Namibia, Spain & Morocco
Combination Cruise: Walvis Bay,
Gran Canaria & Casablanca

Cape Town

Cape Town's allure lies in its spectacular setting, the beauty
of its natural environment, and the rich cultural diversity of its
people. The city has had a long and turbulent history, and the
effects of colonisation and Apartheid still linger in the minds and
hearts of many. Transformation, however, has led to a feeling of
hope, which can be experienced in the cosmopolitan city centre of
Cape Town.

Flower sellers, business executives, parking attendants, office
workers, and shoppers all rub shoulders in a setting of both
historical and modern buildings, backed by the city's most famous
landmark, Table Mountain. The colourful Malay Quarter, the remains
of District Six, St George's Cathedral, Government Avenue, and the
old Castle are historically interesting, while world-class African
and international restaurants tempt travellers with their culinary
delights. Although an African city, Cape Town has a marked European
influence and visitors can experience the excitement of Africa from
the comforts of upmarket surroundings.

Cape Town's unique setting means that views of the city can be
enjoyed from various spectacular vantage points. Table Mountain,
Lion's Head, and Signal Hill provide breathtaking vistas over the
city bowl and the Cape peninsula, with its beautiful beaches. Trips
to Robben Island offer a dramatic sweep of scenery across to Table
Bay, while harbour tours and old buildings await exploration at the
cosmopolitan Waterfront. Many scenic routes meander along
magnificent stretches of coastline leading to special places like
Cape Point and Chapman's Peak, which boasts one of the most
picturesque stretches of road in the world.

Lüderitz

Located along the coast of Namibia, Luderitz is a charming and historic town that offers a unique blend of German colonial architecture, natural beauty, and cultural richness. With its scenic coastline, fascinating history, and friendly locals, Luderitz is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation.

Luderitz is known for its distinctive German architecture, which dates back to the town's establishment in the late 19th century. The influence of German colonialism can be seen in the brightly colored, well-preserved buildings that line the town's streets. The most iconic of these is the Goerke Haus, a grand mansion that stands as a testament to the town's past. Walking through the streets of Luderitz feels like stepping back in time, with its charming cafes and boutiques nestled between the historic buildings.

One of the main attractions in Luderitz is the Kolmanskop Ghost Town. Once a bustling diamond mining town, it was abandoned in the 1950s and has since become a hauntingly beautiful place to visit. The shifting sands have taken over the buildings, creating a surreal landscape that is both eerie and captivating. Exploring the deserted houses and learning about the diamond mining history is a must-do for any visitor to Luderitz.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the stunning landscapes and wildlife that surround Luderitz. The nearby Namib Desert offers breathtaking views of rolling sand dunes, making it perfect for photography enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. The coastal area is also home to a variety of bird species, including flamingos and pelicans, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

Another popular attraction is Diaz Point, named after the famous Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias. Here, visitors can explore the Diaz Cross and enjoy panoramic views of the rugged coastline. The area is also known for its resident seal colony, which can be observed from a safe distance.

For those looking for a unique culinary experience, Luderitz is famous for its seafood. Freshly caught fish and oysters are a specialty here, and many local restaurants offer mouthwatering seafood dishes. Don't miss the opportunity to try some of the local delicacies, such as rock lobster or grilled angelfish.

Luderitz is also a great starting point for exploring the surrounding area. Just a short drive away is the Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world. This natural wonder offers stunning views, hiking trails, and the opportunity to witness the beauty of the desert landscape up close.

When it comes to accommodation, Luderitz offers a range of options to suit every budget. From luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses, there is something for everyone. The local hospitality is exceptional, with friendly locals who are always ready to welcome visitors with a warm smile.

In conclusion, Luderitz is a unique destination that combines rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether you are interested in exploring the historic buildings, discovering the natural wonders of the coast and desert, or indulging in delicious seafood, Luderitz has something to offer for everyone. With its distinctive charm and beauty, it is a place that will leave a lasting impression on any traveler.

Walvis Bay

Tourists travelling to Namibia often overlook Walvis
Bay. On closer inspection, the country's second-largest city has a
lot to offer. The town is the gateway to a host of endless dunes,
freshwater lagoons, birdlife, sea creatures, and silence. The
freshwater lagoons found at the base of some of these dunes provide
life to a variety of highly unique desert wildlife.

Aside from the awe-inspiring scenery, Walvis Bay
offers a range of other activities and sightseeing opportunities
for adventurous visitors as well as those who just want to relax
and commune with the wind. Walvis Bay is the perfect base from
which to explore the surrounding desert regions, including the
beautiful Sandwich Bay and Cape fur seal colony at Cape Cross, and
the nearby seaside resort of Swakopmund. Popular activities include
deep-sea fishing excursions, dune-boarding, dolphin watching, and
scuba diving.

Walvis may be a small dusty town along Namibia's
barren and harsh coastline, with hot days, cool nights and mornings
shrouded in sea fog. However, it offers up something magical that
few can resist. Walvis Bay is the perfect place to relax, zone out
and commune with your surroundings as you sip a cold beer, watching
the colours of the fiery sunsets compete with the flamingos in the
lagoon.

Jamestown

In the South Atlantic Ocean, St Helena is a tropical island that has a variation of influences from all over the world. Explore the island with its many activities, local delicacies and rich culture.

Praia, Santiago Island

Start your Expedition Cruise in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, located in the south of Santiago Island. You can explore its old centre overlooking the ocean and its historical buildings with transom windows. In the old quarter, you can also learn about the diversity of the archipelago’s cultural origins in the Ethnographic Museum. To finish your day, head to the harbour to visit the Diogo Gomes statue, paying homage to the man who discovered the archipelago in 1460.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The third largest but most developed of the seven
islands in the Spanish-administered Canary archipelago, Gran
Canaria has been billed as a miniature continent because of the
variety of climates and landscapes that it offers, from the big
city bustle of the capital, Las Palmas, to the serenity of its lush
woodlands.

The Canary Islands lie in the Atlantic Ocean, about
125 miles (200km) from the African coast and almost 800 miles
(1,280km) from the closest European port of Cadiz. Gran Canaria is
almost circular, with a diameter of about 32 miles (50km), and is
characterised by deep ravines that radiate out from the centre down
to the coast.

The north of the island is humid and lush, with green
valleys and volcanic craters, while the south is arid and
desert-like, with vast stretches of sandy beach. The interior of
Gran Canaria has steep highlands dotted with small villages,
sporting white houses with red roofs, banana plantations, and
orchards bursting with tropical fruits.

Tourists generally favour the southern coastline,
flocking to the well-known beaches of Playa del Inglés or
Maspalomas, where the sea washes soft sands and empty dunes stretch
for miles. The capital, Las Palmas, lies on the northeast tip of
the island, between two long beaches, Las Caletas, and
Alcaravaneras.

Arrecife, Lanzarote

The most northeasterly of the Canary Islands,
Lanzarote has embraced the tourism boom with a more laidback feel
than its popular sister islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Nature is still the biggest attraction on this small volcanic
island, which measures only 38 miles (60km) in length and 13 miles
(21km) across at its widest point.

Lanzarote's beaches are varied and dramatic,
including long stretches of golden sand, some good surf spots, and
some rugged, hidden coves. Camels are often used to transport goods
and sometimes tourists on this desert-like island, across the dry
volcanic ash that covers most of the landscape. UNESCO declared the
whole island a Biosphere Reserve in 1993, and visitors exploring
the dozens of enchanting and unique spots on the island will soon
see why.

Lanzarote's capital, Arrecife, is a small town on
the eastern coast, its harbour packed with fishing boats. Although
the town itself has little to offer in the way of sights or
nightlife, it does have a magnificent beach, El Reducto, which has
been granted Blue Flag status by the European Union. A promenade
runs along the beachfront around the San Gines lagoon with its fine
golden sand and placid waters.

Agadir

The modern city of Agadir is a popular midway point for cruises
heading to the Canary Islands. Completely rebuilt since a
devastating earthquake in 1960, the busy port draws thousands of
tourists with its pretty, sandy beaches and 300 annual days of
sunshine.

Located just south of Marrakech, Agadir is a good starting point
for cultural excursions to more traditional towns such as
Taroudannt. It is also a good base for enjoying the wild landscape
with desert safaris and camel treks. Popular outdoor activities
include bird-watching and hiking in Souss-Massa River National
Park, soaking up the sun on the beach in Taghazout, and jet-skiing
in Agadir Bay. Agadir is also fast becoming Morocco's most popular
coastal resort and is a modern, thriving town with much to see and
do. The primary attractions of Agadir are its lovely beaches, which
are perfect for sunbathing and swimming, as there tends to be
little wind. There are other sights though, including the remains
of a fortress and a small zoo.

There is also a municipal market that has a number of shops
selling popular souvenirs, though travellers won't find quite the
same culture of spirited haggling of other parts of Morocco. There
are also many popular spa and wellness centres offering treatments
and locally made spa products, with those made from the argan tree
particularly popular.

Casablanca

Just looking at the city, there's no need to guess where the
port-city of Casablanca, meaning 'white house' in Spanish, got its
name. Made famous by the classic film, starring Humphrey Bogart,
this cosmopolitan, white-walled city is Morocco's largest and most
modern. Casablanca is not oriented towards tourists as much as
Morocco's other large cities, but under the hustle and bustle lies
a unique and charismatic history waiting to be discovered.

Founded by Berber fisherman over two thousand years ago,
Casablanca was used by both the Phoenicians and the Romans as a
port. The Portuguese then took over but after destroying the city
and rebuilding it, they abandoned it in the aftermath of an
earthquake. The city went on to be rebuilt as Daru l-Badya (Arabic
for Casablanca) by a Moroccan sultan, and was then given the name
Casablanca by the Spanish traders who used the port, and it retains
this function today as one of Africa's largest and most important
ports.

As a centre for trade and, consequently, the mixing of cultures,
Casablanca is unlike any other Moroccan city. Many women ditch the
conservative clothing and dress themselves in the latest designer
outfits. The infrastructure is modern and the city sophisticated.
Casablanca is where Morocco's youth move to make something of their
lives and is the centre for international trade and big business.
For a glimpse of its history, downtown is the perfect place to
admire the blend of French colonial architecture and traditional
Moroccan design.

Gibraltar

Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, is renowned for its strategic position and rich history. This tiny yet culturally diverse area offers stunning vistas and a wealth of attractions. The iconic Rock of Gibraltar dominates the landscape, providing breathtaking views across the Mediterranean and the distant coast of Africa. Visitors can explore the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, home to the famous Barbary macaques, the only wild monkey population in Europe. History enthusiasts will marvel at the Great Siege Tunnels and the Moorish Castle, testifying to Gibraltar’s tumultuous past.

The blend of British and Spanish influences is palpable in Gibraltar's vibrant streets, where English pubs sit alongside tapas bars. Main Street is lined with duty-free shops, making it a shopper’s paradise. The population is equally diverse, reflecting a mix of cultures and traditions.

Gibraltar's appeal is not limited to its land. The surrounding waters offer excellent opportunities for dolphin watching and other marine activities. For those interested in diving, the area's rich underwater heritage includes numerous shipwrecks and unique marine life.

With a pleasant Mediterranean climate, Gibraltar is a year-round destination. Its compact size allows travelers to explore many of its attractions on foot, ensuring a fulfilling experience.

Málaga

Malaga has long been a popular holiday destination for British tourists. Located on the Costa del Sol, along the southern coast of Spain, Malaga enjoys yearly warm weather and sandy beaches perfect for those looking for some relaxation.

Barcelona

The enchanting city of Barcelona is a visual delight, and has an
atmosphere that combines elegance and sophistication with
provincial charm. In exploring its streets you'll discover medieval
romance in its Gothic quarter and the awe-inspiring delights of the
fantastic and sometimes outrageous Art Nouveau architecture of
Gaudi and his contemporaries.

The funicular up to Tibidabo, or the cable car up Montjuic, both
offer breathtaking views over this attractive city. Its skyline is
perhaps most famous for Antoni Gaudi's masterwork, the still
incomplete church of the Sagrada Familia, as well as the city's
huge Gothic cathedral. The artistic legacy of Barcelona is one of
the city's most appealing attributes, with museums containing
extensive collections of the works of Miro and Picasso. Barcelona
is also a shopper's paradise, with the city's flair for style
reflected in its numerous boutiques and markets, open late into the
evenings. As the sun sets, and the city's many bars and restaurants
open, the night truly comes alive. Dinner is served at any time
between nine o'clock and midnight, and the festivities around the
bars and nightclubs carry on well into the early hours of the
morning.

Barcelona is the commercial centre of the popular holiday region
known as the Costa Brava, the northernmost Mediterranean seafront
in Spain, as well as the Costa Dorada to the south. The coast is
dotted with popular resort towns, many retaining their age-old
charm, which can be easily reached from the city.