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: the HANSEATIC spirit extends your summer with two sun-drenched archipelagos. Away from the classic routes, your cruise begins in Porto Santo. Find out all about the unique landscape with a tour by all-terrain vehicle* and see the kilometres of golden beaches that are part of the beauty of this idyllic place. Embark on a sporty adventure to explore the island with horse riding* or on a mountain bike tour*. Ilha Deserta Grande, an uninhabited nature conservation with rare Mediterranean monk seals, is also seldom visited. If the local authorities give the green light, the Zodiacs will take you ashore for a tour with a local ranger.

On the Canary Islands, too, your explorer’s heart will leap for joy when you first visit the smaller, lesser-known islands. As one of the “islands of happiness”, as the biogeographical name Macaronesia promises, La Palma welcomes you with volcanoes, forests and dark beaches. Nature lovers can take a ride to the Caldera de Taburiente National Park* along breathtaking escarpments to one of the world’s largest calderas. A hike through La Palma’s rainforests* takes you to lush vegetation with laurel trees and majestic ferns. The long lay time of the HANSEATIC spirit until late in the evening offers you time for independent strolls through the old town of Santa Cruz and along Avenida Maritima with its typical wooden balconies – also after sunset in a charming evening atmosphere.

A subtropical climate and millions of years of erosion have given La Gomera its character. An island tour* will take you up close to its timeless beauty. Imagine you’re in a Himalayan mountain village in the valley of Hermigua and be awed by the Garajonay National Park, which is said to have an ancient witches’ meeting place at its centre. For a mystical alternative, enjoy a hike through the enchanted forest*. The laurel trees are often wreathed in mist, and a magical aura fills the air. A stroll through the small city of San Sebastian will prove equally atmospheric in the autumn sunshine.

What will satisfy your curiosity on the volcanic island of El Hierro, which is over a million years old? Explore the natural history on the smallest of the Canary Islands, which is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Go for a sporty e-bike tour along the coast* or get to know the island as a hiking paradise*. Take in the volcanic landscapes, rock formations and eucalyptus and pine forests.

Gran Canaria is like a miniature continent featuring every vegetation zone. Las Palmas, the island’s vibrant capital, will welcome you with a historic town centre and inviting beaches. Feel the impressive power of nature on a hike to the Bandama crater*, which is 200 m (656 ft) deep. Alternatively, explore the green north of the island*, with cacti, dragon trees and agaves. Idyllic Puerto de Mogan and the golden Maspalomas Dunes await on a tour to the south of Gran Canaria*.

On the fiery island of Lanzarote you’ll encounter its volcanic origins at every turn. How about a hike through the lunar landscape* in Timanfaya National Park, a realm of lava flows, volcanoes and craters? Arrecife features the typical relaxed and fun-loving charm of the island. Tracing the footsteps of César Manrique*, dive into the island’s colours with works by the famous painter, who was inspired by the bold contrasts of his home. Would you have thought that Madeira and the Canary Islands, seemingly so well known, would be this multifaceted? This exciting short cruise will certainly uncover hidden sides of the archipelagos for you.