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Paradise Gardens of Morocco, the Canary Islands, Madeira & Portugal Cruise

Paradise Gardens of Morocco, the Canary Islands, Madeira & Portugal Cruise

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Description

Paradise Gardens of Morocco, the Canary Islands, Madeira & Portugal 17 day Cruise aboard Caledonian Sky.

Trip Name
Paradise Gardens of Morocco, the Canary Islands, Madeira & Portugal Cruise
Days
17
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 114 (in 57 suites) Built: 1991 / refurbished 2012 The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views with ceiling to floor windows. If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on board whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expedition staff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providing the very best in all areas. Their crew of 74 not only offer an excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have been with us for many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere. Your Suite Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub. Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Your space The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request. Your dining With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board. For your comfort, safety and security The vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only. Gratuities Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all their guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the hassle of always having to remember to have some small change with you.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Arrive Marrakesh
Be met at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Later this evening, enjoy Welcome Drinks followed by dinner.Stay: Three Nights, Marrakesh, 5-star hotel
Day 2 - Day 2 Majorelle Gardens, La Mamounia
Take a guided tour of Marrakesh including the Koutoubia minaret, the Bahia palace, the Royal Pavilion and Majorelle Gardens. Enjoy lunch at La Mamounia, where Winston Churchill liked to stay, and visit the beautiful gardens where he often set up his easel. Visit the artisan quarter, the colourful souks and Dar Si Said Museum before taking a stroll around Jamaa El Fna, the bustling, main city square.
Day 3 - Day 3 Paradise Gardens
Today, visit the 800-year-old royal pleasure gardens known as the Agdal. We also take in a couple of gardens featured on Monty Don’s series Paradise Gardens.
Day 4 - Day 4 Marrakesh to Casablanca
Visit the Bert Flint Museum which houses Moroccan art and artefacts. Travel to Casablanca this afternoon, well known from the 1942 film of the same name.Stay: Casablanca, 5-star hotel
Day 5 - Day 5 Hassan II Mosque, fly to Tenerife
A guided city tour of Casablanca takes in many famous sights including the Hassan II Mosque, one of the biggest outside of Mecca. This afternoon fly to Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands.Stay: Tenerife, 5-star hotel
Day 6 - Day 6 Tenerife Gardens, Embark Cruise
Tenerife has its own microclimate which sustains a unique diversity of plants. Here you can wander through groves where junipers, olives, palms and old dragon trees grow happily side by side. This morning, enjoy a visit to Palmetum, a 12-hectare botanical garden housing Europe’s largest collection of palms. Once a rubbish dump, this space has now been transformed into a spectacular garden with stunning ocean views. Also discover a wonderful orchid collection at Sitio Litre Garden and wildflowers on Mount Tiede. Later this afternoon, embark the MS Caledonian Sky.Stay: 11 Nights, Aboard the Small Ship, the MS Caledonian Sky
Day 7 - Day 7 La Gomera, Freedom of Choice
Today, explore La Gomera, a tiny island neighbouring Tenerife. Perhaps join a guided tour to Garajonay National Park – a protected area filled with dense green laurel forests, rarely found in the world today. Or, for the more active, set off on a trek through Garajonay’s lush forests, as well as a visit to Vallehermoso Botanical Garden to view intriguing and rare endemic plants.
Day 8 - Day 8 El Hierro, Freedom of Choice
Today we arrive at El Hierro, the smallest of the Canary Islands, with a natural bounty way beyond its size. Plant hunter Tom Hart Dyke referred to this small island as 'the botanical Galápagos of Europe' because of the many rare endemic plant species that grow here and nowhere else. Explore the island’s lava-sculpted scenery with a guide including a visit to the Guinea Ecomuseum for a two-in-one discovery of traditional lava-rock houses and a sanctuary protecting the island’s giant lizard population.
Day 9 - Day 9 La Palma, Freedom of Choice
Discover La Palma’s natural beauty this morning. In 2002 UNESCO declared the whole island of La Palma a World Biosphere Reserve. Explore the town of El Paso and visit a local silk museum or perhaps enjoy a more active option with a morning in exploration through the towering pines of the El Pilar region. On option is also a guided walk through Los Tilos National park where you will get a chance to see the local wildflowers.
Day 10 - Day 10 Funchal, Garden isle of Madeira
Today, set off from Madeira's capital, Funchal, on our garden discovery by visiting 'Quinta da Boa Vista' or the Orchid Garden. Here a conservatory houses hundreds of rare and prized orchids. Later we travel to Palheiro Gardens or 'Quinta do Palheiro'. These gardens are famous not only for the variety of plants that grow year-round, but for the beauty of their setting in the hills to the east of Funchal.
Day 11 - Day 11 Madeira Gardens
This morning take the cable car to Monte, where you’ll enjoy exploring the district’s elegant palace and garden paradise. The Monte Palace Madeira occupies an area of 70.000 square meters and houses an huge exotic plant’s collection, Afterwards, we pay a visit to the exquisite Madeira Botanical Garden. Boasting spectacular views over the city of Funchal, this vibrant and colourful garden is home to more than 2,000 different plant species. Back on board, set sail for Porto Santo this afternoon.
Day 12 - Day 12 Porto Santo
Disembark here for a relaxed day of exploring. Be treated to a tasting of the island’s wines. Later, from Pico de Castelo, admire Porto Santo’s sweeping contours.
Day 13 - Day 13 Day at Sea
Take it easy and enjoy a lecture by your Botanical guide with time to relax on board as you cruise towards Portugal.
Day 14 - Day 14 Lisbon, Fronteira Palace Gardens
Start today by viewing Lisbon from the heights of Serra de Sintra. Visit King Ferdinand II’s ingenious park and palace before exploring Sintra, where you’ll find elaborate facades and gardens at every turn. After lunch visit Fronteira Palace and its gardens built in 1668-1670 and known for formal box parterre and surrounded by walls decorated with panels of tiles.
Day 15 - Day 15 Figueira da Foz, Gardens of Quinta das Lágrimas
The port of Figueira da Foz delivers you to the doorstep of Portugal’s medieval centre, Coimbra. After an orientation tour we will visit Gardens of Quinta das Lágrimas, a setting for Portugal's most well-known love story between Inês de Castro and Peter I of Portugal. After exploring the gardens, a shuttle will transfer you back to your ship, or you can head back to port and spend time in Figueria da Foz.
Day 16 - Day 16 Porto, Freedom of Choice
From the port of Leixoes, perhaps set out for Porto to uncover the city’s layered history, along the banks of the Douro River estuary. Then toast Porto’s wine-making traditions at a local wine cellar. Alternatively visit Quinta do Alao, a garden dating back to the 17th century, filled with beautiful plants and sculptures.
Day 17 - Day 17 Disembark Ship, Depart Porto
Disembark this morning after breakfast and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Day 18 - Please Note:
Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Visit the beautiful Majorelle Gardens in Marrakesh, the legacy of Yves Saint-Laurent
    • Explore Palmetum in Tenerife, a 12-hectare garden with Europe’s largest palm collection
    • Visit Madeira's exquisite botanical gardens with spectacular views over the city of Funchal
    • Take in spectacular views of Lisbon from Serra de Sintra, including a visit to Fronteira Palace

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