Atlantic Odyssey from the Iberian Peninsula to the Canary Islands
From Málaga and the Moroccan coast, to the volcanic archipelagos of the Canaries and Madeira, PONANT invites you on an unforgettable 9-day interlude, between Málaga and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This journey aboard Le Lapérouse will take you into the heart of uniquely and wildly beautiful landscapes, featuring majestic volcanos, lush green valleys, isolated inlets, verdant cliffs and historic cities with multiple sources of heritage.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, admire the green volcanic landscapes of Santa Cruz de La Palma, stroll along the levadas (canals dug by hand into the mountains in the 19th century) in Funchal, or visit the famous Mount Teide and its crater, the highest mountain in Spain, from Los Cristianos. The diversity of expériences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
From Málaga on the Spanish coast, head for Tangier, where you’ll be able to visit the American Legation, the oldest U.S. diplomatic mission in the world, and you may travel across the Rif Mountains to the showcase of Moroccan handicrafts at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tetouan. You will then drop anchor in Casablanca, "the white city", which combines tradition and modernity. Here you'll discover the impressive Hassan II Mosque, considered one of the world's greatest religious buildings.
Your ship will then set a course northward to carry you to Madeira, a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. On this steep island covered in luxuriant vegetation, the variety of landscapes, including sheer cliffs, levadas (Madeiran aqueducts), banana plantations, and the laurel forest – Laurisilva – listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, never ceases to amaze visitors.
Le Lapérouse then heads for the mythical Canary Islands, where Santa Cruz de La Palma will invite you to spend a moment suspended in time. Here, the accent is on authenticity and tranquillity as you succumb to the charms of its unspoilt nature and its unusual architectural heritage featuring traditional Canarian houses with brightly-coloured wooden balconies, sumptuous palaces, and religious buildings. Then join the vibrant seaside town of Los Cristianos. Succumb to the charms of its atmosphere unlike any other, its mythical Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain, and its long stretches of fine sand lapped by the turquoise waters of the Atlantic.
Finally, you will visit Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the final port of call on your Canarian cruise.
When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents.
From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.
Environmentally friendly, fitted with innovative equipment and complete with lounges designed to be largely open to the exterior, this new and intimately sized yacht offers a unique type of cruise experience.