Holland America Line West and South Africa: 35 nights from Cape Town with Volendam
Mar 22, 2027

Cape Town

In the heart of South Africa's breathtaking landscapes, there is a city shrouded in mystical aura and historical mysteries, and it’s Cape Town. This is a place where the grandeur of mountain peaks, endless beaches, and the turbulent ocean waters converge, create beauty and magic. Cape Town is graced by its iconic symbol – Table Mountain, which towers over the city like a guardian of ancient secrets and legends. Visitors can ascend this natural wonder to enjoy stunning views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Cape Town is also renowned for its cultural diversity. It attracts artists, musicians, and writers from all parts of the world, inspiring them with its unique atmosphere. The streets of Cape Town are vibrant with local markets, street art, and cafes offering dishes from various parts of Africa and the world. An interesting fact about Cape Town is its unique geography. The city is located at the southernmost tip of the continent, where the Table Bay is one of the largest and deepest natural harbors in the world. This makes it an ideal departure point for cruises along the Atlantic Ocean.

Cruises from Cape Town offer exciting journeys along the shores of South Africa, including stops at historic sites like Robben Island, where political prisoners of the apartheid era, including Nelson Mandela, were imprisoned. If you're interested in the underwater world, you can visit the largest aquarium in the Southern Hemisphere. For photography enthusiasts, we recommend the Bo-Kaap district, where houses are painted in vibrant colors.

Cruises from Cape Town also provide the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of South Africa's Western Cape, encountering wildlife and national parks, majestic waterfalls and endless beaches along the way. Cape Town not only impresses with its beauty and cultural heritage but also serves as the perfect starting point for thrilling cruise adventures, allowing guests to discover all the grandeur and diversity of this remarkable part of Africa.

Luderitz

Walvis Bay

St Helena

George Town

Capital of Grand Cayman, one of the three magnificentest tropical islands, that Christopher Columbus named “Las Tortugas” (the turtles), because of sea creatures he found in the crystal-clear ocean waters.

George Town is the capital of Cayman Islands and one of the most popular cruise ships ports in the Caribbean, thanks to its white sand beaches, year-round tropical weather and crystal- clear blue waters. 

Don’t miss Stingray City, the diving and the snorkeling near the coral reef. George Town offers many duty-free shopping,restaurants and cafes. If you can go far from the beach, you have to try an excursion to one of the few tropical rainforests in the Anthilles.

Banjul

Dakar

Praia

Praia is the capital of the Republic of Cape Verde, located on the island of Santiago, the largest of the archipelago, west of Senegal. The country is divided into charming little unofficial districts, the most important are Plateau (centre), Achada, Varzea, Safende and Sucupira (bazaar area). At the Sucupira market, you can buy exotic souvenirs, such as Panu or Babosa land, as well as a variety of handicrafts. Its great strength is the port, which, in addition to its development and the fishing industry, allows the export of coffee, sugar cane and tropical fruit. Thanks to its pleasent climate, It is possible to visit the city all year round. Even during the so-called rainy season (from mid-August to mid-October), it can happen that there is no rainfall for weeks. Thanks to ocean currents, Cape Verde has the lowest temperatures of all West African countries. Cape Verdeans are very fond of music, especially zouk, Funana and local HipHop. They are able to dance energetically throughout the night and one can easily join in. The city has several colonial-era buildings. The main attractions in the city center include Albuquerque Square, the old town hall built in 1920, the presidential palace, built at the end of the 19th century, the Monument of Diogo Gomes, the Portuguese navigator who discovered the island of Santiago in 1460. Apart from those mentioned, its beautiful beaches and good nightlife make this place an idyllic destination.

Mindelo

Mindelo is a vibrant port city located on the island of São Vicente in Cape Verde, an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa. In the city, cultural vibrancy, historical significance, and natural beauty are mix perfectly together making Mindelo a unique and fascinating destination for tourists. The city is known as the cultural capital of Cape Verde. It has a rich tradition of music, particularly morna and coladeira, which are traditional Cape Verdean music genres.

The city is associated with the famous singer Cesária Évora. Cesária Évora was a Cape Verdean singer and probably the world's best-known morna singer. Her nickname was “barefoot diva” for her habit of performing barefoot. Mindelo hosts one of the most vibrant carnivals in the region, often compared to those in Brazil.

The event is a major draw for tourists and locals alike, featuring parades, music, dance, and elaborate costumes. Mindelo has a thriving art scene, with numerous galleries and markets where local artists and craftsmen display their work. The Mindelo Art Center is a notable venue for exhibitions and performances. The city's nightlife is lively, with numerous bars, restaurants, and clubs offering live music and entertainment, particularly in the historic center around Praça Estrela and Rua Lisboa.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of Tenerife, is located in the north-east of the island. Its pleasent climate and commercial areas make the city the perfect place for walking and enjoying long hours of relaxation. There are lots of things to visit in the city such as its avenues, parks and Henry Moore's most famous sculptures, hidden treasures and historic buildings such as the Church of the Conception or the Carta Palace.

Do not miss the opportunity to taste local cuisine. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a beautiful port located in Tenerife, the largest of the western islands of the Canary Islands archipelago. In the area around the port, there are wide avenues, squares, exotic green areas and some examples of modern architecture. At the heart of the city, near the sea, there is Plaza de España, built in the mid-20th century and once the site of the San Cristobal Castle (16th century).

The oldest part of the city is rich in religious monuments. The construction of the Church of San Francisco, one of the best examples of the Baroque style, began in the 17th century. The Church of Pilar, dated back to the 18th century, stands on the remains of an ancient temple. The city has also some green areas filled with exotic tree species. The Garcia Sanabria Park houses an important outdoor Sculpture Museum.

Another not to be missed place is the Maritime Park, a recreational area designed by architect César Manrique and located in the old Canary Islands commercial basin. Also known as the Black Castle, this circular defensive bastion was built in the first half of the 17th century with volcanic stones. From a naturalistic point of view, Tenerife is an island of contrasting landscapes. The wide beaches of fine sand in the south of the island give way to lush vegetation in the north.

Every year, the outfits of the island's capital prepare to host Carnival, declared International Tourist Interest and one of the most spectacular in Spain. Its privileged location makes it possible to enjoy beautiful beaches such as Las Teresitas, get to know the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or visit Teide National Park, the symbol of the island.

Las Palmas

Located in the Atlantic Ocean 200 km from the African Coast, Gran Canaria has one of the most beautiful tropical landscapes. The island has wide and beautiful golden sand beaches, endless dunes, large indentations with vegetation and charming villages. In this majestic area, you can visit towns that has all kinds of services and amenities, such as in Las Palmas, with large shopping areas and a lively nightlife. You will have the opportunity to practice any water sport: diving, surfing and windsurfing.

Conversely, those who prefer other sports will have the opportunity to go hiking, climbing, or cycling. The island is also an ideal destination for golf lovers, as it has a wide range of excellent courses. Gran Canaria has excellent cuisine and the variety of fun traditional festivals, and theme parks. In short, it is an ideal place for a great island vacation.

Arrecife

The capital of Lanzarote Island, in Canary Island, Arrecife was originally a small fishing village that now primarily relies on tourism. Lanzarote is one of the most wild and natural islands of the Canary and is of volcanic origin. Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, since the second half of the 19th century, is now the administrative and commercial center of the island.

Arrecife is a lively and cosmopolitan city full of culture and history, located on the eastern-central coast of the island. Initially known as a small fishing village in the 15th century, the area continued to grow until it became the capital of the island in 1852. Today, it is known as a wonderful holiday and shopping paradise. The city presents itself to travelers as a peaceful, cheerful and clean town. In its harbor, which is an area of intense commercial activity, two large fortresses, San Gabriel and San Jose, stand as reminders of the constant pirate attacks.

Other interesting monuments include the Castle of San Gabriel, built offshore and connected to the city by drawbridge, the San Juan Castle, and the Castillo del Hambre. Inside the Castello del Hambre, there is the international Museum of Contemporary Art, which exhibits works by the great artist Cesar Manrique.

The center of Arrecife is surrounded by some of the city’s best tourist attractions, such as the Parish of San Ginés Obispo and the shopping district of Calle Real. Heading north along the Coast, you will find the city’s ports: Puerto Naos, a fishing port, and the main port called Puerto de los Marmoles, the third most important port in the Canary Islands.

Casablanca

Casablanca is the cosmopolitan, industrial and economic heart of Morocco and represents a developing Nation.

Casablanca is the place where money was first creates, where the industry has its headquarter, where the art galleries offer the best contemporary art and where the fashion designer have a window on the world. The old pirates’ den is looking at the future, showing its richness and success. Casablanca is the city of contradiction. You can find a suffocating traffic jam, social issues and shanty towns as well as wide boulevards, well-finished parks, fountains and a surprising colonial architecture. The Hispanic-Moorish rich architecture, art-deco and modernist gems are all to be discovered in the city centre and are the symbol of Casblanca, such as huge the Hassan II Mosque, amazingly decorated.

Lisbon

Perched on steep slopes overlooking the Rio Tejo, Lisbon offers all the pleasures one would expect from Portugal's main attraction. The capital of Portugal, Lisbon (Lisboa in Portuguese) has experienced a great development in recent years, with a thriving contemporary culture. Perched on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is one of the rare European cities that faces the ocean and uses water as a defining element of the city. Lisbon enchants travellers with its white limestone buildings, intimate alleys and an old-world charm that makes it a popular year-round destination.

Oporto

Bilbao

Bilbao, located on the Northern coast of Iberian Peninsula, is the ideal starting point to visit this area of Spain. Tourists come here to enjoy the beaches, discover its culture and absorb its mild climate. With one of Europe's largest ports, the vibrant city has been able to invest in a redevelopment plan, trasforming its brownfield sites into cutting-edge cultural and architectural venues.

But it is its historic center, which continues to fascinate with its stores, alleys and monuments. The city was officially founded in the 1300s, consolidating its economic position. Thanks to the exploitation of mining and steel industry areas, port and ship activity and its financial center, the city became one of the most important cities during the Industrial Revolution. 

A modern and transportation network connects Bilbao to other cities in Spain. Thanks to its beautiful beaches, the city is the ideal destination for beach lovers. Beaches are not the only attractions in Bilbao, there are very fascinating places besides the beautiful beaches: the Cathedral of Santiago, located in the heart of the Old Town (Casco Viejo) is dedicated to the apostle Santiago, the official patron saint of the city of Bilbao since 1643.

Built at the end of the 14th century in the Gothic style, the neo-Gothic tower and façade were made by Severino Achúcarro in late 1887. The Old Bridge of San Antonio is located next to the church of the same name. Pablo de Alzola and Ernesto Hoffmeyer built a second bridge in 1877 but it was destroyed during the Civil War in 1937. San Antonio Bridge dates from the early 20th century, also known as the Atxuri Bridge, connecting the old neighborhood to the rest of the city. For nature lovers, the city is surrounded by a fertile landscape of forests, mountains, beaches, and cliffs that make Bilbao a tourist destination. A holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and partecipate in one of these unique activities.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is city on the Atlantic Ocean and its port hosts big ships. The city had initially the name Burdigala and was established in III Century B.C. by the Gallic people.

It was a neuralgic centre for the International commerce of tin and lead. After the arrival of the Romans, Bordeaux becomes one of the richest cities of Gallia and is robbed many times by populations such as Visigoths and Vandals. With the passing of time, the City starts economic relationships with England trading in salt and wine and, in XVI Century, also the colonial sugar and slaves start having a leading role in the sustenance of the city.
Bordeaux has a liveable city centre that can be visited by foot and that offers beautiful attractions and energy. At night, the city get crowded with young people filling up the main squares and the bars where you can taste excellent wines and plunge in the romantic atmosphere that the city assumes after the sunset. You can’t miss out Château de la Brède, a gothic style castle dated back to XIV Century, surrounded by a moat and an English garden. The philosopher Montesquieu lived here and tourists can visit his library and his bedroom that are just like they were in XIX Century.
We suggest to visit also the beautiful Saint Eloi Church. Established in XII Century, the construction and renovation works lasted until 1400’s. The current structure is dated back to this period. The church is one of the stop-overs of Santiago de Compostela walking tour and is part of UNESCO World Heritage. Bordeaux offers a wide variety of gastronomic and wine choices. There are many restaurants and bars where you can taste the best wines on the market and an amazing cuisine.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is city on the Atlantic Ocean and its port hosts big ships. The city had initially the name Burdigala and was established in III Century B.C. by the Gallic people.

It was a neuralgic centre for the International commerce of tin and lead. After the arrival of the Romans, Bordeaux becomes one of the richest cities of Gallia and is robbed many times by populations such as Visigoths and Vandals. With the passing of time, the City starts economic relationships with England trading in salt and wine and, in XVI Century, also the colonial sugar and slaves start having a leading role in the sustenance of the city.
Bordeaux has a liveable city centre that can be visited by foot and that offers beautiful attractions and energy. At night, the city get crowded with young people filling up the main squares and the bars where you can taste excellent wines and plunge in the romantic atmosphere that the city assumes after the sunset. You can’t miss out Château de la Brède, a gothic style castle dated back to XIV Century, surrounded by a moat and an English garden. The philosopher Montesquieu lived here and tourists can visit his library and his bedroom that are just like they were in XIX Century.
We suggest to visit also the beautiful Saint Eloi Church. Established in XII Century, the construction and renovation works lasted until 1400’s. The current structure is dated back to this period. The church is one of the stop-overs of Santiago de Compostela walking tour and is part of UNESCO World Heritage. Bordeaux offers a wide variety of gastronomic and wine choices. There are many restaurants and bars where you can taste the best wines on the market and an amazing cuisine.

Cherbourg

Rotterdam

Rotterdam, the second largest city in Netherlands, was destroyed during World War II and it was rebuilt some decades after. Because of the war, classic medieval Dutch architecture was washed away along with the other rubble and debris of war. Despite destruction, as a result of the city's postwar, postmodern philosophy, the city has developed an architectural aesthetic that is unique in Europe.

In fact, Rotterdam is known as a city rich in history and architecture. In the few square kilometers of the city center, you have a comprehensive overview of what the 20th century produced in terms of modern architecture. Thanks to its position, the city has always been a meltingpot of people and it is still known as a multicultarl city.