Canaries, Madeira & Treasures of Andalusia aboard Le Lyrial

Description

PONANT invites you to discover exceptional sites during this brand-new cruise between Spain and Portugal, the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy this unforgettable 12-day journey aboard Le Lyrial, combining stunning island landscapes and cities brimming with history.

Your cruise will begin on the island of Gran Canaria, in Las Palmas. You will sail to Lanzarote, where you will admire the volcanic landscapes that are so typical of the area.

Your ship will then drop anchor at La Gomera. This tiny island with lush vegetation is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its biosphere reserve.

After calling at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, from which you will be able to discover the wonderful volcanic landscapes of Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will leave Spain for Portugal and Madeira, the “island of eternal spring”. Discovering the levadas, a clever irrigation system widely used on this mountainous island for transporting water, will also be an opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery.

Your ship will then set a course for Spain, where you will sail up the Guadalquivir River to call at Seville. Among the treasures of the Andalusian capital, you will discover the cathedral and the Alcazar, both listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. You will also call in Cadiz, one of the country’s oldest cities, built on a rock and surrounded by the sea.

Then you will head to Málaga, end of your cruise.

Trip Name

Canaries, Madeira & Treasures of Andalusia aboard Le Lyrial

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 224 Launched: 2015 A sleek silhouette, a welcoming intimate atmosphere, discover aboard this new ship the philosophy that has made our sisterships such a success: the spirit of Yacht Cruises. Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 122 staterooms and Suites, with balconies, will join our fleet in April 2015. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the our destinations and the blue light of the Vega star in the Lyra constellation. The result is a subtle variation around a palette of blues, ranging from the luminous delicate grey-blue of the Polar ice to splashes of the vivid turquoise blue found in Mediterranean coves A refined ambiance is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and materials: white Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat’s hull, while the central sculpture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea. In the loungebar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonymous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA, CANARY ISLANDS

A 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 2 - Day 2 ARRECIFE DE LANZAROTE, CANARY ISLANDS

Established 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 3 - Day 3 SAN SEBASTIAN DE LA GOMERA, CANARY ISLANDS

La Gomera rises from the water like a mirage. This volcanic island in the Canaries features jagged cliffs, valleys covered in palm trees, and beaches of black sand bathing in crystal-clear waters. But its greatest treasure lies at its heart: an exceptional laurisilva, a laurel forest whose prehistoric vegetation has been preserved thanks to the microclimate on the island. This unique ecosystem, common a few million years ago in the tropics, forms the Garajonay National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like the birds, the Guanches contribute to the poetry of the island too, with their whistled language called Silbo. This magical-sounding, melodious language is also listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.

Day 4 - Day 4 SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, CANARY ISLANDS

The capital city of Tenerife is located on the north-east 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.

Day 5 - Days 5 - 6 FUNCHAL, MADEIRA

This 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 6 - Days 7 - 8 AT SEA

During 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 7 - Days 9 - 10 SEVILLA

Standing on the banks of the Guadalquivir, Seville is a colourful city with a cosmopolitan charm you’ll love. This Spanish city welcomes you with open arms while you stay long enough to explore its traditions and rich heritage passed down from its Arabic history. Strolling around the Andalusian capital, you will be awestruck by magnificent architectural treasures like the Cathedral, the Giralda and the Alcazar. You’ll also love the festive Sevillan atmosphere and the delicious tapas served in the city’s many bars.

Day 8 - Day 11 CADIZ

Andalusia’s Cadiz is located on the Costa de la Luz, in the south-west of Spain. From the beaches of Cortadura, to the flamenco bars of Santa Maria, through the colourful streets of la Viña, you will be amazed by this city, which is both steeped in history and extremely festive. In the medieval El Pópulo district, you will stroll along covered passages in the narrow gaps between houses. You will also be able to mosey around the lush Mina square. The star of the show is the magnificent cathedral and its dome crowned with yellow porcelain, presiding above the Ocean.

Day 9 - Day 12 MÁLAGA

A historical and festive town, Malaga is located in Andalusia, on the Costa del Sol. Between the marina and the beaches, the seaside promenade of La Farola offers an ideal setting for strolling and relaxing. Set slightly further back, the Malagueta bullring is one of the emblematic sites of the city. From the hill overlooking the old town, one can see Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising out from the cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, you will go first to the courtly plaza de la Merced. A few streets back from here, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist, in the Buenavista palace.

Day 10 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

A cruise between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to discover exceptional cities and islands.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Garajonay National Park in La Gomera; Teide National Park in Santa Cruz de Tenerife; Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville.
The varied landscapes of two exceptional archipelagos: the Canary Islands and Madeira.
Discover the clever irrigation system called levadas, and the picturesque village of Camacha on Madeira Island.
Possibility of dolphin and whale watching (from Funchal).
Visit Andalusia with ports of call in Seville, Cadiz and Málaga.