In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture. Set sail aboard Le Lapérouse on an exceptional 14-day itinerary that will take you from the Moorish worlds of Andalusia and Morocco to the Atlantic archipelagos of Madeira and the Canary Islands—worlds of great historical and cultural import and also of great natural beauty. Begin in Lisbon , where a panoramic tour of the city's main sights includes Belém Tower , the point from which many Portuguese explorers, including Vasco da Gama, set sail—now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Portimão , in southern Portugal, is your gateway to the natural beauty, history, and culture of the Algarve. Tour the Old Town of Lagos , visit the stunning rock formations and caves of Ponta da Piedade, and enjoy a tasting of Algarve wines. Or travel the short distance to Sagres on Cape St. Vincent, from where Prince Henry the Navigator directed the expeditions that led to the discovery of Madeira and the Azores. Your introduction to the rich cultural landscape of Andalusia begins with a call in Cádiz , one of the country’s oldest cities and the home of the Spanish Navy during the discovery of the Americas. From Cádiz you will have an opportunity to visit the superb palace of the Alcázar in Seville , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Marbella , you may travel to the picturesque town of Ronda , a center of bullfighting, or you may stay in Marbella to stroll the Avenida del Mar, decorated with ten sculptures by Dali . Next you will spend a full day in and around Malaga , Spain, the gateway to Andalusia and to the legendary Costa del Sol . One highlight of your time here is sure to be your journey to Granada , including lunch and a tour of the incomparable Alhambra . After arriving in Morocco in Tangier, visit the American Legation , the oldest U.S. diplomatic mission in the world, or travel across the Rif Mountains to the showcase of Moroccan handicrafts at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tetouan . In Casablanca , enjoy a full day either to discover the modern architecture of this bustling metropolis, including the stunning Hassan II Mosque , or to travel to Morocco's capital, Rabat , to delve into the Moorish past represented in the emblematic Hassan Tower and the Oudayas Kasbah . A day at sea brings you to the subtropical Portuguese island of Madeira , where you will spend an afternoon and following morning. Visit the village of Monte, formerly a resort and spa for European high society, and explore the Botanical Gardens with panoramic views of the bay. Or travel to the thriving fishing village of Câmara de Lobos to discover views that inspired Winston Churchill's painting during his stay on the island. The next day, you reach the Canary Islands , where the remainder of the voyage is spent exploring this fascinating archipelago just off the coast of West Africa. On La Palma , choose from among a number of excursions, all of which focus on the rugged volcanic terrain of this small island— Caldera de Taburiente National Park , home to one of the largest craters in the world; Roque de los Muchachos , the highest elevation on the island and site of the world's largest single-aperture optical telescope; and Tagojaite , a volcano formed in September 2021. The final day of your voyage is spent on the island of Tenerife, the largest of the Canaries, where you may continue exploration of the extraordinary natural beauty of the archipelago on a panoramic tour of the island's lush forest and the Las Cañadas mountain range, or you may travel to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, capital of the Canary Islands until 1723, which has preserved much of its original architecture. Your voyage ends in Las Palmas on the island of Gran Canaria .










In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
Set sail aboard Le Lapérouse on an exceptional 14-day itinerary that will take you from the Moorish worlds of Andalusia and Morocco to the Atlantic archipelagos of Madeira and the Canary Islands—worlds of great historical and cultural import and also of great natural beauty.
Begin in Lisbon, where a panoramic tour of the city's main sights includes Belém Tower, the point from which many Portuguese explorers, including Vasco da Gama, set sail—now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Portimão, in southern Portugal, is your gateway to the natural beauty, history, and culture of the Algarve. Tour the Old Town of Lagos, visit the stunning rock formations and caves of Ponta da Piedade, and enjoy a tasting of Algarve wines. Or travel the short distance to Sagres on Cape St. Vincent, from where Prince Henry the Navigator directed the expeditions that led to the discovery of Madeira and the Azores.
Your introduction to the rich cultural landscape of Andalusia begins with a call in Cádiz, one of the country’s oldest cities and the home of the Spanish Navy during the discovery of the Americas. From Cádiz you will have an opportunity to visit the superb palace of the Alcázar in Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From Marbella, you may travel to the picturesque town of Ronda, a center of bullfighting, or you may stay in Marbella to stroll the Avenida del Mar, decorated with ten sculptures by Dali.
Next you will spend a full day in and around Malaga, Spain, the gateway to Andalusia and to the legendary Costa del Sol. One highlight of your time here is sure to be your journey to Granada, including lunch and a tour of the incomparable Alhambra.
After arriving in Morocco in Tangier, visit the American Legation, the oldest U.S. diplomatic mission in the world, or travel across the Rif Mountains to the showcase of Moroccan handicrafts at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tetouan.
In Casablanca, enjoy a full day either to discover the modern architecture of this bustling metropolis, including the stunning Hassan II Mosque, or to travel to Morocco's capital, Rabat, to delve into the Moorish past represented in the emblematic Hassan Tower and the Oudayas Kasbah.
A day at sea brings you to the subtropical Portuguese island of Madeira, where you will spend an afternoon and following morning. Visit the village of Monte, formerly a resort and spa for European high society, and explore the Botanical Gardens with panoramic views of the bay. Or travel to the thriving fishing village of Câmara de Lobos to discover views that inspired Winston Churchill's painting during his stay on the island.
The next day, you reach the Canary Islands, where the remainder of the voyage is spent exploring this fascinating archipelago just off the coast of West Africa. On La Palma, choose from among a number of excursions, all of which focus on the rugged volcanic terrain of this small island—Caldera de Taburiente National Park, home to one of the largest craters in the world; Roque de los Muchachos, the highest elevation on the island and site of the world's largest single-aperture optical telescope; and Tagojaite, a volcano formed in September 2021.
The final day of your voyage is spent on the island of Tenerife, the largest of the Canaries, where you may continue exploration of the extraordinary natural beauty of the archipelago on a panoramic tour of the island's lush forest and the Las Cañadas mountain range, or you may travel to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, capital of the Canary Islands until 1723, which has preserved much of its original architecture.
Your voyage ends in Las Palmas on the island of Gran Canaria.

PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, have formed a unique alliance to offer themed sailings featuring experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts , and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that immerses guests in the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of each destination, and helps provide a deeper understanding of the places we explore.

With one included excursion per day and per guest, and the presence of expert lecturers on board, Timeless Explorations blend cultural curiosity, immersive experiences, and serene relaxation. A refined way to journey far from the everyday, both in mind and in spirit. Activities: One included excursion per day and per guest is offered. Optional paid excursions are also available depending on the port of call. Landings (depending on the destination): By dock, tender boat, or aboard local vessels. Your experts on board: The dedicated excursion team and one or more guest lecturers. Children: Children from one year of age are welcome on board (from 8 years old on board Le Commandant Charcot ). The full program of all excursions, both included and optional, is available eight months prior to departure. Reservations open approximately two months before departure.
Before the cruise
Day-by-day stops
After the cruise

Ponant
This superb yacht unique atmosphere a subtle blend of luxury intimacy and well-being. French flag
4 promotions apply to this voyage. Click any offer for full terms.
Children aged 6-11 eligible for discount when sharing with two full-fare adults. Baby equipment available on request. Kids club available on select voyages. Children: 6–17 years Child discount: 70%
Third adult in Deluxe Suite on sofa bed. Third person discount applies to adults and children. Maximum 3 persons per suite. Adult discount: 70% Child discount: 50%
Default rate: 2× Single supplement of 2.0x applies to all staterooms and suites. PONANT Bonus program members may receive reduced supplement on select departures.
210+ days before departure: 20% penalty 120–210 days before departure: 50% penalty 90–120 days before departure: 75% penalty 0–90 days before departure: 100% penalty Cancellation fees apply as per the schedule above. Travel insurance strongly recommended. Name change fee: $200 EUR
Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi onboard all vessels.
Your booking is made with Gvoya — the terms shown above are the Gvoya platform terms applied to this voyage. Full details: Booking Terms·Cancellation Policy
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2 key persons sailing on this voyage.