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Cape Verde and Canary Islands

Cape Verde and Canary Islands

From AUD $6,020

Description

In partnership with the Mucem.

Sailing between Spain, Cape Verde and Portugal, PONANT offers you an itinerary at the crossroads of cultures and traditions.

You will set sail aboard L’Austral for an 11-day cruise leaving from Dakar, the bustling capital of Senegal.

Your discovery of Cape Verde will start with a port of call in Santiago, the most populated and also the most African of the archipelago’s islands. Further to the north, you will reach São Vicente and visit Mindelo, the cultural capital of Cape Verde, the birthplace of the famous singer of morna, Cesaria Évora.

Your ship will then drop anchor at Las Palmas, on the island of Gran Canaria. Do not miss the chance to wander through the streets of the historic district of Vegueta, rich in architectural treasures including the Santa Ana cathedral.

Then admire the volcanic landscapes that are so typical of Lanzarote before sailing to Madeira, the island of the eternal spring. The lively streets of Funchal, its old district, as well as its magnificent botanical garden located on the heights of the town will not fail to delight you.

Your journey around the Atlantic will conclude with a visit to Lisbon. This city with its nostalgic charm has a unique personality, a blend of tramways, museums and listed buildings.

Trip Name
Cape Verde and Canary Islands
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 264 (200 in Antarctica) Built: 2011 This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral has a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being. A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. Precious materials in smoothing neutral tones are brought to life with splashes of cheerful reds. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht”. Cuisine Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark. Our two restaurants welcome you for breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The Gastronomic Restaurant, with a capacity of 268 persons, is situated on Le Liberté Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompagnied by fine wine. On the Grill Restaurant, you will have the opportuniny to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner. Life On Board Whether you want to join other guests in the theatre or games area (Wii™ consoles, etc), or relax on your own in a quiet corner of the library, L'Austral has been designed to meet the needs of every guest. Everything has been done to preserve the independence of each guest to suit their personal tastes: lounges for lectures and shows, a spa in partnership with Sothys™, but also more intimate spaces such as the library and internet corner. Comfortable cabins, nearly all with private balcony, are available for families either as triples or as communicating cabins. There is also a games area with Wii™ consoles, children’s menus, and a baby-sitting service. Just as if you were on a private yacht, your time is your own to do as you please. Fitted with the latest equipment (Kinesis Wall, running machine) and in partnership with the famous Sothys™ brand, the Beauty Centre on L'Austral welcomes you for some unforgettable moments of relaxation and pampering (beauty treatments, hairdresser).

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 DAKAR
Embarkation 7/4/2021 from 16h00 to 17h00Departure 7/4/2021 at 18h00On the tip of the African continent, the buzzing capital of Senegal stretches along the narrow peninsula of Cape Verde. You may be overwhelmed by its sheer size, but Dakar will win you over with its richly diverse districts, appealing cultural scene and rich natural surroundings. In the historic centre, you'll enjoy the pell-mell of colours and tasty delights in Kermel market. Far from the effervescence of the city, Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known as a place of remembrance, having once been a slave trade outpost. On the other side of the plateau, the wild Madeleine islands are protected by a national park.
Day 2 - Day 2 AT SEA
Arrival 8/4/2021Departure 8/4/2021During your day 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 centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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.
Day 3 - Day 3 PRAIA
Arrival 9/4/2021 early morningDeparture 9/4/2021 late afternoonThe 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 harbour, the statue of Diogo Gomes pays homage to the man who discovered Cape Verde in 1460. A few streets away, in the old centre, 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.
Day 4 - Day 4 MINDELO
Arrival 10/4/2021 early morningDeparture 10/4/2021 late afternoonSet 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.
Day 5 - Days 5 & 6 AT SEA
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Day 6 - Day 7 LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA, CANARY ISLANDS
Arrival 13/4/2021 late morningDeparture 13/4/2021 eveningA stopover of sunny climes, Las Palmas is located on the north-east coast of Gran Canaria. A few streets away from Puerto de la Luz port, you’ll discover the vast Las Canteras beach, bordered with the town’s characteristic palms. You’ll find these palms are 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 travelled 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.
Day 7 - Day 8 ARRECIFE DE LANZAROTE, CANARY ISLANDS
Arrival 14/4/2021 early morningDeparture 14/4/2021 early afternoonEstablished on a coast sprinkled with cliffs, Arrecife has a pleasant beach and a lagoon full of charm, Charca of San Ginés, where the fishermen anchor their boats. The city also proposes places fed by history and culture, such as the castle San Gabriel, former fort of defense of the city.
Day 8 - Day 9 FUNCHAL, MADEIRA
Arrival 15/4/2021 middayDeparture 15/4/2021 late afternoonThis attractive capital of Madeira is located on the southern coast of the island. The walkways of the old town are lined with azulejos, or multi-coloured mosaics. If you follow these patterns, they’ll lead you to the appetising Mercado dos Lavradores market stands, the Frederico de Freitas museum, and the golden panelling of the Cathedral de la Sé. Along the waterfront, the palm tree-shaded promenade leads you to the teleféricos de Monte, Madeira's cable cars. Its panoramic cabins transport you over the city to top of Monte, where you can see the picturesque botanical garden.
Day 9 - Day 10 AT SEA
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Day 10 - Day 11 LISBON
Arrival 17/4/2021 early morningDisembarkation 17/4/2021 at 09h00Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometres from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbour, impose two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos monastery and Belem tower. The Alfama hillside is also worth visiting: known for its fado bars and its Moorish streets, this district is the oldest one of the city and one of the most typical. Not far from there, Chiado’s elegant streets are home to big fashion labels and are an invitation to a bit of of luxury shopping.
Day 11 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-04-202117-04-2021AUD $6,020Superior Stateroom
07-04-202117-04-2021AUD $6,560Deluxe Stateroom
07-04-202117-04-2021AUD $6,990Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
07-04-202117-04-2021AUD $7,220Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
07-04-202117-04-2021AUD $7,460Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
07-04-202117-04-2021AUD $10,340Deluxe Suite
07-04-202117-04-2021AUD $11,210Prestige Suite Deck 5
07-04-202117-04-2021AUD $11,570Prestige Suite Deck 6
07-04-202117-04-2021AUD $12,180Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • A cruise in partnership with le Mucem, the museum for European and Mediterranean Civilisations in Marseille.
    • Presence on board of Vincent Giovannoni, chief curator at the Mucem.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cidade Velha, the historic centre of Ribeira Grande (island of Santiago);
    • The Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower in Lisbon.
    • The varied landscapes of three exceptional archipelagos: Cape Verde, the Canary Islands and Madeira.
    • The town of Mindelo in Cape Verde with its elegant buildings influenced by its British and Portuguese colonial heritage.
    • Before your cruise, you have the opportunity to visit Dakar in Senegal.
    • After disembarking, you will have the possibility of visiting Lisbon, the Portuguese capital and its rich cultural offering.

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