Travels Round The World

Where in the World Are We?

We are in the capital of Portugal, Lisbon.

LISBON, PORTUGAL
Portugal’s capital is a stirring artwork of a city

A glorious mosaic of beauty, freedom, and authenticity, Portugal’s capital is a stirring artwork of a city. Known for the seven hills it spreads across, and its stirring fado music, Lisbon is a pastel-coloured blend of houses and beautiful tile artworks. This creative city strikes a perfect harmony between natural and manmade beauty.

Stroll along Alfama’s steep, cobbled streets as you explore one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, where each house and door could be its photograph. Look for the decorative tiles, with the distinctive blues and whites of Azulejo ceramics, and visit the dedicated museum to learn more.

Afterwards, wind up at São Jorge Castle, where views across Lisbon’s red rooftops unravel. Just one of many majestic viewpoints, you can also seek out Miradouro da Graça for perhaps Lisbon’s finest panorama, with the copper-coloured suspension bridge stretching over sparkling water beyond the sea of buildings.

The elegant Tower of Belém rises in the Tagus estuary and is a historic defender of these shores. The grand, carved cloisters of Jerónimos Monastery spread out close by. Another UNESCO-recognized location is Sintra, a colourful town set amid thick gardens and towering mountains capped by the royal Pena Palace.

Later, relax and take a quick break to drink Ginjinha, a cherry liqueur made from chocolate cups instead of coffee. Lisboetas have a sweet tooth, and the famous Pastel de Nata, with its crumbling pastry and caramelised custard topping, is essential to any coffee stop.

SIGHTS
• Castelo de S. Jorge
• Belém Tower
• Jerónimos Monastery
• Oceanário de Lisboa
• Mercado da Ribeira

SHOPPING
The Avenida da Liberdade is the swankiest shopping street in Lisbon, lined with high-end shops and designer boutiques.
This tree-lined Boulevard is home to many of Portugal’s most exclusive stores (Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Cartier) and the location of many fine restaurants and bars. The Avenida da Liberdade is also a characterful street to wander, with grand 19th-century architecture and shaded formal gardens.

LxFactory is Lisbon’s urban and creative hub. Independent shops, stalls, and cafes have created an artisanal shopping experience in this once-abandoned industrial area.

Today’s Excursion – Panoramic Lisbon & Tagus River Cruise
We explored Lisbon from a unique perspective during this picturesque city tour via river boat and bus.

Europe’s second-oldest capital (after Athens), once home to the world’s greatest explorers like Vasco da Gama, Magellan, and Prince Henry the Navigator, became the first valid world city, the capital of an empire spreading over all continents, from South America to Asia. The former launch pad for many of the world’s most remarkable voyages is now where modern travelers discover its history.

Tagus River Cruise
Along the way, discover the beauty and charm of Lisbon as seen from the river. See a Roman castle perched on a hilltop and a
12th-century cathedral in the centre of Alfama’s Moorish District before passing under the spectacular April 25th Suspension
Bridge. In the distance is the monumental statue of Christ the King, built to honour Portugal’s neutrality during World War II.
Take a sail along the banks of the Belem area on your private boat. En route, see the 15th-century New Harbour and a
memorial to Prince Henry. Your river boat cruise concludes with a look at the Royal Monastery of St. Jerome and the unique
Belem Tower was built as a fortress to defend the harbour of the wealthy Portuguese capital during the 15th and 16th centuries.
These historic buildings date from the Discovery Period and the reign of King Manuel I.

Lisbon City Tour
Upon returning to the river boat terminal, we took a coach for a scenic sightseeing drive through the centre of Lisbon. As
we proceeded along the main streets and squares, a brief stop was made at the top of King Edward VII Park for spectacular views of the city and harbour. From here, we continued past Pombal Square, the famous Liberty Avenue, Rossio, the heart of Lisbon, and the historic Baixa District en route to the unique Comercio Square, which is located along the waterfront.

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant

FADO CRUZADO
SHOWTIME WITH LOCAL PERFORMANCE CROSSED FADO
“Fado Cruzado” is a captivating concert that unites the soulful traditions of Fado de Coimbra and Fado de Lisboa.

This performance offers a unique and unforgettable journey through the heart of Portuguese music, blending two iconic styles into a powerful musical experience.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Arrecife, Canary Islands, off the coast of north Africa.

ARRECIFE, CANARY ISLANDS
Sun-kissed appeal of the Canary Islands
Nestled on the east coast of Lanzarote, Arrecife takes its name from the rocky reefs and outcrops that dominate its coastline. This pretty working city has a friendly, authentic feel, and has remained true to its roots as a historic fishing village. There’s a lot to explore, and whether you want to lie back on long swathes of opulent golden sand or strap on hiking boots to crunch across Lanzarote’s scorched volcanic scenery, this versatile capital has so much to offer. With castles, caves, sleepy beaches, and a glittering saltwater lagoon, Arrecife is the perfect place to get acquainted with the sun-kissed appeal of the Canary Islands.

Lanzarote’s charcoal desert vistas radiate a remarkable luna-like quality, but dotted cacti, waving palms, and bursts of vibrant wildflowers add an accent of colour to the canvas. Arrecife itself boasts apricot-coloured beaches and labyrinthine lanes of white-wash buildings within its Old Quarter, where you can smell fresh fish grilling, and see locals dipping delicious local salty potatoes – papas arrugadas – into colourful sauces. An evening stroll along El Charco de San Gines is a must for watching fishing boats bobbing gently on the lagoon and spectacular sunsets burning across the sky.

Standing tall for more than four centuries, Castillo De San Gabriel is located on the tiny island of Islote de los Ingleses and was once a target for pirates, who would appear menacingly on the Atlantic’s horizon. The stalwart 16th-century fortress now serves as the History Museum of Arrecife, and exhibitions inside explore the evolution of the city and the ancient culture of Lanzarote. Meanwhile, the International Museum of Contemporary Art displays modern and abstract works within the refined setting of 18th-century San José Castle. See works from Cesar Manrique – the prominent artist and architect whose slick sixties style flair can be admired across the island.

SIGHTS
• Mirador Del Río Viewpoint
• Cueva de Los Verdes
• Jameos del Agua
• Large Caverns
• Timanfaya National Park
• Charco de Los Clicos
• Playa del Golfo
• Salinas del Janubio
• El Charco de San Ginés
• Castillo de San Gabriel
• Aquarium at Costa Teguise

SHOPPING AND CUISINE
Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, is the island’s central shopping hub with a modern vibe. The Mall will be open 365 days a year and features open-air shopping with some major brands present, including a 3,200-square-metre Zara store, Cortefiel, Women’s Secret, Springfield, Primor, Fund Grube, Worten, Sprinter, and more.

Located in the old part of town, Calle Real is one of Arrecife’s main shopping strips. It’s lined with shops and restaurants, making it one of the most pleasant and complete areas for strolling and shopping in Lanzarote. Mojo picón: Mojo picón is the most famous sauce in the gastronomy of the Canary Islands.

Today’s Excursion – National Park of Timanfaya & Exclusive Visit to Salinas del Janubio
We discovered the uniquely beautiful geology of Arrecife during this immersive, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Timanfaya National Park, Volcanoes, Lunar-Like Landscape

We drove to Timanfaya National Park, which is famous for its volcanoes and appears similar to Mars and the Moon. If it were not for the intense blue sky, many photos taken in Lanzarote could be mistaken for lunar-like landscapes during a stop at the Visitors Center of Timanfaya National Park. During the bus tour, we learned about our surroundings and marveled at the spectacular panoramic views of the unusual landscape.

Arrecife, Salinas del Janubio, Private Tour and Tasting

At Salinas del Janubio, we took a guided tour and visited a viewpoint from which we saw locals working on the salt pans and the Bodega, where they keep the salt. Following our tour, proceed to taste their salt flower, a form of pure salt collected according to very traditional techniques of marine origin. This salt is collected manually and does not go through any industrial process. It is stored in containers for a year, allowing the sun and wind to dry it into a pure product, without additives or transformation, and with very limited production.

Dinner was in the Atlantide Restaurant

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Dakar, Senegal, in western Africa.

Today’s Excursion – Museum of Black Civilizations & African Renaissance

We visited Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, to learn about African Art, Culture, and History at the Museum of Black Civilization and enjoy the scenic views of Dakar.

House of Parliament, President’s Palace, Cathedral, Great Mosque, and Dakar University
Drive past the President’s Palace with its impressive red spahi guards and the House of Parliament. See the Cathedral and the
Great Mosque of Dakar, pass through the picturesque popular district of Medina, and reach the University of Cheikh Anta Diop
Of Dakar.

Scenic Coastline and Millenium Door, the new Monument of the African Renaissance
Drive along the scenic coastline line to the Millenium Door, the new ‘Monument of the African Renaissance and tallest statue in
Africa. At 49 meters, the bronze structure on the second Mamelles Hill was inaugurated in 2010. The African Renaissance
Monument is taller than the Statue of Liberty, and is on top of a 100-metre high hill, and is a very impressive figure of man,
woman and child pointing out towards the Atlantic Ocean. It is accessible by a large staircase of 198 steps.

Sand Painting and Kermel Market
From here, head for visits to the Sand Painting and Kermel Market, located near the recently-built Grand Theatre of Dakar.
Also, visit the Soumbedioune Handicraft Market and Medina for African souvernirs and soak up the city tour’s atmosphere.

Museum

Museum of Black Civilization
Before returning to the ship, head back to Dakar for a final visit to the impressive Museum of Black Civilizations, opened in
December 2018. A repository for African art, culture, and history, the Museum has space for some 18,000 artworks, but many galleries are not yet filled. With its architecture, inspired by traditional homes typical of southern Senegal and its circular
shape, the museum has changed the landscape of downtown Dakar.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Banjul, The Gambia, on the west coast of Africa.

BANJUL, THE GAMBIA
A place of scorched sunlight and faded colonial history
Emerging from The Gambia’s wild mangrove swamps, Banjul sits where the River Gambia’s yawning mouth opens up to meet the salty tang of the Atlantic. Punctuated by a soaring 35-metre arched gateway, constructed following the coup d’etat that broke out in 1994, The Gambia’s capital is a place of scorched sunlight and faded colonial history, which provides flavours of laidback beachside relaxation mixed with exotic old-world African seaport charm.

Despite its capital status, Banjul’s soft lyrical name often has more of a village feel. You’ll feel it most acutely as you explore the tight-knit labyrinth of Albert Market. The orchestral sounds of bartering rise to a pitched crescendo in the early morning – the perfect time to plunge in for a dizzying sensory overload hit.

A beloved gathering spot since the 19th century, the market is a riot of colour, with spit-and-nail stalls buckling below the weight of print fabrics, salt-crusted fish, and colourful textiles. While the market can be a disorienting whir of activity, the city tends to move at a more laid-back pace.

Visit Oyster Creek to let an afternoon float by, fishing rod in hand, as the sunlight slants across the water, and you treasure the hint of an afternoon breeze. Cormorants and pelicans step gingerly across the sinking mudflats that line the riverbank. Those craving cultural immersion can visit a local home for a cooking experience, helping to descale fresh red snapper, sipping baobab juice, and mixing spices into an authentic benachin pot.

SIGHTS
• Banjul National Museum
• Arch 22
• Kachikally Crocodile Pool
• Serrekunda – Batik Factory
• Albert Market
• Abuko Nature Reserve
• Bijilo Forest Park
• King Fahad Mosque
• Roman Catholic Cathedral

SHOPPING
Go to Albert Market to browse through this colourful market. It is bustling and full of color. This primary city market has three sections. One is for food—meats, produce, and dry goods; another hawks clothing, housewares, and other everyday needs; and the rest is aimed at tourists seeking arts, crafts, and gifts. Dozens of stalls wind through the maze. Bargaining is expected! Look for batiks, handicrafts, T-shirts, and hats.

Today’s Excursion – Banjul & Serrakunda
Banjul National Museum
Depart the pier by motorcoach and drive to and visit the Banjul National Museum. The Museum and the contributions made by
Gambians to the arts, religion, politics, sports, and technology, shown in photos, and archaeological finds describing the African people and their colonial period. It houses three floors of exhibits. The ground floor displays the political and cultural history of
the nation’s capital, Banjul. On the basement level, you can learn about the musical heritage of the Gambia and see what
instruments are popular throughout the country. On the second floor, you can learn about the archeological history of West
Africa and the Gambia. The same floor also details the national colonial and post-independence political and economic history.

Arch 22 Photo stop
Make a brief stop to photograph Arch 22 (built in 1996), commemorating the 22 July 1994 bloodless military coup. Arch 22 is a
commemorative arch on the road into Banjul. It was built in 1996 to mark the military coup through which Yahya Jammeh and
his Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council overthrew the democratically elected Gambian government. A statue of the
“unknown soldier” can be seen near the arch’s base: the soldier has a rifle strapped to his back and carries a baby in one
hand whilst signaling victory with the other. Arch 22 is also depicted on the back of the 100-dalasis banknote.

Kachikally Crocodile Pool
Then drive to Bakau Katchikally and visit the Crocodile Pool. It is one of three sacred crocodile pools used as sites for fertility
rituals. It is a privately owned crocodile pool belonging to the Bojang family of Bakau, one of the city’s founding families and major

Serrekunda – Batik Factory
Continue to Serrekunda (meaning the home of the Sere Family), made up of 9 small villages that have merged over the
years, this being the largest town in Gambia today. Visit the tie-dye batik factory and see the complete process from design to
waxing and boiling the fabrics. It supplies many of the local ships.

SMOKE & MIRRORS
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER BRENDON PEEL

A magical world where perception bends and the unexpected takes shape.

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant

MY JOURNEY
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE
ENTERTAINER ELIO ROJAS

With an intimate atmosphere and a gentle mood, the audience engages with the artist in a musical journey where Elio transforms with his great versatility widely known songs in his style, upholding the Latin jazz, fused with his Afro-Cuban culture and roots, mixed with European classical music and Cuban rhythms.