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Peregrine Travel Centre

West Africa Coast & Atlantic Islands Cruise

West Africa Coast & Atlantic Islands Cruise

From AUD $11,750

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Description

Sail from Dakar’s vibrant markets to enchanting Lisbon, tracing the islands of Northwest Africa and the Atlantic. This enriching journey takes you through Cape Verde’s vibrant charm, the volcanic beauty of the Canary Islands, and the lush, subtropical landscapes of Madeira. Discover remote islands, hike through ancient forests, uncover local traditions, and experience a vibrant blend of European and African cultures on this immersive Atlantic expedition. In Cape Verde, explore Praia’s lively streets, rich colonial heritage, and bustling local markets, followed by a visit to the laid-back port of Palmeira. In the Canary Islands, La Palma boasts dramatic volcanic landscapes and scenic hiking trails through native pine forests, with iconic viewpoints like Mirador de la Cumbrecita and La Concepción, which reveal the island’s rugged beauty. Continue to Madeira, where the island’s lush mountain scenery surrounds the historic capital of Funchal. Enjoy sweeping views from Monte, explore cultural landmarks, and sample the island’s renowned wines in a setting that blends nature, history, and flavor. Between ports, relax at sea with expert talks, cultural tastings, and ever-changing ocean views. Conclude your voyage in Lisbon, a city of timeless charm, where tiled facades, classic trams, and riverside cafés offer the perfect finale to a journey rich in contrast, culture, and coastal beauty.

Trip Name
West Africa Coast & Atlantic Islands Cruise
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 125 meters Passenger Capacity: 192 Built: 2022/2023 SH Diana is the newest and largest ship in the Swan Hellenic fleet, designed for modern expedition cruising with a strong sense of elegance and purpose. Built in Finland’s renowned Helsinki Shipyard, she combines cutting-edge hybrid diesel-electric propulsion and a Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull, enabling smooth exploration of the world’s most remote and rugged destinations. With space for just 192 guests, SH Diana offers a boutique 5-star experience across nine decks, featuring expansive viewing areas, a grand staircase, and refined interiors accented with exclusive onboard artwork. On board, guests enjoy exceptional facilities including the panoramic sauna, open-deck jacuzzi, heated outdoor pool, and dedicated expedition areas like the Swan’s Nest and BaseCamp. Cabins are thoughtfully equipped with Champagne, Lajatica toiletries, Nikon binoculars, and Illy coffee machines, ensuring comfort at every turn. Dining is a delight with venues like the Swan Restaurant and Pool Bar & Grill, while the crew’s attentive and personalised service ensures you feel truly cared for from the moment you step aboard. SH Diana is the perfect vessel for those seeking adventure wrapped in luxurious simplicity.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Days 0 - 1 Dakar
Fabulous museums, a thriving art scene and elegant seaside dining showcase Dakar's rich culture and forward outlook. The bustling traditional Medina quarter with its mosques, tea shops and street markets contrasts with the Senegalese capital's French-influenced architecture and cuisine. Traditional crafts like woodcarvings and paintings sell at Soumbédioune market, making it the perfect souvenir stop.
Day 2 - Day 2 Day at sea
Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts.
Day 3 - Day 3 Praia, Santiago Island
Praia, on the southern coast of Santiago Island, means "beach," which aptly summarises this Cape Verdean capital. The bustling Plateau, Praia's old town, overlooks the Atlantic, hosting lively markets with local crafts. In Achada de Santo António, shops and restaurants cluster. Quebra Canela's golden sands are backed by volcanic scenery near Praínha, which offers a glimpse of the island's colonial history through its cobblestone streets.
Day 4 - Day 4 Palmeira, Sal Island
The port of Palmeira on Sal Island, the jewel of Cape Verde, is a lively fishing town with colourful streets and charming low-rise houses. In the heart of the action, Santa Maria, the island's premier resort, dazzles with endless golden beaches, a hub of bars, beachfront shops and seafood restaurants. In the northwest, Pedra de Lume unfolds the island's history through ancient salt flats, echoing the vibrant past of this captivating destination.
Day 5 - Days 5-6 Day at sea
Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts.
Day 6 - Day 7 Santa Cruz de la Palma
The historic streets of breathtakingly beautiful Santa Cruz de la Palma, on La Palma, make it one of the prettiest settlements in the Canary Islands. Steeped in history, this island capital is home to palaces, colonial-style houses and the Shrine of Virgen de las Nieves, the oldest religious statue in the Canary Islands. Santa Cruz is as equally picturesque in the day as at night when the city comes alive.
Day 7 - Day 8 Funchal, Madeira Island
Madeira is famous for lush gardens with subtropical plants, but Funchal, the capital of the Garden Island, has more to offer. Rua de Santa Maria's colourful Old Town street is brightened with 200 painted doors. Madeira wine cellars' tasting rooms are scattered throughout the town. Taking a cable car ride to Monte provides a scenic experience, then from the top, carreiros, straw-boatered drivers, guide wicker-basket sleds down the steep streets.
Day 8 - Day 9 Day at sea
Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts.
Day 9 - Day 10 Lisbon
Spread over seven hills with São Jorge Castle views, bustling Lisbon is one of the world's oldest cities. Elegant Baixa, hilltop Alfama with its yellow tram, and scenic Graça overviewing pastel buildings, are top areas. The Jerónimos Monastery in Belém is a World Heritage Gothic site. The classic Portuguese pastel de nata custard tarts are a local treat. Europe’s longest suspension bridge, the Ponte 25 de Abril, crosses the river Tagus.
Day 10 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 
Day 11 - DAY 11 AKUREYRI
Home to some 18,000 residents, Akureyri stands proud as the Land of Fire and Ice’s ‘Capital of the North’. It’s the gateway to some natural wonders including the Myvatn region, Dettifoss waterfall, Godafoss waterfall and Asbyrgi canyon. But before you rush off, take some time to explore: Iceland’s winsome second city is colourful, cosy and utterly enchanting – even the red traffic lights are cute. Instagrammers will adore heart-shaped stop signs. Enjoy the quaint harbourfront; climb the steps to the towering Akureyri Church; stroll around Lystigardurinn, the city’s Arctic botanical garden; visit the Laufás Turf Houses; get in the festive spirit early at the Christmas House (Jolahusid); admire the exhibits at the Akureyri Art Museum or the Hof cultural centre; or take a dip in the outdoor, geothermal swimming pool.
Day 12 - DAY 12 ISAFJORDUR & VIGUR ISLAND
Surrounded by fjords in the Westfjords region, Ísafjördur is a bustling fishing town in northwest Iceland with colourful wooden 18th- and 19th-century houses in the old town of Neskaupstadur. Ísafjördur was one of the largest fisheries in Iceland, but tourism has now taken over. Nearby is Sudavik, home to the Arctic Fox Centre. Iceland’s only mammal, the arctic fox lives on the lush tundra of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve - the northernmost peninsula in the Westfjords with two of Europe’s largest bird cliffs. Island of Vigur is a real pearl of the Western Fjords. The second-largest island in the fjord, measuring two kilometres by 400 metres, it’s a significant seabird colony, which is home to arctic terns, puffins, black guillemots and eider ducks. As one of only two inhabited islands in the fjord, Vigur is also the site of a single farm, which has been in the same family for generations. During your time on the island, you might see Iceland’s only windmill, the country’s smallest post office and oldest boat, which was built more than 200 years ago and in regular use until relatively recently.
Day 13 - DAY 13 DYNJANDI WATERFALL & PATREKSFJÖRÐUR
Considered one of Iceland’s most impressive, this thunderous waterfall in the Westfjords region gives the impression of a bridal veil as it spreads its tumbling waters down a series of ever- growing cascades. Dynjandi is one of the most photographed sights in Iceland. Walking up to it takes 15 minutes passing five smaller waterfalls. Nearby, Hrafnseyri is the birthplace of Jón Sigurdsson, 19th-century leader of the Icelandic Independence movement. The museum includes an Icelandic turf house. The largest town in the southern part of Iceland’s striking Westfjords region, Patreksfjörður was a pioneering force in Iceland’s fishing industry. Today commercial fishing remains the town’s primary industry. One of Patreksfjörður’s main draws is the nearby Látrabjarg Cliff. This stunning slice of coastline is Europe’s largest bird cliff, as well as being the continent’s most western point. One of the world’s best seabird watching spots, this place is a must-see for keen ornithologists. Látrabjarg Cliff is also the perfect place to capture that iconic puffin photo. The puffins here are protected and have little reason to fear humans, allowing for some excellent photo opportunities.
Day 14 - DAY 14 REYKJAVIK
Your cruise ends in Reykjavík. Make sure there is sufficient time before you begin your journey home to explore this diminutive but dramatic capital city. Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do. To get your bearings, take the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church, designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson is one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to earth, visit the city’s other renowned building Harpa Concert Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík's regenerated harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland from past to present. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an impressive contemporary collection including eye-catching pieces by Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometres outside the city lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original Viking parliament.
Day 15 - Please Note:
Itinerary changes and surprising experiences are part of expedition cruise life. The world has a habit of amazing us with incredible things when we yield to the unexpected. Join us with an open mind and a sense of adventure and you’ll find that this can pay off in the most rewarding ways.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-05-202714-05-2027AUD $11,750Oceanview D4
04-05-202714-05-2027AUD $12,325Oceanview M4
04-05-202714-05-2027AUD $12,900Balcony D5
04-05-202714-05-2027AUD $13,500Balcony M5
04-05-202714-05-2027AUD $14,100Balcony D6
04-05-202714-05-2027AUD $17,600Junior Suite
04-05-202714-05-2027AUD $20,550Suite
04-05-202714-05-2027AUD $23,475Premium Suite

Inclusions

    • Island-hop from Dakar to Lisbon via Cape Verde, the Canary Islands, and Madeira
    • Explore volcanic landscapes in Santa Cruz de la Palma and subtropical gardens in Funchal
    • Experience a cultural blend of West African and European heritage in Praia and beyond

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