Morocco, Madeira & the Canary Islands
A voyage from Casablanca to Tenerife aboard the MS Serenissima
- 30 October 2020
Late October in the UK is certainly a month to be thinking about travelling south. Join us aboard the MS Serenissima in Casablanca and discover the wonders of the city before we sail to Safi for our exploration of charming Essaouira. Leaving Morocco we head out into the Atlantic bound for the ‘floating garden in the Atlantic’ of Madeira before we make our way to the Canary Islands.
Located some 700 miles off Saharan Africa, far from being a sun and fun package destination, there is much to see in this delightful Atlantic Archipelago. In fact, you do not have to stray far from the resorts to discover some marvellously varied landscapes and an absorbing, multifaceted culture. Exploring the hinterlands, back roads and villages brings you in touch with a unique side of Spanish culture, much removed from the mainland. The melting pot of Andalucian, Berber, Portuguese, Italian, French and British migration, together with los Guanches, the original inhabitants who were displaced by the Spanish conquest in the 15th century, have all left their mark, making this a unique destination.
The archipelago consists of seven main islands that are formed from the tips of a vast volcanic mountain range that lies beneath the Atlantic Ocean and we will start by visiting three of the lesser known islands, only accessible by a small ship such as the MS Serenissima: La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera 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. Our final call will be to Santa Cruz de Tenerife where there will be the opportunity to explore the beautiful gardens of the city and spectacular Mount Teide.
Madeira and the Canary Islands have something to offer everyone and so our itinerary has been designed to try and offer a choice of excursion at each port of call. Whether your interests lie in gardens, geology or walking, we are confident that you will find this cruise the perfect antidote to the cold and grey skies at home.
Useful links & Travel Advice
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Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Since 2003, when she was extensively renovated, she has been operating as a classic cruise ship. Previously known as the MS Andrea, she was upgraded again in 2013 and started her new life as the MS Serenissima. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs, she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Casablanca, Morocco.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Serenissima and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
Day 2 Casablanca.
We will spend the day in Casablanca. During our morning drive we will visit the city’s most important sights, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Olive Market. The highlight of our tour however will be a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, the largest religious monument in the world after Mecca. It took 3300 traditional Moroccan artisans to create the beautiful mosaics, marble floors and the splendid wood ceilings. The mosque also has the world’s tallest minaret, soaring 200 metres above the city. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax or explore independently before we sail this evening.
Day 3 Safi for Essaouira.
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 find the souks dedicated to gold, spices and fish. We will enjoy a seafood lunch near the beach before returning to the MS Serenissima and sailing this evening.
Day 4 At Sea.
Spend the day at sea as we sail to Madeira.
Day 5 Porto Santo, Madeira.
Today we arrive in Porto Santo. Although one of the islands constituting the archipelago of Madeira, Porto Santo and Madeira could not be more different. Whilst lush green predominates Madeira, Porto Santo is arid and the southern coast is bordered by a nine kilometre long beach of golden sand. Our morning tour will introduce us to the island and will include some beautiful vistas, a tasting of Porto Santo wine and a visit to the Christopher Columbus Museum, where he once lived. After lunch on board perhaps enjoy some time on the beach, explore the local town or the more active may join a hike to the summit of Pico do Castelo offering spectacular views of the island.
Days 6 & 7 Funchal.
We have a day and a half on Madeira where there will be a choice of excursions including a visit to Monte, a charming village high in the hills overlooking Funchal. We will reach Monte by cable car experiencing wonderful views along the way and visit the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens. This garden collection has been enriched with plants from all over the world and about 100,000 plant species have been planted. The garden also features a collection of cycads (encephalartos) which, because of their age, are considered living fossils. We will also plan to visit the Botanical Gardens. Situated in the grounds of a former private house, the gardens are host to a profusion of plants and flowers, from all parts of the world, which thrive in the island’s temperate climate. The active may wish to join a Levada walk. Levada are irrigation channels that were created by the Portuguese settlers in the 19th century, who painstakingly carved them out of the rock by hand. Designed to carry fresh water from the north to the drier southern regions of the island, they helped to create many of the lush landscapes that can be seen today. The walk will follow the course of ‘levadas’ for over three miles, seeing the verdant plants, mountain views and green farmland that cover Madeira. We will also dine ashore at a traditional restaurant and enjoy a performance by a local folklore group. We will sail after lunch on day seven and spend the afternoon at sea.
Day 8 La Palma, Canary Islands.
Arrive over lunch in La Palma which is known by locals as the ‘Beautiful Island’, and it is easy to see why. It is a simply stunning, peaceful and most importantly un-spoilt destination that has deservedly been declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve. This afternoon we drive inland to the beautiful village of El Paso and visit the Silk Museum. This is the only place in Europe where the 500-yearold tradition and processes have been preserved. From here we will continue onto the Caldera de Taburiente, a massive depression eight kilometres wide which scientists agree was a majestically tall volcanic Porto Santo mountain that collapsed on itself. Explore on foot and whilst all may seem stoic and still, the forces of erosion are hard at work and some geologists estimate that it will finally disappear in just 5000 years. Alternatively, for those who would prefer a more energetic excursion there will be a guided trek on offer through the El Pilar area; see remains of volcanic eruptions, the magnificent views of the Valley of Aridane and the crater wall that surrounds the Taburiente National Park.
Day 9 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 board or wander around the local harbour.
Day 10 Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera.
La Gomera is a paradise of natural beauty with lush valley and awe-inspiring cliffs dotted with charming white washed 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. Before returning to the ship 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 ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure for individual exploration.
Day 11 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 the active who wish to enjoy a challenging hike, accompanied by a local guide, through this spectacular landscape.
Day 12 Tenerife to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for the return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
30 October to 10 November 2020 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
2 Standard Stateroom | £5295 | £4995 |
3 Classic Stateroom | £5495 | £5195 |
4 Superior Stateroom | £5795 | £5495 |
5 Deluxe Stateroom | £6295 | £5995 |
6 Junior Suite | £6795 | £6495 |
7 Owner’s Suite | £7795 | £7495 |
8 Serenissima Suite | £7995 | £7695 |
10 Standard Single | £6295 | £5995 |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE301020
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 11 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner on board • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Deckplan
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Since 2003, when she was extensively renovated, she has been operating as a classic cruise ship. Previously known as the MS Andrea, she was upgraded again in 2013 and started her new life as the MS Serenissima. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs, she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Travelling with You
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Professor Jeremy Black
Jeremy Black is a prolific historian with specialties in world military history, the history of tourism, and both the 18th and 20th Century. Educated at Cambridge and Oxford, he is Professor at Exeter having previously been Professor at Durham. He received his MBE for services to stamp design.
Professor Jeremy Black will be on the following tour dates: 30 October to 10 November 2020
Tour Extensions
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Before embarking the MS Serenissima in Casablanca we are offering the opportunity to join a two night extension in the “Red City” of Marrakech.
Majorelle Garden
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Marrakech, Morocco.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to our hotel for a two night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure and you may wish to wander in the souks and visit Jemaa El Fna, the main square where hundreds of locals and tourists gather in the early evening to watch jugglers, dancers, fortune tellers, story tellers and traditional musicians. Meet this evening for dinner.
Day 2 Marrakech.
This morning we visit the 19th century Bahia Palace where we see the intricate work undertaken by the local artisans on wood, plaster and tile to decorate this splendid home and garden. Continue to the 16th century El Badi Palace and admire what remains of its huge, four part garden and amazing architecture before arriving at the Majorelle Garden. The garden houses a collection of plants from the four corners of the earth, flourishing amongst elegant ornamental ponds and an Art Deco villa of which the special shade of bold cobalt blue is named after the artist, the ‘Majorelle Blue’. The garden hosts more than 15 bird species that are endemic to North Africa and has an amazing collection of cacti. Return to the hotel and spend the afternoon and evening at leisure to explore further at your own pace.
Day 3 Marrakech to Casablanca.
Check out of the hotel this morning and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before we transfer to Casablanca and embark the MS Serenissima.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
28 to 30 October 2020 Category Price Twin £695 Single £995 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation with breakfast, tours as described, dinner on day 1, lunch on day 3, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000