Dates
Overview
From Málaga and the Moroccan coast to the volcanic archipelagos of the Canaries and Madeira, PONANT invites you to an unforgettable 9-day interlude. This journey aboard your Ponant yacht will take you into the heart of uniquely and wildly beautiful landscapes, featuring majestic volcanoes, lush green valleys, isolated inlets, verdant cliffs, and historic cities rich in heritage. A special Ponant TIMELESS EXPEDITION – throughout your journey, you will enjoy one included excursion per person at each port of call, selected from a range offered by Ponant.
Expedition Highlights
- A cruise between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to discover exceptional cities and islands.
- UNESCO sites: Tetouan, the showcase of Moroccan crafts, from Tangier, and Madeira.
- Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise, selected by our destination experts.
- The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of the largest mosques in the world.
- Landscapes: volcanoes, calderas, mountain peaks, green hills, cliffs, lakes, shrubs, flowers, forests, and beaches.
- Discover the clever irrigation system called levadas and the picturesque village of Camacha on Madeira Island.
- Santa Cruz de La Palma with its sumptuous palaces and its picturesque old town featuring colonial architecture.
- Discover three of the Canary Islands: Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and La Palma.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Málaga, Spain
Embarkation from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure at 6:00 PM
A historic and festive town, Malaga is located in Andalusia on the Costa del Sol. Between the marina and the beaches, the seaside promenade of La Farola offers an ideal setting for strolling and relaxing. From the hill overlooking the old town, one can see Gibralfaro Castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising among cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, you will first go to the elegant Plaza de la Merced. A few streets away, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist in the Buenavista Palace.
Day 2 – Tangier, Morocco
Nestling in the Bay of Tangier, this bewitching Moroccan city lies at the northwestern tip of the country, along the famous Strait of Gibraltar. Following in the footsteps of the writers and artists inspired by the city’s climate and setting, you’ll love its rich landscapes and multicultural charm. You’ll instantly understand as soon as you set foot in the heart of the Medina. An architectural masterpiece, the Kasbah is your gateway to the Sultan’s Palace and its gardens. If you prefer beaches to museums, you can relax just minutes from the city on the beautiful sweep of sand bathed by the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 3 – Casablanca, Morocco
Situated along the Atlantic coast, Casablanca is the very image of contemporary Morocco: Westernized and cosmopolitan. Exploring the architectural heritage of the “White City” tells you all you need to know about its cultural and historical diversity. Breathtaking highlights include the majestic Hassan II Mosque, considered to be one of the greatest religious buildings in the world. You can explore the narrow alleys of the old Medina, which stand in sharp contrast to the surrounding modern architecture. To get the most from the seafront, the Ain Diab Corniche provides a pleasant place for strolling with easy access to the beach.
Day 4 – At sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board.
Day 5 – Funchal, Madeira
This attractive capital of Madeira is located on the southern coast of the island. The walkways of the old town are lined with azulejos, or multicolored mosaics. If you follow these patterns, they’ll lead you to the appetizing Mercado dos Lavradores market stands, the Frederico de Freitas Museum, and the golden paneling of the Cathedral de la Sé. Along the waterfront, the palm tree–shaded promenade leads you to the teleféricos de Monte, Madeira’s cable cars. Their panoramic cabins transport you over the city to the top of Monte, where you can see the picturesque botanical garden.
Day 6 – At sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board.
Day 7 – Santa Cruz de La Palma, Canary Islands
The capital of the island of Palma, Santa Cruz de la Palma is the pearl of the Canaries. Founded in 1493 by the conquistador Alonso Fernández de Lugo, the city has preserved a large and distinctive architectural heritage from its colonial past, with traditional Canarian houses adorned with brightly colored wooden balconies, cobbled streets, sumptuous palaces, and numerous religious buildings. The Santa Catalina Castle is the symbol of the city. This 16th-century military fortification helped defend the city from repeated attacks by French privateers. Two excursions are available at this stopover.
Day 8 – Arrecife de Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Established on a coast sprinkled with cliffs, Arrecife has a pleasant beach and a charming lagoon, Charca de San Ginés, where fishermen anchor their boats. The city also offers historic and cultural landmarks, such as the San Gabriel Castle, a former defensive fort.
Day 9 – Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Disembarkation at 8:00 AM
A stopover of sunny climes, Las Palmas is located on the northeast coast of Gran Canaria. A few streets away from Puerto de la Luz Port, you’ll discover the vast Las Canteras Beach, bordered by the town’s characteristic palms. You’ll find these palms throughout Las Palmas, in streets and squares, especially on the Plaza de Santa Ana in the heart of the historic district. It feels like you’ve traveled 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 experience daily life alongside the locals and sample unfamiliar dishes.
PRE- AND POST-CRUISE PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE TO SEE AND EXPERIENCE MORE OF SPAIN AND THE CANARY ISLANDS.
