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The Canaries, Lands of Contrasts Luxury Cruise

The Canaries, Lands of Contrasts Luxury Cruise

From AUD $6,380

Description

In the Canaries archipelago, the volcanic islands rise from the Atlantic Ocean like mirages. In these lands of a thousand contrasts, lunar landscapes with crimson and ashen reflections, valleys covered in lush vegetation, craggy coves and sand dunes blend beautifully.  At the heart of these majestic islands, where nature reigns supreme, PONANT invites you to enjoy a surprising interlude on this 8-day cruise.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. 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 volcanic and verdant landscapes of Santa Cruz de La Palma, explore the Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from La Gomera, or discover the interior of the lava tubes of the Cueva del Viento, or “Wind Cave”, from Los Cristianos. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
Your cruise will start on the island of Gran Canaria in Las Palmas, then we will take to the sea, sailing to Lanzarote, or the Island of Fire. This inspiring, enigmatic and mysterious island reveals itself in a captivating setting composed of majestic peaks, volcanic vineyards and pristine national parks. It is also renowned for its many volcanic tunnels and caves offering unique moments in a fascinating underground world.  
The neighbouring island of Fuerteventura lies a little further south. In Puerto del Rosario, admire the old town and its Canarian-style houses, take in the exceptional panoramas formed by its emblematic sand dunes and go hiking to discover the biodiversity of the island.
Your ship will sail westward to reach 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.
Next, 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.
You will journey onward to El Hierro, the smallest of the Canary Islands. Among other activities, in this peaceful and tranquil haven scattered with volcanic desert and forests of pine and laurel, you will be able to enjoy these vast, untouched, lush spaces during a discovery tour of the island on an electric bike.
Your luxury ship will then drop anchor at La Gomera. This tiny island with lush vegetation is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its biosphere reserve. This island is also renowned for its whistling language, Silbo, that the inhabitants use to communicate from one valley to another. 
Finally, you will visit Las Palmas, on Gran Canaria Island, the final port of call on your Canarian cruise.

Trip Name
The Canaries, Lands of Contrasts Luxury Cruise
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 264 (200 in Antarctica) Built: 2011 This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral has a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being. A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. Precious materials in smoothing neutral tones are brought to life with splashes of cheerful reds. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht”. Cuisine Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark. Our two restaurants welcome you for breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The Gastronomic Restaurant, with a capacity of 268 persons, is situated on Le Liberté Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompagnied by fine wine. On the Grill Restaurant, you will have the opportuniny to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner. Life On Board Whether you want to join other guests in the theatre or games area (Wii™ consoles, etc), or relax on your own in a quiet corner of the library, L'Austral has been designed to meet the needs of every guest. Everything has been done to preserve the independence of each guest to suit their personal tastes: lounges for lectures and shows, a spa in partnership with Sothys™, but also more intimate spaces such as the library and internet corner. Comfortable cabins, nearly all with private balcony, are available for families either as triples or as communicating cabins. There is also a games area with Wii™ consoles, children’s menus, and a baby-sitting service. Just as if you were on a private yacht, your time is your own to do as you please. Fitted with the latest equipment (Kinesis Wall, running machine) and in partnership with the famous Sothys™ brand, the Beauty Centre on L'Austral welcomes you for some unforgettable moments of relaxation and pampering (beauty treatments, hairdresser).

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA, CANARY ISLANDS
A stopover of sunny climes, Las Palmas is located on the north-east coast of Gran Canaria. A few streets away from Puerto de la Luz port, you’ll discover the vast Las Canteras beach, bordered with the town’s characteristic palms. You’ll find these palms are all over Las Palmas, in the streets and squares, especially on the plaza de Santa Ana in the heart of the historical district. It feels like you’ve travelled back in time here, as you stand looking at the tall houses beside the Santa Ana cathedral. Very close by, you can visit the Casa de Colón, a museum dedicated to the famous explorer. The museum is housed in the palace belonging to the island’s former governor. Chances are, you’ll be drawn to the covered Vegueta market to partake in some daily life along with the locals and taste some unfamiliar dishes.
Day 2 - Day 2 PUERTO DEL ROSARIO, CANARY ISLANDS
Surrounded by turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the capital of Fuerteventura island is located in the autonomous community of the Canary Islands. Harbour city, Puerto Del Rosario will charm you with its storekeepers, its white houses and picturesque sea front.
Day 3 - Day 3 ARRECIFE DE LANZAROTE, CANARY ISLANDS
Established on a coast sprinkled with cliffs, Arrecife has a pleasant beach and a lagoon full of charm, Charca of San Ginés, where the fishermen anchor their boats. The city also proposes places fed by history and culture, such as the castle San Gabriel, former fort of defense of the city.
Day 4 - Day 4 LOS CRISTIANOS, CANARY ISLANDS
Discover the charming village of Los Cristianos, in the south of the island of Tenerife. While the former fishing town is edged by some beautiful fine-sand beaches, it is also known for the two protected nature reserves that surround it – Mount Chayofita and Mount Guaza. Both are ideal for hiking and for admiring the captivating views, facing the North Atlantic. Authentic and festive, Los Cristianos is also famous for its many water-based activities, ranging from scuba diving to snorkelling and water sports.
Day 5 - Day 5 SANTA CRUZ DE LA PALMA, CANARY ISLANDS
The capital of the island of Palma, Santa Cruz de la Palma is the pearl of the Canaries. Founded in 1493 by the conquistador Alonso Fernandez de Lugo, the city has preserved a large and atypical architectural heritage from its colonial past, with its traditional Canarian houses adorned with brightly coloured wooden balconies, its cobbled streets, its sumptuous palaces and its numerous religious buildings. The Santa Catalina Castle is the symbol of the city. This 16th century military fortification helped defend the city from repeated attacks by French privateers.
Day 6 - Day 6 LA ESTACA, CANARY ISLANDS
With its particularly pleasant climate, El Hierro, the youngest of the Canary Islands, invites you to discover enchanting panoramas in an atmosphere of unrivalled calm and serenity. You will be captivated by the untouched natural environment, featuring a majestic volcano, lush forests, sheer cliffs and natural pools. Besides the treasures on land, you will also have the chance to discover its underwater environment. Teeming with life, it is a paradise for diving enthusiasts, since the island is home to the Punta de La Restinga Marine Reserve, its thousands of colourful fish and stunning underwater volcanic landscapes.
Day 7 - Day 7 SAN SEBASTIAN DE LA GOMERA, CANARY ISLANDS
La Gomera rises from the water like a mirage. This volcanic island in the Canaries features jagged cliffs, valleys covered in palm trees, and beaches of black sand bathing in crystal-clear waters. But its greatest treasure lies at its heart: an exceptional laurisilva, a laurel forest whose prehistoric vegetation has been preserved thanks to the microclimate on the island. This unique ecosystem, common a few million years ago in the tropics, forms the Garajonay National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like the birds, the Guanches contribute to the poetry of the island too, with their whistled language called Silbo. This magical-sounding, melodious language is also listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.
Day 8 - Day 8 LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA, CANARY ISLANDS
A stopover of sunny climes, Las Palmas is located on the north-east coast of Gran Canaria. A few streets away from Puerto de la Luz port, you’ll discover the vast Las Canteras beach, bordered with the town’s characteristic palms. You’ll find these palms are all over Las Palmas, in the streets and squares, especially on the plaza de Santa Ana in the heart of the historical district. It feels like you’ve travelled back in time here, as you stand looking at the tall houses beside the Santa Ana cathedral. Very close by, you can visit the Casa de Colón, a museum dedicated to the famous explorer. The museum is housed in the palace belonging to the island’s former governor. Chances are, you’ll be drawn to the covered Vegueta market to partake in some daily life along with the locals and taste some unfamiliar dishes.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
01-04-202508-04-2025AUD $6,380Superior Stateroom
01-04-202508-04-2025AUD $6,940Deluxe Stateroom
01-04-202508-04-2025AUD $7,330Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
01-04-202508-04-2025AUD $7,570Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
01-04-202508-04-2025AUD $7,890Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
01-04-202508-04-2025AUD $10,820Deluxe Suite
01-04-202508-04-2025AUD $11,680Prestige Suite Deck 5
01-04-202508-04-2025AUD $12,060Prestige Suite Deck 6
01-04-202508-04-2025AUD $12,700Owner's Suite
16-04-202523-04-2025AUD $6,940DeLuxe Stateroom
16-04-202523-04-2025AUD $7,330Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
16-04-202523-04-2025AUD $7,570Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
16-04-202523-04-2025AUD $7,890Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
16-04-202523-04-2025AUD $10,820Deluxe Suite
16-04-202523-04-2025AUD $11,680Prestige Suite - Deck 5
16-04-202523-04-2025AUD $12,060Prestige Suite - Deck 6
16-04-202523-04-2025AUD $12,700Owner’s Suite
16-04-202523-04-2025AUD $6,380Superior Stateroom

Inclusions

    • A brand-new cruise to the heart of the Canary Islands, lands of contrast featuring lunar landscapes and lush valleys.
    • The discovery of seven islands in the Canaries: Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Garajonay National Park in La Gomera.
    • Landscapes: volcanoes, calderas, mountain peaks, green hills, cliffs, lakes, shrubs, flowers, forests, beaches.
    • Two new ports of call: Los Cristianos and El Hierro.
    • Discovery of the picturesque Santa Cruz de la Palma with its sumptuous palaces and its picturesque old town featuring colonial architecture.
    • Discover Arrecife in Lanzarote and its moonscapes.

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