Passage to Cape Verde
A voyage along North Africa’s Atlantic Coast from Morocco to the Cape Verde Islands aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
- 13 October 2021
Join us aboard the wonderfully comfortable MS Hebridean Sky for a journey that will take us from the port of Safi along the Moroccan coast visiting the magnificent cities of Essaouira and Agadir on the Atlantic shoreline. We then continue our voyage to two little visited places along the coast of North Africa, Laayoune and Dakhla. 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 Cape Verde archipelago, we will island hop between these remote islands and discover the saltpans of the island of Sal, bustling farming villages as well as spectacular mountain scenery and volcanic landscapes. It is a little world of its own, each island having a distinct culture and atmosphere and an ideal region for exploring by small ship.
Our voyage will be particularly enjoyable as it includes some daytime sailing, allowing for time to relax on deck and attend the informative lectures by our knowledgeable Guest Speaker who, along with the excellent local guides will bring to life all we see.
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.
Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian 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. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Casablanca, Morocco.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Safi.
This morning we will depart the port of Safi and head along the coast to Essaouira. Founded in the 18th century, Essaouira was built to be a rival city to Agadir. Formerly known as Mogador, meaning small fortress, it was designed as a fortified town surrounded by Vauban-style ramparts and played a major role as an international trading seaport, linking Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa with Europe and the rest of the world. On our full day tour, we will see the amazing mixture of Portuguese and Berber architecture, the 16th century sea bastions built to protect the city, the 18th century Medina and in the Mellah we will find the souks dedicated to gold, spices and fish. We enjoy a seafood lunch near the beach before returning to the MS Hebridean Sky.
Day 3 Agadir.
This morning we arrive in southern Morocco in the vast bay of Agadir. A morning tour will include time at the Kasbah, built to defend the Atlantic shoreline and offering wonderful views over the coast, and the Talborjit Mosque. After some time in the souk we will drive through the fertile Souss valley to the gold, pink and orange tinted imperial city of Taroudant, a past capital of the Saadian dynasty. Explore the medina with its souks, see the red ramparts and end with a visit to the Assarag and Tamaklotte Squares. After a local lunch we return to the ship and sail this evening.
Day 4 At Sea.
Spend the day at sea, maybe join a lecture or find a spot on deck to relax.
Day 5 El Marsa for Laayoune.
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 morning 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. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea.
Day 6 Dakhla.
Enjoy a morning at sea and arrive after lunch in Dakhla. 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. Here we will 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 ship and sail this evening.
Day 7 At Sea.
Enjoy a relaxing day spent at sea as we cruise to the Cape Verde Islands.
Day 8 Palmeira, Sal, Cape Verde.
The island of Sal was relatively undeveloped until the mid-nineteenth century when the salt export business was established and this afternoon 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. Alternatively 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 9 Tarrafal, Sao Nicolau.
Sao Nicolau is a charming, peaceful and attractive island of plantations, small holdings and busy farming villages. It also has impressive, almost untouched mountain scenery, friendly residents and lively traditions. On our tour we will drive through a spectacular landscape towards the historical capital Ribeira Brava. Here we will discover the lively centre of the island which reflects the character of the people and learn why Ribeira Brava was the bedrock of Cape Verdean intellect in the 19th century. After lunch enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Day 10 Porto Novo, Santo Antao & Mindelo, Sao Vicente.
We have a full day on the most beautiful of the 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. We will also discover ‘Grogue’, the national drink of the islands and have a taste of it at the oldest traditional Grogue distillery of the island. Drive back along the coast to the southern side of the island and our waiting ship. This evening we will make the short hop over to Mindelo and after dinner we will be joined by local musicians and dancers for a spectacular farewell performance.
Day 11 Mindelo to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Dates and Prices
13 to 23 October 2021 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £5395 | £5095 |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £5695 | £5395 |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £5995 | £5695 |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £6295 | £5995 |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £6795 | £6495 |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £7295 | £6995 |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £7795 | £7495 |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £7495 | £7195 |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £7795 | £7495 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHSK131021
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • Wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian 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. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky.
Travelling with You
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Commodore Rupert Wallace CBE
Rupert Wallace retired from the Royal Navy in 2014 as a Commodore, after a career which included the Falklands War, three ship commands, heading a flotilla of destroyers and frigates, and strategic UK defence relations work throughout the Middle East and South Asia.
On retirement he completed a Postgraduate degree in International Relations at the London School of Economics. He now talks widely in schools, institutions and aboard cruise ships, concentrating on the Middle East, North America and Atlantic regions. He is History Director on an outreach programme to inspire disadvantaged pupils to apply to the top universities.
Rupert travels extensively, including riding a bicycle across America, independently travelling the Silk Road from Iran to central China (with his wife, Kate), and is currently in the middle of a 10-year walk from the Atlantic to the Black Sea. To keep his feet wet he has a boat in Greece.
Commodore Rupert Wallace CBE will be on the following tour dates: 13 to 23 October 2021
Tour Extensions
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For those who would like to spend some time in Fes prior to embarking the MS Hebridean Sky, we have arranged a three night extension to explore this fascinating city.
Fes
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Rabat, Morocco.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight. On arrival in Rabat transfer to the Fes Marriott Hotel Jnan Palace for a three night stay. Meet this evening for dinner in the hotel. (D)
Day 2 Fes.
Enjoy a morning at leisure before we meet for our afternoon tour of Fes, the world’s largest living Medieval medina city and the cultural heart of Morocco. Explore some of the 9,000 narrow lanes, alleys and souks that make up the labyrinth of the city’s old quarter. See Nejjarine Square with its beautiful fountain made up of mosaics and elaborate tile work before visiting Dar Batha and the Museum of Moroccan Arts, which houses historical and artistic collections of wood carvings, embroidery, tribal carpets and ceramics. Return to the hotel and this evening is free for independent exploration. (B)
Day 3 Fes.
After a morning at leisure we will meet in the afternoon to continue our exploration of Fes El Jedid (New Fes), built by the Merinid Dynasty in the 13th century. See the Royal Palace, mosques, medersas (schools), souks and the city wall. Fes El Jedid is home to the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, which provides an interesting insight into Jewish architecture. Our tour will also include a short visit to a pottery factory to discover how the beautiful zellij tiles are made. These tiles are fantastic examples of Arabo-Andalusian décor and are also used in the manufacture of the famous tagines. This evening enjoy dinner in a local Riad in the heart of the medina where we will be joined by Fatima, a professor at one of the most prestigious Universities of Morocco. Fatima’s main areas of interest are art and the status of women in Morocco and we will be able to discuss these topics with her as well as architecture, education and economics. (B, D)
Day 4 Fes to Casablanca.
After breakfast drive to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the largest and best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. With its triumphal arches, basilicas and capitols, the Volubilis skyline is peppered with examples of Roman architecture. However, the greatest treasures of Volubilis are the superb mosaic floors, which have been excellently preserved. Continue to Meknes, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s four great Imperial cities. The impressive monuments reflect the splendour of a city first built in the 17th century by the powerful sultan Moulay Ismail to rival the court of his contemporary, Louis XIV of France. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before we make our way to Casablanca to embark the MS Hebridean Sky. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
10 to 13 October 2021 Category Price Twin £1095 Single £1395 Price Includes: Three nights accommodation at the Fes Marriott Hotel Jnan Palace (or similar), meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), tours as described, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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We have arranged a two night extension at the delightful Sintra Boutique Hotel for those who would like to spend some time in Portugal after disembarking the MS Hebridean Sky. Sintra is a magnificent town located in the hills behind Lisbon and home to some of Portugal’s finest palaces and gardens. Spend two days in this wonderful setting with two half day tours included as well as time to explore at leisure.
Sintra
The Itinerary
Day 1 Mindelo, Sao Vicente to Lisbon, Portugal.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival in Lisbon we transfer to the Sintra Boutique Hotel for our two night stay. The remainder of the day is free to relax at the hotel or for independent exploration. (B)
Day 2 Sintra. After breakfast enjoy a morning walking tour of Sintra which will include the National Palace, an interesting mix of styles with the original building dating back to the 15th century. Lunch will be under your own arrangements and in the afternoon we will head to the Monserrate Gardens for a tour of this wonderfully romantic place designed by Sir Francis Cook in the mid-19th century. Return to our hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. (B)
Day 3 Lisbon to London.
This morning transfer to the airport for our return scheduled flight to London. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
23 to 25 October 2021 Category Price Twin £445 Single £645 Price Includes: Two nights accommodation at the Sintra Boutique Hotel (or similar), meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), Tour Manager, tours as described, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
Island Hopping in the Azores
A nine night voyage around the Azores Archipelago aboard the MS Serenissima
Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Sao Miguel / Santa Maria / Terceira / Graciosa / Flores / Corvo / Sao Jorge / Pico / Faial / Sao Miguel
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000