Dates

Overview

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world-class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call. Set sail aboard Le Lapérouse on an exceptional 14-day itinerary that will take you from the Moorish worlds of Andalusia and Morocco to the Atlantic archipelagos of Madeira and the Canary Islands, worlds of great historical and cultural import and also of great natural beauty. This is a special Ponant TIMELESS EXPEDITION. Throughout your journey, you will benefit from one excursion included per person, per port of call, chosen from a selection offered by Ponant.

Expedition Highlights

• A voyage specially tailored for English-speaking travelers, including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
• Engaging discussions on board with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
• Seville’s Alcázar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• A flamenco performance in Cadiz.
• Bustling markets of Moroccan handicrafts in Tangier and Tetouan.
• The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of the largest mosques in the world.
• The stunning natural beauty of Madeira and a tasting of its eponymous wines.
• The world’s largest optical telescope on La Palma.
• The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of San Cristóbal de La Laguna and Garajonay National Park.
• The eccentric César Manrique Foundation on Lanzarote.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 – Oct 12-13, 2026: Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s capital city, located on the banks of the Tagus and only a few km from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbor, stand two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. The Alfama hillside is also worth visiting: known for its fado bars and Moorish streets, this district is the oldest in the city and one of the most typical. Not far from there, Chiado’s elegant streets are home to major fashion labels and invite visitors to enjoy a bit of luxury shopping.

Day 3 – Oct 14: Lagos, Portugal

Lagos, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, lies in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. With its picturesque and age-old town center and the Ponta da Piedade natural site sheltering paradisiacal beaches protected by captivating limestone cliffs in hues of ochre, Lagos enthralls, fascinates, and enchants. In this engaging blend of nature and culture, do not miss the chance to stroll along the small paved streets of its historic center, surrounded by impressive Moorish ramparts and edged with traditional white houses adorned with stone carvings. In particular, you will be able to admire the Manueline-style Governor’s Castle, the 17th-century Ponta da Bandeira Fort, or the Baroque Church of Santo António.

Day 4 – Oct 15: Cadiz, Spain

Andalusia’s Cadiz is located on the Costa de la Luz, in the southwest of Spain. From the beaches of Cortadura to the flamenco bars of Santa Maria and through the colorful streets of La Viña, you will be amazed by this city, which is both steeped in history and extremely festive. In the medieval El Pópulo district, you will stroll along covered passages through the narrow gaps between houses. You will also be able to mosey around the lush Plaza de Mina. The star of the show is the magnificent cathedral and its dome crowned with yellow porcelain, presiding above the ocean.

Day 5 – Oct 16: Marbella, Spain

In the province of Malaga, Marbella is a renowned seaside resort on the Costa del Sol. The remains of early Christian and Roman sites around this former mining town, located at the foot of the Sierra Blanca mountains, bear witness to a rich history. With its white houses lining flowery little streets, the old town is perfect for a pleasant stroll. The Plaza de los Naranjos, a former focal point of the city, is near the 10th-century Arabic castle and the Church of Santa María de la Encarnación. Not far from here, you’ll be able to discover the magnificent viewpoints offered by Ronda, a picturesque town perched 700 meters (2,296 feet) high. Its Puente Nuevo bridge majestically crosses the gorges of the Guadalmedina River, which cuts the town in two.

Day 6 – Oct 17: Málaga, Spain

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. Set slightly farther 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 among cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, you will first go to the stately Plaza de la Merced. A few streets away, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist, housed in the Buenavista Palace.

Day 7 – Oct 18: Tangier, Morocco

Nestled in the Bay of Tangier, this captivating 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 appreciate its rich landscapes and multicultural charm. You’ll understand this immediately upon setting foot in the heart of the Medina. An architectural masterpiece, the Kasbah serves as the gateway to the Sultan’s Palace and its gardens. If you prefer beaches to museums, you can relax just minutes from the city on a beautiful sweep of sand bathed by the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 8 – Oct 19: 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” reveals its rich cultural and historical diversity. Breathtaking highlights include the majestic Hassan II Mosque, considered 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 enjoy the seafront, the Ain Diab Corniche provides a pleasant place for strolling, with easy access to the beach.

Day 9 – Oct 20: At Sea

Days 10-11 – Oct 21-22: 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 of Sé. Along the waterfront, the palm tree-shaded promenade leads you to the Monte cable cars, Madeira’s teleféricos. Their panoramic cabins transport you over the city to the top of Monte, where you can see the picturesque botanical garden.

Day 12 – Oct 23: 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 its traditional Canarian houses adorned with brightly colored wooden balconies, its cobbled streets, its sumptuous palaces, and its 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.

Day 13 – Oct 24: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands

The capital city of Tenerife is located on the northeast 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 Theater. Not far from here, the picturesque Iglesia de la Concepción church features the characteristic traits of Canarian architecture.

Day 14 – Oct 25: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

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 the 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.

PRE- AND POST-CRUISE ARRANGEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE TO SUIT YOUR INTERESTS