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Peregrine Travel Centre

Northwest Africa and Its Islands – Portugal, Morocco, Canary Islands & Western Sahara Cruise

Northwest Africa and Its Islands – Portugal, Morocco, Canary Islands & Western Sahara Cruise

From AUD $9,564

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Description

From Dakar’s lively markets to Funchal’s subtropical gardens, this voyage navigates the rugged and windswept Atlantic coasts of Northwest Africa and its islands. Absorb the rich cultural blend of colonial European and traditional African influences. Experience desert in Dakhla and lush forests of Madeira as the trade winds propel you from port to port. This exotic yet accessible route promises adventures as boundless as the ocean horizon.

Trip Name
Northwest Africa and Its Islands - Portugal, Morocco, Canary Islands & Western Sahara Cruise
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 125 meters Passenger Capacity: 192 Built: 2022-2023 Arriving in early 2023, SH Diana will be the largest ship in our fleet, providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies. Operated by an onboard team of 140 she will provide the highest levels of personal service and take Swan Hellenic back to its roots when she launches, exploring the Mediterranean and its famous sites of antiquity. Now sit back, relax and take a moment to get to know this amazing new ship, purpose-designed for our unique cultural expedition cruises. Named after the Ancient Roman goddess of light, the moon, hunting and the wilderness, SH Diana been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth. Building on the outstanding amenities of her sister ships, she adds a dedicated Multifunctional Room next to the Observation Lounge, a Private Dining Room for special occasions, and two tenders which bring guests a comfortable alternative to Zodiacs for expedition landings. A Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull combines with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as comfortable as possible. SH Diana has been designed for immersive experiences, with extensive outside deck areas, multiple observation points and bright, open and relaxing public spaces with unobstructed views. The pleasure and safety of our guests is paramount at all times, cared for by our attentive crew and seasoned expedition leaders. Cutting edge hygiene technology protects the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with UV sanitisation systems. SH Diana’s 96 staterooms , including 11 suites, are each a superbly comfortable home from home and all feature panoramic sea views, a flame-effect fireplace, original works of art, plush couches, premium pocket sprung mattresses, en-suite bathrooms with glass-enclosed rain showers, and Egyptian cotton towels, bathrobes and sheets. A pillow menu offers customised head and neck comfort during rest, while a large flat screen TV, espresso machine with Illy premium coffee, tea making facilities with the finest Kusmi teas, and a minibar with refreshments enhance relaxation at any time. In-room dining is of course available at all hours.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 0 PRE CRUISE
 One-night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
Day 2 - DAY 1 DAKAR
 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.
Day 3 - DAY 2 DAY AT SEA
 Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
Day 4 - DAY 3-4 DAKHLA
 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.
Day 5 - DAY 5 PUERTO DEL ROSARIO, FUERTEVENTURA ISLAND
 Fuerteventura, the oldest Canary Island, has some of the Canaries' best beaches with miles of white and golden sand beaches, interrupted only by cliffs and sheltered coves. With year-round sunshine and refreshing breezes, it's a paradise for beach enthusiasts, attracting surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers. The Mirador Astronómico de Sicasumbre viewpoint provides a Martian-like landscape with volcanic and otherworldly rock formations.
Day 6 - DAY 6 SELVAGEM ISLANDS
 The Selvagens Islands Nature Reserve (also known as the Salvage Island), Portugal's southernmost territory, lies approximately 250 km south of Madeira. It plays a crucial role as a bird sanctuary, safeguarding nesting marine birdlife, such as Cory's shearwater. Designated as a nature reserve in 1971, it is a remarkable, globally unique example of well-preserved and pristine Macaronesian biota, complemented by significant geological features.
Day 7 - DAY 7 FUNCHAL, MADEIRA ISLAND
 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 colourful 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.
Day 8 - DAY 8 PORTO SANTO, PORTO SANTO ISLAND
 Porto Santo has been dubbed ‘the golden island’ for its 9-km-stretch of silky sands. This is also where Christopher Columbus stayed en route to ‘discovering’ America The 15th-century Columbus House Museum. Along the palm tree- and bougainvillaea-lined streets of the island’s capital, Vila Baleira, many of the island’s restaurants make the local dish of bolo do caco (bread baked on a piece of tile), yam bread served with garlic butter.
Day 9 - DAY 9 DAY AT SEA
 Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.
Day 10 - DAY 10 LISBON
 Spread over seven hills with São Jorge Castle views, bustling Lisbon is one of the world's oldest cities. Elegant Baixa, hilltop Alfama with its yellow tram, and scenic Graça overviewing pastel buildings, are top areas. The Jerónimos Monastery in Belém is a World Heritage Gothic site. The classic Portuguese pastel de nata custard tarts are a local treat. Europe’s longest suspension bridge, the Ponte 25 de Abril, crosses the river Tagus.
Day 11 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
02-05-202512-05-2025AUD $9,564Oceanview D4
02-05-202512-05-2025AUD $9,842Oceanview M4
02-05-202512-05-2025AUD $12,483Balcony D5
02-05-202512-05-2025AUD $13,039Balcony M5
02-05-202512-05-2025AUD $13,595Balcony D6
02-05-202512-05-2025AUD $17,348Junior Suite
02-05-202512-05-2025AUD $18,321Suite
02-05-202512-05-2025AUD $19,989Premium Suite

Inclusions

    • Dakar's Cultural Tapestry: Experience Dakar's vibrant culture blending traditional markets, French-influenced architecture, and lively Mbalax music, offering a glimpse into Senegal's rich heritage.
    • Fuerteventura's Beach Paradise: Explore Fuerteventura's pristine beaches and Martian-like landscapes, attracting beach enthusiasts, surfers, and windsurfers to its golden sands and dramatic cliffs.
    • Lisbon's Historic Charm: Discover Lisbon's timeless allure, from its historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Graça to iconic landmarks such as São Jorge Castle and the Jerónimos Monastery, offering a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.

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