It would be difficult to find a more varied island hopping adventure in the Atlantic than this. Sometimes dark and volcanic, sometimes light, fine and sandy, and always brimming with lush vegetation and rich cultural facets: discover huge contrasts in a small exclusive group with the HANSEATIC inspiration. To start your adventures, a majestic island silhouette heralds the creative forces of the earth. La Palma rises 2,400 m (7,874 ft) out of the ocean and reaches depths of up to 4,000 m (13,123 ft) below the surface of the water. The capital Santa Cruz de la Palma exudes fascinating Spanish charm at the foot of a mighty extinct volcano. Old houses in the colonial style and decorated wooden balconies will awaken your photographic skills, while the idyllic narrow streets invite you to take a stroll. The Caldera de Taburiente National Park* will enchant you with one of the largest calderas in the world. A volcano hike* reveals an unforgettable panorama of lighthouses, salt pans and small fishing bays.

What will satisfy your curiosity on the volcanic island of El Hierro, which is over a million years old? Enjoy a natural history tour in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of El Hierro*, or get to know the island as a hiking paradise*. Take in the volcanic landscapes, rock formations and eucalyptus and pine forests. Your explorer’s heart will be filled with joy – very fittingly given that the biogeographical name for the region is Macaronesia, meaning islands of happiness.

On relaxed days at sea, the small HANSEATIC inspiration transforms into the most wonderful place to study on the ocean, where you can get ready for Cape Verde with expert presentations, for instance. Over millions of years, volcanic eruptions and shifts in the earth have created an archipelago of extreme contrasts. Once settled by the Portuguese and seemingly forgotten by the rest of the world, each island fascinates visitors with its own character. The first stop is Santo Antao. Whilst the south offers barren beauty, the north is filled with magnificent flora. A hike across the pristine island of Santo Antao* will leave you with lasting memories of the picturesque green Paul Valley. Alternatively, explore the “wild west” by jeep*: it may be sunny and dry, but the rugged rock formations and fantastic panoramas are what make it truly impressive. Against the backdrop of impressive volcanic craters and mountain ranges, Sao Vicente is a cultural melting pot. Explore Mindelo on foot* and be enthralled by the colonial architecture and African market, as well as the Torre de Belem, a replica of the landmark in Lisbon. Next on the diverse itinerary is Sao Nicolau with a quite different island character. Hike through the bizarre mountain scenery* and roam on the fertile Faja plain, where breadfruit, banana and papaya trees illustrate how rich in nutrients the volcanic soil is. Ribeira Brava, the island capital* is just as colourful as it is multifaceted, with its colourful houses, narrow cobbled streets and little shops.

How about following this with a perfect sun-kissed day on the beach? Maio lies out on its own in the east of the archipelago. With kilometres of wonderful fine sands, the beaches offer an enticing place to relax or explore on your own. In contrast, Santiago invites you to delve into Cape Verde’s history book. Get to know the lively capital with a city tour in Praia* or embark on a journey through Portuguese colonial history in the historic island capital of Cidade Velha*. You’ll spot the mighty conical shape of Fogo from afar. Black beaches and angular grottoes in the steep cliffs shape the coastline. The entire island is a volcano with bizarre lunar landscapes. The highest mountain in Cape Verde, Pico de Fogo, reaches almost 3,000 m (9,843 ft) and its cooled lava formations virtually fall into the sea. A tour of the fire island’s volcanic landscape* will show you an age-old caldera that spans almost 10 km (6.2 mi.) in diameter.

There is an air of “Lawrence of Arabia” about Boa Vista. Low mountain ranges and a beach covering more than 50 km (31 mi.) combine with colourful villages and the blue ocean to create an enduring memory. The name of the island means “beautiful views”, which you can take at its word with a jeep tour in the unspoilt south* – a “Sahara in the Atlantic” with vast fields of desert and crescent-shaped shifting sand dunes.

The sunniest island in the archipelago, Sal, rounds off the many highlights of your route on board the HANSEATIC inspiration. The cruise may be coming to its end here, but it is also the start of your new perspective on the Atlantic islands.