Dates
Overview
Ponant invites you to discover exceptional sites during this brand-new cruise between Spain and Portugal, from the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy this unforgettable 9-day journey aboard Le Bougainville, combining stunning island landscapes and cities brimming with history. A special Ponant TIMELESS EXPEDITION – throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by Ponant.
Expedition Highlights
- A cruise between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to discover exceptional cities and islands.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Garajonay National Park in La Gomera; Teide National Park in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
- 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.
- The varied landscapes of two exceptional archipelagos: the Canary Islands and Madeira.
- Discover the clever irrigation system called levadas, and the picturesque village of Camacha on Madeira Island.
Itinerary
Day 1 – April 20, 2026 – Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Departure at 7:00 PM
A stopover in 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 by 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.
Day 2 – April 21 – Arrecife de Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Established on a coast sprinkled with cliffs, Arrecife has a pleasant beach and a lagoon full of charm, Charca de San Ginés, where the fishermen anchor their boats. The city also offers places rich in history and culture, such as the Castle of San Gabriel, a former defensive fort of the city.
Day 3 – April 22 – San Sebastian de la Gomera, Canary Islands
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 a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 4 – April 23 – Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
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 Canarian architecture.
Days 5–6 – April 24–April 25 – 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 multi-colored mosaics. If you follow these patterns, they’ll lead you to the appetising 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. Its panoramic cabins transport you over the city to the top of Monte, where you can see the picturesque botanical garden.
Day 7 – April 26 – At Sea
Day 8 – April 27 – Tangier
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 and seduced 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 a few minutes from the city on the beautiful sweep of sand bathed by the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 9 – April 28 – Málaga
Disembarkation at 8:00 AM
A historic and festive town, Málaga 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. Set slightly further back, the Malagueta bullring is one of the emblematic sites of the city. From the hill overlooking the old town, one can see Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising out from the cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, you will go first to the courtly plaza de la Merced. A few streets back from here, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist, in the Buenavista palace.
Pre- and Post-Cruise Programs Are Available to See and Experience More of Spain and the Canary Islands.
