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Accommodations M.S. LE DIAMANT
The M.S. Le Diamant is a rare find-an oceangoing vessel providing the deluxe amenities and superior standards offered aboard a larger ship with the intimate charm and enhanced navigability of a yacht. Distinguished by its intimate, casual ambiance and personal, attentive service, this exceptional vessel is continually refurbished to ensure that the highest standards of comfort and elegance are maintained. All 113 spacious, outside staterooms or suites (ranging in size from 183 sq. ft. to 398 sq. ft.) are tastefully appointed and feature two lower twin beds that convert to one queen-size bed upon request, a private bathroom with shower (some staterooms have bathtubs and showers), telephone, television, DVD, minibar, double full-length closets, two nightstands, desk, hair dryer, duvets and plush terry cloth roves. Room service is available. Continental breakfast, buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are served daily in a single, unassigned seating. The Restaurant Îles de France offers innovative Continental fare in a relaxed, inviting setting. Guests may reserve a table at L'Escapade restaurant for more intimate evening dining. Complimentary house wine, beer, soft drinks, mineral water, coffee and tea are served at lunch and dinner. The ship has three lounges, where nightly entertainment includes a cabaret and live music. Other public areas include the hair salon, boutique, library, masseuse and fitness center. A certified physician is on board. Two elevators provide access to all passenger decks. |
Cruising the Canary Islands and Madiera, Morocco, Gibraltar
April 7 - 15, 2009
Journey along sea routes once plied by Phoenician triremes and Roman galleys to the sun-washed Canary Islands, the verdant isle of Madiera, the fabled coast of Morocco and the fortress-like bastion of Gibraltar. Admire the Spanish-Colonial architecture and dramatic scenery of the islands of Tenerife and La Palma, formed millions of years ago through the activity of submarine volcanoes. On the verdant paradise of Madiera, taste the island's full-bodied, namesake wine and view the stunning cliffs of Cabo Girão. Discover the exotic allure of cosmopolitan Casablanca, stroll through the lanes of imperial Rabat and explore the storied British Crown Colony of Gibraltar, "Gateway to the Mediterranean."
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY INCLUDED FEATURES
EXCLUSIVE GOHAGAN TRAVEL SERVICES
MADRID PRE-PROGRAM OPTION/GRANADA & SEVILLE POST-PROGRAM OPTION
Experience an unparalleled combination of the natural beauty of the Canary Islands and Madiera, the Moorish treasures of Morocco and the proud history of the colony of Gibraltar on this exclusive Gohagan & Company itinerary. Cruise aboard the deluxe, exclusively chartered 113 cabin M.S. Le Diamant, an intimate vessel ideal for cruising along scenic coastlines and into idyllic ports rarely visited by larger ships. This unrivaled, impeccably crafted itinerary carefully balances exclusive shore excursion in every port of call with leisure time aboard the ship.
Cost Special Tulane pricing is from approximately $2795 per person, plus airfare and based on double occupancy. Booking For booking information please contact Thomas P. Gohagan at 800-922-3088, or Tulane Alumni Travel at 877-488-5263. Specific trip details (itinerary, meals, sightseeing & accommodations) will be published in the brochure.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1 - UNITED STATES
Depart for Las Palmas, Canary Islands
DAY 2 - LAS PALMAS, GRAN CANARIA
Arrive in Las Palmas, an attractive city founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1478. Meet your Travel Directors, transfer to the pier and embark the M.S. Le Diamant.
DAY 3 - SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, TENERIFE
The ancient Guanche people, the original inhabitants of the Canary Archipelago, gave the name Tenerife-"White Mountain"-to this dramatically scenic island, dominated by the soaring, 12,195-foot-high pinnacle of Pico del Teide. Begin your day with a drive through the cool, verdant forests of La Esperanza to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Parque Nacional del Teide, a starkly beautiful wilderness of mineral-tinted rock, ancient lava flows and distinctive vegetation found nowhere else. Gaze across the sand and lava rock floor of the vast caldera of Las Cañadas to the snowy summit of Pico del Teide, Spain's loftiest mountain, and enjoy a panoramic view of the Roques de Garcia, 500-foot-high rocks shaped by the erosive forces of wind and water. This afternoon, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of La Laguna, a beautiful university town established in 1496; the houses of the old quarter date from the 16th and 17th centuries and have preserved their wooden balconies and ornate doorways crowned with family crests. Join your traveling companions for the captain's welcome reception this evening.
DAY 4 - SANTA CRUZ DE LA PALMA, LA PALMA
Known as La Isla Bonita, "the Pretty Isle," for its lushly forested mountain slopes set against a backdrop of bright blue skies and the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean, La Palma holds an abundance of cultural and natural treasures. This morning, drive through the old quarter of Santa Cruz, once the third-largest port in the Spanish Empire, to the pilgrimage center of Las Nieves to visit the shrine of La Virgen del las Nieves (Madonna of the Snow), the island's patron saint. This mid-17th-centruy church represents unique fusion of Baroque and Mudéjar (Spanish-Moorish) architecture; on its gilt altar stands a medieval Flemish statue of the Madonna atop a base of pure silver. The scenic overlook of Mirador la Concepción offers sweeping vistas of Santa Cruz, while the Mirador La Cumbrecita provides a window on Las Palma's geologic past, with dramatic views of the Caldera de Taburiente, a wide chasm sheltering a profusion of trees and shrubs, many of them unique to the island. Return to the ship for a late lunch and spend the remainder of the day at sea.
DAY 5 - FUNCHAL, MADIERA, PORTUGAL
First settled by the Portuguese in 1418, enchanting Madiera's striking scenery, floral variety and year-round equable climate have made it a subtropical paradise. Dock in Funchal, the island's capital, which has the feeling of an open-air museum with its wealth of 15th-through 18th-century architecture. Visit the bustling market, where vendors of fresh produce, flowers and seafood engage in lively banter with their customers. In the picturesque hillside village of Monte, board a two-seater toboggan for an exhilarating downslope ride through narrow, winding streets to Funchal. Mounted on wooden runners, the toboggans are steered by brakeman in traditional attire. This afternoon, head west along Madiera's rugged southern coast past Camara de Lobos, a fishing village once portrayed on canvas by Sir Winston Churchill. From Cabo Girão, the world's second-highest sea cliff, and the overlook of Eira do Serrado, pause for sweeping vistas of the island, including a view of Curral das Freiras (Refuge of the Nuns), where sisters from the Convent of Santa Clara sought refuge from pirates in the 16th century. Before reboarding the ship, stop at the Old Blandy Winde Lodge for a special tasting of Madiera's legendary namesake wine, prized by connoisseurs around the world.
DAY 6 - CRUISING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN
Spend a relaxing day aboard the M.S. Le Diamant
DAY 7 - CASABLANCA, MOROCCO/RABAT
Arrive this morning in Casablanca, a harmonious blend of French and North African cultures and architecture and Morocco's largest city and commercial center. Drive north along the fashionable, oceanfront Boulevard de la Corniche, with stunning Atlantic views on one side and inviting cafés on the other. Continue from Casablanca to Rabat, Morocco's political capital, which was founded by the Almohad Dynasty in 1146 and is one of the nation's four Imperial Cities. View Rabat's best-known landmark, the Hassan Tower, a monument of intricately carved stone and the remnant of a late 12th-century mosque that was planned but never completed. Stroll through the narrow streets and bustling souks of the enchanting Medina (Old City). And, visit the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a fortified 12th-century quarter of narrow alleys and traditional white-washed houses built atop a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the neighboring town of Sale, once the haven of the fabled Barbay pirates.
DAY 8 - GIBRALTAR, UNITED KINGDON
Following a leisurely morning at sea, dock in Gibraltar, one of Britan's oldest crown colonies. During World War II, this strategic outpost played a crucial role in Operation Torch, the Allied campaign to liberate North Africa. Enjoy a scenic view from Europa Point and walk past the impressive stalactites and stalagmites of St. Michael's Cave, a vast natural cavern. Drive to the "Top of the Rock," the 1,400-foot-high limestone promontory guarding the strait that separates Europe and Africa, for a panoramic vista, and observe the amusing antics of Gibraltar's Barbary Apes, the only colony of wild monkeys in Europe. Conclude your tour with a visit to the Great Seige Tunnels, excavated by British army engineers in the late 18th century to provide for the defense of the colony. Join your travel companions this evening for the captain's farewell reception.
DAY 9 - MÁLAGA, SPAIN/U.S.
Disembark in Málaga and board your return flight to the U.S.
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INCLUDED FEATURES
ON BOARD THE DELUXE M.S. LE DIAMANT - Seven-night cruise from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain, to Málaga, Spain, with port calls at Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Santa Cruz de La Palma, Canary Islands; Funchal, Madiera, Portugal; Casablanca and Rabat, Morocco; and the British Crown Colony of Gibraltar.
- Spacious and elegant deluxe outside stateroom with private bathroom facilities and air conditioning.
- Captain's welcome and farewell receptions.
- All meals - Continental buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea and dinner - throughout the cruise, featuring Continental cuisine served at single, unassigned seatings.
- Complimentary house wine, beer, soft drinks, mineral water, coffee and tea included with lunch and dinner.
- Morning excursions to Tenerife's scenic wilderness of the Parque Nacional del Teide, known for its distinctive landforms and vegetation.
- Afternoon tour of La Laguna, Tenerife, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Excursion on La Palma, including a visit to the shrine of the Madonna of the Snow and panoramic vistas from the Mirador la Concepción and the Mirador la Cumbrecita.
- Excursion in Funchal, highlighted by a toboggan ride and visits to a Madiera wine lodge and an authentic embroidery workshop.
- Tour of Madiera Island, featuring the fishing village of Camara de Lobos, a favorite retreat of Sir Winston Churchill, and the stunning cliff of Cabo Girão.
- Visit to the cosmopolitan Moroccan city of Casablanca and tour of the 12th-century imperial capital of Rabat.
- Excursion in the British crown colony of Gibraltar, featuring visits to St. Michael's Cave, "the Top of the Rock" and the Great Siege Tunnels.
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MADRID PRE-PROGRAM OPTION
Before embarking M.S. Le Diamant, view the architectural and artistic treasures of Madrid and step back into the Middle Ages in Toledo, one of the best preserved cities in Spain, on this optional three-night stay in Spain's dynamic capital. Enjoy the city orientation tour featuring visits to the 18th-century Royal Palace and the Prado Museum, one of the world's great art galleries, housing works by Doménikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco), Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya. The excursion to the historic city of Toledo includes visits to the Gothic Cathedral, the Church of Santo Tomé to view El Greco's masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Ordaz, and the 14th-century Transito Synagogue. Complete details will be provided with your reservation confirmation. GRANADA AND SEVILLE POST-PROGRAM OPTION Upon disembarkation in Málaga, extend your program with and optional three-night stay consisting of one night in Granada and two nights in Seville, where Spain's medieval Moorish legacy survives to the present day. Walk through Granada's magnificent Geralife Gardens and admire the grace and beauty of the Alhambra, a former royal palace; visit Córdoba's incomparable Mezquita, a mosque converted into a cathedral; and see the proud monuments of Seville's past - the Cathedral, the Alcazar and the Giralda Tower. Complete details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.
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