From Spain to Senegal

Gibraltar, Morocco, Canary Islands, Cape Verde

From the picturesque coast of Spain to the shores of magical Morocco, from the volcanic islands of the eastern Atlantic to Senegal’s energetic capital, Dakar… Our epic voyage tells the tales of conquest and colonization, reveals bewitching landscapes and geological wonderlands, and showcases an amazing variety of cultural treasures.

Aboard the superb Clipper Adventurer, we follow in the wake of explorers and conquistadors who wove the intricate tapestry of history across this fascinating region. After the early explorations of the Phoenicians, Rome’s empire expansion, and invasions by the Visigoths, the Moors from North Africa peaceably occupied the coast of Spain. From the 8th to 15th centuries they reigned as the most enlightened rulers in feudal Europe, making brilliant contributions to architecture, astronomy, agriculture, and commerce.

After the Castilians retook their lands in 1492, they, along with the Portuguese, became the consummate explorers as the Age of Discovery began. Sea routes to Africa and India found their way onto the map. Spanish conquerors took the Canary Islands, and the Portuguese settled Cape Verde. All sights were set on the possibilities of the New World. And for four long centuries, the nefarious slave trade was run from the shores of Senegal.

Throughout our journey, we witness the legacies of these times in extraordinary cities and timeless villages, at celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and in the warm hospitality that comes from the rich cultural blend of the people. Nature and bird lovers are rewarded with incredible diversity due to a wealth of eco systems and by the vast numbers of seabirds making their southbound migration.

Our voyage begins with an in-depth visit to the exquisite Alhambra before setting sail from Malaga. The mystique of Morocco’s towns—Casablanca, Agadir, and Taroudant— unfolds in labyrinthine alleyways, splendid Islamic palaces, and graceful mosques. An optional two-day excursion takes us across the High Atlas Mountains into Marrakech, with its entrancing medina (old town), palm gardens, and ancient souks perfumed with intoxicating spices.

In the Canary Islands, we witness two dramatically different volcanic landscapes— Lanzarote’s sinuous black lava flows and Tenerife’s snowcapped Teide Volcano, Spain’s highest peak and a newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Portugal’s Cape Verde Islands claim a drama all their own: the stark and rocky terrain is contrasted by verdant interior farmlands and colorful villages.

We end our voyage in Dakar, Senegal’s eclectic capital, renowned for its beautiful mosques and French colonial architecture. Our visit to historic Gorée Island, once the center of the slave trade, is a deeply moving experience. Our fascinating post-voyage extension showcases the natural and cultural wonders of Mali, including Timbuktu.

Itinerary

DAY 1 — USA / Granada, Spain
Depart on your independent overnight flight to Granada.

DAY 2 — Granada
Arrive in Granada and transfer independently to our hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy some tapas, explore Granada’s Gothic cathedral and royal chapel, or visit the old Arabic quarter, the Albaicín—with dramatic views of the region. Welcome dinner and overnight at our Granada hotel.

DAY 3 — Granada / Malaga / Embark the Clipper Adventurer
After breakfast we depart for an exploration of the Alhambra, the most celebrated example of Moorish architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its multiple palaces— representing paradise on earth—were built by a succession of Muslim kings of Granada between the 13th and 14th centuries. The exquisite individual architectural components magically blend into a fantasy-land of lacy stonework, slender columnar arcades, graceful porticos, and courtyards which surround a series of light-reflecting water basins. In the Gardens of the Generalife, a five-mile-long conduit of water feeds dozens of fountains and waterfalls; hundreds of nightingales live in the park’s foliage. After lunch we drive to Malaga and board the Clipper Adventurer.

DAY 4 — Gibraltar, United Kingdom
The 1,400-foot Rock of Gibraltar soars from the sea as we sail southward. Disembark after breakfast to explore this tiny British outpost, including a visit to Europa Point for superb views across the strait to the northern coast of Morocco. Enjoy a walk through the labyrinthine St. Michael’s cave, with its colorful and eerie stalactites and stalagmites. Naturalists search for the griffon vulture, Barbary partridge, and the indigenous, brightly colored wildflower known as the Gibraltar candytuft. Uphill, we meet the Barbary apes, a colony of introduced macaques that are the photogenic icons of The Rock. After lunch enjoy time at leisure before sailing through the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Mediterranean with the Atlantic.

DAY 5 — Casablanca, Morocco
Early this morning we dock in lovely Casablanca. Its modern quarters, defined by broad palm-tree-lined boulevards, are juxtaposed with the city’s elegant and historic civic buildings. Many of these were designed in the 1930s in the local Mauresque architectural style—a decorative blend of traditional Moroccan, French colonial, and Art Deco motifs. We begin our morning exploration with an excursion to the colorful Central Market, followed by a guided interior tour of the Hassan II Mosque, the second largest religious structure in the world (after Mecca). Its 700- foot-high minaret is visible for miles.

Continuing on, we pass through the elegant Corniche district which spreads along the Atlantic coast; the Anfa Quarters, where Roosevelt met with Churchill during World War II; the impressive Law Courts; and the Habbous Quarters, built by the French in the early 20th century. We return to the ship for lunch and sail westward along the Moroccan coast.

DAY 6 — Agadir
After breakfast we set off on a drive from Agadir to the inland town of Taroudant, often called “little Marrakech.” We walk the fortress ramparts and through the central plaza. The colorful Berber Market offers a fascinating array of quality handicrafts, spices, and produce, while the artisan souk displays silverwork, leather goods, and carpets. We enjoy lunch here before returning to Agadir in the afternoon.

DAY 7 — Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
We arrive in the Canary Islands today, once a steppingstone in the era of exploration. Lanzarote, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is a volcanic island with some 300 cinder cones pock-marking its rugged landscape. After lunch on board the ship, we have a choice of two tours. Our north-bound option features a drive to the charming “white village” and ancient capital, Teguise. A highlight is the Jameos del Agua, a spectacular lava-tube cave transformed by famed local artist César Manrique into a delightful series of pools, gardens, and a natural amphitheater.

Or, you may choose to explore Timanfaya National Park and its stunning volcanic landscape, a legacy of the 1824 eruption. By coach, on dromedary, and on foot watch for some of the 177 species of rare plants, many of them unique to the Canaries. On the nearby coast, we view natural geologic formations where water rushes dramatically into a sea-eroded volcanic cave at Los Hervideros. Birders keep a keen eye out for the rock dove, Cory’s shearwater, Eleanora’s falcon, and other species.

DAY 8 — Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife Island
An early morning arrival in the capital of Tenerife gives us the opportunity to choose between a visit to either the northern or southern end of the island. Northern island highlights include small charming villages, dramatic miradors (viewpoints), and the university town of La Laguna. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated for being the first, non-fortified Spanish colonial town, is a showcase of superb examples of 16th – 18th-century architecture—and a layout that became a model for many American colonial towns. Our southern tour includes the spectacular Botanical Gardens, a walk through the lovely town of La Orotava, and Teide National Park where we view the twisted volcanic formations of basalt and obsidian surrounding Spain’s highest peak. After lunch at El Parador, we take either a gentle or a more active hike to view the Roques de Garcia— bizarrely eroded rocks set in ochre plains and rivers of lava at the mountain’s base. Birders head off to look for many of the 200 species that populate the varied habitat.

DAYS 9 & 10 — Cruising the Atlantic Ocean
As we sail toward the Cape Verde Islands, watch for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins which frequent this area. Our lecturers offer natural history and cultural perspectives on these starkly beautiful islands settled by the Portuguese conquistadors in the 15th century. Independence was as recent as 1975. It was also here that Charles Darwin began his studies in natural history.

DAY 11 — Mindelo, São Vicente, Cape Verde Islands
Birders head out this morning from Mindelo, our first Cape Verdean port. The rest of the group visits Fortim, the site of an old fort, with spectacular views. In the lovely town we see the Governor’s Palace, the court house, the local market, and Amilcar Cabral Square, flanked by brightly painted colonial Portuguese houses. We also enjoy the stunning views from the top of Mt. Verde before returning to the ship for lunch.

DAY 12 — Tarrafal, São Tiago / Praia São
Tiago, the largest of the Cape Verde Islands, is crowned by Antonia Peak which rises 4,500 feet above fertile farmlands. Exploration options include a south-bound tour through green valleys and mountains, stopping to visit tiny villages, the botanical gardens and horticultural institute, and the village of Assomada. Or, take a guided walk through the seaside town of Tarrafal, with its central market and ancient prison-turnedmuseum. Birders set out early in search of such species as the Cape Verde petrel, creamcolored courser, and European golden plover. The ship repositions to the town of Praia and we explore this relaxed capital city, with its colonial remnants, the fortress of São Filipe, the local market, and museum. Dinner is on board ship or you may wish to enjoy one of the local restaurants in town on your own.

DAY 13 — At Sea
Our ship crosses into a subtropical trade wind belt as we cruise eastward today toward Senegal’s fascinating capital, Dakar, Africa’s westernmost city. We may also spot vast flocks of migratory birds as they return to Africa for the winter.

DAY 14 — Dakar, Senegal
After breakfast birders head out on a full day search for the treasure trove of West Africa’s avifauna, while others take a ferry to infamous Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the 15th – 19th centuries Gorée was a slave-trading center, and we see the contrasts between the dungeon-like slave quarters and the elegant colonial mansions of the slave traders. We explore the moving 18th-century House of Slaves, the Women’s Museum, and the fortified Le Castel, offering splendid views before returning to Dakar.

Our visit to Dakar, an energetic, eclectic, and cosmopolitan capital city, highlights views of the beautiful mosques, including the stunning Great Mosque, and handsome French colonial buildings that stand side by side with numerous contemporary edifices. We view the President’s Palace and stop at the picturesque Kermel Market overflowing with fruits and flowers before setting off for the charming medina. In the fishing village of Soumbédioune we witness fine craftsmanship of pirogues and traditional handicrafts. We return to the ship for our final dinner and overnight on board.

DAY 15 — Dakar / Disembark / USA
Early this morning disembark the Clipper Adventurer and transfer to the airport for your independent flight back to the USA and homeward. For those continuing on our Extension, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bamako, Mali.

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