Passage from Cape Verde to the Canary Islands
A voyage including the Cape Verde Archipelago, Morocco and the Canary Islands aboard the MS Caledonian Sky
- 5 March 2021
Join us aboard the wonderfully comfortable MS Caledonian Sky for a journey that will take us from the Cape Verde Islands, across to Morocco and on to some of the lesser known Canary Islands. Our itinerary has been carefully designed so that we can fully explore the dramatic beauty and cultural vibrancy of these amazingly varied groups of islands, each one having a distinct culture and landscape, and our small ship is the ideal way to make the most of the region. Whether your interests lie in botany, geology or walking, this cruise has something for everyone.
Our voyage begins with an exploration of the Cape Verde Islands where we have three full days to discover this remote archipelago, exploring volcanic landscapes, colonial towns and villages and breathtaking beaches. After two days at sea during which you can relax on deck and listen to some fascinating lectures from our onboard team and Guest Speaker, we arrive in the far south of Morocco where we will call into two little visited places along the coast and travel overland to the desert city of Laayoune. This region promises to be a most memorable experience and, for those who enjoy visiting out of the way places where tourists are a rarity, it is a unique opportunity.
Reaching the Canary Islands, an archipelago consisting of seven main islands that are formed from the tips of a vast volcanic mountain range that lies beneath the Atlantic Ocean, we have three days here, during which time we will visit Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro where we can enjoy nature at its very best. These volcanic islands impress with their unique flora and fauna and boast rugged, rocky landscapes, evergreen cloud forests, metre-high ferns and bizarre-looking dragon trees.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Caledonian Sky
The MS Caledonian Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Hebridean Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world.
Itinerary
Day 1 London Stansted to Sal, Cape Verde.
Fly by direct flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Caledonian Sky and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner.
Please note that we plan on operating a direct charter flight from London Stansted to Sal. Details will be confirmed approximately eight months before departure.
Day 2 Palmeira, Sal.
The island of Sal was relatively undeveloped until the mid-nineteenth century when the salt export business was developed and this morning we will visit one of the original sites at Pedra de Lume. We will see the saltpans, learn of the salt extraction process and even have the chance to float in the waters. After lunch there will be the option to stay on board or transfer to the town of Santa Maria for a relaxing afternoon swimming from the beaches or exploring the local shops for Cape Verdean crafts.
Day 3 Porto Novo, Santo Antao & Mindelo, Sao Vicente.
We have a full day on the most beautiful of the Cape Verdean islands, Santo Antao. Driving up the old trading route, we pass the volcanic crater ‘Cova’ with its agricultural plantations and enjoy panoramic views of the island before arriving in the tiny picturesque mountain village of Fontainhas on the northern side of the island. After lunch in the seaside village of Ponta do Sol, we will take the coastal road towards the greenest valley in the archipelago, the valley of Paul. Here we will enjoy a coffee break whilst learning about the production of sugarcane on the island. Also discover ‘Grogue’, the national drink of the islands and have a taste of it at the oldest traditional Grogue distillery of the island. This evening we sail the short distance to Mindelo, the cultural capital of the Cape Verde. We will be entertained by local music and capoeira on board as we moor overnight.
Day 4 Mindelo, Sao Vicente.
Enjoy a full day in Mindelo, one of the most attractive of all the Cape Verde towns with its colonial buildings, cobbled streets, cafes and lively restaurants. Depart on a morning discovery tour of the lively markets and the secret corners of the harbour town. After a coffee break in a typical Cape Verdean bar, learn about the life of the local artists and their works by visiting the national museum of handicraft. The afternoon is free to further explore the vibrant town independently.
Days 5 & 6 At Sea.
Spend two relaxing days at sea as we sail over to Morocco. Enjoy listening to some lectures and find a spot on deck to relax with a book.
Day 7 Dakhla, Morocco.
Arrive this morning in Dakhla situated in the far south of Morocco. The town occupies a long peninsula which juts out into the Atlantic and is well off the traditional tourist routes. We will drive along the lagoon, a paradise for migratory birds, before visiting a Sahraoui camp in the sand dunes. Learn about the nomadic Sahraoui culture, partake in a tea ceremony and use the 4x4 vehicles to see the stunning views from the top of the dunes. Return to the MS Caledonian Sky for lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon at sea.
Day 8 El Marsa for Laayoune.
Spend a morning at sea and this afternoon, from the port of El Marsa drive across the sand dunes to the city of Laayoune. There are not many travellers who can boast of a visit this far south in Morocco. Mostly consisting of flat desert it is one of the least populated regions in the world. It makes for a really interesting afternoon as we take in the unique Spanish-Saharan architecture in the old town, visit the Roman Catholic church, the Moulay Abdelaziz Mosque and see the food and artisan markets.
Day 9 Santa Cruz, Tenerife, Canary Islands.
This morning will be dedicated to gardens. We will start with a visit to the Jardin Botanico that was founded in 1788 by Charles III of Spain. The purpose of the gardens was to create an area where the plants, shrubs and flowers brought back from the New World could acclimatise to Spanish soil. Many of the plants are the original specimens brought back for the opening of the gardens including the centrepiece, an enormous South American fig tree. In contrast to the Botanical Gardens we will then explore the Sitio Litre Garden which boasts a luscious orchid collection. After lunch on board we will drive inland, along the base of the mountain range through beautiful pine forests to the Parque Nacional del Teide. The area was declared a National Park in 1954 and includes 14 species of plant found nowhere else in the world. Geologically the park is fascinating; of the many different types of volcanic formations examples of more than 80% can be found here. Alternatively there will be a full day tour to Mount Teide on offer for those who wish to enjoy a hike, accompanied by a local guide, through this spectacular landscape.
Day 10 Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera.
La Gomera is a paradise of natural beauty, with lush valleys and awe-inspiring cliffs dotted with charming whitewashed villages, and gives the impression of being lost in a time warp. On a full day tour we will explore the island including Garajonay National Park, home to the world’s only surviving laurel forest, and visit the villages of Hermiqua, Agulo and Las Rosas before making our way to a local restaurant for lunch. We will also experience a demonstration of Silbo Gomero, the island’s unique whistling language, and visit the magnificent rock formations of Agando. Alternatively, you may wish to join a guided morning trek through the Garajonay National Park commencing in the village of El Cedro which offers some interesting examples of Canarias architecture. Return to the MS Caledonian Sky for lunch and the afternoon will be at leisure for individual exploration.
Day 11 Puerto de la Estaca, El Hierro.
Probably the least known of the Canary Islands, and once considered to be the end of the world, El Hierro is unique and utterly captivating. On our morning island tour it will be impossible not to be entranced by the island’s slow pace and simple style; by its craggy coast, where waves hurl themselves against lava sculpted rock faces; by the pretty farmland and flower meadows of the interior; by the eerily beautiful juniper groves; and by the desolate volcanic badlands that stretch out like moonscapes in the south. We will also have the opportunity to sample some of El Hierro’s excellent wine and visit the lizard house where the island’s unique giant lizards are bred; near extinction they are protected by international law. Alternatively, opt for the La Llania hiking excursion which will take us through primeval forests, along ancient cisterns and mythical witches dance floors to El Hierro’s top viewing point affording spectacular views of the western parts of the island. This afternoon will be at leisure to relax on the ship or explore at independently.
Day 12 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
5 to 16 March 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Castle Deck Standard Suite | £5995 | £5795 |
Caledonian Deck Superior Suite | £6195 | £5995 |
Promenade Deck Premium Suite | £6395 | £6195 |
Bridge Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £6795 | £6595 |
Promenade Deck Premium Balcony Suite | £6995 | £6795 |
Promenade Deck Owner's Corner Suite | £7495 | £7295 |
Castle Deck Standard for sole use | £7295 | £7095 |
Caledonian Deck Superior for sole use | £7495 | £7295 |
Tour Reference Code: SCCSK050321
Price includes: Economy class charter flight from London to Sal and scheduled flight from Las Palmas to London • 11 nights aboard the MS Caledonian Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Caledonian Sky
The MS Caledonian Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Hebridean Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world.
Travelling with You
-
Brenda McLoughlin
Brenda is from Lancashire and has worked in the travel and tourism industry for over thirty years in operations, as a Tour Manager and Cruise Director. She was for many years responsible for creating cruise itineraries and exciting shore excursions for discerning travellers. Brenda is fascinated by other cultures and truly believes that travelling opens the mind and should be compulsory! At home Brenda runs and hosts five reading groups and creative writing groups and leads guided walking tours in the Yorkshire Dales, the Forest of the Bowland and in the southern Lake District. She is also Chairman of her local branch of the Arts Society (formerly NADFAS, National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Society) and volunteers for the National Trust. Brenda is delighted to work with Noble Caledonia, very much enjoys helping to make holidays special and always looks forward to getting to know everyone. Brenda works on sea vessels, river boats and land programmes in any and all parts of the world.
Brenda McLoughlin will be on the following tour dates: 5 to 16 March 2021 -
Isabel Neves
Isabel was born on a farm in rural inland Portugal and from a young age she loved going out to explore with her grandfather’s flock of sheep and goats. Later she moved to Lisbon and still fascinated with travelling, she got her Degree in Tourism and Travel as well as achieving her Certified Portuguese Tourism badge, becoming a National Portuguese Guide in English and French.
For seven years she worked as a Guide, a Tour Manager and a Travel Agent in Portugal until the travel bug brought her to London where she worked in a few travel agencies before joining Noble Caledonia in 2006. First in reservations and then as Field Staff Assistant to the Expedition Staff, having a very good insight into the Noble Itineraries, Operations and the Clients.
Having to return to Portugal for family reasons, Isabel continued to work for Noble, now as a Senior Tour Manager. Isabel has worked all over Portugal, World River waterways such as the Danube, the Mekong, the Brahmaputra, in the Amazon rainforest, Galápagos and some exotic land tours such as India, Bhutan , Sri Lanka, Morocco. Although less used to sea trips, Isabel enjoys the Ms Serenissima and her itineraries a lot.
Isabel Neves will be on the following tour dates: 5 to 16 March 2021 -
Dr Sandy Primrose
Sandy Primrose is a biologist who has a very varied career. This includes being an academic undertaking research, a senior manager in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostics industries, managing programmes for government on detection of food fraud and the safety of genetically modified foods, chairman of various early stage companies and non-executive director of various government bodies. In his spare time, Sandy is a very keen gardener and this enables him to indulge in his love of interesting and unusual plants. He lectures extensively on botanical themes including ecology, plants as drugs and sources of foods, and their role in local traditions. He aims to make his lectures both entertaining and educational by combining his love of plants with his varied business experience.
Dr Sandy Primrose will be on the following tour dates: 5 to 16 March 2021
Also of Interest
Atlantic Archipelagos
A springtime voyage from Senegal to Madeira aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Dakar / Sao Tiago / Porto Novo / Sao Antao / Mindelo / Sal / La Gomera / El Hierro / La Palma / Madeira
Spring in the Towns & Gardens of the Atlantic Edge
A voyage from Oporto to Portsmouth aboard the MS Caledonian Sky with Guest Speaker Alan Mason
Caledonian Sky
Caledonian Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- oporto / Villagarcia De Arousa / Santiago de Compostela / Douarnenez / Isles of Scilly / Fowey / Portmouth
Passage to Cape Verde
A voyage along North Africa’s Atlantic Coast from Morocco to the Cape Verde Islands aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Casablanca / Safi / Agadir / Laayoune / Dakhla / Sal / Sao Nicolau / Santo Antao / Sao Vicente/ Mindelo
Passage from Cape Verde to the Canary Islands - 2022
A springtime voyage from Mindelo to Las Palmas aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Mindelo / Porto Novo / Palmeira / La Palma / La Gomera / El Hierro / Las Palmas
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000