FROM MADEIRA TO DAKAR

Safi is Morocco’s hidden coastal gem for explorers. Nestled between rugged Atlantic cliffs and centuries-old walls lies a city where time seems to stand still. Once a Portuguese fortress, today it is a mecca for ceramic art and authentic living. The traditional green-glazed roof tiles used on Morocco’s mosques, mausoleums and royal palaces all come from here. The wind carries stories of traders, fishermen and sailors, while the scent of fresh coriander and the sea wafts through the narrow streets of the old town. Safi is also the perfect starting point for a visit to the royal city of Marrakech, guided by the call of the muezzin. A place defined by the colours, spices and aromas of the bustling medina and the vibrant hustle and bustle of Djemaa el-Fna, the legendary square of the jugglers.

Let the warm sand caress your feet as the Atlantic surf plays a peaceful melody of its own. The Corniche in Agadir is a great place for a stroll, while fishing boats bob around in the sea under the setting sun. The old kasbah rises up over the city, a dormant guardian from times gone by. The scents from the Souk El Had – cinnamon, saffron and mint – are a feast for the senses. This is where modern life meets the history of the Berbers, who still whisper of freedom and tradition in the mountains.

Lanzarote, the most north-easterly of the Canary Islands, is a real gem for explorers. In the 18th century, huge lava flows covered large areas of land and transformed the fertile earth into a bizarre black desert The black volcanic landscape in the Timanfaya National Park reveals the magic of active volcanoes with its bizarre crater formations. Semi-circular stone walls made of lava rock surround the vineyards, revealing how the vines thrive here despite the wind and arid soils. The dramatic volcanic landscape, the whitewashed houses of the inhabitants and the breathtaking coastlines and sandy beaches create a wonderful contrast. Away from the main tourist tracks, charming fishing villages invite you to experience the authentic character of the island. Immerse yourself in a world of colour on Lanzarote, which has provided the inspiration for a number of artists.

The colour of La Gomera is green – in all its beautiful shades. The second smallest island in the Canaries is a world full of unspoilt nature and wild beauty. The densely forested Garonjay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly impressive. In this mysterious cloud forest of ancient laurel trees, time seems to stand still, while waterfalls and moss-covered paths invite you on some magical hikes. The coastline features steep cliffs, black beaches and hidden bays. The colonial centre of the small town of San Sebastian is ideal for an independent stroll to visit the Casa de Colon: the site of a previous house where Colombus once stayed, it is now a museum devoted to the nautical history of La Gomera. 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. Make the most of the long lay time to take an evening stroll through San Sebastian.

La Palma is often called “La Isla Bonita” and it's a real beauty of the Canary Islands. The island has the trade winds, which bring clouds and therefore rain and fog, to thank for its lush, green vegetation. The tiny island, formed entirely by a volcano, rises up over 6,000 m (19,685 ft) from the sea bed, around 4,000 m (13,123 ft) of which is below the water. At its centre lies the impressive Caldera de Taburiente, a national park full of gorges, waterfalls and hiking trails that lead through the lush green vegetation. On the coast, wild beaches with black lava sand are interspersed with idyllic fishing villages, where you can really get a sense of the slow pace of island life. La Palma is a paradise for hikers, as well as for stargazers: the clear skies and strict anti-light pollution regulations have made the island an internationally recognised centre of astronomy. After sunset, make the deck of your expedition ship your own observatory.

Cape Verde invites you on a discovery tour full of contrasts. Each of the islands has its own individual character and charm, as well as its own history.

On Sao Vicente, immerse yourself in life on Cape Verde in its cultural capital, Mindelo. The African influence is unmistakeable here: smell the exotic scents, hear the music in the air and listen to the women loudly selling their wares at the market. The windswept beaches on the island, which are popular with kitesurfers and sun worshippers, contrast with the arid, moon-like scenery.

Fogo in the south of the archipelago is a mighty volcano with its peak, Pico do Fogo, the highest mountain on Cape Verde. In the fire island’s volcanic landscape, explore bizarre lava formations that come to resemble figures as your imagination takes flight. Along the coast, you will discover black lava beaches scattered with colourful fishing boats. A stroll through the town of Sao Filipe with its colonial houses immerses you in Portuguese heritage and the hustle and bustle of the lively markets.

Boa Vista, the pearl of Cape Verde, boasts endless sandy beaches, barren desert landscapes and extensive date plantations Once dominated by the salt trade, today you will find fishermen, musicians and artisans here. The island offers space for relaxation, but also for encounters with the authentic, unspoilt life of Cape Verde. Sal Rei, the lively capital, is located on a sheltered bay and forms the centre of culture and trade.