NEW TRIP
From Lisbon to Dakar aboard the Diana
Atlantic Cruise From Portugal to Senegal
Booking Discount
Back to back booking discount when combined with Exploring the Coast of West Africa
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Overview
Aboard the expedition ship Diana, embark on a voyage along the rugged Atlantic coast of northwest Africa and its islands. Starting in Lisbon, immerse yourself in a vibrant blend of African and European cultures. As the trade winds carry you westward, explore Madeira's lush forests in Funchal, the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands, and the stark beauty of the Saharan desert in Morocco and Mauritania. Your adventure concludes in the bustling markets of Dakar, Senegal.
Arrive: Lisbon, Portugal
Depart: Dakar, Senegal
Highlights
- Marvel at the stark beauty of the Saharan desert in Dakhla, where rolling dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean
- Explore the vast coastal sanctuary of Banc d'Arguin National Park, a haven for migratory birds
- Enjoy a taste of Madeira's world-famous wine while exploring Funchal's charming streets
Itinerary
Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.
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 Graca overlooking 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. The following day is at sea.
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 colorful 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.
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.
Tenerife beguiled Agatha Christie when she arrived in 1927 in the old town of Santa Cruz, Tenerife's capital. Mount Teide, at 12,139 feet, is the world's third largest volcano and dominates the landscape. Its volcanic slopes make excellent terroir for quality wines. Admiral Nelson lost his arm in 1797 in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, the world's first city laid out in a grid with charming 16th-century pastel mansions adorned with wooden balconies.
The city of Dakhla's position on a peninsula along Morocco's Atlantic coast where the desert meets the sea makes it a unique gateway to Western Sahara's landscapes. The region is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts, with its vibrant flamingo population attracting numerous visitors. Kitesurfing and desert safaris are also popular activities, offering chances to see mammals like sand cats and reptiles including spiny-tailed lizards.
Nouadhibou, Mauritania's bustling port city, is a cultural hub known for its diverse population, vibrant markets, and a strong economy based on iron ore and fishing. The Port Artisanal is busy with Mauritanian and Senegalese pirogue fishing boats. Nearby, Cap Blanc features pristine sands and a colony of monk seals, while the UNESCO-listed Banc d'Arguin National Park, renowned for its nesting birds and migratory waders, is also close by.
Nouakchott, Mauritania's capital and largest city, is a key Saharan hub. It offers Fishermen's Beach, known for its colorful boats and sunset views. The city hosts the Presidential Palace and the National Museum of Mauritania, which provides insights into regional history. Notable shopping areas include the Grand Market, Artisan's Village, and the Silver Market, known for Mauritanian silver jewelry with distinctive designs.
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. Mbalax music dominates the vibrant nightlife. Traditional crafts like woodcarvings and paintings sell at Soumbédioune market, making it the perfect souvenir stop.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
The trip is rated Level 1+, Easy, and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Launch boats are used to explore the coastline and transport passengers ashore for walks to view cultural sites and wildlife.
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.