Cruise on board the HANSEATIC nature to chase the sun as you leave the familiar behind you. On eventful autumn days, you will come right up-close to the hidden beauty of fascinating island worlds. Porto Santo is an insider tip, its glittering escarpments and kilometre-wide beach earning it the nickname of the “golden island”. Discover its riches on an island tour in an all-terrain vehicle* with stunning views and fascinating geological insights. 

The Canary Islands: European soil shaped by volcanoes and pampered by the sun. We have chosen two lesser-known characters for you from the seven islands. They are real insider tips with their varied culture and nature, and your team of experts will provide an introduction on board. Immerse yourself in the typical relaxed and fun-loving charm of Lanzarote as you walk through its little streets. Trace the footsteps of César Manrique* and dive into the island’s colours. The painter was inspired by the vibrant contrasts of his home.

The colour of La Gomera is green – in all its beautiful shades. Explore the unique laurel and cloud forest with a hike in Garajonay National Park*. Fancy exploring independently on foot? The colonial centre of the small town of San Sebastian is home to the Casa de Colon, where Christopher Columbus once lived. 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.

Fortunate to have around 350 days of sunshine a year, Cape Verde offers very special highlights: gentle bays, fine beaches, sparse desert landscapes, magnificent mountains and lush forests. Each of its islands still has its own unique character. The lively port city of Mindelo is an urban enclave in the otherwise nature-filled island of Sao Vicente. Creole music provides the beat as you explore the cultural heart of Cape Verde*. A bicycle tour of Sao Vicente* provides an active voyage of discovery, as you pass colourful colonial houses on unpaved paths heading into the barren, desert-like landscape. The pace of life is also leisurely on Santo Antao – an El Dorado for nature-lovers and the Cape Verdean hiking paradise*. Hike through the craggy mountain landscape on old trading routes, with glimpses of deep gorges as you descend into the picturesque and fertile Paul Valley where dragon trees and figs grow. Head off-road through canyons with impressive rock formations as you explore the “wild west” by jeep*. You’ll spot the mighty conical shape of Fogo from afar: the entire island is a volcanic mountain with bizarre lunar landscapes and lava formations. Black beaches and angular grottoes in the coastal cliffs shape the southern coastline. The charming town of Sao Felipe with its historic old town and the “sobrados” town houses from Portuguese colonial times is the perfect place to explore independently. The volcanic landscape of the Cha das Caldeiras* provides an insight into life in the middle of a vast caldera. In the centre rises Pico do Fogo, the highest mountain in Cape Verde. Climb the cone created by the 2014 eruption and the smaller secondary crater of Pico Pequeno on a volcano hike at the foot of Pico de Fogo*. Hot areas in the ground hint at the primeval force of the activity beneath your feet. Discover the African traditions and lush fauna of Santiago, the main island in the archipelago, with the excursion exploring nature and culture on Santiago*. Learn fascinating details about Creole art at a ceramics cooperative and the Tabanka Museum. Alternatively, embark on some active exploration in the Serra Malagueta national park* and experience the beautiful cloud forests, steep summits and mountain valleys in all their glory. The road winds up into the mountains in steep switchbacks, while the side valleys reveal the green heart of the island, where mango trees, acacias and tamarisks grow. If the weather allows a landing, you can enjoy Cape Verde’s warming sunshine on the fine sandy beaches of Maio. The many contrasts of the fiery Atlantic islands are sure to keep the embers of your explorer’s heart burning for a long time to come.