ATLANTIC ISLANDS & AFRICAN SHORES , Western Sahara, ( and Mainland Europe), Portugal (Madeira and Mainland Europe), Morocco and UK (Gibraltar) to Lisbon

April 23, 2015 | 14 Days | Voyage 7508

Explore in the wake of the world’s discoverers, as we travel from the Cape Verde Islands in front of West Africa to Portugal. Our “Atlantic Islands and African Shores” expedition offers guests an array of opportunities to steep themselves in history, experience disparate cultures, and travel against a variety of backdrops. Along the way, see celebrated sites and regions that are as different as they are spectacular. From the dry deserts of the Sahara to the - making land of Morocco, the contrasts you will experience are endless and make for an exhilarating journey that exposes the world in all her wonder.

Expedition Highlights:  Follow the trading routes of Henry the Navigator

 Meet the nomadic Sahraouis in Western Sahara

 Wander through ancient laurel tree forests

 Learn of this region’s European colonization

 Visit “The Rock of Gibraltar” –the landmark of a British Overseas Territory in Europe.

 Contemplate the solemn history of slave trade sites

Day 1 — Praia, Cape Verde Embark Silver Explorer for your 14-day Silversea Expedition. Once onboard, meet some of your fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the ship’s luxurious amenities and attend a safety briefing. This evening you will be introduced to your Expedition Team. Once you have settled in and had your first dinner at the Restaurant Silver Explorer will set sail.

Day 2 — Mindelo, Sao Vicente, Cape Verde Upon arrival, you have the option to take a walking tour through Mindelo City, to take in the area’s lovely Colonial architecture, historical landmarks, monuments, and beautiful gardens. Observe the people and lifestyles of Mindelo whilst strolling along Rua de Praia and Main Street. Along the way we will see sites such as the Mindelo handicraft museum, the vegetable market, D. Luis Plaza, Independence Plaza, several monuments, and the replica of the Mindelo Lisboa Belem Tower. Our tour concludes with some refreshments, a live performance of local traditional music and a ‘Coladera’ dance exhibition.

Alternatively, depart the pier for a scenic drive through Mindelo City, to take in some of the city’s highlights before continuing to Catfish Bay Beach for breath-taking ocean vistas. Your drive carries on towards the Parque Natural for panoramic views of Pico de Vento before returning to Catfish Bay Beach for refreshments, a live performance of local traditional music and a ‘Carnival’ exhibition.

Days 3-4 — At Sea Binoculars and camera in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds and marine mammals. Attend informative lectures that will prepare you for the upcoming ports-of-call and encounters that lie ahead. Peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library, enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs at the Connoisseur’s Corner or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard ship.

Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure and to learn more about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields. Other onboard diversions include spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

Day 5 — Dakhla, Western Sahara Dakhla is located at the tip of a thin peninsula and we will head ashore this afternoon to explore and to capture a sense of this area with our cameras. Historically, this was once a Spanish colony named Villa Cisneros and an Old Spanish lighthouse still stands on the outskirts of town. It is possible to climb the 240 steps for magnificent views in all directions.

Disembark the ship and depart on 4×4 vehicles across the modern part of Dakhla toward the main land. We will drive along the Laguna of Dakhla, a paradise for migratory birds, especially flamingos. As it is windy for over 300 days of the year kite-surfers and wind-surfers have joined the birds on the lagoon recently. We will venture into incredible scenery until we reach a Sahraoui camp set up overlooking the Laguna and a beautiful white sand dune.

Discover for a few hours the Sahraoui culture, exclusively nomadic and centered on dromedaries, with a tea ceremony (3 small glasses minimum if you want to be polite), ride a camel, visit the replica of a Sahraoui family encampment and discover the breath-taking view from the top of the White Dune. 4x4s will be available to go birding from the campsite with the onboard ornithologist (depending on the tide and bird presence in the area).

If you prefer to stay in port, a walk along the beach reveals the main industry to be fishing. The simple, rustic boats clustered together make for excellent images, as do the whitewashed buildings, chaotic streets and fabrics woven in colorful patterns.

Day 6 — , Spain Las Palmas, the largest town of the Canary Islands, boasts more than 380.000 inhabitants. It was here that Columbus had to wait for repairs to the Pinta before he headed across the Atlantic. The house he used is now functioning as a museum and has 25.000 books for specialized studies relating to Columbus, his voyages, pre-Columbian America and the connection between the Canary Islands and America. You can also visit the Cathedral of Santa Ana, which took more than 300 years to be completed. At the Santa Catalina Hotel take a stroll through the Doramas Garden and the Canary Village before you drive to the Bandama Crater for a sweeping view of the extinct volcano, the valley below and the city of Las Palmas in the distance.

Alternatively venture along the northern coast to visit some of the smaller towns: Arucas with its cobbled streets and impressive neo-gothic church, Firgas with its watermill and fountains – giving it the nickname of “Village of Water”, passing Moya, where you will have a breathtaking view of the valley below and two volcanoes. The drive into the Valley of Agaete is not for the faint-hearted or if you suffer from vertigo. Here you will visit the “Finca La Taja” where you will taste local and some ham, local cheese and cakes before you return to Las Palmas via the coastal road.

Day 7 — San Sebastian, , Spain For a general overview of La Gomera, its dramatic landscape and its people, we will drive to ‘Laguna Grande’. After a short visit to the National Park we will then continue through one of the oldest laurel forests worldwide –declared UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 1986. At the breath-taking look-out (and restaurant) ‘Mirador Palmarejo’ we will enjoy the view of and will be spoilt with local tapas. At El Cercado we intend to visit some of the famous local pottery artisans working without a pottery wheel –a tradition passed from one generation to another.

If you are more inclined to hiking, the National Park of Garajonay is undoubtedly La Gomera’s most outstanding attraction. It is one of the world’s most ancient forests and densely packed with laurel trees. Leaving San Sebastian, we make our ascent into the spectacular forest, which stands at 4,000 feet above sea level and affords breath-taking panoramic views that stretch to the neighboring islands of Tenerife in the east and La Palma in the west. In all, La Gomera has some 50% of all laurel found in the Canary Islands and 16 varieties of laurel thrive in Garajonay, as well as some 400 species of flora, including Canary willow and Canary holly. Everything is covered in moss and lichen because of the moist conditions and vast canopy that lets little light through. Around 2 million years ago, laurel forest covered most of the Mediterranean, but most has been wiped out because of climate change. We will have plenty of amazing photographic opportunities before we make our descent to the coast and the Valley of the Great King. The valley is ringed by mountains and terraced farms cling to the slopes all around. We will learn that it was once home to the island’s last Guanche chieftain during the conquest of La Gomera at the beginning of the 15th century.

Day 8 — Funchal, Madeira, Portugal This afternoon we will have the opportunity to discover the interior of the island by way of walking along one of the footpaths alongside the unique and complex irrigation system of levadas. These channels were dug by hand into the mountainside in the 19thcentury to carry water from high up in the mountains down to the fields and villages below. The first part of our walk is mostly a gentle stroll on level ground to Camacha (2,296ft/700m), where a refreshment stop will be made before we continue to Rochão. Alternatively, spend the afternoon enjoying a true “taste” of Madeira. We will drive west along a winding coastal road, passing by the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. At a stop we will try a local drink called “Poncha”made from Rum and honey. The road then heads up the mountains into important winegrowing areas where we visit the private property Quinta São João, a charming 17th century homestead. Birds of Paradise, bananas and grapes are cultivated on the property. The grapes are used to make the famous Madeira wine, and we will tour the where we can sample some of the finest Madeira Wines. Our drive continues through pinewoods and eucalyptus forest to Cabo Girão – the second highest sea cliff in the world, and the highest in Europe. It rises sheer from the sea, and offers breath-taking views. Proceeding to Eira do Serrado we walk an easy path leading to the summit of Pico do Serrado (about 3,000 feet). There are superb views of Madeira’s highest peaks and the Curral das Freiras village below, a hamlet so remote that the Santa Clara Convent Nuns used it as an escape from the pirate raids of the 16th century. You will be invited to try some Madeira Honey cake as well as “Ginja” a popular local cherry liqueur drink. Our last stop is Monte, a favorite destination for visitors to Madeira since the late 19th century when a steam railway was built to haul cruise liner passengers up the hillside from Funchal. The railway closed in 1939, but with the construction of cable cars, visitors today can still experience this trip. We will then enjoy a 15-minute ride on the cable car with splendid views all the way up to the village of Monte, perched on a hill 1,677 feet above Funchal. Its 18th century twin-towered church is a prominent landmark. Adventurous guests can travel back downhill via the famous toboggan ride. Two men control the wicker basket sled with ropes on each side, steering it over the smooth-worn cobblestones. We will return to Silver Explorer in time for dinner.

Day 9 — Cruising the Atlantic Ocean Today is a day to relax on deck or peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library. As we sail towards Morocco guests can join the Expedition Team on the outer decks and watch for birds, whales and dolphins.

Day 10 — Safi, Morocco Our destination today is exotic Marrakech. The drive from Safi will be quite long, so we intend to visit a Bedouin camp set up almost in the middle of nowhere on our way. Coffee, tea, juices and canapés will break up your journey. Once we will have reached Marrakech our local hosts will lead you back to the times of “1001 Arabian Nights”. A red carpet with musicians, dancers and camels awaits you, leading you to tents set up especially for us. The whole surrounding, the delicious food and the music, the atmosphere will have you believe Rudolpho Valentino might just be around the corner.

Our first visit after lunch will be the tranquil Majorelle Gardens, designed by the French artist Louis Majorelle with lush greenery, palm trees, cacti, still pools and shady nooks, before strolling through the labyrinth of alleyways in the ancient, 12th century Medina. Not only will we visit a Koran School, but you can browse through the antique, spices, textile and carpet shops. The many colorful souqs have local and Berber handicrafts in leather, brass, copper, silver, and gold for you. Not only souvenir hunters will have a wonderful time experiencing local life. Our guided tour ends with a visit to the famous Djmâa el Fna Square, where we will find a permanent theatre of musicians, acrobats, snake charmers, food stalls and storytellers.

Truly out of “1001 Arabian Nights”…

Day 11 — Casablanca, Morocco Welcome to the exotic millionaires’ playground of Casablanca! Morocco’s economic capital and most modern city boasts a scenic Atlantic coastline, the famous Central Market, Mohamed V Square—the heart of the city—and the Hassan II mosque. Inaugurated in 1993, this massive mosque –the third-largest in the world- features the world’s highest minaret, and room for 25,000 worshipers inside… and another 80,000 outside. After an interior visit of the mosque, we continue to the Notre Dame de Lourdes church, a monumental concrete sculpture dating from the 1950’s, which is lit by vast stained glass windows that cover an 800- square-meter area. From here we depart to the north, to the Ben-Slimane province, a region that is home to the largest and oldest in Morocco—the Domain Thalvin—where we will have the pleasure of enjoying a traditional Moroccan lunch, before enjoying a local folkloric show and taking a tour of the vineyard (complete with tastings, of course!).

Day 12 — Gibraltar, UK Today we will explore a British Overseas Territory! Captured by an Anglo-Dutch force more than 300 years ago, Gibraltar has played an important role for the British Navy, as the entrance to (or exit from) the Mediterranean could be controlled from there. Some 30.000 inhabitants now live on its 6 km².

On Gibraltar’s eastern side is “The Rock”, a nature reserve of Jurassic limestone taking up almost 40% of Gibraltar’s area. One can climb to the top (426 above sea-level), take a car or use the cable car. From the top one can see the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, Europe and Africa! For defense-purposes several tunnel systems with a total length of over 50 km were created inside “The Rock” and two of these can be visited.

At the time of our visit many birds are still migrating north while others have arrived to breed. Some 315 bird species are known from Gibraltar, and the Spectacled, Orphean, Melodious, and Subalpine Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Montagu’s Harrier, Scops Owl, and Hoopoe and many others can be expected on their way north. European Shags, Barbary Partridges, Common and Lesser Kestrels, Eagle Owls and Yellow-legged Gulls are residents.

Probably the most unusual resident is the Barbary macaque, a species of tail-less monkey. Normally found in Algeria and Morocco, these free-living macaques can be seen at the Apes’ Den (Queen’s Gate) and in the area of the Great Siege Tunnels. Only about 160 monkeys are left, and ‘legend’ has it that as long as the macaques are in Gibraltar so will Gibraltar be British.

Choose one of two excursions –either visiting several of the fortified sites including the WW II tunnels or going to the spectacular St. Michael’s Cave (full of stalactites and stalagmites). Both excursions will stop at the Ape’s Den, looking for the Barbary macaques.

Day 13 — Cadiz, Spain We begin our exploration today driving to Jerez de la Frontera. As the name implies, this is the home of making in . We will have the opportunity to visit a typical 19th century wine-producers house. The tour of this beautiful house with its courtyard, grain store, sacristy and bodega will be a unique experience, taking you back to the golden era of sherry producing. Not only will you see where and how the sherry was produced, you will also be able to sample a glass of sherry. Later on you will have the opportunity to participate in the preparation of typical Spanish dishes and Sangria. It would only be fitting to prepare a Gazpacho Andaluz. You will be shown the exact ingredients and spices and can enjoy the traditional cuisine of Andalusia.

Day 14 — Portimao, Portugal From Portimao we drive to Lagos, the departure port of the first Portuguese Caravels. Today, Lagos maintains its atmosphere of cosmopolitan heritage in its wealth of architecture and monuments. We will visit the Chapel of Santo Antonio (Golden Chapel), whose interior is a superb example of 18th century Baroque with gilded woodcarvings. At the Municipal Museum we will see local handicrafts, religious statuary, fossils, travel logs, and assorted weaponry. From the Ponta da Piedade, we can admire the wide expanse of Lagos Bay and its spectacular rock formation before travelling to Cape St. Vincent and to the small port of Sagres where we can see the 17th century Hermitage and the Rosa dos Ventos – a giant compass laid out in stones. Alternatively, join your Expedition Team on an inland excursion through cultivated and picturesque countryside, into the foothills of the Serra de Monchique – a wooded mountain range of cork, chestnut and eucalyptus. We will stop at the center of Monchique village, where we can view the ruined 17th century Monastery of Nossa Senhora do Desterro. Walking along narrow cobblestone streets, we will visit the impressive Parish Church. We can also admire the restored 17th century buildings in the small village of Caldas de Monchique, one of the oldest spas in Portugal. The city of Silves was once occupied by the Moors. In the old city, we will see the impressive Moorish Castle, the partly Gothic Cathedral, the Misericordia Church known for its fine Manueline doorway, and then walk to the Archaeological Museum. The center piece of the museum is a water reservoir unique to Portugal, dating back to the Almohade period of the 12th-13th century. On your way back you will see the 16th century ‘Cross of Portugal’ monument. Day 15 —Lisbon, Portugal Following breakfast on board, disembark Silver Explorer.

Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather and wildlife activity. Expedition Team members as well as guest speakers and their lecture topics scheduled for this voyage are subject to change or cancellation without notice.