Morocco, The Canary Islands And Cape Verde: The Beauty Of Extreme Contrasts

Formed by a volcanic eruption, Madeira lies in the Gulf Stream, about 500 miles due west of Casablanca. Discovered by Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco in 1419, this beautiful island became part of Portugal’s vast empire and was named for the dense forest which cloaked it - 'Madeira' means 'wood' in Portuguese. Sugar plantations first brought wealth here, and when King Charles II of England granted an exclusive franchise to sell wine to England and its colonies, many British emigrants were drawn to the capital, Funchal. Today’s travellers come to Madeira for the varied and luxuriant scenery, from mountain slopes covered with vines to picturesque villages and a profusion of wild flowers. The natural beauty of the island has earned it many pseudonyms such as ‘The Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, 'The Island of Eternal Springtime' and ‘God’s Botanical Gardens’ and our selection of excursions aim to show you why.

Safi is Morocco’s hidden coastal gem for explorers. Nestled between rugged Atlantic cliffs and centuries-old walls lies a city where time seems to stand still. Once a Portuguese fortress, today it is a mecca for ceramic art and authentic living. The traditional green-glazed roof tiles used on Morocco’s mosques, mausoleums and royal palaces all come from here. The wind carries stories of traders, fishermen and sailors, while the scent of fresh coriander and the sea wafts through the narrow streets of the old town. Safi is also the perfect starting point for a visit to the royal city of Marrakech, guided by the call of the muezzin. A place defined by the colours, spices and aromas of the bustling medina and the vibrant hustle and bustle of Djemaa el-Fna, the legendary square of the jugglers.

Safi’s natural harbor lies on the Atlantic in western Morocco and was once used by the Roman and the Phoenicians. By the 11th century gold, slaves and ivory were the hot commodities being traded between Marrakesh and Guinea. Evolving through the ages to cater to the popular trade of the day, the major industry here today is fishing connected to the country's sardine industry, but there is also an economy based on exported phosphates, textiles and ceramics. The city was overseen by the Portuguese Empire in the 1500s, and a fortress built to safeguard the city by these Portuguese influences still stands today. Safi sits near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains where Bedouins once camped.

Let the warm sand caress your feet as the Atlantic surf plays a peaceful melody of its own. The Corniche in Agadir is a great place for a stroll, while fishing boats bob around in the sea under the setting sun. The old kasbah rises up over the city, a dormant guardian from times gone by. The scents from the Souk El Had – cinnamon, saffron and mint – are a feast for the senses. This is where modern life meets the history of the Berbers, who still whisper of freedom and tradition in the mountains.

Shaped by the Atlas Mountains on one side, Agadir is framed on the other by a magnificent crescent-shaped beach. While little is known of the city’s origins, the Portuguese created a fortress here at the end of the 15th century, naming it Santa Cruz de Ghir. Freed from Portugal’s occupation by the Saadians in 1540, Agadir grew into a colourful and prosperous port and became newsworthy in 1911 when a German gunboat, the Panther, sailed into the bay as a protest against the division of North Africa between the Spanish and French. Morocco gained independence from the French in 1956, an event which was closely followed in Agadir by the tragic earthquake of 1960. The city, which has been rebuilt to represent the ‘new nation’, is blessed by fine sandy beaches overlooked by luxurious hotels and a great selection of cafés and restaurants. Please note that vendors in the souks can be very persistent and eager to make a sale.

Lanzarote, the most north-easterly of the Canary Islands, is a real gem for explorers. In the 18th century, huge lava flows covered large areas of land and transformed the fertile earth into a bizarre black desert The black volcanic landscape in the Timanfaya National Park reveals the magic of active volcanoes with its bizarre crater formations. Semi-circular stone walls made of lava rock surround the vineyards, revealing how the vines thrive here despite the wind and arid soils. The dramatic volcanic landscape, the whitewashed houses of the inhabitants and the breathtaking coastlines and sandy beaches create a wonderful contrast. Away from the main tourist tracks, charming fishing villages invite you to experience the authentic character of the island. Immerse yourself in a world of colour on Lanzarote, which has provided the inspiration for a number of artists.

A volcanic island designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Lanzarote’s dramatic landscapes were shaped by an explosive past. Today, its pretty beaches and virtual absence of rain together with duty-free shopping make the island an extremely desirable destination. The main port and capital, Arrecife, is a pleasant town with a modern seafront and colourful gardens. Outside the capital there is plenty to explore, from the dazzling white salt flats of Janubio and the rugged terrain of Fire Mountain to the eerie caves of Los Verdes and an array of unspoilt fishing villages scattered around the coast. The island is home to a great selection of restaurants and local specialities including garbanzos compuestos – a chickpea stew; papas arrugadas – potatoes with carrots, peas, ham and green pepper; and of course, plenty of fresh seafood. Please note that those planning to participate in one of the shore excursions from this port may need to take an early lunch on board ship to suit the excursion schedules.

The colour of La Gomera is green – in all its beautiful shades. The second smallest island in the Canaries is a world full of unspoilt nature and wild beauty. The densely forested Garonjay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly impressive. In this mysterious cloud forest of ancient laurel trees, time seems to stand still, while waterfalls and moss-covered paths invite you on some magical hikes. The coastline features steep cliffs, black beaches and hidden bays. The colonial centre of the small town of San Sebastian is ideal for an independent stroll to visit the Casa de Colon: the site of a previous house where Colombus once stayed, it is now a museum devoted to the nautical history of La Gomera. Another special feature of the island is its unique language: in the past, the people of La Gomera used the El Silbo language, a system consisting of whistling sounds, to communicate over large distances. Make the most of the long lay time to take an evening stroll through San Sebastian.

Known as the ‘Round Isle’, La Gomera is one of the oldest and smallest of the Canary Islands. Perhaps overshadowed by the obvious charms of its neighbour, Tenerife, from a distance this cone-shaped volcanic isle with its massive grey skyline can appear foreboding. But once ashore, a different world awaits discovery. Steep valleys and ravines hide a host of surprises such as terraced fields and laurel rain forests. The climb to the top of the island reveals breathtaking views and some rare flora and fauna in the mist-covered heights of Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a relatively modest tourist industry and less explored than its neighbouring islands, La Gomera is a fascinating place to visit. San Sebastian is the capital and main port of the island, set on the east coast and with a distinctly rural feel, with a few small plazas and colourful houses lining the hillside. The port is famous for its visit by Christopher Columbus, who stopped here in 1492 before sailing to the Americas.

La Palma is often called “La Isla Bonita” and it's a real beauty of the Canary Islands. The island has the trade winds, which bring clouds and therefore rain and fog, to thank for its lush, green vegetation. The tiny island, formed entirely by a volcano, rises up over 6,000 m (19,685 ft) from the sea bed, around 4,000 m (13,123 ft) of which is below the water. At its centre lies the impressive Caldera de Taburiente, a national park full of gorges, waterfalls and hiking trails that lead through the lush green vegetation. On the coast, wild beaches with black lava sand are interspersed with idyllic fishing villages, where you can really get a sense of the slow pace of island life. La Palma is a paradise for hikers, as well as for stargazers: the clear skies and strict anti-light pollution regulations have made the island an internationally recognised centre of astronomy. After sunset, make the deck of your expedition ship your own observatory.

Also known as ‘La Isla Bonita’ (the beautiful island), La Palma is typified by lush forests of pine, laurel and fern which contrast with the rugged splendour of the gigantic Taburiente crater. The island is dotted with attractive villages, which are a delight to discover, and the capital Santa Cruz also makes for an interesting day of exploration. Perched on the edge of the volcanic crater of La Caldereta, Santa Cruz comfortably blends modern architecture with old colonial buildings. Perhaps visit the fascinating Natural History Museum, stroll around the historic quarters and the Plaza de Espana or travel a few miles outside the city to the exquisite Church of Our Lady. If you enjoy shopping, you can find reasonably priced silver jewellery, leather goods and beautifully embroidered clothes, tablecloths and napkins, a speciality of the Canary Islands.

Cape Verde invites you on a discovery tour full of contrasts. Each of the islands has its own individual character and charm, as well as its own history.On Sao Vicente, immerse yourself in life on Cape Verde in its cultural capital, Mindelo. The African influence is unmistakeable here: smell the exotic scents, hear the music in the air and listen to the women loudly selling their wares at the market. The windswept beaches on the island, which are popular with kitesurfers and sun worshippers, contrast with the arid, moon-like scenery.Fogo in the south of the archipelago is a mighty volcano with its peak, Pico do Fogo, the highest mountain on Cape Verde. In the fire island’s volcanic landscape, explore bizarre lava formations that come to resemble figures as your imagination takes flight. Along the coast, you will discover black lava beaches scattered with colourful fishing boats. A stroll through the town of Sao Filipe with its colonial houses immerses you in Portuguese heritage and the hustle and bustle of the lively markets.Boa Vista, the pearl of Cape Verde, boasts endless sandy beaches, barren desert landscapes and extensive date plantations Once dominated by the salt trade, today you will find fishermen, musicians and artisans here. The island offers space for relaxation, but also for encounters with the authentic, unspoilt life of Cape Verde. Sal Rei, the lively capital, is located on a sheltered bay and forms the centre of culture and trade.

Dakar, set at the tip of the Cape Vert peninsula, is West Africa’s westernmost point and the capital of French-speaking Senegal. Although it was not founded until 1857, it is West Africa’s oldest European city and one of the most westernised. The opening of the Dakar-St Louis railway in 1885 put the town on the map; it subsequently became a French naval base and in 1904, the capital of Afrique Occidentale Française. It bears the legacy of Africa’s French colonial past, especially so in the downtown Plateau area, where the architecture is redolent of southern France. Every inch a modern city, Dakar is a frenetic buzz of activity, which can be startling. Perhaps sample the popular mint tea and try your hand at bartering in the colourful craft markets for traditional embroidery, woodcarvings, metalwork and costume jewellery.