Name: Central America Jewels & Panama Canal
Brand: PONANT EXPLORATIONS

Overview

Sail through Mediterranean and Spain over 13 nights with PONANT EXPLORATIONS aboard Le Lapérouse, departing from Lisbon. Along the way, you'll visit Portimão, Tangier, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, exploring a new destination almost every day. Whether you're relaxing on deck on a sea day or exploring ashore, this PONANT EXPLORATIONS journey offers something for everyone. With fares from £7,460 per person, this is a wonderful way to experience Mediterranean and Spain by sea.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS

When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents.

From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.

Cruise Itinerary

Days 1-2

Lisbon

In the annals of maritime lore, Lisbon stands as a testament to resilience, having weathered centuries of conquest and exploration. Its labyrinthine streets whisper tales of Moorish conquests and Age of Discovery triumphs, each cobblestone a silent witness to the city's rich past. Beneath the warm Mediterranean sun, Lisbon exudes an undeniable charm, drawing travelers seeking an authentic escape from the beaten path. From its vibrant neighborhoods to its serene waterfront, Lisbon offers a glimpse into Portugal's soul, where fado music reverberates through alfresco cafes, and the aroma of freshly baked pasts de nata fills the air, tempting even the most seasoned voyagers.

Day 3

Lagos

Day 4

Cádiz

Journey to Cadiz, where the echoes of ancient civilizations resonate through its cobblestone streets. This maritime marvel boasts a colorful past, once a haven for Phoenician traders and a strategic outpost during Roman rule. Blessed with a Mediterranean climate, Cadiz offers balmy breezes and sun-kissed shores, perfect for leisurely exploration. Unlike bustling tourist hubs, Cadiz exudes authenticity, inviting travelers to savor its laid-back ambiance and discover hidden gems around every corner. As Spain's oldest continuously inhabited city, Cadiz proudly showcases its maritime heritage, including the renowned Carnival of Cadiz, a festive extravaganza dating back over three centuries.

Day 5

Marbella

Day 6

Málaga

Day 7

Tangier

James Bond's explosive Tanjawi antics may evoke excitement, but a visit to Tangier promises a more tranquil adventure. This Moroccan city's history is steeped in intrigue, with its strategic location attracting Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs over the centuries. Tangier's allure as a cinematic backdrop has captured the imagination of filmmakers, showcasing its labyrinthine streets and stunning vistas. From the bustling Grand Socco square to the iconic Kasbah, Tangier's blend of cultures and influences offers a captivating journey through time. Embodying the spirit of adventure, Tangier invites travelers to explore its storied past and vibrant present with curiosity and wonder.

Day 8

Casablanca

We'll try not to mention a certain Hollywood film here, but Casablanca's history is as captivating as its cinematic counterpart. From its humble beginnings as a Berber settlement to its rise as a bustling port city under French rule, Casablanca has been shaped by centuries of cultural exchange and economic prosperity. Today, its modern skyline and vibrant culture reflect its status as Morocco's economic hub. As Humphrey Bogart famously said in the film, "Here's looking at you, kid." Oh. Damn.

Day 9

At sea

Day 10

Funchal, Madeira

Day 11

At sea

Day 12

Funchal, Madeira

Day 13

Santa Cruz de La Palma

Day 14

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Day 15

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Set sail to the Port of Las Palmas, steeped in maritime history dating back to the age of exploration. Its storied past, marked by visits from famed seafarers like Christopher Columbus, lends an air of adventure to your journey. Nestled amid the temperate Canary Islands, Las Palmas boasts a mild climate year-round, offering respite from harsher weather elsewhere. As a gateway to authentic island life, it showcases vibrant local markets brimming with fresh produce and handicrafts, providing a glimpse into the heart of Spain. Don't miss the chance to explore Vegueta, the city's historic quarter, where ancient streets whisper tales of bygone eras.

Days 1-2

Lisbon

Day 3

Lagos

Day 4

Cádiz

Day 5

Marbella

Day 6

Málaga

Day 7

Tangier

Day 8

Casablanca

Day 9

At sea

Day 10

Funchal, Madeira

Day 11

At sea

Day 12

Funchal, Madeira

Day 13

Santa Cruz de La Palma

Day 14

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Day 15

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

184

Passengers

118

Crew

2018

Launched

2022

Last refit

9976t

Tonnage

131m

Length

18m

Width

13kts

Speed

Decks

EUR

Currency

Le Lapérouse

Equipped with an underwater lounge, the Blue Eye, and the latest technologies limiting the impact on the environment, Le Lapérouse offer you a different way to experience the expedition.