Day 1 (April 25)
In the evening the vessel will depart from Ascension Island.

Day 2 - 6
At sea, we witness the northbound spring migration of northern birds like Arctic Terns and Long-tailed Skuas join us to cross the Equator ("the Line").

Day 7
We land at Fogo. This is the great vulcanological laboratory of the Cape Verde Islands. Here we shall see lava as fresh as is possible because it emerged from the ground within the last 10 years and with the dry atmosphere of the islands there is little weathering to take place. We shall land a short distance from the capital, Sao Felipe and shall take an excursion into the very crater to the village of Portela where the people, unbelievable as it seems, make wine. This is perhaps not, one of the greatest vintages of the world but it deserves tasting because of its curiosity. On returning to Sao Felipe we shall relax for a while before re-embarking for an early dinner after which we shall try an evening zodiac cruise in order to see the sea birds before dark.

Day 8
Praia on Sao Tiago, the main island of the southern group, has a character of its own. We shall make an excursion to Cidade Velha, steeped in history, and shall observe the massive fortress on the hill, built to deter English marauders in the period when the Crowns of Portugal and Spain were united and Portuguese possessions became as fair game to the likes of Drake and Raleigh as were Spanish ones. We shall see the ruins of the Cathedral, the oldest Christian Church in the tropics, and the slave whipping post in the main square. The village is well watered and there are plantations of sugar cane, which support a rum distillery, and several species of birds. We shall have another guided stroll around the City of Praia, which is the capital of the Cape Verdes, and which has given rise to a unique variety of folk music, which we shall hear as we pass the various bars!
Shortly after midnight we fly to Lisboa in Portugal (not included in the cruise rate).
Passengers can also disembark in Praia, evening Day 8 and stay for a day or more in a hotel in Praia and take a later flight to Lisboa.