Voyage to the Cape aboard Saga Pearl II

1 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Perhaps the prettiest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is an almost circular island with its highest point, the peak of Pozo de Las Nieves (6,390 feet above sea level) at the centre.
The island offers the best of both worlds, with a wealth of natural beauty and all the exciting attractions of city life in the capital, Las Palmas.
You will no doubt wish to see the sights of the capital’s old quarter, which dates back to the 15th century and encompassses the Vegueta and Triana districts, and wherever you go you can enjoy the glorious subtropical climate, perfect for growing exotic palms and fruits.

2 Southampton, England

Lying near the head of Southampton Water, a peninsula between the estuaries of the Rivers Test and Itchen, Southampton is Britain’s largest cruise port.
It has been one of England’s major ports since the Middle Ages, when it exported wool and hides from the hinterland and imported wine from Bordeaux. The city suffered heavy damage during World War Two and as a result the city centre has been extensively rebuilt.

3 Funchal, Madeira

Formed by a volcanic eruption, Madeira lies in the Gulf Stream, about 500 miles due west of Casablanca. Discovered by Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco in 1419, this beautiful island became part of Portugal’s vast empire and was named for the dense forest which cloaked it (‘Madeira’ means ‘wood’ in Portuguese).
Sugar plantations first brought wealth here and when King Charles II of England granted an exclusive franchise to sell wine to England and its colonies, many British emigrants were drawn to the capital, Funchal.
Today’s travellers come to Madeira for the varied and luxuriant scenery, from mountain slopes covered with vines to picturesque villages and a profusion of wildflowers. The natural beauty of the island has earned it many pseudonyms such as ‘The Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, ‘The Island of Eternal Springtime’ and ‘God’s Botanical Gardens’ and our selection of excursions aim to show you why.

4 Freetown, Sierra Leone

Freetown is Sierra Leone’s economic, administrative and financial centre and was founded in 1787 by the British as a settlement for freed slaves. Their descendants are known today as the Creole.
Freetown’s economy relies on its harbour, which is the largest natural harbour in Africa, and the third largest in the world. Industries include diamonds, rice milling, petroleum refining and the manufacture of cigarettes.
A treasured landmark is the ‘Cotton Tree’ which was originally planted by the resettled American slaves with the founding of Freetown.

5 San Pedro, Ivory Coast

San Pédro is situated approximately 220 miles southwest of Abidjan, on the Gulf of Guinea. Until the mid-1960s, San Pédro was a tiny fishing village of fewer than 100 inhabitants, but, following the start of port construction in 1968, it rapidly grew into a major town. Upon completion of the port in 1970, San Pédro became the nation’s second largest port, after the capital, Abidjan. Exports consist mainly of wood products, which also constitute the town’s largest industry. San Pédro serves as a shipping point in the government project to develop and export their rich forest resources.
Important Information: At the time of writing San Pedro had never welcomed a cruise ship before, whilst we have endeavoured to find the best ground agents available, the local infrastructure and standards of service may not equal those found at other ports. We believe that such factors will pale into insignificance given the unique and rewarding nature of this destination. Our staff and agents will work hard to ensure that everything goes smoothly, but we do ask for your patience and understanding.

6 Abidjan Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast’s former capital, Abidjan, is spread across several islands split by the palm-tree lined Ebrié lagoon – its pavement cafes and wide avenues are a reminder of its French colonial past. After Paris and Kinshasa it was named in 2011 as the the third-largest French speaking city in the world. Originally a small fishing village it is now the country’s most important commercial and banking centre. The city has numerous musesums, institutes and libraries which along with the arts and crafts and attractions such as St Paul’s Cathedral Hôtel Ivoire and Banco National Park make this an interesting city to explore.

7 Takoradi, Ghana

Takoradi is the sister city to Sekondi. Together they form the oldest twin city and fourth largest city in Ghana. It was dominated by the British and Dutch during the colonial era and this is reflected in the colonial architecture.
Sekondi-Takoradi is also the capital of the Western region of Ghana, with Sekondi being the administrative capital and Takoradi the commercial and industrial hub. This region is noted for its lush vegetation, 75% of which is within the high forest zone of Ghana.

8 Tema (for Accra), Ghana

These isolated islands form one of the smallest countries in Africa and boast unspoiled beauty rarely found elsewhere.
Lying on an alignment of once-active volcanoes, their dramatic landscapes include dense forests, sheer sea cliffs, idyllic palm-fringed beaches and extensive cocoa plantations.
While here, perhaps explore the town of São Tomé which lies on the equator in Ana Chaves Bay.

9 Cotonou, Benin

Situated on a strip of land between the Gulf of Guinea and Lake Nokoue, Cotonou is the largest city in Benin and its economic capital. A notable landmark is the cathedral with its distinctive burgundy and white striped exterior.
While here, perhaps join an excursion to the striking stilt village of Ganvié or visit the restored palace of King Toffa on a city tour.

10 São Tomé, São Tomé and Principe

São Tomé, which is Portuguese for ‘Saint Thomas’, was founded by the Portuguese in 1485, who were searching for a suitable location to establish a cane sugar industry.
Situated directly on the equator, it’s an appealing island graced with colonial Portuguese architecture and attractive parks. At the time of writing only six cruise ships had visited São Tomé.

11 Luanda, Angola

Founded by the Portuguese explorer Paulo Dias de Novais in the 16th century, Luanda is now Angola’s capital as well as its largest city.
Since 2002 Luanda has been undergoing major reconstruction and you can see the results on a half-day excursion.

12 Walvis Bay, Namibia

Walvis Bay is the gateway to the Namib Desert where towering ochre sand dunes create a stunning backdrop to a scattering of desert-dwelling creatures such as geckoes, jackals, lions, elephants, oryxes and springboks.
Experience this natural wonder for yourself on an optional drive through the sands with a knowledgeable guide.

13 Cape Town, South Africa

Sail into Cape Town, which has a spectacular setting dominated by flat-topped Table Mountain.
Spend the day exploring this magnificent capital of the Western Cape. If the weather’s fine, why not take the cable car ride to the summit of Table Mountain for unrivalled views, enjoy a boat trip over to poignant Robben Island, or join a tour through the heart of the city?
Then enjoy an evening out in the city, perhaps at one of the fine restaurants surrounding the famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.

14 Saint Helena, UK

Situated in the vast expanse of the South Atlantic is tiny Saint Helena, Britain’s second oldest remaining overseas territory. In 1815, the British selected Saint Helena as the detention place for Napoleon Bonaparte, and he died here six years later in 1821. During your visit, perhaps explore Longwood House, Napoleon’s final residence and now a museum.

15 Ascension Island, UK

You have the chance to explore one of the most remote populated islands on earth. Part of a British Overseas Territory, Ascension Island was named after the day of its recorded discovery, and it was first inhabited in 1815 when the British garrisoned it as a precaution after imprisoning Napoleon I on nearby Saint Helena.
Today it’s home to an RAF and US Air Force base, a BBC World Service station and one hotel. During your visit, perhaps spot some of the island’s unusual bird and wildlife, or take a walk along the dramatic coast to see the volcanic craters.

16 Dakar, Senegal

Dakar, set at the tip of the Cape Vert peninsula, is West Africa’s westernmost point and the capital of French-speaking Senegal. Although it was not founded until 1857, it is West Africa’s oldest European city and one of the most westernised.
The opening of the Dakar-St Louis railway in 1885 put the town on the map; it subsequently became a French naval base and in 1904, the capital of Afrique Occidentale Française. It bears the legacy of Africa’s French colonial past, especially so in the downtown Plateau area, where the architecture is redolent of southern France.
Every inch a modern city, Dakar is a frenetic buzz of activity. Perhaps sample the popular mint tea and try your hand at bartering in the colourful craft markets for traditional embroidery, woodcarvings, metalwork and costume jewellery.

17 Santa Cruz, Tenerife

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a beautiful and scenic island which enjoys year-round sunshine and is dominated by Mount Teide. The mountain range runs through the centre of the island, with fertile valleys on the northern side.
In the central part of the range is the gigantic natural crater of the Cañadas del Teide, about 14 miles in diameter. Santa Cruz, the island’s pretty capital, appears a modern city, but also contains 16th-century civic buildings and ornate private mansions.

18 Casablanca, Morocco

The original settlement formed on the site of Casablanca by the Berbers became the kingdom of Anfa, and during the 15th century harboured pirates who raided the Portuguese coast. In retaliation for the attacks, the Portuguese destroyed Anfa and founded the town they called Casa Branca (white house).
They remained here until an earthquake in 1755 and the town was subsequently rebuilt by Mohammed ben Abdallah, whose legacy of mosques and houses remains today in the old Medina. Casablanca acquired its present-day name when the Spanish obtained special port privileges in 1781. The French landed here in 1907, later establishing a protectorate and modelling the town on the port of Marseilles.
Today Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city, its most significant port and the centre of commerce and industry. The city is a vibrant fusion of European, African and Arabian influences and its French colonial architecture and art deco buildings seamlessly blend in with the colourful markets.
Please note that vendors in the souks can be very persistent.

19 Cadiz, Spain

Believed to be the oldest town on the Iberian Peninsula and founded by Hercules, the Andalusian port of Cadiz enjoys a stunning location at the edge of a six-mile promontory.
The town itself, with 3,000 years of history, is today characterised by pretty white houses with balconies often adorned with colourful flowers. As you wander around be sure to take a stroll through the sizeable Plaza de Espãna, with its large monument dedicated to the first Spanish constitution signed in Cadiz in 1812.
There are two pleasant seafront promenades which boast fine views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Parque Genoves, located close to the sea with an open-air theatre and attractive palm garden. Also notable is the neo-classical cathedral, capped by a golden dome.

20 Lisbon, Portugal

Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the inspiring capital of Portugal since the 13th century when the Moors were finally vanquished.
It is a city strewn with majestic architecture, old wooden trams, historic Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history.
Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio.

21 Southampton, England

Lying near the head of Southampton Water, a peninsula between the estuaries of the Rivers Test and Itchen, Southampton is Britain’s largest cruise port.
It has been one of England’s major ports since the Middle Ages, when it exported wool and hides from the hinterland and imported wine from Bordeaux. The city suffered heavy damage during World War Two and as a result the city centre has been extensively rebuilt.

Titan Travel have a reputation for innovative and enthralling escorted holiday itineraries, and through the guidance of their founding principles, “quality, service and value” which have remained unchanged since the 1970′s, their expertise and experience are second to none.

Titan Travel strive to ensure that aspect of their holidays whispers quality, before you fly, you get to appreciate a comfortable, chauffeur-driven transfer from your front door to the airport with our peerless VIP Home Departure Service, check-in assistance and complimentary porterage. All international flights are with world-renowned scheduled airlines and cruises with acclaimed operators. Touring holidays are expertly designed by the product team to present a comprehensive, imaginative introduction to the destination of choice yet still offer plenty of time for relaxation. The services of a tour manager or cruise manager are included throughout. When you return to the UK, you are met in the arrivals hall of the airport and shown to your VIP Home Departure Service vehicle, waiting to return you to your front door.

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“Titan Travel’s guiding principles of customer service, quality of product and value for money are undoubtedly a contributing factor to them being voted, on many occasions, the UK’s best tour operator.”