Expedition Highlights:

• Wander through ancient laurel tree forests
• See inside a volcanic caldera
• Taste Ginja, Poncha and fine Madeira wines
• Admire artwork by Manrique
• Take Funchal’s famous downhill toboggan ride
• Spot seabirds and possibly the rare monk seal
• Discover exotic Marrakech
• Explore the alleyways of an ancient Medina
• Shop at traditional souk markets
• Enjoy a flamenco dance performance
• Visit sites of impressive Moorish architecture
• Photograph the neolithic Caves of Hercules

Day 1 — Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Embark the Silver Explorer this evening and depart on your exciting 12-day Silversea Expedition – Island Days & Arabian Nights. You will be introduced to your Expedition Team, and tonight attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party.

Day 2 — San Sebastian, Isla La Gomera, Spain
The National Park of Garajonay is undoubtedly La Gomera’s most outstanding attraction. It is one of the world’s most ancient forests and densely packed with laurel trees. Leaving San Sebastian, we make our ascent into the spectacular forest, which stands at 4,000 feet above sea level and affords breathtaking panoramic views that stretch to the neighbouring islands of Tenerife in the east and La Palma in the west. In all, 16 varieties of laurel thrive in Garajonay and as many as 400 species of flora, including Canary willow and Canary holly. Everything is covered in moss and lichen because of the moist conditions and vast canopy that lets little light through. Around 2 million years ago, laurel forest covered most of the Mediterranean, but most has been wiped out because of climate change. We will have plenty of amazing photographic opportunities before we make our descent to the coast and the Valley of the Great King. The valley was home to the island’s last Guanche chieftain and here we will learn about the conquest of Gomera at the beginning of the 15th century. The valley is ringed by mountains and terraced farms cling to the slopes all around.

Day 3 — Arrecife, Lanzarote, Spain
Today we will witness the spectacularly beautiful Montana de Fuego (Fire Mountains) in the Timanfaya National Park. This mountain range emerged in 1730 as a result of massive volcanic eruptions. The whole area is covered with cinder and slag, and reminiscent of a lunar landscape. Earth temperatures here can reach 750 degrees Fahrenheit close to the surface. We will see how twigs thrown into crevices ignite in seconds, while water poured into the lava ground evaporates immediately into steam. From here we will start our trek up and into the famous Cuervo Volcano; the dramatic terrain and magnificent crater views are not to be missed.

In the afternoon, we will discover the surprising world of Cesar Manrique, a celebrated artist, landscape conservationist, and one of Lanzarote's best-known citizens. At Jardin del Cactus, we find an unusual botanical garden where many species of cacti have been carefully arranged by Manrique himself. We then visit Manrique’s former home, now a museum. The house was designed by the artist, and combines his interest in traditional local architecture with his concerns about environmental protection. The museum contains Manrique's own private collection of contemporary art. We next explore Los Jameos del Agua – a cave containing an underground lagoon and one of the best examples of Manrique’s extraordinary vision.

Day 4 — At Sea
Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields. Other onboard diversions include spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

Day 5 — Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
This morning we will have the opportunity to discover the interior of the island by way of walking along one of the footpaths alongside the unique and complex irrigation system of levadas. These channels were dug by hand into the mountainside in the 19th century to carry water from high up in the mountains down to the fields and villages below. The first part of our walk is mostly a gentle stroll on level ground to Camacha (2,296ft/700m), where a refreshment stop will be made before we continue to Rochão.

Alternatively, spend the morning enjoying a true “taste” of Madeira. We will drive west along a winding coastal road, passing by the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. A stop will try a local drink called “Poncha”, which is made from Rum and honey. The road then heads up the mountains and by important winegrowing areas. We next visit the private property Quinta São João, a charming 17th century homestead. Birds of Paradise, bananas and grapes are cultivated on the property. The grapes are used to make the famous Madeira wine, and we will tour the wine cellar where we can sample some of the finest Madeira Wines.

Our drive continues through pine woods and eucalyptus forest to Cabo Girão – the second highest sea cliff in the world, and the highest in Europe. It rises sheer from the sea, and offers breathtaking views. Proceeding to Eira do Serrado we walk an easy path leads to the summit of Pico do Serrado (about 3,000 feet). There are superb views of Madeira's highest peaks and the Curral das Freiras village below, a hamlet so remote that the Santa Clara Convent Nuns used it as an escape from the pirate raids of the 16th century. A photo stop will be made at the viewpoint and you are invited to try some Madeira Honey cake as well as “Ginja” a popular local cherry liqueur drink.

Our last stop is Monte, a favourite destination for visitors to Madeira since the late 19th century when a steam railway was built to haul cruise liner passengers up the hillside from Funchal. The railway closed in 1939, but with the construction of cable cars, visitors today can still experience this trip. We will then enjoy a 15-minute ride on the cable car with splendid views all the way up to the village of Monte, perched on a hill 1,677 feet above Funchal. Its 18th-century, twin-towered church is a prominent landmark. Adventurous guests can travel back downhill via the famous toboggan ride. Two men control the wicker basket sled with ropes on each side, steering it over the smooth-worn cobblestones.

We will return to the Silver Explorer in time for lunch and enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore beautiful Funchal on your own.

All guests are invited to join us ashore for an evening of traditional Madeiran food and wine. The setting is relaxed and informal at this casual restaurant where we will be welcomed with a glass of Madeira wine upon arrival and later enjoy an Espetada whilst being entertained by folk dancers. The performance epitomises the joie de vivre of a rustic civilisation and you are welcome to join in – the steps are not difficult to master!

Day 6 — Deserta Grande Island, Madeira, Portugal
Early this morning we anchor off the uninhabited Ilhas Desertas in preparation for today’s exciting expedition. The waters surrounding the Madieras are a prime destination for pelagic bird-watching trips. Head out on deck with members of the Expedition Team to watch for Little and Cory's shearwater; Madeiran, Bulwer's and Fea's/Zino's petrel; and Atlantic yellow-legged gull. As a bonus to seabird sightings, there is a good possibility of spotting schools of dolphins, whales, flying fish and maybe, if we are lucky, the rare and critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal.

We have received special permission to go ashore by Zodiac and explore the protected nature reserve of Deserta Grande Island. We will be met by local rangers who will lead us on a nature walk and guided tour of the base.

Day 7 — At Sea
Binoculars in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds and marine mammals. Attend a lecture in The Theatre or in the comfort of your own accommodation with our interactive television system. Peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library, or indulge in the variety of special amenities offered aboard the Silver Explorer.

Day 8 — Safi, Morocco
Our destination today is exotic Marrakech. Driving from Safi, we first make a photo stop at the Koutoubia Mosque. Completed in 1199, it is the tallest mosque in Marrakech and built in a traditional Almohad style. We next visit of the tranquil Majorelle Gardens, designed by the French artist Louis Majorelle with lush greenery, palm trees, cacti, still pools and shady nooks. The 19-century residence of Dar el Bahia Palace is our next stop and is a fascinating place with its seemingly random arrangement of close, intimate rooms including the apartments of the Sultan’s favourite concubine; the magnificent Council Chamber and elaborately decorated reception rooms, all with mosaics and ceiling decorations. In the central courtyard we will admire the marble paving, fountains, flowers and intricate zelliges tile work. The inner courtyards were reserved for the sultan’s four wives and twenty-four concubines, and this is where we will enjoy a lunch of traditional Moroccan cuisine served with wine.

This afternoon, we will take a stroll through the labyrinth of alleyways in the ancient, 12th-century Medina. Our guided tour ends with a visit to the famous Djmâa el Fna Square, where we will find a permanent theatre of musicians, acrobats, snake charmers, food stalls and storytellers. The many colourful and varied souqs will entice us to shop for local and Berber handicrafts in leather, brass, copper, silver or gold; beautiful carpets; polished wood; a myriad of perfumes and an amazing selection of spices.

Day 9 — At Sea
Participate in discussions and onboard activities led by the Expedition Team, relax in one of the lounges with that book you’ve been meaning to read, and meet up with new friends for cocktails. Tonight, before turning in, take a stroll on deck and enjoy the solitude and splendour of the vast sea and sky.

Day 10 — Tangiers, Morocco
We set out across fertile plains to Tetouan, situated on a rocky plateau in the middle of a belt of orange, almond and pomegranate orchards. Tetouan has many monuments: a fort, mosques, fountains, fondouks (taverns) and Khalifa's old palace. The streets wind among bluish white walls and each is occupied by a trade guild, including gunsmiths, weavers, leather workers and jewellers. Where the old and modern parts of the town converge, lies Hassan II Square with its kiosks, fountains, and buildings with wrought iron balconies. At the walled Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will discover a souk of many low, white houses with weavers, jewellers and leather workers carrying out their artistry. We will also visit the Museum of Moroccan Art and the Handicrafts School.

Alternatively, join an excursion to visit the neolithic Caves of Hercules at Cape Spartel. We follow the mountain road towards the most north-western point of Africa, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. We stop briefly to marvel at the panoramic view of long golden beaches and the blue sea. Upon reaching the striking, square-shaped lighthouse we will set off to explore a wooded area that once provided cover for the Moors in their battles against the Portuguese and the English in the 17th century. We will see a uniquely Mediterranean variety of pine tree as well as oak and juniper.

Our excursion continues on to the impressive Caves of the Oracle of Herakles, where legend has it that Hercules breathed his last breath after separating Europe from Africa, having completed his 12 Labours. The mouths of these caves are partly man-made and partly natural, and open up onto the Atlantic Ocean. At high tide, water gushes up through these massive holes in the ground and cliff side, flooding the caves in a most dramatic display.

Day 11 — Cadiz, Portugal
We begin our explorations today with a drive through vineyards, cotton fields and olive groves en route to Seville where we will visit a number of sights: The Cathedral of Seville, built in the 15th century, is considered the third largest in the world. La Giralda, an imposing 322-foot tower was formerly a Moorish-style minaret from a mosque that once stood on this site. The Alcazar, a 14th-century fortress palace, was built in the Moorish style by Peter the Cruel. The Barrio de Santa Cruz is the old Jewish quarter, with its labyrinth of narrow streets, wrought-iron-grilled windows, white washed buildings and tiled patios. We next visit the Museo de baile de Flamenco. Flamenco Dance reveals the spirit of the Andalusian people and this interactive museum provides many fascinating cultural insights. Enjoy lunch and a live flamenco show in the lovely surroundings of the museum before returning to the harbour.

Day 12 — Portimao, Portugal
This morning we drive to Lagos, the departure port of the first Portuguese Caravels where we will see the storied slave arcades. Today, Lagos maintains its atmosphere of cosmopolitan heritage in its wealth of architecture and monuments. We will visit the Chapel of Santo Antonio (Golden Chapel), whose interior is a superb example of 18th-century Baroque with gilded wood carvings. At the Municipal Museum we will see local handicrafts, religious statuary, fossils, travel logs, and assorted weaponry. From the Ponta da Piedade, we can admire the wide expanse of Lagos Bay and its spectacular rock formation before travelling to Cape St. Vincent and to the small port of Sagres where we can see the 17th-century Hermitage and the Rosa dos Ventos – a giant compass laid out in stones.

Alternatively, join your Expedition Team on an inland excursion through cultivated and picturesque countryside, into the foothills of the Serra de Monchique – a wooded mountain range of cork, chestnut and eucalyptus. We will stop at the centre of Monchique village, where we can view the ruined 17th-century Monastery of Nossa Senhora do Desterro. Walking along narrow cobblestone streets, we will visit the impressive Parish Church. This monument features a Manueline portal inside a small chapel with a façade of azulejos (blue tiles). We can also admire the restored 17th-century buildings in the small village of Caldas de Monchique, one of the oldest spas in Portugal. The city of Silves was recaptured from the Moors and our first stop will be at Fabrica do Ingles – a 19th-century cork-processing factory where we can see all cork making processes. In the old city, we will see the impressive Moorish Castle, the partly Gothic Cathedral, the Misericordia Church known for its fine Manueline doorway, and the 16th-century Cross of Portugal monument.

Day 13 — Lisbon, Portugal
Following breakfast, disembark the Silver Explorer.