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HANSEATIC spirit
FROM PORTO TO SAL
Porto - Sal
Expedition Madeira, Canary Islands and Cape Verde: an explorer’s trilogy of Atlantic islands
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17.10.26 to 30.10.26|13 days
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HANSEATIC spirit
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SPI2621
The highlights of this cruise
Warm your adventurer’s heart with an autumn cruise around the best Atlantic islands and their wealth of contrasts: volcanic and craggy, delightful and green, barren and inhospitable. Varied island hopping with a wonderful summer feeling to add a golden glow to your October.
- Get right up close to the beauty of Atlantic island gems and leave the familiar behind
- Enjoy an active experience with plenty of hikes* with your experts
- Overnight in Funchal: plenty of time to enjoy the lifestyle and natural surroundings on the flower island of Madeira
- The Canary Islands impress with La Gomera’s rainforest and La Palma’s volcanic landscape
- The game of contrasts is rounded off with the beaches, deserts and African roots of Cape Verde
At anchor
Further information
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Discover Porto Santo, Madeira’s sister island. This little gem has some of the best beaches in Europe with miles of fine, golden sand to relax on. But Porto Santo is more than just a beach paradise: in the island’s interior, a hike* in the rolling hills, including Pico do Facho and Pico do Castelo, will reward you with breathtaking views over the sea and the surrounding volcanic landscape. History lovers can follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus, who lived on the island for a while – the house he stayed in is now a museum you can visit. The peace of Porto Santo, coupled with a hint of adventure, means every experience becomes a discovery of its own: on a hike through the rugged but fascinating natural scenery or along the coast, where with luck you may be able to observe whales and dolphins.
Experience more
Selected shore excursions*
- Hike on Pico do Castelo
- Island tour in an all-terrain vehicle
- Catamaran trip
- Island tour of Porto Santo
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It’s hard to believe that there are so many surprising sides to Madeira. During your spectacular arrival in the port of Funchal, you will have a view over the high mountains that surround the capital of the archipelago. The historic streets exude the southern way of life and the gastronomy is impressive with fresh fish and the famous Madeira wine. Madeira is a paradise for hikers: winding roads and paths in the island’s interior will take you off the beaten track to see some idyllic views. The craggy peaks and deep valleys invite you to explore the wilderness. On hikes* with your experts, you will time and again come across levadas – ancient stone irrigation channels that wind their way through the scenery for some 3,000 km (1,864 miles). Are you ready to discover the secrets and beauties of this green oasis in the Atlantic?
Experience more
Selected shore excursions*
- Tukxi ride through Funchal
- Dolphin watching by RIB
- Monte with a cable-car ride to Pico do Arieiro
- Levada hike
- The lights of Funchal
- Madeira by all-terrain vehicle
- Scenic tour and Madeira wine
Tip from our travel concierge*:Explore Madeira in a very special way as you are driven around the island in a sidecar. On the way, discover the best views and the unmistakeable beauty of the island’s villages and natural scenery.
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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.
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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.
Experience more
Selected shore excursions*
- Island tour of La Gomera
- Hike through the enchanted forest
- Island magic on La Gomera
- Wine and delicacies on the way to America
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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.
Experience more
Selected shore excursions*
- Scenic tour to the Caldera de Taburiente National Park
- Hike in La Palma’s rainforests
- Santa Cruz – a feast for the senses
- The north of La Palma
Tip from our travel concierge*:The Roque de los Muchachos is the highest point on La Palma, at about 2,400 m (7,874 ft) above sea level. Visit on a private excursion along roads that wind their way into the island’s interior, with views over the valleys, the Caldera de Taburiente and green pine forests.
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Cape Verde invites you on a discovery tour full of contrasts. Each of the islands has its own individual character and charm, as well as its own history.
A genuine hiker’s paradise is revealed on Santo Antao, an island dominated by mountains, wind and water. Here you will find a world of dramatic mountains, deep valleys and lush vegetation – and your route will be lined by protected dragon trees. You will see why the island is one of the most diverse in Cape Verde in Paul Valley, an El Dorado for nature lovers.
On Sao Vicente, immerse yourself in life on Cape Verde in its cultural capital, Mindelo. The African influence is unmistakeable here: smell the exotic scents, hear the music in the air and listen to the women loudly selling their wares at the market. The windswept beaches on the island, which are popular with kitesurfers and sun worshippers, contrast with the arid, moon-like scenery.
Fogo in the south of the archipelago is a mighty volcano with its peak, Pico do Fogo, the highest mountain on Cape Verde. In the fire island’s volcanic landscape, explore bizarre lava formations that come to resemble figures as your imagination takes flight. Along the coast, you will discover black lava beaches scattered with colourful fishing boats. On a walk through Sao Filipe, immerse yourself in the exciting island life.Experience more
Selected shore excursions*
From Santo Antao:
- Santo Antao: Cape Verdean hiking paradise
- The spectacular nature of Santo Antao
- Head to the green north of Santo Antao by jeep
- Explore the “wild west” by jeep
- Short scenic tour
From Sao Vicente:
- Mindelo and scenic tour
- Off-road tour of the north and south coasts
- City walk around Mindelo
- Hike from Mindelo to Salamansa
Tip from our travel concierge*:
go on a private snorkelling trip to discover the native species of fish, sea creatures and colourful coral.
From Fogo:
- Cha das Caldeiras – the volcanic landscape of the fire island of Fogo
- Walk around Sao Filipe
- Panoramic trip once around Fogo
* The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change.
Arrival and departure | optionally bookable
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Sat, 17.10.2026
Scheduled flight from Germany to Porto
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Fri, 30.10.2026
Palmeira/Sal/Cape Verde
Day room (mid-range hotel)
Travel to the airport late in the evening -
Sat, 31.10.2026
Scheduled flight from Sal to Germany
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Extend your trip
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Our popular before and after programmes include a wide range of excursions and are usually accompanied by experienced Hapag-Lloyd Cruises tour guides. Recommended for travelers who like to share their experiences with a group of like-minded people. Experience selected highlights of your holiday destination and enjoy the amenities of a group trip - we take care of transfers, excursions and overnight stays.
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Our travel concierge will be happy to put together tailor-made travel arrangements for you according to your wishes. From design hotels to luxurious beach resorts to ticket reservations for theater visits or restaurant recommendations for the most exciting cities. The Travel Concierge is available to you before your trip and of course on board.
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Voyage for Young Explorers
For 10- to 17-year-olds during the school holidays: young explorers on board.
Young people look at the world through different eyes: our crew and a renowned expert offer an exciting programme especially for 10- to 17-year-olds on this cruise, awakening young people’s curiosity and encouraging inquiring minds – and giving the entire family an experience they will never forget. Every day of holiday will turn into an adventure.
Price special
Attractive combination discount
Extend your stay with the previous cruise SPI2620 and save € 500 per person or with the subsequent cruise SPI2622 and save € 800 per person (applies to the PLATINUM fare).
