L'Austral, 10 Night Volcanic islands and historic cities of the North Atlantic ex Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Canary Islands to Lisbon, Portu

From the volcanic archipelagos of the Canaries and Madeira to the southern tip of Portugal, PONANT invites you on an unforgettable 11-day interlude, between Las Palmas and Lisbon. This journey aboard L’Austral will take you into the heart of uniquely and wildly beautiful landscapes, featuring majestic volcanos, lush green valleys, isolated inlets, verdant cliffs and historic cities with multiple sources of heritage.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, admire the volcanic and verdant landscapes of Santa Cruz de La Palma, explore the Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from La Gomera, or discover the oldest banana plantation in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Your cruise will start on the island of Gran Canaria in Las Palmas, then your ship will take to the sea, sailing west to reach Santa Cruz de Tenerife. In these lands of a thousand contrasts, dominated by the emblematic silhouette of the Teide stratovolcano, discover the unique and fascinating landscapes found in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teide National Park.

L’Austral will then drop anchor at La Gomera. This tiny island with lush vegetation is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its biosphere reserve. This island is also renowned for its whistling language, Silbo, that the inhabitants use to communicate from one valley to another.

Next, Santa Cruz de La Palma will invite you to spend a moment suspended in time. Here, the accent is on authenticity and tranquillity as you succumb to the charms of its unspoilt nature and its unusual architectural heritage featuring traditional Canarian houses with brightly-coloured wooden balconies, sumptuous palaces, and religious buildings.

Your ship will then set a course northward to carry you to Madeira, a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. On this steep island covered in luxuriant vegetation, the variety of landscapes, including sheer cliffs, levadas (Madeiran aqueducts), banana plantations, and the laurel forest – Laurisilva – listed with UNESCO, never ceases to amaze visitors.

Your exploration will continue in the Algarve region at the country’s southern tip. Bewitching Lagos stands proud like a fortress in hues of ochre and orange, bordered by the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. In this town of nature and culture, stroll in the paved small streets of the historic centre whose Moorish and Portuguese influences create a delightful blend.

Further north, you will head towards the surprising and picturesque mediaeval city of Setúbal. Surrounded by vast parks and nature reserves featuring abundant biodiversity, between the Sado Estuary and the Serra da Arrábda whose waters shelter many dolphins, you will also fall under the charm of the historic heritage of this authentic fishing town.

Your cruise will come to an end in Lisbon, sitting on the Tagus River, distilling its one-of-a-kind charm imbued with rich history.

This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral remains faithful to our philosophy - to create a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being.

A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. Precious materials in smoothing neutral tones are brought to life with splashes of cheerful reds. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht.”

You will encounter unique itineraries, calls inaccessible to large ships, chic and elegant yacht-like ambiance, raffined and personalized service as well as gastronomic cuisine.

EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.

Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.

To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment - a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared - and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.

To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.

Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege...

Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.

In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.

Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax - we take care of everything...