Balmoral, Exploring Cape Verde & Canaries ex Southampton Return

• Departs Southampton, England
• 29th Jan 2021
• 18 nights

• Balmoral
• Prices from NZ$3,937*

18 Night Cruise sailing from Southampton roundtrip aboard Balmoral.

Uncover a diverse array of sights, scents and sounds as you hop between a string of spectacular, sun-splashed islands off Africa’s Atlantic Coast. With chances to immerse yourself in colourful history and culture of Cape Verde; discover the Canaries’ iconic attractions; and explore the gorgeous, fragrant landscapes of Madeira, every stop on this epic 18-night adventure will create lasting memories.

With their captivating infusion of African and Portuguese influences, bustling markets, interesting architecture and traditional music and dance, the two Cape Verdean destinations on your itinerary present cultural treasures aplenty. In Praia, the archipelago’s capital, you could unearth fascinating history at the Archaeology Museum; browse the busy markets alongside the locals; or indulge in the traditional beats of Funaná music. Elsewhere on Santiago Island, UNESCO-listed Cidade Velha, a former slave trading post past with historical and architectural interest, is within reach on tour too. São Vicente Island is a showcase of some of Cape Verde’s most spectacular landscapes and on tours from Mindelo you can encounter vast volcanic valleys and breathtaking peaks, including Monte Verde – the island’s highest point. Alternatively, you may prefer to stay in Mindelo to experience the bustle of the fantastic African market, or see the Nossa Senhora de Luz Catholic Church, the colonial-style Old Custom House and much more in the historic quarter.

Either side of your Cape Verdean calls, your unforgettable exploration of Macaronesia takes you to two of the Canaries’ unashamedly beautiful islands too. Among Tenerife’s smorgasbord of attractions are the mysterious Pyramids of Güímar and the sun-soaked beaches of Playa de Las Americas, a haven for relaxation. Mount Teide is a ‘must-visit’; Spain’s highest peak can be seen in all its majestic glory during your day here. Then there’s the awe-inspiring lunar-like landscapes of Lanzarote. Choose to venture into the breathtaking Timanfaya National Park to trek vast lava fields and see the famous Fire Mountains up-close. Many sites developed by César Manrique, including the gorgeous saltwater lagoon of Jameos Del Agua Cave, also you await you. There’s an enriching taste of picturesque Portugal to enjoy too. Your island-based adventures include an opportunity to revel in the splendour of tropical gardens and the flavour of sweet wines in Madeira; while on the mainland, there’s opportunities to delve into Lisbon’s rich maritime history and architectural gems, and the famous wines and riverscapes of Oporto.

Highlights of this cruise:

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Funchal, the capital of Portugal's Madeiran archipelago, has a timeless old-world charm. Enhanced by a subtropical climate that fills this 'floating garden' with the year-round colours and perfumes of flowers and fruit, Funchal was a favourite of Sir Winston Churchill. His praise of the city has ensured British visitors always receive a warm welcome from locals.

Backed by rolling hills, the town is famous for its harbour, the 17th century São Tiago Fortress (now the Contemporary Art Museum) and world renowned Madeiran wine cellars. Funchal’s parks and gardens are a delight, and a hike through the Laurel Forest nearby is highly recommended. The ancient Funchal Cathedral mixes Gothic and Romanesque architecture, and is noted for its impressive carved wooden ceiling.

Praia, Cape Verde
Praia is the capital of Cape Verde, the amazing volcanic archipelago of ten islands and five islets remotely located some 400 miles off the coast of West Africa. This unique, unspoilt destination was a Portuguese territory until independence in 1975, and Praia sits on the southern tip of Santiago Island.

The attractive old town centre, called the ‘Plateau’ by locals, is on a raised area overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and has a traditional Portuguese feel. A number of museums and the neoclassical town hall and cathedral are all worth visiting. Smart shops and restaurants cluster in the Achada de Santo António quarter.

This beautiful island settlement benefits from excellent weather all year round, and around the bay, many fabulous beaches can be enjoyed including Quebra, Canela and Praínha.

Arrecife, Spain
The bustling port of Arrecife on Lanzarote’s east coast is home to the biggest fishing fleet in the Canaries. Back in the 16th and 17th centuries the city was regularly attacked by pirates. To defend against these raiders, the court of Spain ordered two castles to be built. The first built in 1590, Castillo San Gabriel, now houses the island’s Ethnographic Museum, which tells the fascinating story of the islands' original inhabitants: the Guanche.

Castillo San Jose followed later, providing employment and alleviating poverty on the island following volcanic eruptions in the 1730s - it became known as the Fortress of Hunger. Today, it is home to the Museum of International and Contemporary Art, with a small but impressive collection of modern paintings and sculpture. The excellent restaurant in its basement offers diners panoramic views over the harbour. Today, Arrecife is a quirky hotchpotch of sun-bleached buildings and has a pleasant Mediterranean-style promenade.

Itinerary & Port Information

Cruise Itinerary
Date	Activity	Arrive	Depart
29/01/21	Southampton, England		LatePM
30/01/21	At sea	-	-
31/01/21	At sea	-	-
01/02/21	Leixoes, Portugal	EarlyAM	EarlyPM
02/02/21	At sea	-	-
03/02/21	Funchal (Madeira), Portugal	EarlyAM	LatePM
04/02/21	Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands	LateAM	Late Night
05/02/21	At sea	-	-
06/02/21	At sea	-	-
07/02/21	Praia, Cape Verde	EarlyAM	LatePM
08/02/21	Mindelo (Porto Grande) Sao Vicente, Cape Verde Islands	EarlyAM	LatePM
09/02/21	At sea	-	-
10/02/21	At sea	-	-
11/02/21	Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain	EarlyAM	EarlyPM
12/02/21	At sea	-	-
13/02/21	Lisbon, Portugal	EarlyAM	EarlyPM
14/02/21	At sea	-	-
15/02/21	At sea	-	-
16/02/21	Southampton, England	EarlyAM

Itinerary may vary by sailing date and itineraries may be changed at the cruise line's discretion. Please check itinerary details at time of booking and before booking other travel services such as airline tickets.