FROM SEVILLA TO MADEIRA

An experience that’s only possible on a small expedition ship like with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: a cruise on the Guadalquivir. Just like Colombus, who set off along the river from Seville on his journey of discovery to America, you will follow this lifeline. This is pioneering spirit at its most relaxing, as you watch the beautiful scenery go by, accompanied by the knowledgeable commentary of our experts. Enjoy the views of the fertile riverbanks, with meadows, forests and vast olive groves. Not only is the Guadalquivir a wonder of nature, it also has major historical significance, from the Moorish heritage of Andalusia to the Romans who used the river. The Spanish lust for life will fill your senses on board, perhaps with some culinary surprises. The region is too beautiful to be leaving it again too soon – but there are other exciting places to visit.

Welcome and Bienvenidos! – Gibraltar welcomes you to a melting pot of history. You will be able to sense the history of the British conquest as well as the Spanish influence. Spend a couple of hours ashore and conquer the most exciting parts of Gibraltar for yourself – follow in the footsteps of Lord Nelson and see the illuminated limestone network of St Michael’s Cave* and the Victorian and Georgian buildings. A varied history, closely associated with the Moors, surrounds the mighty limestone cliffs in the strait between Europe and Africa. With luck, you might be able to see the only free-roaming monkeys in Europe here. Right opposite is Tangier, the gateway to Africa.

The warm desert wind whispers the secrets of the Orient in Morocco. Rabat, one of the four royal cities and the capital of Morocco, seems like something from the Arabian Nights. With its picturesque location on the Atlantic coast, its palm trees and gardens give it a touch of elegance and exoticism. You will feel like you have gone back in time as you discover the city: the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features inviting narrow streets, the majestic kasbah and the impressive Hassan Tower, an incomplete minaret standing guard over Rabat. The decorated Mausoleum of King Mohammed V in the Arabic-Andalusian style and the Andalusian gardens reveal the grand art of architecture. Discover the second continent on this cruise alongside your experts – with oriental grace and authenticity.

Lanzarote, the most north-easterly of the Canary Islands, is a real gem for explorers. In the 18th century, huge lava flows covered large areas of land and transformed the fertile earth into a bizarre black desert The black volcanic landscape in the Timanfaya National Park reveals the magic of active volcanoes with its bizarre crater formations. Semi-circular stone walls made of lava rock surround the vineyards, revealing how the vines thrive here despite the wind and arid soils. The dramatic volcanic landscape, the whitewashed houses of the inhabitants and the breathtaking coastlines and sandy beaches create a wonderful contrast. Away from the main tourist tracks, charming fishing villages invite you to experience the authentic character of the island. Immerse yourself in a world of colour on Lanzarote, which has provided the inspiration for a number of artists.

La Palma is often called “La Isla Bonita” and it's a real beauty of the Canary Islands. The island has the trade winds, which bring clouds and therefore rain and fog, to thank for its lush, green vegetation. The tiny island, formed entirely by a volcano, rises up over 6,000 m (19,685 ft) from the sea bed, around 4,000 m (13,123 ft) of which is below the water. At its centre lies the impressive Caldera de Taburiente*, a national park full of gorges, waterfalls and hiking trails that lead through the lush green vegetation. On the coast, wild beaches with black lava sand are interspersed with idyllic fishing villages, where you can really get a sense of the slow pace of island life. La Palma is a paradise for hikers, as well as for stargazers: the clear skies and strict anti-light pollution regulations have made the island an internationally recognised centre of astronomy. After sunset, make the deck of your expedition ship your own observatory.

The colour of La Gomera is green – in all its beautiful shades. The second smallest island in the Canaries is a world full of unspoilt nature and wild beauty. The densely forested Garonjay National Park*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly impressive. In this mysterious cloud forest of ancient laurel trees, time seems to stand still, while waterfalls and moss-covered paths invite you on some magical hikes. The coastline features steep cliffs, black beaches and hidden bays. The colonial centre of the small town of San Sebastian is ideal for an independent stroll to visit the Casa de Colon: the site of a previous house where Colombus once stayed, it is now a museum devoted to the nautical history of La Gomera. Another special feature of the island is its unique language: in the past, the people of La Gomera used the El Silbo language, a system consisting of whistling sounds, to communicate over large distances.

The island group of Madeira also includes the rarely visited Ilha Deserta Grande, an uninhabited nature reserve with rare Mediterranean monk seals. If the local authorities give the green light, the Zodiacs will take you ashore for a tour with a local ranger. The windswept landscape has its own story to tell: “Deserta“ is the Portuguese word for “deserted“. Here you can see a rugged natural landscape of craggy volcanic slopes in a colourful display of ochre, brown and deep sea blue. Sea birds nest in the cliffs, while the waters are rich in marine life – with barracuda, rays and sometimes dolphins. On this island, you are just a guest in a world belonging to nature.