Copy of Grand Africa Voyage

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its magnificent harbor made it a logical trading port as far back as the Phoenicians, as well as a departure point for 15th century voyages sponsored by Prince Henry the Navigator, patron of Portuguese explorers. The city is rich in architecture, from Romanesque and Gothic to Post Modern, and criss-crossed by monument-studded grand boulevards. Today it is seeking a place on the world stage by hosting, in addition to its own active cultural calendar, film festivals, art, fashion, and design shows, book fairs, marathons, and rock concerts.

The breathtaking scenery of Portugal’s southernmost region has long made the Algarve region a magnet for those seeking winter sun. And Portimão is a perfect example: golden sandy beaches beneath dramatic cliffs, the aroma of fresh sardines on the grill and some of the best golf courses in Europe – what could be better? This, maybe: the fabulous Autodromo Algarve Racing School, better known as the Poritmao Circuit puts you behind the wheel of a professional F1 racecar on a F1 track, pretty hard to beat.

The heart of Cadiz is its old town, cloistered within a bastion ringed by the sea. Here tiny cobblestone streets lead into beckoning café-filled squares, where you can sip while appreciating the Moorish architecture. Or visit Seville, where the locals are devoted to bullfighting, flamenco, and fiesta. Food too, it appears, as Seville is credited with the invention of tapas. Join in with the locals as they graze from bar to bar, making an entire meal out of the experience. The city also has a rich history evident in its old quarters and landmarks – an immense lavishly ornamented cathedral, and the Alcazar palace, exquisitely decorated in Moorish style.

Modern-day Casablanca retains some of the atmosphere and history of times gone by yet is a thoroughly modern city. Frenetic yet welcoming, Casablanca remains a lively destination. Especially in Djemaa el-Fna, the huge square in the medina is teeming with open-air food stalls, jugglers, storytellers and snake charmers. The architecture of its French-colonial past can be seen in the graceful white buildings, with their soft lines and attention to detail.

Tucked near the foot of the Atlas Mountains and surrounded by the rich plains of the Souss Valley, Agadir is a sunny cosmopolitan city where modern architecture meets the shell of a colonial port nearly leveled by a 1960 earthquake. Today Agadir is one of the most premier sardine fishing ports in the world and a thriving commercial center for citrus export. Newly built in the mid-twentieth century, modern buildings intermingle with white washed buildings along wide French inspired boulevards fringed by lush parkland and mimosa trees. But, the main star of Agadir’s landscape is its lovely stretches of secluded beach that attract tourists from around the world to the shores of this North African resort destination.

Madeira has its share of captivating squares, picturesque villages, idyllic landscapes, and stunning views; it also offers some unexpected pleasures. There are numerous parks and gardens – wild and natural, manicured, Oriental in sensibility, and one attached to the villa of an erstwhile prince.

The aptly nicknamed “pretty island”, La Palma is one of Spain’s Canary Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. Walk along the rim of the crater at Volcán San Antonio then set out to one of the viewpoints at the Caldera de Taburiente, an enormous crater-like depression at the center of Caldera del Taburiente National Park. At the highest point of La Palma sits El Roque de los Muchachos, an important observatory as the clear and cloudless skies above the island make it one of the best places in the world to see the stars.

A notoriously festive destination, Tenerife is the biggest, most well-known of Spain’s Canary Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. The volcanic island is characterized by rugged, steep coastline and miles of beaches, popular for kite surfing and swimming. Teide-Pico Viejo, Spain’s tallest peak, towers over the island, and its national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The aptly nicknamed “pretty island”, La Palma is one of Spain’s Canary Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. Walk along the rim of the crater at Volcán San Antonio then set out to one of the viewpoints at the Caldera de Taburiente, an enormous crater-like depression at the center of Caldera del Taburiente National Park. At the highest point of La Palma sits El Roque de los Muchachos, an important observatory as the clear and cloudless skies above the island make it one of the best places in the world to see the stars.

The aptly nicknamed “pretty island”, La Palma is one of Spain’s Canary Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. Walk along the rim of the crater at Volcán San Antonio then set out to one of the viewpoints at the Caldera de Taburiente, an enormous crater-like depression at the center of Caldera del Taburiente National Park. At the highest point of La Palma sits El Roque de los Muchachos, an important observatory as the clear and cloudless skies above the island make it one of the best places in the world to see the stars.

Enigmatic, electric, and endlessly explorable, Dakar dazzles on the West African coast. Jutting out on the Cape Verde Peninsula, the city is the westernmost point of the African continent, and was an important trading point for European colonial powers. From its more notorious incarnations, Dakar has evolved into a vibrant city that’s a blend of historic French je ne sais quois, modern architecture, and amazing, authentic open-air markets. A shining example of 21st-century Africa, start at Medina, a neighborhood that will give you a real taste of local life with street markets, tiny shops, and restaurants where you’ll want to try bissap, the local tea made with hibiscus, sugar and water.

A tiny slice of Africa surrounded by Senegal, the country’s borders hug the shores of The Gambia River, and the capital city of Banjul is perched right at the river’s mouth on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The city is often overlooked by tourists to Africa—and that’s just fine with us, because it gives you ample opportunity to explore beyond the surface.

Under crystal clear skies and surrounded by huge, golden dunes, discover an adventurous culture in Walvis Bay. Perched across from Pelican Point, the city is sheltered from the rugged surf that stretches north up Namibia’s rocky, fog-bound Skeleton Coast. Venture inland to the rolling sands of the vast Namib Desert for an exotic African safari to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, rhinos, and more, or kayak in the calm waters of the city’s huge natural lagoon.

Under crystal clear skies and surrounded by huge, golden dunes, discover an adventurous culture in Walvis Bay. Perched across from Pelican Point, the city is sheltered from the rugged surf that stretches north up Namibia’s rocky, fog-bound Skeleton Coast. Venture inland to the rolling sands of the vast Namib Desert for an exotic African safari to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, rhinos, and more, or kayak in the calm waters of the city’s huge natural lagoon.

Between the windswept shores of the South Atlantic and the vast Namib Desert, discover a quaint fishing village with a distinct German vibe and a rich history rooted in the diamond rush. Aside from the sandy streets and surrounding desert, much of Luderitz wouldn’t seem out of place in Munich or Berlin. Colourful colonial architecture remains from the scramble for Africa and the diamond rush in the early 1900s, when the town was German-controlled. The Deutsche Afrika Bank, Old Post Office, and Lutheran church overlooking the town and harbor are a few of many impressive buildings that echo this bygone era.

Tucked beneath the storied Cape of Good Hope, South Africa’s capital is awash in contrasts. Mountains meet oceans. Warm trade winds intermingle with icy waters. A decidedly European climate in Africa’s most southernmost city. A world-focus during the 20th century, South Africa’s struggles with colonialism and apartheid have defined Cape Town. A global, multicultural metropolis with a thriving LGBTQ community, today the port city has emerged as a beacon of change. Get a local perspective as you learn about Cape Town’s segregation-era at the District Six Museum. See its past history of artistic censorship at the South African National Gallery. Understand the remaining effects of Apartheid with a township tour.

Tucked beneath the storied Cape of Good Hope, South Africa’s capital is awash in contrasts. Mountains meet oceans. Warm trade winds intermingle with icy waters. A decidedly European climate in Africa’s most southernmost city. A world-focus during the 20th century, South Africa’s struggles with colonialism and apartheid have defined Cape Town. A global, multicultural metropolis with a thriving LGBTQ community, today the port city has emerged as a beacon of change. Get a local perspective as you learn about Cape Town’s segregation-era at the District Six Museum. See its past history of artistic censorship at the South African National Gallery. Understand the remaining effects of Apartheid with a township tour.

Immerse yourself in one of the sunniest destinations in all of South Africa—Port Elizabeth. Home to vibrant communities, worldly flavors, and safari-worthy wildlife, Port Elizabeth (or PE as the locals call it) is a piece of paradise on Nelson Mandela Bay. Our South Africa cruises give you the chance to explore PE’s townships for a deeper look at what makes the Rainbow Nation so diverse. Embrace the sense of community known as Ubuntu, shop in the lively marketplaces, and visit a shebeen (pub) to share homemade umgqoboti—a popular traditional beer—with the locals. Then, chase the surf and an endless summer at Hobie Beach, where the warm waters and refreshing breezes are perfect for relaxing under the sun.

Perched on the lagoon of the Mhlatuze River, Richards Bay is one of the largest and deepest natural harbors in South Africa. It’s also one of the main gateways to KwaZulu-Natal province and Zululand, the much larger inland region popular for its mountains, diverse wildlife, and vast surrounding savannah ecosystems.

Often overlooked in favor of trendy Johannesburg or popular Cape Town, sunny Durban has been on the rise since it got revitalized to help host the 2010 World Cup, and is an unexpected delight on any cruise to South Africa. Thanks to its golden beaches, Indian influences, and nearby natural wonder, you’ll understand why South Africans love to vacation here as soon as you step on shore. The city is home to the proud Zulu people, and the largest Indian population in Africa. Weave in colonial Victorian architecture with ornate mosques, and the rich tapestry of world cultures is found around every corner. It’s a place where Catholic church spires mingle with minarets. Where calls to prayer blend with sounds of buzzing Indian markets. Where the cheers of a soccer match pulse to the rhythm of native drum beats

Often overlooked in favor of trendy Johannesburg or popular Cape Town, sunny Durban has been on the rise since it got revitalized to help host the 2010 World Cup, and is an unexpected delight on any cruise to South Africa. Thanks to its golden beaches, Indian influences, and nearby natural wonder, you’ll understand why South Africans love to vacation here as soon as you step on shore. The city is home to the proud Zulu people, and the largest Indian population in Africa. Weave in colonial Victorian architecture with ornate mosques, and the rich tapestry of world cultures is found around every corner. It’s a place where Catholic church spires mingle with minarets. Where calls to prayer blend with sounds of buzzing Indian markets. Where the cheers of a soccer match pulse to the rhythm of native drum beats

At Azamara® we believe the most memorable destinations are found off the beaten path—and with only dirt roads connecting it to the rest of the country, Tolagnaro certainly fits the bill. Jutting out into the Indian Ocean, surrounded by crescent-shaped beaches on three sides, this secluded port on the southeast coast is your gateway to otherworldly natural wonder when you cruise to Madagascar.

Cruise just off the coast of Madagascar to Pointe des Galets (or simply, Le Port), a gateway to all Réunion has to offer. It’s not hard to miss Réunion on the map. After all, this charming island 500 miles off the coast of Madagascar is just 30 miles wide. But after viewing its towering volcanic peaks, hiking its lush rolling hills, and walking the palm tree-lined streets of Pointe des Galets, it transforms into a destination never to be forgotten

When you cruise to Mauritius with Azamara®, you’ll find endless coral sand beaches to while the day away, but there is so much more to explore in Port Louis. Beyond beachfronts, beneath the surface, the capital city of Mauritius is rich in immersive cultural experiences. Influences from India, Africa, Europe, China, and the Middle East can be seen, heard, and savored all around downtown streets. It can feel a little chaotic—but in the best way possible.

When you cruise to Mauritius with Azamara®, you’ll find endless coral sand beaches to while the day away, but there is so much more to explore in Port Louis. Beyond beachfronts, beneath the surface, the capital city of Mauritius is rich in immersive cultural experiences. Influences from India, Africa, Europe, China, and the Middle East can be seen, heard, and savored all around downtown streets. It can feel a little chaotic—but in the best way possible.

It may only be 26 miles off the coast of Tanzania, but the beautiful archipelago of Zanzibar feels like a world away. It’s an East African feast for the senses, with warm turquoise waters, powder white sands, vibrant coral reefs, and fields scented with cinnamon, cardamom, and clove. The largest and most populated island of this semi-autonomous region is Unguja, commonly referred to as Zanzibar Island, or simply “Zanzibar”. It’s home to dozens of picture-perfect beaches—like the lively Kendwa and Nungwi, or the quieter Kizimkazi, where dolphins like to hang out—so you could easily spend the day beach-hopping, snorkeling, and sunning.

It may only be 26 miles off the coast of Tanzania, but the beautiful archipelago of Zanzibar feels like a world away. It’s an East African feast for the senses, with warm turquoise waters, powder white sands, vibrant coral reefs, and fields scented with cinnamon, cardamom, and clove. The largest and most populated island of this semi-autonomous region is Unguja, commonly referred to as Zanzibar Island, or simply “Zanzibar”. It’s home to dozens of picture-perfect beaches—like the lively Kendwa and Nungwi, or the quieter Kizimkazi, where dolphins like to hang out—so you could easily spend the day beach-hopping, snorkeling, and sunning.

Mombasa is a coastal city in southeast Kenya along the Indian Ocean. The city is known as the white and blue city in Kenya. It is the country’s oldest and second-largest city, with a population of about 1,208,333 people according to the 2019 census.

Mombasa is a coastal city in southeast Kenya along the Indian Ocean. The city is known as the white and blue city in Kenya. It is the country’s oldest and second-largest city, with a population of about 1,208,333 people according to the 2019 census.

Legend has it the Garden of Eden can be found on the tropical isle of Praslin—in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve to be exact. And while the, shall we say, “suggestive shape” of the giant seeds found on the park’s coco de mer palm trees could lead the road to temptation, it’s more likely that the island’s exotic scenery helped fuel this biblical tale.

The Seychelles is without a doubt one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. Everywhere you look there’s an Instagram photo opportunity (if that’s your thing).

When you cruise to Mauritius with Azamara®, you’ll find endless coral sand beaches to while the day away, but there is so much more to explore in Port Louis. Beyond beachfronts, beneath the surface, the capital city of Mauritius is rich in immersive cultural experiences. Influences from India, Africa, Europe, China, and the Middle East can be seen, heard, and savored all around downtown streets. It can feel a little chaotic—but in the best way possible.