Ocean Voyage: Cape Town to Valencia

Day 1 - Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa: Often dubbed the Mother City, Cape Town is an iconic port city in South Africa, shaped by a mix of Dutch, British, and Malay influences. Established in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, its historical Dutch colonial rule is still evident. Positioned on a crucial trade route, it's primarily a hub for container shipping and fruit handling, with fishing being another key industry. The city's natural splendour is renowned, boasting dramatic landmarks like Table Mountain and Lions Head, alongside nature reserves and the renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Here, diverse indigenous plant life thrives, including proteas and ferns. In Cape Town, the weather is famously changeable, with a local saying describing the experience of four seasons in one day.

Day 4 - Walvis Bay

Walvis Bay, Namibia: Originally a whaling station, Walvis Bay serves as the entrance to Namibia's breathtaking desert landscapes and is itself a region of distinctive natural beauty. The area's highlight is the natural lagoon, home to thousands of flamingos and numerous wading birds, including the white pelican. Just inland lies the impressive Namib Desert, offering a surprisingly rich array of wildlife. Alternatively, explore the Sossusvlei desert with its world's highest ochre sand dunes, or visit the colonial town of Swakopmund.

Day 15 - Kere Island

Kere Island, Bijagós, Guinea-Bissau: Kere Island, part of the Bijagós Archipelago located off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, is an untouched paradise characterised by its diverse ecosystems and rich cultural heritage. The island's landscapes are dominated by lush forests, mangroves, and sandy beaches. It serves as a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, including rare bird species and marine life. Visitors can explore the traditional way of life of the Bijagós people, who are known for their distinct cultural practices and harmonious relationship with nature.

Day 16 - Dakar

Dakar, Senegal: At the westernmost tip of Africa on the Cape Vert peninsula, Dakar stands as the capital of French-speaking Senegal. Although not established until 1857, it is the oldest European city in West Africa and among the most westernised. The 1885 inauguration of the Dakar-St Louis railway marked its rise, later becoming a French naval base and by 1904, the capital of French West Africa. The city's architecture in the Plateau area retains the influence of its colonial past, echoing southern France. A vibrant metropolis, Dakar buzzes with activity, offering a chance to taste mint tea and haggle for traditional crafts, embroidery, and jewellery in the bustling markets.

Day 20 - Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain: The largest Canary Island, Tenerife, is a stunning locale with year-round sunshine, dominated by Mount Teide. A mountainous range crosses the island, hosting fertile valleys to the north. The Cañadas del Teide, a massive natural crater within the range, spans about 14 miles in diameter. Once a small fishing village, Santa Cruz, the picturesque capital, has evolved into a modern city with 16th-century civic structures and exquisite private mansions. Near the pier, explore the sprawling Santa Cruz Palmetum Botanical Garden, which specializes in its wide array of palm trees.

Day 21 - Arrecife

Arrecife, Lanzarote, Spain: Known as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Lanzarote's dramatic landscapes result from a glorious volcanic history. Presently, its charming beaches, scant rainfall, and duty-free shopping make it an inviting destination. Arrecife, the main port and capital, offers a modern waterfront and vibrant gardens. Beyond the capital, explore sites like the striking white salt flats of Janubio, the rugged Fire Mountain, the enigmatic caves of Los Verdes, and quaint fishing villages scattered along the coast. Culinary offerings include delicacies like garbanzos compuestos, papas arrugadas, and an abundance of fresh seafood. Early dining on board ship may be required for shore excursion participants due to schedule timing.

Day 23 - Casablanca

Casablanca, Morocco: Historically, the Berbers established the kingdom of Anfa at the site of Casablanca, harbouring pirates that provoked Portuguese retaliation and settlement as Casa Branca. The 1755 earthquake saw the town rebuilt by Mohammed ben Abdallah, with his architectural legacy evident in the old Medina. Renamed 'Casablanca' by the Spanish in 1781, it became significant under French colonial influence in 1907. Today, as Morocco’s largest city and primary port, Casablanca exemplifies a lively blend of European, African, and Arabian cultures. Its French colonial architecture and art deco styles merge with dynamic markets, though visitors may encounter persistent vendors in the souks.

Day 24 - Tangier

Tangier, Morocco: With origins traced back to the Phoenicians and ancient Greeks, Tangier, named after Tinge, holds its essence in mythology and history. The city's past encompasses Roman, Vandal, Byzantine, and Arab rule, with Spain, Portugal, France, and England influencing its development. This diversity engrains Tangier as a unique city. Overseeing the Straits of Gibraltar, it rests on a bay flanked by two headlands. Its old Kasbah, panoramic scenery, elegant architecture, and interwoven new and old quarters offer a wealth of exploration possibilities.

Day 26 - Valencia

Valencia, Spain: As Spain's third-largest city, Valencia boasts vibrant nightlife, exquisite dining options, outstanding museums, and striking modern architecture juxtaposed by a captivating historical heart. Once the last stronghold of the Republican Loyalist government during the Civil War, it fell under 40 years of Franco's rule. It epitomises modern Spain with daring architectural designs and experimental cuisine, while maintaining deep-rooted traditions. Though facing the Mediterranean, the city's historical significance derives from the Turia River and the surrounding fertile farmland. Its tumultuous past includes Greek inception, conquest by El Cid, and Moorish rule until the expulsion by Jaume I. Modern Valencia was renowned for flood disasters until the late 1950s when the Turia was diverted, allowing urban regeneration. Discover the picturesque bridges spanning a lush park and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences linking the city's architectural grandeur to its Mediterranean setting. A visit to the tranquil Albufera Nature Park makes for a rewarding day trip.