Day 1

PALMEIRA (SAL ISLAND)
Palmeira, Sal (3-4PM)
Ben Vindo! That’s Portuguese for welcome, and we welcome you to Cape Verde. Meet us on board at the port of Palmeira in Sal and get to know your home for the week, as well as your fellow travellers, over housewarming (or should we say shipwarming) cocktails. We’ll have dinner on board together, before a midnight departure to Boavista. Overnight at sea.

Day 2

SAL REI (BOA VISTA ISLAND)
Boa Vista is the island that has it all: volcanic landscapes, white stretches of sand, sparkling seas. Appreciate the relaxed way of life at one of the many beaches, or join us on an optional tour to discover the authentic aspects of island life: ceramics, colourful architecture and local agriculture. We’ll meet for lunch at a traditional restaurant (don’t miss the specialty *homemade goat’s cheese*) before we embark on our overnight journey to Santiago. Overnight at sea.

Day 3

PRAIA (SANTIAGO ISLAND)
Early morning arrival at Santiago, the largest of the Cape Verde archipelago. We know you’re eager to jump into the tempting waters and this morning is a great opportunity. Enjoy a morning at leisure followed by lunch on board before our optional afternoon trip to Cidade Velha. Founded in 1462, this was the first city to be built on the islands, and the former capital. Come evening, we’ll set off for an overnight at sea. Destination Fogo, the island of fire.

Day 4

SAO FELIPE (FOGO ISLAND)
We arrive at the island to the dominating sight of Fogo Volcano. Fogo means fire in Portuguese: no prizes for guessing how the island got its name! Today’s optional excursion is a full-day expedition: first to the top of the volcano for a walk along the crater’s edge with lunch in Chã das Caldeiras, the crater’s village. This is a trip for the ages, but we’re not finished yet. We’ll visit charming San Felipe in the afternoon, before setting sail for Sao Vicente. Overnight at sea.

Day 5

MINDELO (SAO VINCENTE ISLAND)
Mindelo, Sao Vicente, is a cultural hub known for its traditional music, art and architecture. Join our optional walking tour, meandre through the colonial streets and soak up the colourful sights, sounds and flavours. Visit the National Museum of Handicrafts for a deeper understanding into the rich island heritage. Mindelo is also famous for its lively nightlife; revel in it this evening as we overnight in the port.

Day 6

MINDELO (SAO VINCENTE ISLAND) - PORTO NOVO (SANTO ANTAO)
With just 10 KM between the two islands, it’s a short sail from Sao Vicente to Santo Antao this morning. Santo Antao is the greenest of all the Cape Verde Islands; let us show you its verdant heart - Valley Paul - on our optional tour. A place where passion fruit, mangos, and sugarcane grow in abundance, and where local alcoholic drink, Grogue, is distilled from the latter. Go ahead, try some - but not too much as we’ve still got time to visit the Valley of Ribeira before dinner on board. Overnight in port.

Day 7

PORTO NOVO (SANTO ANTAO)
This morning we’ll discover the south west of the island, with its volcanic, arid landscapes. Join our optional half day excursion as we journey through volcanic landscapes, crop plantations, and isolated villages. Lagedos is one such village, where ecological tourism…. Overnight at sea on route to Sal.

Day 8

PALMEIRA (SAL ISLAND)
As we come full circle (literally!) back to Sal, it’s time for breakfast and goodbyes. For now. We hope to sea you on board one of our other cruises soon.

Day 1 | Saturday

MAHE/VICTORIA (INTER ISLAND QUAY) - ST. ANNE
Welcome to the Seychelles, the Variety way. This natural paradise will be your home for the next few days: expect cultural immersion, uninhabited islands, and unique biospheres. But first, enjoy a welcome drink before we set sail for our first stop, Sainte Anne. We know you’ve been waiting to dive into the inviting Indian Ocean: this is your first chance of many. Dinner on board and overnight at anchor.

Day 2 | Sunday

ST. ANNE - CURIEUSE
An early departure means we’ll be at the uninhabited island of Curieuse ready for a day of excursions: guided walking tours, mangrove forest exploration, giant tortoise spotting, and more. Welcome in the afternoon with a beach barbecue and snorkelling opportunities or, with beaches this beautiful, you may prefer to simply lie back and soak it all in. We wouldn’t blame you. Overnight at anchor.

Day 3 | Monday

CURIEUSE - COUSIN ISLAND - ANSE LAZIO
From Curieuse to Anse Lazio. But first a visit to Cousin Island: the entire island has been a nature reserve since 1968. We’ll visit the bird sanctuary before sailing onwards to Anse Lazio in Praslin - globally recognised as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Here, the time is yours; enjoy swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing or napping, before heading back to the ship. Overnight at anchor.

Day 4 | Tuesday

ANSE LAZIO - ARIDE - ST. PIERRE - BAIE ST. ANNE/PRASLIN
Experience a wake up call like no other: experienced island rangers will take you on an early-morning guided tour to the top of the island for a one-in-a-million vantage point. Be sure to bring your camera. Aride is famous for numerous indiginous species; your guide will point these out as you traverse the unique landscape. At noon we sail to St. Pierre Island for 3 hours of snorkelling and swimming. Dry off, and enjoy a sunset sail to Baie Sainte Anne, Praslin, in time for a cultural Creole Night. Overnight at dock. *Aride island often closed by local authorities during Southeast Trade winds (from May to September as a guideline). It may also close at short notice during strong winds. During this time, weather permitting, Variety Cruises Captain will be calling at equally beautiful locales, visiting Cote D’Or or Anse Georgette.

Day 5 | Wednesday

BAIE ST. ANNE, PRASLIN - FELICITE - LA DIGUE
Today is all about going where the wind takes us - figuratively and literally! After an optional tour to Vallee de Mai, the green heart of Praslin often described as a Garden of Eden, we’ll set off for Felicite or Grand Soeur. Wherever we end up, we guarantee you fun in the beautiful Seychelles sun. Evening sail to La Digue where we’ll anchor for the night.

Day 6 | Thursday

LA DIGUE - MOYENNE ISLAND
Join us for an optional morning excursion where our knowledgeable guides will take you to L’Union Estate Farm for a tour of a coconut oil mill. Spend the early afternoon souvenir shopping at La Passe, or idle the time away at Anse Source D’Argent beach. This is another beach well-known for being one of the world’s most beautiful. What can we say, the Seychelles will spoil you. Late afternoon sail to Moyenne Island, overnight at anchor.

Day 7 | Friday

MOYENNE ISLAND - MAHE - INTER ISLAND QUAY
Your last day with us in the Seychelles is equal parts food and swimming. Dive into those sparkling waters for one last time at Moyenne before enjoying a barbecue on deck. Late afternoon we’ll head back to where it all began - Mahe - for our signature Captain’s Farewell dinner with live music. Dancing isn’t required, but very much smiled upon. Overnight in Mahe.

Day 8 | Saturday

MAHE/VICTORIA (INTER ISLAND QUAY)
Mahe, Victoria (9AM)
Get ready to disembark, but first enjoy a breakfast on board. We never like saying goodbye, so instead let us say we hope to sea you soon!

Day 1

Athens(Greece), Depart 17:00
Your idyllic 7-night Aegean escape begins in the majestic ancient city of Athens. As one of the oldest cities in the world, the vibrant modern metropolis boasts an intriguing and contrasting mix of the old and the modern architecture that is in perfect balance and harmony. Explore the city and soak up the atmosphere by the harbour’s edge as you wait to embark for your exciting adventure.

Day 2

Thessaloniki(Greece), Depart 19:00
Thessaloniki is a gorgeous and cosmopolitan seaside city and the largest in Greece after Athens. Centuries of cultural commingling has also made Thessaloniki a culinary nirvana, with almost too many great restaurants and little eateries to count.

Day 3


Kusadasi(Turkey), Depart 19:00
The dynamic beach resort of Kusadasi welcomes you with its warm and friendly ambience. From here you will be whisked away for a guided tour round ancient Ephesus, one of the highlights of this iconic Aegean cruise. Before rebounding the ship, take time to enjoy the scenic seafront promenade and the town’s impressive Grand Bazaar.

Day 4

Crete(Heraklion), Depart 19:00
As we pull into Heraklion, you have the chance to snap the imposing 16th-Century walls of Koules Fortress. Here you can enjoy the calm of the stunning waterfront, explore the Cretan countryside or discover the Palace of Knossos. This spellbinding tour invites you to listen to tales of intrigue and learn about Europe’s first civilisation in the Knossos museum. Was the Minotaur half-man or myth? You’re about to find out!

Day 5-6

Santorini(Greece), Depart 00:30
The romantic island of Santorini is the remnants of a devastating volcanic eruption in the 16th-Century BC. The picture-perfect scenery features clustered traditional whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches set against a beguiling brilliant blue backdrop. Here you will have the chance to experience the Mediterranean lifestyle of the idyllic oasis and relax in the island’s calm and tranquillity.

Day 6-7

Mykonos(Greece), Depart 02:00
The sun-drenched island of Mykonos is affectionately known as the ‘Island of the Winds’. Easily recognised by its iconic 16th-Century windmills perched high on the hill, the vibrant Mykonos Town is an alluring landscape of smooth sandy beaches dotted along a dramatic coastline. Indulge in the islands culinary delights or take a short boat trip to explore the sacred island of Delos.

Day 7

Milos, Depart 19:00
The volcanic origins of the beautiful Greek island of Milos are clearly evident in its complex and bewitching landscape. Here you have the opportunity to explore the dramatically surreal and sculptured looming rock formations that rise out of the crystalline waters and create the stunning coastline. Why not join a local expert to explore the many beauty spots and charming fishing villages.

Day 8

Athens(Greece), Arrive 07:00
As we pull into the port, your cruise may be over but your day is just beginning and the magical city of Athens is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Discover the heart of ancient Greece in the many historically important archaeological sites including the iconic landmark of the Acropolis or relax on the city’s beautiful beach.