Volcanic islands and historic cities of the North Atlantic

A stopover of 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 with 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.

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 Canaries architecture.

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 World Heritage by UNESCO.

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 Fernandez de Lugo, the city has preserved a large and atypical architectural heritage from its colonial past, with its traditional Canarian houses adorned with brightly coloured 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.

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-coloured 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 panelling 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 top of Monte, where you can see the picturesque botanical garden.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Situated along the Atlantic coast, Casablanca is the very image of contemporary Morocco: Westernised 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.

At the entrance of the River Arade, Portimão is a former sardine port that has become a famous seaside city. From this pleasant town, you can explore Silves, the former capital of the Algarve. The town is dominated by a Moorish castle, one of the best preserved in Portugal. You can also admire the incredible cathedral with its baroque façade, built on the site of an old mosque. Then you will go to Monchique, a small mountain town surrounded by a forest lush eucalyptus and cork oaks. In the maze of narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, you will discover here a wilder and more authentic Algarve.

A few kilometres south of Lisbon, Setúbal, one of Portugal's most important fishing ports, enjoys an exceptional geographical location. The city is surrounded by vast parks and nature reserves that protect the biodiversity of the Sado estuary and the Arrábida serra. Don't miss the possibility to discover the magnificent wild and unspoilt expanses that border the peninsula and the estuary, whose waters are home to many dolphins, which can easily be observed.

Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometres from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbour, impose two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos monastery and Belem tower. The Alfama hillside is also worth visiting: known for its fado bars and its Moorish streets, this district is the oldest one of the city and one of the most typical. Not far from there, Chiado’s elegant streets are home to big fashion labels and are an invitation to a bit of of luxury shopping.