Roots of the Atlantic: Portugal, Morocco and the Canary Islands

Arrive in Lisbon on an overnight flight. The capital of Portugal, Lisbon maintains a reputation as one of Europe’s most vibrant and charismatic cities, with captivating history, art, culture and delectable cuisine. Transfer from the airport to the city and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the National Geographic Endurance in the late afternoon.

Arrival time: Arrive before 3:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has inspired explorers for centuries with its stunning setting at the Tagus River’s mouth. Its labyrinthine streets carry echoes of 16th-century navigators who sailed on the winds of the Age of Discovery. The city prospered greatly from its trade. And today’s streets are lined with the legacies of wealthy builders, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, stunning works that introduced Manueline architecture. Savoring local cuisine and port wine are favorite pastimes here. On any evening, the strains of fadospill from clubs in the historic Alfama District.

First settled by the Romans, Setúbal offers a blend of the past cultures and modern life in a lovely Portuguese town by the sea. Enjoy a walking tour and relax in the town square over a cup of coffee and a pastel de Nata. Alternatively, spend the morning exploring the natural beauty of Arrábida Natural Park which is home to some of Portugal’s most spectacular beaches.

Meaning ‘White House’ in Spanish, Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and a hub of industry on Africa’s west coast. The architecture of the city is an eclectic blend of influences from the Moors, French, Art Deco era and more. Explore the bustling Old Medina, alive with activity and an array of whitewashed buildings on twisting cobbled streets. Stroll along the Corniche, the popular boardwalk by the sea. Witness the vast beauty of Hassan II Mosque, built on an outcrop jutting out over the ocean.

The original settlement formed on the site of Casablanca by the Berbers became the kingdom of Anfa, and during the 15th century harboured pirates who raided the Portuguese coast. In retaliation for the attacks, the Portuguese destroyed Anfa and founded the town they called Casa Branca (white house). They remained here until an earthquake in 1755 and the town was subsequently rebuilt by Mohammed ben Abdallah, whose legacy of mosques and houses can still be seen in the old Medina. Casablanca acquired its present-day name when the Spanish obtained special port privileges in 1781. The French landed here in 1907, later establishing a protectorate and modelling the town on the port of Marseilles. Today Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city, its most significant port and the centre of commerce and industry. The city is a vibrant fusion of European, African and Arabian influences and its French colonial architecture and art deco buildings seamlessly blend in with the busy, colourful markets. Please note that vendors in the souks can be very persistent and eager to make a sale.

Nestled between the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Agadir is one of Morocco’s most modern cities. Destroyed by a major earthquake in 1960, the city has been rebuilt to its current vitality while still maintaining a rich history. A beautiful example of this is La Medina d’Agadir which was recreated in the 1990s using traditional Berber methods. Overlooking the city, The Kasbah is one of the few structures to survive the quake. Hike to the top to take in the stunning views and medieval architecture of this fortress.

Alternatively, spend time exploring Souss-Massa where birders will delight in the many species who call this region’s estuaries, grassy dunes and shoreside habitats home.

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.

Alternatively, spend time exploring Souss-Massa where birders will delight in the many species who call this region’s estuaries, grassy dunes and shoreside habitats home.

Arrive in enchanting Madeira, a subtropical island abloom in flora. First settled by the Portuguese in 1419, the island’s capital city of Funchal is filled with a trove of architecture from the 15th through the 19th centuries. Spend the day exploring the winding streets on a guided tour.

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.

Drop anchor in the azure waters of the Canary Islands, which occupied a central place in the history of Atlantic exploration. The island of La Palma is known as La Isla Bonita, or “the pretty island,” for its lushly forested mountain slopes set against crystal-clear waters. More recently, the island experienced volcanic activity that gave birth to the Atlantic ridge. Take in fantastic island views and experience the contrasts between the lush hillsides and the newly created lava moonscape.

Then visit Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. Explore the winding streets of the historic district or hike the trails of the Teide National Park–a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the impressive Mount Teide, the highest volcanic peak in Spain.

Drop anchor in the azure waters of the Canary Islands, which occupied a central place in the history of Atlantic exploration. The island of La Palma is known as La Isla Bonita, or “the pretty island,” for its lushly forested mountain slopes set against crystal-clear waters. More recently, the island experienced volcanic activity that gave birth to the Atlantic ridge. Take in fantastic island views and experience the contrasts between the lush hillsides and the newly created lava moonscape.

Then visit Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. Explore the winding streets of the historic district or hike the trails of the Teide National Park–a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the impressive Mount Teide, the highest volcanic peak in Spain.

Soak up the serenity of these days at sea as the ship sails south across the Tropic of Cancer. Visit the Bridge to learn about navigation from your captain, enjoy time in the spa, listen to one of the amazing staff presentations or relax with a book on the observation deck.

Today, arrive at Sao Filipe, the capital city on the western side of the island of Fogo. The striking landscape here has been shaped and transformed by lava flows from its namesake volcano, Pico do Fogo, most recently in 2015. Visit Portela, one of the villages that was swallowed up by lava in that eruption. The locals have since reclaimed the land, rebuilding and restoring their restaurants, shops and homes.

Start the day in this island paradise with a walking tour of the old town center or “Plateau.” Learn about the island's rich history as you discover the colonial influence on the architecture of the Presidential Palace and Main Square. Explore the open-air market where displays of local fruits and vegetables are works of natural art.

Travel via bus to Cidade Velha, the historic center of Ribeira Grande and the first city built by the Portuguese in Africa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins tell the story of the buildings that protected the city against pirates, provided sanctuary within the cathedral and convent and supported everyday life with the thatched roofs of Banana Street.

Start your Expedition Cruise in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, located in the south of Santiago Island. You can explore its old centre overlooking the ocean and its historical buildings with transom windows. In the old quarter, you can also learn about the diversity of the archipelago’s cultural origins in the Ethnographic Museum. To finish your day, head to the harbour to visit the Diogo Gomes statue, paying homage to the man who discovered the archipelago in 1460.

Following a day at sea, arrive early evening in the capital of Senegal, Dakar a city often referred to as the cultural center of French-speaking West Africa. You’ll discover a mosaic of traditions, cuisines, dance and architecture along with Senegalese music which is a blend of many ethnic influences. Enjoy an onboard concert from local musicians for a sample of this lively, invigorating sound.

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.