Deluxe Stateroom
15% Ponant Bonus
204 ft²
2
Volcanic landscapes from Canary Islands to Cape Verde
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands - Dakar
Dates:
29/12/2025
to
08/01/2026
days
nights on board
Between the volcanic archipelagos of Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, PONANT invites you to an unforgettable 11-day interlude, leaving from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This journey aboard Le Lapérouse will take you into the heart of uniquely and wildly beautiful landscapes, featuring majestic volcanos, lush green valleys, isolated inlets, verdant cliffs and historic cities with multiple sources of heritage.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, wander the virgin expanses of the island of Santo Antão from Mindelo, admire the natural beauty and stunning scenery of the Teide National Park from Los Cristianos, or discover the cultural heritage of Praia’s historic town centre. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
From Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the emblematic island of Gran Canaria, your ship will sail west to reach the vibrant town of Los Cristianos. Succumb to the charms of its atmosphere unlike any other, its mythical Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain, and its long stretches of fine sand lapped by the turquoise waters of the Atlantic. You will then discover Lanzarote, also called ‘island of fire’.
After a call in à Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Le Lapérouse will then drop anchor at La Gomera. This tiny island with lush vegetation is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its biosphere reserve. This island is also renowned for its whistling language, Silbo, that the inhabitants use to communicate from one valley to another.
Le Lapérouse will then sail further south, heading for Cape Verde. On the Islands, formed from volcanic lava and sculpted by the power of the Atlantic’s waves, you will experience the raw beauty of incomparable nature. Soft music rises from Mindelo, the music of Cesária Évora, “the Barefoot Diva”, who is inextricably linked to her island and her town, where she remains revered. The pastel colours of the façades and the former colonial buildings dot the Cape Verdean towns and villages that you will discover from the sea. Then, you will explore Praia, the capital of Cape Verde with its diverse influences, planted with tamarind and silk trees. Wherever you go, you will be captivated by the markets with their bright colours and fragrance-filled stalls.
The final port of call of this journey is Dakar, the Senegalese capital renowned for the appeal of its districts and its diverse natural environment.
Ref : ER291225
Your itinerary
A unique cruise discovering some of the natural treasures of the Canary Islands and Cape Verde. Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection...
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Your trip in detail
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Complete your trip
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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L'AUSTRAL
LE LAPÉROUSE
02/04/2026 to the 12/04/2026
LE CHAMPLAIN
03/12/2025 to the 13/12/2025
LE BORÉAL
14/05/2026 to the 24/05/2026
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Discover all destinations
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- A unique cruise discovering some of the natural treasures of the Canary Islands and Cape Verde.
- Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection made by our destination experts.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cidade Velha, Teide National Park and the town of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, on the island of Tenerife, Garajonay National Park in La Gomera
- Discover Arrecife in Lanzarote and its moonscapes.
- The varied landscapes of two exceptional archipelagos: The Canary Islands and Cape Verde.
- The town of Mindelo in Cape Verde with its elegant buildings influenced by its British and Portuguese colonial heritage.
*Pre-bookings open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests are processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
Ports of Call & Excursions
29 December 2025 - Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
Embarkation 29/12/2025 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 29/12/2025 at 19:00
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.
30 December 2025 - Los Cristianos, Canary Islands
Arrival 30/12/2025 early morning
Departure 30/12/2025 early afternoon
Discover the charming village of Los Cristianos, in the south of the island of Tenerife. While the former fishing town is edged by some beautiful fine-sand beaches, it is also known for the two protected nature reserves that surround it – Mount Chayofita and Mount Guaza. Both are ideal for hiking and for admiring the captivating views, facing the North Atlantic. Authentic and festive, Los Cristianos is also famous for its many water-based activities, ranging from scuba diving to snorkelling and water sports.
31 December 2025 - Arrecife de Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Arrival 31/12/2025 early morning
Departure 31/12/2025 late afternoon
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.
1 January 2026 - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Arrival 01/01/2026 early morning
Departure 01/01/2026 evening
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.
2 January 2026 - San Sebastian de la Gomera, Canary Islands
Arrival 02/01/2026 early morning
Departure 02/01/2026 midday
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.
3 January 2026 4 January 2026 - At sea
Arrival 03/01/2026
Departure 04/01/2026
During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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.
5 January 2026 - Mindelo
Arrival 05/01/2026 early morning
Departure 05/01/2026 early evening
Set 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.
6 January 2026 - Praia
Arrival 06/01/2026 early morning
Departure 06/01/2026 early evening
The 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.
7 January 2026 - At sea
Arrival 07/01/2026
Departure 07/01/2026
During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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.
8 January 2026 - Dakar
Arrival 08/01/2026 early morning
Disembarkation 08/01/2026 at 08:00
On 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.
Las Cañadas del Teide
This excursion will take you to the stunning landscapes of Las Cañadas National Park.
Meet your guide and board your coach for a journey through impressive chromatic changes in both landscape and vegetation that are impressive as you travel to Las Cañadas del Teide, which is located inside the crater of Mount Teide. The green backdrop gradually changes to grey, ochre, red and even blue, with the magnificent Mount Teide in the background. The Mount is Spain's highest mountain at 3,718 m above sea level.
On the way up, a few photo stops will be made to immortalize the moment and appreciate the incredible volcanic landscapes and views.
Before entering the national park, you will have a coffee-stop at a local restaurant surrounded by stunning nature and lava rock formations.
The journey continues to Los Roques de Garcia, at the entrance to Las Cañadas del Teide National Park, a protected territory since 1954, which today covers an area of 18,990 hectares.
In June 2007, Unesco awarded it World Heritage status. The national park is actually the interior of the Teide crater and is home to extensive and unique endemic flora and fauna.
Finally, you will stop on the slopes of Mount Teide for a short walk through the lava fields. This is home to one of Tenerife's most photographed and famous icons, El Roque Cinchado (known as God's Finger), a curious lava rock formation that resembles a finger.
After this adventure, you will board your coach to return to the dock and your ship.
· This tour involves 1.5 km of walking over flat but uneven surfaces. There are some stairs to negotiate. It is recommended you wear comfortable walking shoes. It is forbidden to remove any stones or plants from the National Park. This excursion will travel up some mountain roads to approximately 7,000 feet above sea level. This tour is not recommended to passengers who suffer from heart problems or have previously undergone heart surgery, pregnant women, and thos suffering from respiratory problems including asthma or infants under the age of 1 year. This tour is subject to weather conditions and its itinerary may vary. A warm jacket is recommended as the temperatures can be cooler at the height reached during this tour.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
La Gomera, a scenic panoramic journey
In the very heart of the Garajonay National Park, in the lush Laurisilva Forest, discover the mysteries of the Laguna Grande, between bewitching nature, captivating panoramas and unique ecosystem.
Beneath the canopy of the Garajonay National Park, the ancestral whisper of the laurel envelops every step in a natural symphony. Giant ferns emerge from the mist, while the winding paths reveal hidden waterfalls. In this national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, time stands still, offering a bewitching escapade at the very heart of nature.
After contemplating the views over the Hermigua Valley and the neighbouring island of Tenerife and its impressive Mount Teide from the Mirador El Rejo, your adventure will begin in the Laurisilva and Laguna Grande subtropical forests, characterised by the diversity of their flora. Find out about age-old legends in this setting of laurel forests and vast expanses of moors and heathers.
Then, at Agando, you will see the magnificent landscape of basalt formations of volcanic origin, in particular, the Roque Agando, before making the most of the panoramas provided by La Degollada de Peraza.
· This excursion involves a little walking. At the viewpoints, the surfaces are usually gravel and cobblestones. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothes. Please note that the roads are winding and that the excursion is not therefore recommended for persons suffering from motion sickness and/or vertigo.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Miradors and palm honey
Between a lush UNESCO World Heritage Site park, exuberant palm groves, vertiginous belvederes and secret valleys, discover La Gomera at its wildest but also at its most gourmet thanks to a visit to a finca, where many delights are produced.
Known as the green heart of La Gomera and renowned for its banana plantations, Hermigua Valley is home to many treasures. Among them, a finca - a local ecological farm - where you will experience local flavours and know-how. Stroll around the botanical gardens and discover the famous “palmeras guaraperas”, Canarian palm trees, which produce a delicious palm “honey”, a veritable symbol of the archipelago.
Then, watch a local artisan hand-make baskets using banana leaves, vines and reeds. This first port of call will finish at the table, with a tasting of La Gomera’s main dishes and products: gofio, cheese, the famous palm honey, all washed down with a local wine.
Then, you will see a succession of belvederes, all revealing increasingly stunning viewpoints. From the impressive Mirador de Agulo, standing on top of its basalt rock, you will perhaps be able to admire Tenerife from afar. On the Laguna Grande road, you will immediately understand why the viewpoint called Vallehermoso (‘beautiful valley’ in Spanish) earned its name. In the south, in Los Roques, see the incredible volcanic formations that shape the island, including Roque Agando.
· This excursion involves walking approximately 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) on uneven paths at the ecological farm, with some steps to access the viewpoints. We recommend you wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Mindelo off road adventure
From the pier, you will board your 4x4 for a panoramic tour of the island of São Vicente, through breathtaking landscapes.
In the heart of unspoilt nature, your adventure will take you from the north coast to the south coast to Palha Carga Beach - a one-kilometre-long beach just for you. On the way, you will stop at Assomada to take pictures from the highest viewpoint on the island.
After enjoying a stop at a black sand beach and crossing the agricultural valley of the island, Ribeira de Calhau, you will stop inside the small crater of Topim and observe the uninhabited islands of Santa Luzia, Raso and Branco. Enjoy the beauty of the turquoise waters and white sand of Saragarça Beach and be seduced by the natural caves along the coast, formed at the end of a lava flow, with the backdrop of the Viana crater on your left and the view of Santa Luzia on your right. With a little luck, you may have the privilege to see ospreys (fish eagles).
Then, you will visit the fishing village of Calhau, with its colourful wooden sailboats and its typical Cape Verdean atmosphere before returning to you ship.
· This excursion is a panoramic tour (3 hours’ drive with photo stops) in an all-terrain vehicle and involves walking on rough roads with some steps. The vehicles used are local and do not have air conditioning or a sound system. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Each vehicle can accommodate a maximum of 2 passengers. Wildlife viewing is not guaranteed. This tour is not recommended for people with back or neck problems. There are no toilets during the tour.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Santo Antao, the authentic island
From the pier, board your van for a transfer to the national harbour, from where you will board a ferry for the one-hour ride to the neighbouring island of Santo Antao.
Upon your arrival, you will start your exploration with a panoramic drive along the coast to the greenest, almost tropical valley on the archipelago, the Paúl Valley, 1 ½ hour drive.
Here, you will start a moderate hike through splendid nature and through different plantations, enjoying the lushness of this valley and the friendliness of the population and their rural way of living. This valley is a main provider of the archipelago's produce, which includes bananas, potatoes, lettuce, papaya, mangos and breadfruit.
In the middle of this peaceful scenery, you will take a break to enjoy some of the fresh fruit that you can readily find in here. In this spectacular valley, you will see lots of sugarcane, which is used to make the local liquor, called Grogue. After your hike, you will visit a traditional sugar cane distillery with a "trapiche", a large press. You will have an introduction into the local grogue rum. No visit would be complete without a tasting.
Back aboard your van, head along the breathtaking coastline as, you make your way towards the fishing village of Ponta do Sol for a short guided visit. Next, you will head into the Valley of Ribeira Grande, where you will enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant.
Then, you will reboard your vehicle and pass along the former trading route, where you will have spectacular views into different valleys, and formations of the volcanic mountains. One of the highlights of this road is the view into the Cova crater, which is the birthplace of this island. Today, the rich soil found in the crater is perfect for farming and the crater floor is spotted with different types of agriculture, including corn.
After making your way over the mountain ridge, you will begin your descent onto the other side of the island and back to the harbour in Porto Novo.
Finally, you will take the ferry for the cruise back to Mindelo and your ship.
· The transportation used is local and do not have air-conditioning nor a PA-system. This excursion involves approximately 0.6 miles (1 km) of walking over uneven terrain with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Participants must be in good physical condition. The former trading route is narrow and winding and is not recommended for guests suffering from motion sickness.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Jaunt to Sao Vicente: culture, scenery and adventure
Sao Vicente is characterised by its lack of water, which gives it a somewhat bare landscape. The island's appeal lies in its wild Atlantic beaches and its charming, colourful city known as the country's cultural capital. Succumb to the charms of this natural sanctuary with an ancestral culture.
Your scenic tour through Mindelo will have you discovering the heart of the city. It will take you past the Praia Nova, the Palacio de Povo, down the main street called Rua de Lisboa, and along the bustling Rua de Praia, lined with colourful colonial houses and monuments influenced by the Portuguese and British cultures.
Along the winding roads leading to Monte Verde, the islands tallest peak, you will take pleasure in admiring the variety of colours offered by the island's stones and rock formations. Make your way along the winding roads of Monte Verde, the highest peak on the island, to enjoy a panoramic view of most parts of the island: the city of Mindelo, the long beaches of yellow sand juxtaposing black volcanic rock, and Baia das Gatas, a bay with turquoise waters, famous for its annual music festival that gathers large parts of the country.
During a stop at Praia Grande beach, delight in the sound of the waves of the Atlantic as you walk along the sand, and taste the local sugarcane liqueur called grog. Finally, before returning to Mindelo to hear some of the Cape Verdean music for which the island of Sao Vicente is renowned, you will cross the former agricultural zone that was once vital to the island but which is now reduced due to the lack of rainfall.
· This excursion involves some time spent walking on cobblestone streets with some steps to negotiate. The coaches used are local buses with no air conditioning or sound system. Euros (banknotes only) are accepted in the souvenir shops in the cultural centre, but credit cards are not. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and bringing a jacket with you as it can get windy at the top of the mountain. Swimming is not allowed. The tasting is included in your tour.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Praia & Cidade Velha
Welcome to the largest and most African of the Cape Verde islands. This tour will take you to the heart of the recent capital, Praia, where you will discover the contrast between its history and the modern atmosphere that reigns there.
From the pier, you will meet your guide and drive to "the Plateau". There, you will start your guided walking tour of the historical centre of Praia. You will visit the Ethnological Museum which is located in a historic Portuguese colonial building. Your guide will tell you more about the way of life of the first inhabitants.
Afterwards, you will go to Cidade Velha which you will reach after 30 minutes of driving. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city is the original capital of the Cape Verde Islands and the cradle of the slave trade.
Ribeira Grande, now known as Cidade Velha (“old city”), is the oldest city in Cape Verde Islands and was the first European settlement in the tropics. A colony was founded in 1462 by Antonio de Noli and prospered due to its prominent position in the slave trade. It became a city in 1572 and got a cathedral which was completed late in 1693. The great explorers Christopher Colombus and Vasco de Gama both stopped here on their respective expeditions, Christopher Colombus on his third voyage to the Americas in 1498, and Vasco de Gama on his way to India in 1497.
Before arriving, you will visit the ruins of the old Fort of Real do Sao Filipe, which overlooks the Cidade Velha. It was built in 1590 to protect Ribeira Grande after a devastating attack by the pirate Francis Drake. This defence soon proved insufficient and in 1712 the city was sacked again by the French pirate Jacques Cassart.
Once in the heart of Cidade Velha, you will discover the remains left by the first Portuguese settlers. You will visit its Cathedral, then you will walk along the Rua Banana and the Pelourinho, a pillory dating from the 16th century. Near these picturesque cobblestone streets, you will enjoy a coffee to the sound of the drums of a batuco group that will offer you a traditional dance performance.
After discovering the soul of this island, you will return to the port of Praia and your ship.
· This excursion involves approximately 1.5 km of walking over cobblestone streets with some steps. The transportation used is local bus and do not have air-conditioning nor a PA-system. Euros banknotes are accepted at the souvenir shops (but not coins). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cape Verdean escapade
Dive into the heart of Cape Verde’s history and fall under the spell of the charms of the island of Santiago, its inhabitants and their secular traditions.
In Praia’s picturesque historic centre, more well-known to locals by the name of Platô or Plateau, stroll the paved streets that bear witness to the birth of the Cape Verdean nation, and be enchanted by the city’s most emblematic historic jewels. These include: the Nossa Senhora da Graça Church, steeped with centuries of devotion and mystery; the vegetable market, brimming with colours and local flavour, offering a glimpse into everyday Cape Verdean life; and the Ethnographic Museum, where you will be able to find out more about the archipelago’s culture, customs and traditions.
This sublime adventure will continue via breathtaking mountain scenery, through Sao Domingos to Rui Vaz, where a surprising culinary discovery awaits you in the form of a delicious traditional lunch.
· This excursion involves around 1 km (0.6 miles) of walking on paved and uneven streets, with some steps. The vehicles used are local transport and are not equipped with air conditioning or a sound system. Euro banknotes are accepted in all souvenir shops (but not coins). We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and sun protection.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Le Lapérouse
Environmentally friendly, fitted with innovative equipment and complete with lounges designed to be largely open to the exterior, this new and intimately sized yacht offers a unique type of cruise experience.
Onboard this ship sailing under the French flag, you'll experience the incomparable pleasure of a cosily intimate cruise offering the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic chic ambiance.
The Blue Eye, an underwater lounge offering a unique experience unlike anything else in the world.
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Timeless
With one included excursion per day and per guest, and the presence of expert lecturers on board, Timeless Explorations blend cultural curiosity, immersive experiences, and serene relaxation. A refined way to journey far from the everyday, both in mind and in spirit.
- Activities: One included excursion per day and per guest. Optional paid excursions are also available depending on the port of call.
- Landings (depending on the destination): By dock, tender boat, or aboard local vessels.
- Your experts on board: The dedicated excursion team and one or more guest lecturers.
- Children: Children from one year of age are welcome on board (from 8 years old on board Le Commandant Charcot).
The full program of all excursions, both included and optional, is available eight months prior to departure. Reservations open approximately two months before departure.
New Year's Cruise
Spend an unforgettable New Year’s Eve with PONANT!
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT TO THE PIER WITH EN ROUTE TASTING
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Meet at the airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
Embark on a scenic drive, soaking in breathtaking panoramic views as you pass by the charming town of Tacoronte (duration of panoramic drive depends on overall schedule).
Immerse yourself in the world of Canarian wine at a visit to a scenic family-run winery. This historic establishment boasts a rich tradition of crafting exceptional Canarian wines. During our short visit, we'll be treated to a taste of their passion.
You'll have the chance to admire the beautiful setting with its breathtaking mountain and ocean vistas.
Taste some delightful Canarian products accompanied by a glass of wine and a traditional quesillo custard for dessert.
You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on your ship.
Your programme includes:
· The group transfer as mentioned in the programme.
· Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
· Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
· Tips for the driver and local guide.
· Personal expenses.
· Other services not mentioned in the programme.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.
Total : £100
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.DISCOVER THE NORTH OF TENERIFE (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Meet at Tenerife North Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the hotel Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey 5* in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, just ten minutes’ walk from the city centre. Check-in from 3 pm.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Santa Cruz de Tenerife
After breakfast and check-out, you will depart for San Cristóbal de La Laguna, the ancient capital of the island and named after Saint Christopher, its patron saint (only a 30-minute drive).
Declared a UNESCO Heritage site, the city boasts a magnificent historic centre which you will visit on a pleasant, guided walking tour. Apart from being the religious centre of Tenerife, La Laguna has also an important University tradition. Walk its streets and admire the church of the Convent of Santa Catalina, the popular marketplace, the Cathedral, and the superb façade of the Episcopal Palace.
Your next destination will be the History Museum, located in “Casa Lercaro” and offering an interesting overview of the institutional, cultural, and socio-economic development on the island from XV to XX centuries. Keep your camera ready to take lovely pictures of beautiful balconies, old convents, and hidden places during your free time.
Enjoy a typical Canarian lunch before being transferred to the pier to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel :
Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey 5* is located at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, just ten minutes’ walk from the city centre. With its 70 years of history, this hotel has totally conserved the essence of its Canarian architecture. Its rooms are well appointed with an elegant interior design. Explore this exclusive place with sophisticated atmosphere and Canarian authenticity. Relax by the pool in a green setting, and enjoy the exquisite cuisine at the gourmet restaurant will be a perfect prelude to your cruise.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
· 1-night accommodation in Superior room at Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
· Meals as mentioned in the programme.
· Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee).
· Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
· The services of a local English-speaking guide on day 2.
Your programme does not include:
· Dinner on day 1.
· Personal expenses.
· Tips for the driver and local guide.
· Other services not mentioned in the programme.
· Early check-in and late check-out.
Please note:
· It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
· This tour is not recommended for people with mobility difficulties.
· The distance covered is approximately 2 km. The type of terrain is cobblestone, flat and city paved.
· Official check-in at 15:00.
· Official check-out at 12:00.
Contact of your hotel:
Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey 5*
Calle Dr. Jose Naveiras, 38, 38004 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Espagne
Telephone number: +34 922 60 99 00
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent ; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.
Total : £390
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Las Cañadas del Teide
This excursion will take you to the stunning landscapes of Las Cañadas National Park.
Meet your guide and board your coach for a journey through impressive chromatic changes in both landscape and vegetation that are impressive as you travel to Las Cañadas del Teide, which is located inside the crater of Mount Teide. The green backdrop gradually changes to grey, ochre, red and even blue, with the magnificent Mount Teide in the background. The Mount is Spain's highest mountain at 3,718 m above sea level.
On the way up, a few photo stops will be made to immortalize the moment and appreciate the incredible volcanic landscapes and views.
Before entering the national park, you will have a coffee-stop at a local restaurant surrounded by stunning nature and lava rock formations.
The journey continues to Los Roques de Garcia, at the entrance to Las Cañadas del Teide National Park, a protected territory since 1954, which today covers an area of 18,990 hectares.
In June 2007, Unesco awarded it World Heritage status. The national park is actually the interior of the Teide crater and is home to extensive and unique endemic flora and fauna.
Finally, you will stop on the slopes of Mount Teide for a short walk through the lava fields. This is home to one of Tenerife's most photographed and famous icons, El Roque Cinchado (known as God's Finger), a curious lava rock formation that resembles a finger.
After this adventure, you will board your coach to return to the dock and your ship.
· This tour involves 1.5 km of walking over flat but uneven surfaces. There are some stairs to negotiate. It is recommended you wear comfortable walking shoes. It is forbidden to remove any stones or plants from the National Park. This excursion will travel up some mountain roads to approximately 7,000 feet above sea level. This tour is not recommended to passengers who suffer from heart problems or have previously undergone heart surgery, pregnant women, and thos suffering from respiratory problems including asthma or infants under the age of 1 year. This tour is subject to weather conditions and its itinerary may vary. A warm jacket is recommended as the temperatures can be cooler at the height reached during this tour.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
La Gomera, a scenic panoramic journey
In the very heart of the Garajonay National Park, in the lush Laurisilva Forest, discover the mysteries of the Laguna Grande, between bewitching nature, captivating panoramas and unique ecosystem.
Beneath the canopy of the Garajonay National Park, the ancestral whisper of the laurel envelops every step in a natural symphony. Giant ferns emerge from the mist, while the winding paths reveal hidden waterfalls. In this national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, time stands still, offering a bewitching escapade at the very heart of nature.
After contemplating the views over the Hermigua Valley and the neighbouring island of Tenerife and its impressive Mount Teide from the Mirador El Rejo, your adventure will begin in the Laurisilva and Laguna Grande subtropical forests, characterised by the diversity of their flora. Find out about age-old legends in this setting of laurel forests and vast expanses of moors and heathers.
Then, at Agando, you will see the magnificent landscape of basalt formations of volcanic origin, in particular, the Roque Agando, before making the most of the panoramas provided by La Degollada de Peraza.
· This excursion involves a little walking. At the viewpoints, the surfaces are usually gravel and cobblestones. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothes. Please note that the roads are winding and that the excursion is not therefore recommended for persons suffering from motion sickness and/or vertigo.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Miradors and palm honey
Between a lush UNESCO World Heritage Site park, exuberant palm groves, vertiginous belvederes and secret valleys, discover La Gomera at its wildest but also at its most gourmet thanks to a visit to a finca, where many delights are produced.
Known as the green heart of La Gomera and renowned for its banana plantations, Hermigua Valley is home to many treasures. Among them, a finca - a local ecological farm - where you will experience local flavours and know-how. Stroll around the botanical gardens and discover the famous “palmeras guaraperas”, Canarian palm trees, which produce a delicious palm “honey”, a veritable symbol of the archipelago.
Then, watch a local artisan hand-make baskets using banana leaves, vines and reeds. This first port of call will finish at the table, with a tasting of La Gomera’s main dishes and products: gofio, cheese, the famous palm honey, all washed down with a local wine.
Then, you will see a succession of belvederes, all revealing increasingly stunning viewpoints. From the impressive Mirador de Agulo, standing on top of its basalt rock, you will perhaps be able to admire Tenerife from afar. On the Laguna Grande road, you will immediately understand why the viewpoint called Vallehermoso (‘beautiful valley’ in Spanish) earned its name. In the south, in Los Roques, see the incredible volcanic formations that shape the island, including Roque Agando.
· This excursion involves walking approximately 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) on uneven paths at the ecological farm, with some steps to access the viewpoints. We recommend you wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Mindelo off road adventure
From the pier, you will board your 4x4 for a panoramic tour of the island of São Vicente, through breathtaking landscapes.
In the heart of unspoilt nature, your adventure will take you from the north coast to the south coast to Palha Carga Beach - a one-kilometre-long beach just for you. On the way, you will stop at Assomada to take pictures from the highest viewpoint on the island.
After enjoying a stop at a black sand beach and crossing the agricultural valley of the island, Ribeira de Calhau, you will stop inside the small crater of Topim and observe the uninhabited islands of Santa Luzia, Raso and Branco. Enjoy the beauty of the turquoise waters and white sand of Saragarça Beach and be seduced by the natural caves along the coast, formed at the end of a lava flow, with the backdrop of the Viana crater on your left and the view of Santa Luzia on your right. With a little luck, you may have the privilege to see ospreys (fish eagles).
Then, you will visit the fishing village of Calhau, with its colourful wooden sailboats and its typical Cape Verdean atmosphere before returning to you ship.
· This excursion is a panoramic tour (3 hours’ drive with photo stops) in an all-terrain vehicle and involves walking on rough roads with some steps. The vehicles used are local and do not have air conditioning or a sound system. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Each vehicle can accommodate a maximum of 2 passengers. Wildlife viewing is not guaranteed. This tour is not recommended for people with back or neck problems. There are no toilets during the tour.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Santo Antao, the authentic island
From the pier, board your van for a transfer to the national harbour, from where you will board a ferry for the one-hour ride to the neighbouring island of Santo Antao.
Upon your arrival, you will start your exploration with a panoramic drive along the coast to the greenest, almost tropical valley on the archipelago, the Paúl Valley, 1 ½ hour drive.
Here, you will start a moderate hike through splendid nature and through different plantations, enjoying the lushness of this valley and the friendliness of the population and their rural way of living. This valley is a main provider of the archipelago's produce, which includes bananas, potatoes, lettuce, papaya, mangos and breadfruit.
In the middle of this peaceful scenery, you will take a break to enjoy some of the fresh fruit that you can readily find in here. In this spectacular valley, you will see lots of sugarcane, which is used to make the local liquor, called Grogue. After your hike, you will visit a traditional sugar cane distillery with a "trapiche", a large press. You will have an introduction into the local grogue rum. No visit would be complete without a tasting.
Back aboard your van, head along the breathtaking coastline as, you make your way towards the fishing village of Ponta do Sol for a short guided visit. Next, you will head into the Valley of Ribeira Grande, where you will enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant.
Then, you will reboard your vehicle and pass along the former trading route, where you will have spectacular views into different valleys, and formations of the volcanic mountains. One of the highlights of this road is the view into the Cova crater, which is the birthplace of this island. Today, the rich soil found in the crater is perfect for farming and the crater floor is spotted with different types of agriculture, including corn.
After making your way over the mountain ridge, you will begin your descent onto the other side of the island and back to the harbour in Porto Novo.
Finally, you will take the ferry for the cruise back to Mindelo and your ship.
· The transportation used is local and do not have air-conditioning nor a PA-system. This excursion involves approximately 0.6 miles (1 km) of walking over uneven terrain with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Participants must be in good physical condition. The former trading route is narrow and winding and is not recommended for guests suffering from motion sickness.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Jaunt to Sao Vicente: culture, scenery and adventure
Sao Vicente is characterised by its lack of water, which gives it a somewhat bare landscape. The island's appeal lies in its wild Atlantic beaches and its charming, colourful city known as the country's cultural capital. Succumb to the charms of this natural sanctuary with an ancestral culture.
Your scenic tour through Mindelo will have you discovering the heart of the city. It will take you past the Praia Nova, the Palacio de Povo, down the main street called Rua de Lisboa, and along the bustling Rua de Praia, lined with colourful colonial houses and monuments influenced by the Portuguese and British cultures.
Along the winding roads leading to Monte Verde, the islands tallest peak, you will take pleasure in admiring the variety of colours offered by the island's stones and rock formations. Make your way along the winding roads of Monte Verde, the highest peak on the island, to enjoy a panoramic view of most parts of the island: the city of Mindelo, the long beaches of yellow sand juxtaposing black volcanic rock, and Baia das Gatas, a bay with turquoise waters, famous for its annual music festival that gathers large parts of the country.
During a stop at Praia Grande beach, delight in the sound of the waves of the Atlantic as you walk along the sand, and taste the local sugarcane liqueur called grog. Finally, before returning to Mindelo to hear some of the Cape Verdean music for which the island of Sao Vicente is renowned, you will cross the former agricultural zone that was once vital to the island but which is now reduced due to the lack of rainfall.
· This excursion involves some time spent walking on cobblestone streets with some steps to negotiate. The coaches used are local buses with no air conditioning or sound system. Euros (banknotes only) are accepted in the souvenir shops in the cultural centre, but credit cards are not. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and bringing a jacket with you as it can get windy at the top of the mountain. Swimming is not allowed. The tasting is included in your tour.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Praia & Cidade Velha
Welcome to the largest and most African of the Cape Verde islands. This tour will take you to the heart of the recent capital, Praia, where you will discover the contrast between its history and the modern atmosphere that reigns there.
From the pier, you will meet your guide and drive to "the Plateau". There, you will start your guided walking tour of the historical centre of Praia. You will visit the Ethnological Museum which is located in a historic Portuguese colonial building. Your guide will tell you more about the way of life of the first inhabitants.
Afterwards, you will go to Cidade Velha which you will reach after 30 minutes of driving. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city is the original capital of the Cape Verde Islands and the cradle of the slave trade.
Ribeira Grande, now known as Cidade Velha (“old city”), is the oldest city in Cape Verde Islands and was the first European settlement in the tropics. A colony was founded in 1462 by Antonio de Noli and prospered due to its prominent position in the slave trade. It became a city in 1572 and got a cathedral which was completed late in 1693. The great explorers Christopher Colombus and Vasco de Gama both stopped here on their respective expeditions, Christopher Colombus on his third voyage to the Americas in 1498, and Vasco de Gama on his way to India in 1497.
Before arriving, you will visit the ruins of the old Fort of Real do Sao Filipe, which overlooks the Cidade Velha. It was built in 1590 to protect Ribeira Grande after a devastating attack by the pirate Francis Drake. This defence soon proved insufficient and in 1712 the city was sacked again by the French pirate Jacques Cassart.
Once in the heart of Cidade Velha, you will discover the remains left by the first Portuguese settlers. You will visit its Cathedral, then you will walk along the Rua Banana and the Pelourinho, a pillory dating from the 16th century. Near these picturesque cobblestone streets, you will enjoy a coffee to the sound of the drums of a batuco group that will offer you a traditional dance performance.
After discovering the soul of this island, you will return to the port of Praia and your ship.
· This excursion involves approximately 1.5 km of walking over cobblestone streets with some steps. The transportation used is local bus and do not have air-conditioning nor a PA-system. Euros banknotes are accepted at the souvenir shops (but not coins). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cape Verdean escapade
Dive into the heart of Cape Verde’s history and fall under the spell of the charms of the island of Santiago, its inhabitants and their secular traditions.
In Praia’s picturesque historic centre, more well-known to locals by the name of Platô or Plateau, stroll the paved streets that bear witness to the birth of the Cape Verdean nation, and be enchanted by the city’s most emblematic historic jewels. These include: the Nossa Senhora da Graça Church, steeped with centuries of devotion and mystery; the vegetable market, brimming with colours and local flavour, offering a glimpse into everyday Cape Verdean life; and the Ethnographic Museum, where you will be able to find out more about the archipelago’s culture, customs and traditions.
This sublime adventure will continue via breathtaking mountain scenery, through Sao Domingos to Rui Vaz, where a surprising culinary discovery awaits you in the form of a delicious traditional lunch.
· This excursion involves around 1 km (0.6 miles) of walking on paved and uneven streets, with some steps. The vehicles used are local transport and are not equipped with air conditioning or a sound system. Euro banknotes are accepted in all souvenir shops (but not coins). We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and sun protection.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
DAKAR BETWEEN PAST AND PRESENT
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer day time between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Dakar
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at pier by our local representative international.
Embark on board your coach, pass by the Second World War monument celebrating the Senegalese Rifleman Samba and the French soldier Dupont in front of the Railway Station.
Then, you will take the direction to the Museum of Black Civilisations.You will discover a large modern place dedicated to the History of Africa and the dialogue between cultures.
You will reach the House Museum of Ousmane Sow, the famous Senegalese sculptor. During the guided tour, you will discover where he lived and worked. You will be impressed by monumental series of sculptures and you will learn more about the first African artist to join the Academy of Fine Arts.
Then continue on board your coach driving through the West Corniche Coastal road, you will stop to see the African Renaissance Monument, a magnificent 160-foot-tall monolith weighing in at 190 tons. Reverend Jesse Jackson was among the dignitaries who attended the opening of statue in 2010 to celebrate Senegal's 50 years of independence from France. Loved by some and reviled by others, the copper and bronze statue was made by the North Koreans and cost $27 million.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
During the afternoon, you will visit the Kermel market and the craft village.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will have access to the airport lounge until your flight check-in opens.
Your programme includes:
· Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
· Meals as mentioned in the programme.
· Beverage package during meals (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
· Local English-speaking guide.
· Airport lounge access.
Your programme does not include:
· Dinner.
· Tips for the guide and the driver.
· Personal expenses
· Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
· The local currency is the CFA franc. US dollars and Euros are widely accepted.
· Tap water is not drinkable, we recommend you only drink bottled mineral water.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.
Total : £370
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.