Day 1 - Dakar

Dakar, Senegal: Dakar, situated at the tip of the Cape Vert peninsula, is the westernmost point in West Africa and the capital of French-speaking Senegal. Despite its official founding in 1857, Dakar is considered West Africa’s oldest European city and one of the most westernised. The establishment of the Dakar-St Louis railway in 1885 marked the town's importance, soon becoming a French naval base and later, in 1904, the capital of Afrique Occidentale Française. The legacy of Africa’s French colonial past is particularly vibrant in the downtown Plateau area, with architecture reminiscent of southern France. Dakar, a bustling modern city, is full of activity and surprises. Sample the popular mint tea, and try your hand at bartering in the craft markets for traditional embroidery, woodcarvings, metalwork, and costume jewellery.

Day 3 - Praia

Praia, Santiago Island, Cape Verde: Begin your expedition holiday in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, located on the southern coast of Santiago Island. Explore its old centre, which boasts ocean vistas and historical buildings adorned with transom windows. In the old quarter, the Ethnographic Museum offers insights into the diverse cultural roots of the archipelago. To round off your day, visit the harbour and the Diogo Gomes statue, paying tribute to the discoverer of the archipelago in 1460.

Day 4 - Mindelo

Mindelo, São Vicente Island, Cape Verde: The next stop is Mindelo, Cape Verde’s cultural heart. Immerse yourself in local life as you revel in the traditional morna music at the old town’s bars, accompanied by a sip of sugarcane spirit. The island is famed for its blend of British and Portuguese colonial architecture, pastel-coloured houses, and vibrant sites such as the municipal market and the Old Governor’s Palace.

Day 5 - Mindelo

Mindelo, São Vicente Island, Cape Verde: Experience the vibrant cultural vibe of Mindelo once more. Engage with locals enjoying traditional morna tunes in the town's bars while sipping a sugarcane spirit. The island displays a striking mix of British and Portuguese colonial influences, with its pastel-hued houses, bustling municipal market, and the historic facades of the Old Governor’s Palace offering a vivid tapestry of its rich history.

Day 8 - Santa Cruz de La Palma

Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain: Known as ‘La Isla Bonita’ for its beautiful, lush landscapes, La Palma is adorned with pine, laurel, and fern forests contrasting with the striking Taburiente crater. The island is sprinkled with charming villages waiting to be discovered, with the capital, Santa Cruz, seamlessly blending modern and colonial architectural styles. Visit the Natural History Museum, explore the historic quarters and the Plaza de España, or travel to the Church of Our Lady. The Canary Islands are famous for silver jewellery, leather goods, and embroidered clothing, all of which make delightful purchases.

Day 9 - Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain: Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, offers year-round sunshine and is dominated by the imposing Mount Teide. A range of fertile valleys lies to the north of the mountain range, with the Cañadas del Teide crater showcasing nature’s grandeur. Santa Cruz, originally a small fishing village, has blossomed into a modern city, home to 16th-century civic buildings, private mansions, and botanical wonders like the Santa Cruz Palmetum, a 29-acre garden specialising in palms.

Day 10 - Arrecife

Arrecife, Lanzarote, Spain: Known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, Lanzarote is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. With its beautiful beaches and nearly rain-free weather, the island is a much-coveted destination. Arrecife, the capital, is quaint and modern, with a pleasant seafront and colourful gardens. Beyond the capital, you'll find diverse attractions like the white salt flats of Janubio, the rugged Fire Mountain terrain, and the mystic caves of Los Verdes, alongside unspoilt coastal fishing villages. Culinary delights include garbanzos compuestos, papas arrugadas, and a bounty of fresh seafood.

Day 11 - Las Palmas

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain: Gran Canaria, potentially the most picturesque of the Canary Islands, is a circular isle centred around Pozo de Las Nieves, its zenith. Balancing natural splendour with the dynamic allure of city life in the capital, Las Palmas offers a unique experience. Discover the historic sights of the capital's old quarter, which dates back to the 15th century, including the Vegueta and Triana districts, all accompanied by a glorious subtropical climate that favours the growth of exotic palms and fruits.