something for everyone.