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Funchal Botanical Gardens in Madeira island, Portugal

Islands of the Atlantic: West Africa to Lisbon, exploring the Canary & Madeira Islands

May 01 - 12, 2025
Length: 12 days
Region(s): ,
Activity Level: Activity indicator paw Activity indicator paw Activity indicator paw
Type:  ,
Delving into the natural and cultural history of West Africa and the Canary & Madeira islands, this cruise offers an opportunity to learn about a fascinating part of the world that has been shaped both by the natural forces of geology and climate, and by the human forces of conquest and colonialism.

Operated by Thalassa Journeys
From $8,290

not including airfare

Reserve Now

Tour Highlights

  • Travel with one of Cal Discoveries’ most sought-after lecturers, renowned UC Berkeley Professor Alex Filippenko, Distinguished Professor of Astronomy.
  • Cruise aboard the Swan Hellenic Diana, enjoying the ship’s elegant facilities.
  • Learn about the natural and cultural history of West Africa and the Canary & Madeira islands.
  • Visit the craft markets and Museum of African Arts in Dakar.
  • Visit La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the largest Canary Island, Tenerife and then the historic town of La Orotava, our gateway to Teide National Park, where we will visit the Teide Observatory, operated by the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics.
  • On the island of La Palma visit the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, the highest elevation on the island and site of the world’s largest single aperture optical telescope.
  • Tour the beautiful monuments, the Botanical Garden, and visit the Museum of Sacred Art followed by a sampling of unique wine on the island of Madeira.
  • While on Porto Santo Island, tour Vila Baleira, including a visit to the house of Christopher Columbus, now a museum, and also explore the rest of the small tranquil island with its stunning long beach of fine golden sand.
  • If you would like to receive a PDF copy of this trip’s brochure, please click on the words “Brochure Request Form” under Additional Resources on this webpage.

Islands of the Atlantic | May 1 – 12, 2025

Kitesurfer in water with sandy coastline Kitesurfer on the lagoon, between the White Dune and the desert mountains in Dakhla, Western Sahara
Male artist displays a sand paiting Malian-Senegalese Artist Boubacar Dia Demonstrates his Sand-Painting Technique. Goree Island, Dakar, Senegal.
Coast of Goree Island with small boats in water and red and yellow buildings along the shorline Traditional architecture at Goree island, Dakar, Senegal. West Africa.
church at the end of a road with mountain backdrop in La Olivia in Canary Islands La Candelaria Church in La Oliva, Fuerteventura, nestled under a majestic mountain in a historic Canarian village.
town of Funchal on the coast of Madeira Island Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal
flowers in botanical garden overlooking a city Funchal Botanical Gardens in Madeira island, Portugal
aerial view of colorful and bustling produce market Mercado dos lavradores, fresh fruit and vegetables in the Funchal market, Madeira Island, Portugal

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