Hooray, spring has finally come! The HANSEATIC spirit will paint a whole new image of spring for you on this multifaceted cruise bringing together four Atlantic archipelagos. To start with, Cape Verde is a relatively new tourist destination with fine beaches, lush forests and barren desert landscapes. Fogo, the “fire island”, is shaped by the Pico do Fogo at a height of over 2,800 m (9,186 ft) as well as black beaches and steep cliffs. Marvel at the fire island’s volcanic landscape* on a tour to the edge of the caldera. Alternatively, on a walk through Sao Filipe*, you can marvel at the picturesque city with its many colonial houses. As you wander along old trading routes, it will become clear why Santo Antao is considered the Cape Verdean hiking paradise*. The fertile Paul Valley and picturesque coastlines will leave you with lasting memories. Or you can explore the “wild west” by jeep* – the rugged rock formations and fantastic panoramas are what make it impressive.

In the Canary Islands, enjoy strolling through the capital of Tenerife, out of peak season. The island shows its untamed side around Spain’s highest mountain in Teide National Park*, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Discover lush, evergreen laurel forests, dragon trees and countless species of cactus on an all-terrain vehicle tour through the Anaga mountain range*.

The island group of Madeira also includes the rarely visited Ilha Deserta Grande, an uninhabited nature reserve with rare Mediterranean monk seals. If the local authorities give the green light, the Zodiacs will take you ashore for a tour with a local ranger.

Enjoy an evening city tour in a tukxi through Funchal*, but the capital is also perfect for exploring at your own pace. Take an all-terrain tour* or a levada hike* and marvel at the island’s hinterland.

The waters of the Azores offer good opportunities for whale and dolphin watching – perhaps from the Zodiacs, which might be used, depending on the weather. Ashore, nature welcomes you in fresh, springlike green. The dreamy charms of Santa Maria are best experienced at your own pace. The oldest town in the Azores invites you to wander along the cafe-lined main street. With its high, steep and overgrown coast, Sao Jorge is an impressive sight above the deep blue of the ocean. Stroll through the town of Velas to the highlights of the “dragon island”* and follow in the footsteps of Saint George, dragon slayer and patron saint. Alternatively, an excursion with fajas and coffee tasting* takes you to the fertile stretches of land formed by cooled lava, where tropical fruits, vegetables and coffee are cultivated. Horta’s harbour on Faial is popular with sailors. Peter Cafe Sport is a famous meeting point, where you can enjoy the atmosphere with a gin and tonic until well after sunset, as the HANSEATIC spirit will moor here overnight. The following day of exploration is all about volcanoes. Learn fascinating background information about plate tectonics and eruptions on a scenic tour to the Capelinhos volcano*. A hike along the caldera* around the 400 m (1,312 ft) deep crater offers a stunning view of the crater lakes and the vast ocean. The last nuances of your spring painting, which the HANSEATIC spirit reveals to you in the most beautiful forms and colours.