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This November treat yourself to an early Christmas present and book your spot on ecruising’s s 36-night African West Coast to Cape Town cruise package, full of one-of-a-kind experiences guaranteed to deliver lifelong memories.

This sensational itinerary from Australia’s leading cruise travel expert offers an unparalleled opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Henry the Navigator from Portugal to South Africa onboard the incomparable Azamara Journey, topped and tailed by stays in luxury accommodation in Lisbon and Cape Town.

Your adventure commences in the Portuguese city of Lisbon on 8 November 2020 with 2 nights at the luxurious Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade. Centrally located on the famous Avenida da Liberdade, the hotel is the perfect base from which to explore one of Europe’s most enchanting cities – and its second-oldest capital, at your leisure, making sure to leave plenty of time to admire its many impressive palaces and historic sites, take in a Fado performance and indulge your taste-buds with delicious traditional Portuguese pastries.

On 10 November, farewell the Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade as you embark on the next phase of your journey – a 32-night cruise from Lisbon down the West Coast of Africa to Cape Town on board Azamara Journey. One of just three ships in the Azamara fleet, the ship is billed as a luxurious boutique hotel at sea, and it’s an apt description. Superbly appointed and carrying fewer than 700 passengers, with a deck plan that is intimate but never crowded, the ship features everything modern voyagers are looking for. Elegant staterooms and suites offer up ocean views, sea breezes, and all the style and amenities of a boutique hotel, and many come with their own verandas – perfect for starting your day with fresh sea air and stunning views. Add in exceptional customer service, friendly and approachable, world-class dining options, relaxing spa experiences, and all-new entertainment offerings, and you’ll be hard pressed to leave the ship!

But that would mean denying yourself another hallmark of the Azamara Journey experience – its destination focus. Journey stops in a mix of standard and off-the-beaten path ports, offering longer stays and at least one overnight on each sailing, and this cruise is no exception. Following the trade routes of Henry the Navigator, cruise highlights include: the Portuguese city of Portimão with its impressive Castle of Alvor, framed by golden sands and stark cliffs; the Atlantic port of Casablanca in Morocco, famed for its quaint old Moorish Quarter and traditional medinas; the sunny Moroccan city of Agadir home to exotic spice-filled souks; and the stunning beaches of Lanzarote and Gran Canaria in Spain’s Canary Islands.

Arriving on Africa’s West Coast with its unique blend of beauty, nature, culture and history, the cruise takes in some of the least visited places on earth. Visit the tiny Gambian capital of Banjul where you can stroll through Albert Market for an authentic taste of local life; Abidjan, the Ivory Coast’s largest city, where open-air markets meet thriving business districts; and the beautiful laid-back beachside resort town of Takoradi on Ghana’s Gold Coast, with its exciting urban street food scene.

Further south, in the Angolan city of Luanda, discover an exciting mix of UNESCO World Heritage sites, meandering oceanside promenades, and ornate churches; venture inland from Namibia’s unspoiled Walvis Bay for a bucket-list worthy African safari; and gaze over Luderitz’s brightly-coloured rooftops to the Nambian city’s scenic harbour.

In South Africa, explore Cape Town, the country’s most cosmopolitan city and take a cable car ride to the top of iconic Table Mountain with its panoramic views; discover Port Elizabeth’s storied history along the Donkin Heritage Trail; experience an authentic safari adventure in Richards Bay at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park; relax on Durban’s golden sand beaches or take a tour of traditional Zulu homesteads; and uncover the white-sand beaches and dunes of East London’s Sunshine and Wild Coasts before disembarking in Cape Town on 10 December.

Here, spend your final 2 nights at the exquisite Table Bay Hotel right in the heart of the city’s V&A waterfront where you can soak up its many historical, cultural and scenic attractions including the verdant Company Gardens, the Iziko South African Museum, the Castle of Good Hope and the moving District 6 Museum which documents the country’s history of apartheid, before flying home on 12 December 2020.

ecruising’s 36-night African West Coast to Cape Town cruise package includes return economy flights to Australia, all accommodation, not to mention Azamara’s sensational all-inclusive amenities package encompassing everything from select standard spirits, international beers and wines, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas to self-service laundry to shuttle services at each port and concierge services.

*Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.