Atlantic Cruise - from Dakar - 123380

'The capital of the Republic of Senegal has the largest port in West Africa. Its oil refineries and the international airport mean it is one of the most important trading centres in West Africa. Dakar has a population of 1.7 million and is known as the finishing point of the world famous intercontinental car rally from Paris to Dakar. Cultural and scientific highlights of the city are the university, which was founded in 1957, the research institute "Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire" (IFAN) and the museums.

'The capital of the Canary Island of La Gomera, with a population of just 4,500, has a rural charm free of stress and hustle and bustle. Close by the harbour promenade is the Plaza de Las Américas. This square with its central location is bordered by numerous kiosks and pavement cafés and is the town's meeting place. To the east is the town hall, directly behind which is the Plaza de la Constitutión. Twice a week you can hear the calls of the Gomerian market-stall holders, as they sell home-made jams, fresh fruit and veg and other delicacies in the shade of the old Indian bay trees. This is also where one of the oldest buildings in the town, the former toll house, stands.

Funchal is the capital of Madeira and lies at the South coast of the island. The port stretches from a relatively flat area of the coast to high up in the adjacent mountain chain. Funchal is perfect not only for relaxing in one of the floating cafés by the harbour, but also for shopping for delicacies in the market hall, which has a huge assortment of fish, flowers and vegetables. The city centre is also worth seeing: in the old town area is the famous fort. The upper town is dominated by the "Castelo de São de Pico", also known as "Pico Fort". At the foot of the fort lies the English cemetery. Further attractions: the cathedral, the old customs house, the fort "São Tiago", the city park, "Quinta das Cruzes" gardens with an archaeological park.

A flight of approximately 20 minutes (or around two hours by boat) separates Madeira from the neighbouring island of Porto Santo, which is only 41 square metres in size but has a beautiful wide golden sandy beach measuring 9km. Everything Madeira is famous for - blossom, forests and mountains - is absent on Porto Santo. Instead, the "Holy Port" has an asset its big sister cannot claim - beautiful fine sandy beaches and a steady climate. The sand erosion at the Fonte de Areia, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the cliffs of the northern coastline, are well worth a visit. In the South-West, by Ponta da Calheta, bizarre lava cliffs jut up out of the water. Since there is little by way of vegetation on the island, the sandy beach dominates. A short trip to Camacha with its picturesque mill or to the Ponta de Calheta for a meal of fish with a spectacular view, means you will not be bored.

The Moroccan town of Agadir lies in a broad bay with a wide sandy beach against the backdrop of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, with the fertile Sous plain in the hinterland. Sights include: the bird park with exotic birds, the ruins of the Kasbah at 236m above sea level, the nature reserve "Souss-Massa", the outdoor museum "Medina Polizzi", the museums "Bert Flint" and "Municipal" and the Museum of Berber Art. Like every oriental city, Agadir is famous for its market "Souk El Had".

The white city by the sea, built on seven hills and framed by the natural harbour of "Rio Tejo" was founded by the Phoenicians in around the 9th-7th century B.C.. Today it is the capital of Portugal and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Lisbon is rich in architectural monuments. The Portuguese capital also has a varied and interesting cultural scene with theatre performances, concerts and exhibitions. "Bairro Alto" (the upper city) is well known for its nightlife. Sights include: Jerónimo's Monastery, Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, Comércio Square, São Jorge castle, and "Baixa Pombalina".