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Peregrine Travel Centre

Fernando de Noronha & the Bijagos Archipelago – with Nat Geo

Fernando de Noronha & the Bijagos Archipelago – with Nat Geo

From AUD $6,330

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Description

Sailing between two continents, PONANT offers you an itinerary rich in contrasts and cultural blending, to discover UNESCO World Heritage treasures. Aboard L’Austral, you will travel from Brazil to Senegal in 12 days, during an expedition cruise combining cultural discoveries and remarkable natural sites.

Before boarding in Recife, a dynamic metropolis whose bridges and canals have earned it the nickname of the “Brazilian Venice”, make sure you don’t miss out on the visit to Olinda. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this beautiful city founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century can be explored through its steep alleys and is home to many churches, chapels and colonial buildings with undeniable charm.

First of all, your ship will set sail north for the Fernando de Noronha islands, off the Brazilian coast, a natural paradise that is home to thousands of birds and rich underwater wildlife in its turquoise waters.

L’Austral will then cross the Atlantic as far as the Bijagos Islands. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, these sparsely-inhabited islands are only accessible to a few privileged travellers. There you will discover a variety of landscapes, ranging from tropical rainforest to savanna and mangroves, exceptional flora and fauna (including sea turtles) and will meet villagers with a unique culture.

This fantastic trip will conclude in Dakar, the bustling capital of Senegal.

Trip Name
Fernando de Noronha & the Bijagos Archipelago - with Nat Geo
Days
12
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 RECIFE
Founded in the 16th century, the city of Recife on Brazilﾒs north-east coast is a vibrant mix of old and new. Stroll around the historic centre to discover elegant pastel-coloured mansions, the Baroque cathedral of São Pedro and the azulejos frescoes in the church of São António, not far from the neoclassical theatre of Santa Isabel. On the waterfront, the long beaches of Pina and Boa Viagem beckon with emerald water and fine sand under shady coconut palms, while modern business blocks rear skyward to form a striking backdrop.
Day 2 - Days 2 - 4 FERNANDO DE NORONHA
The main island in the archipelago of the same name, Fernando de Noronha lies off Brazilﾒs north-east coast. Its pristine natural environment has given it UNESCO World Natural Heritage status. In Dolphins Bay, spinner dolphins cavort in pristine waters against a backdrop of luxuriant green hills. You might also see whale sharks and hawksbill turtles. Just next to the port of Santo Antonio, youﾒll see petrels and albatrosses cruising over deserted beaches. For an insight into the islandﾒs culture, visit Vila dos Remédios, a seaside village featuring many historic buildings.
Day 3 - Day 5 CROSSING THE EQUATOR LINE
Crossing the equator is a baptism, a maritime tradition that PONANT perpetuates with humour. The Captain and officers of your ship will choose some neophyte passengers and crew members, who will be submitted to the good-natured “trials’ of the passing of the line. As we change hemispheres, you will attend a ceremony organised in a fun and festive atmosphere: with white togas, Neptune’s trident and fancy dress on the agenda. An unforgettable moment of conviviality between passengers and crew, under the aegis of Neptune, God of the Seas!
Day 4 - Days 6 - 8 AT SEA
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 5 - Day 9 MAIO ISLAND, BIJAGOS & AMPINCHA, BIJAGOS
Some 20 kilometres off the coast of west Africa, the Bissau-Guinean archipelago of Bissagos is famous for its abundant biodiversity. The richness of its marine animal and plant life afforded it the status of Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Of the 88 islets and islands in the archipelago, only 23 are inhabited. At Maio, still called Chediã, you can meet the Bissagos people and get to know their ancestral ways and customs. In this region, cut off from the rest of the world and secluded from Western influences, youﾒll discover how locals really live.
Day 6 - Day 10 CARAVELA, ESCARAMOUSSA'S BEACH, BIJAGOS
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Day 7 - Day 11 LATERITE BEACH, BIJAGOS
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Day 8 - Day 12 DAKAR
On the tip of the African continent, the buzzing capital of Senegal stretches along the narrow peninsula of Cape Verde. You may be overwhelmed by its sheer size, but Dakar will win you over with its richly diverse districts, appealing cultural scene and rich natural surroundings. In the historic centre, you'll enjoy the pell-mell of colours and tasty delights in Kermel market. A visit to the island of Gorée is deeply moving; for several hundred years this island was the largest slave trading centre on the African coast. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you are looking for pristine, unspoilt nature, the wildlife in the heart of Madeleine Islands' national park will not disappoint.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-03-202001-04-2020AUD $6,330Superior Stateroom
21-03-202001-04-2020AUD $6,920DeLuxe Stateroom
21-03-202001-04-2020AUD $7,370Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
21-03-202001-04-2020AUD $7,620Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
21-03-202001-04-2020AUD $7,880Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
21-03-202001-04-2020AUD $10,920Deluxe Suite
21-03-202001-04-2020AUD $11,840Prestige Suite - Deck 5
21-03-202001-04-2020AUD $12,230Prestige Suite - Deck 6
21-03-202001-04-2020AUD $12,870Owners Suite

Inclusions

    • A cruise in partnership with National Geographic Expeditions offering enrichment with a National Geographic Photographer and an Expert specialised in the destination onboard.
    • UNESCO sites: Olinda (before your cruise), the Bijagos and Fernando de Noronha islands.
    • Outings and shore visits in Zodiac® inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides (subject to authorisation in the Fernando de Noronha islands).
    • Landscapes: stunning wild beaches in Fernando de Noronha; mangrove swamp (covering more than a third of the emerged part of the archipelago), savanna, tropical rainforests and white sand beaches in the Bijagos Islands.
    • Wildlife: turtles, sharks, dolphins, fishes and birds in the Fernando de Noronha islands; saltwater hippos, crocodiles, sea turtles, rays, sawfish, otters, manatees, dolphins, birds of prey, pelicans, large wading birds, snakes, gazelles and monkeys in the Bijagos Islands.
    • Visit of traditional villages and encounters with the Bidyogo people who have ancestral traditions and live in a matriarchal society.
    • Enthusiastic and knowledgeable conference guides and naturalists.

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