Hidden Gems of the Atlantic & Africa

Day programme:

Step ashore in the tranquil beauty of Porto Santo, a hidden gem of the Madeira archipelago. Stroll through the charming town of Vila Baleira, where whitewashed houses and quiet lanes reflect the island’s peaceful pace of life. Discover local landmarks linked to Christopher Columbus (who lived here while preparing for his famous voyages of discovery) and take in views of the island’s nine-kilometre golden beach, one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets. Later, set sail for Funchal, Madeira where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay. 

Formed by a volcanic eruption, Madeira lies in the Gulf Stream, about 500 miles due west of Casablanca. Discovered by Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco in 1419, this beautiful island became part of Portugal’s vast empire and was named for the dense forest which cloaked it – ‘Madeira’ means ‘wood’ in Portuguese. Sugar plantations first brought wealth here, and when King Charles II of England granted an exclusive franchise to sell wine to England and its colonies, many British emigrants were drawn to the capital, Funchal. Today’s travellers come to Madeira for the varied and luxuriant scenery, from mountain slopes covered with vines to picturesque villages and a profusion of wild flowers. The natural beauty of the island has earned it many pseudonyms such as ‘The Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, ‘The Island of Eternal Springtime’ and ‘God’s Botanical Gardens’ and our selection of excursions aim to show you why.

Formed by a volcanic eruption, Madeira lies in the Gulf Stream, about 500 miles due west of Casablanca. Discovered by Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco in 1419, this beautiful island became part of Portugal’s vast empire and was named for the dense forest which cloaked it – ‘Madeira’ means ‘wood’ in Portuguese. Sugar plantations first brought wealth here, and when King Charles II of England granted an exclusive franchise to sell wine to England and its colonies, many British emigrants were drawn to the capital, Funchal. Today’s travellers come to Madeira for the varied and luxuriant scenery, from mountain slopes covered with vines to picturesque villages and a profusion of wild flowers. The natural beauty of the island has earned it many pseudonyms such as ‘The Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, ‘The Island of Eternal Springtime’ and ‘God’s Botanical Gardens’ and our selection of excursions aim to show you why.

Day programme:

The main island of Madeira is a little piece of Portugal in the middle of the Atlantic. The capital, Funchal, became a popular holiday destination for European aristocracy in the 19th century and the city still retains this air of busy prosperity. On its edge is the vibrant Mercado dos Lavradores market, bursting with local produce. The city is famous for its gardens, so plan a visit to the Madeira Botanical Garden, Monte Tropical Gardens and Santa Catarina Park. 

Also known as ‘La Isla Bonita’ (the beautiful island), La Palma is typified by lush forests of pine, laurel and fern which contrast with the rugged splendour of the gigantic Taburiente crater. The island is dotted with attractive villages, which are a delight to discover, and the capital Santa Cruz also makes for an interesting day of exploration. Perched on the edge of the volcanic crater of La Caldereta, Santa Cruz comfortably blends modern architecture with old colonial buildings. Perhaps visit the fascinating Natural History Museum, stroll around the historic quarters and the Plaza de Espana or travel a few miles outside the city to the exquisite Church of Our Lady. If you enjoy shopping, you can find reasonably priced silver jewellery, leather goods and beautifully embroidered clothes, tablecloths and napkins, a speciality of the Canary Islands.

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It’s just a short hop across to Santa Cruz de La Palma, a charming port city nestled on the eastern coast of La Palma Island in the Canary archipelago. Founded in 1493, it grew to be the third largest port in Europe in the 16th century. Today, its cobbled streets are quiet, lined with colourful houses, grand churches, and well-preserved colonial architecture complete with wooden balconies and tumbling flower boxes. Immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural heritage of this historic city as you explore local markets and indulge in delicious cuisine. 

Perhaps the prettiest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is an almost circular isle with the peak of Pozo de Las Nieves, its highest point, at the centre. With a wealth of natural beauty and all the exciting attractions of city life in the capital, the island offers the best of both worlds. You will no doubt wish to see the sights of the capital’s old quarter, which dates back to the 15th century and encompassses the Vegueta and Triana districts, and wherever you go you can enjoy the glorious subtropical climate, perfect for growing exotic palms and fruits.

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Las Palmas is a vibrant coastal city and the capital of Gran Canaria, offering a delightful mix of culture, history, and laid-back island life. With its year-round mild climate, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Canteras Beach promenade, one of the most famous urban beaches in Spain. Browse local shops, stop for a coffee or tapas at a seafront café, or take in views of the Atlantic. For those interested in culture, the nearby Santa Catalina Park area offers lively squares, gardens, and access to museums and galleries, all within easy walking distance. 

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a beautiful and scenic island which enjoys year-round sunshine and is dominated by Mount Teide. The mountain range runs through the centre of the island, with fertile valleys on the northern side. In the central part of the range is the gigantic natural crater of the Cañadas del Teide, about 14 miles in diameter. Santa Cruz, the island’s pretty capital, was originally a small fishing village but has now grown into a modern city, and also contains 16th-century civic buildings and ornate private mansions. Near the pier is the Santa Cruz Palmetum, a Botanical Garden covering an area of 29 acres, specialising in palms.

Day programme:

From your suite’s private verandah, watch Tenerife awaken at sunrise. Santa Cruz, the Canary Islands’ vibrant capital, offers diverse beaches, from golden sands to striking volcanic black. Be immersed in lively Canarian culture, savouring local cuisine, colourful traditions and historic landmarks like Plaza de España. 

Your next stop will be Cape Verde’s cultural capital, Mindelo. Get along with the locals listening to the real morna in the bars of the old town and sipping the local drink, a sugarcane spirit. This island is also known by its British and Portuguese colonial architecture and pastel-coloured houses, the municipal market and the facades of the old Governor’s Palace.

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Around 500 kilometres off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde is made up of 15 volcanic islands (nine of which are inhabited) spread across 4,000 square kilometres of ocean. São Vicente is the second most populated of the Cape Verde islands and Mindelo is its busy capital. São Vicente island is also home to some of the country’s greatest musicians, writers and thinkers, making Mindelo a vibrant town where you can immerse yourself in rich cultural traditions. 

Start your Expedition Cruise in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, located in the south of Santiago Island. You can explore its old centre overlooking the ocean and its historical buildings with transom windows. In the old quarter, you can also learn about the diversity of the archipelago’s cultural origins in the Ethnographic Museum. To finish your day, head to the harbour to visit the Diogo Gomes statue, paying homage to the man who discovered the archipelago in 1460.

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Step into the lively spirit of Praia, Cape Verde’s bustling capital. Wander through colourful streets and vibrant markets, where the rich mix of African and Portuguese influences come alive. Discover local crafts, taste delicious traditional dishes and soak up the friendly island atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring the historic Plateau area or enjoying views by the waterfront, Praia promises a warm and authentic experience. 

Dakar, set at the tip of the Cape Vert peninsula, is West Africa’s westernmost point and the capital of French-speaking Senegal. Although it was not founded until 1857, it is West Africa’s oldest European city and one of the most westernised. The opening of the Dakar-St Louis railway in 1885 put the town on the map; it subsequently became a French naval base and in 1904, the capital of Afrique Occidentale Française. It bears the legacy of Africa’s French colonial past, especially so in the downtown Plateau area, where the architecture is redolent of southern France. Every inch a modern city, Dakar is a frenetic buzz of activity, which can be startling. Perhaps sample the popular mint tea and try your hand at bartering in the colourful craft markets for traditional embroidery, woodcarvings, metalwork and costume jewellery.

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Your Signature Yacht Cruise concludes this morning in the city of Dakar, the vibrant capital of Senegal. Known for its rich culture, bustling markets, lively music scene and beautiful coastline, Dakar offers a unique blend of tradition and modern energy. Disembark after breakfast as you bid farewell to your fellow guests and crew, carrying with you memories of an unforgettable voyage. Please book your flight to depart out of Dakar after 12:00 PM.#Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.^Experiences on board our two helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.Submersible not operational in Europe.The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.