Study Voyage: Portugal, Andalusia & the Canary Islands
With French elegance and a spirit of discovery aboard Le Champlain
When the sun sinks into the sea and steeps the sky in colours no evening repeats.
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Lisbon → Gran Canaria
This 13-night voyage aboard Le Champlain links Lisbon with the Canary Islands via Spain, Morocco and Madeira. The Explorer-class ship for 184 guests offers the Blue Eye underwater lounge, 16 Zodiacs and a marina, complemented by premium all-inclusive Ponant service. In partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, experts accompany the route through Atlantic history, Andalusian heritage and volcanic islands. The stages range from the UNESCO-listed Belém Tower in Lisbon to the volcanic landscapes of the Canaries.
Route highlights
- Lisbon: Portugal's capital with the UNESCO-listed Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery as the starting point.
- Portimao and Cádiz: An Algarve harbour and one of Western Europe's oldest cities with Andalusian heritage.
- Marbella and Málaga: A glamorous Costa del Sol town and the Andalusian metropolis with the Alcazaba.
- Tangier and Casablanca: Moroccan port at the gateway to the Mediterranean and the Hassan II Mosque.
- Funchal on Madeira: A flower island with levadas and subtropical gardens.
- Santa Cruz de La Palma and Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Canary volcanic islands with Caldera de Taburiente and Teide.
- Gran Canaria: A Canary island with Las Palmas and the dunes of Maspalomas as the destination.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Lisbon
13 nights
Gran Canaria
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Lissabon · Embarkation
Built on seven hills, Lisbon blends a southern European sense of life with a great history of discovery. From the Tower of Belém, Vasco da Gama and other navigators set out into the unknown - yellow trams and the melancholic Fado still tell the tale today.
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Portimão
Portimão on the Algarve was a Phoenician settlement and is today one of Portugal's best-known sardine-grilling spots. Praia da Rocha, the spectacular cliffs of Ponta da Piedade in Lagos and the hinterland of cork oak forests define the region.
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Cádiz
Cádiz is regarded as the longest continuously inhabited city in western Europe (founded by the Phoenicians around 1,100 BC). The "tacita de plata" (silver cup) lies on a peninsula in the Atlantic - golden La Caleta beach, old city walls and the largest cathedral in Andalusia.
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Marbella
Marbella on Spain's Costa del Sol combines the luxury marina of Puerto Banús, a Mediterranean old town with orange-tree squares, and the hinterland of the white villages (Pueblos Blancos) such as Ronda and Mijas.
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Málaga
On the Costa del Sol in Andalusia on Spain's southern Mediterranean coast lies Málaga at the foot of the El Torcal mountains. Birthplace of Pablo Picasso, the city is today a major cultural hub with the Picasso Museum, the Moorish Alcazaba from the 11th century, the Roman theatre ruins and a lively harbour quarter around the Muelle Uno.
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Tanger
Tangier sits on the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean meet. The medina with its narrow lanes, the kasbah above the harbour and the unique play of light between two continents drew painters such as Henri Matisse here.
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Casablanca
Casablanca is Morocco's economic heart. The Hassan II Mosque on the Atlantic (one of the tallest minarets in the world at 210 m), the Art Deco architecture of the city centre and the charm of the Quartier Habous make Casablanca North Africa's most modern city.
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At sea
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Funchal, Madeira
The Portuguese Atlantic island of Madeira has its capital at Funchal, home to around 110,000 inhabitants. The city rises like an amphitheatre above a southern bay, famed for its Madeira wine, the spectacular wicker toboggan ride down from Monte and the Mercado dos Lavradores with tropical fruits.
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Santa Cruz de La Palma, Kanarische Insel
La Palma is known as the "Isla Bonita" of the Canaries and one of the greenest islands in the archipelago. Excursions lead to the Caldera de Taburiente National Park - a vast erosion-crater gorge with endemic forest - as well as to the Roque de los Muchachos observatory centre on the summit plateau.
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Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Kanarische Inseln
The capital of Tenerife is known for the Auditorio Calatrava at the harbour, its museums and the world's second-largest carnival after Rio. Tenerife lies just 300 kilometres off the African coast and benefits from a mild climate all year round.
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Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Kanarische Inseln · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Lisbon
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 15 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 22 | 18 | 15 |
| Sea °C | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 17 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 96 | 76 | 58 | 62 | 44 | 16 | 5 | 6 | 28 | 88 | 104 | 102 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Atlantic coast (Lisbon)
Disembarkation: Gran Canaria
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 24 | 22 |
| Sea °C | 19 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 25 | 25 | 13 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 16 | 26 | 32 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Canary Islands (Las Palmas)
Destination
Le Champlain
Le Champlain belongs to the Ponant Explorer class: 184 guests, Blue Eye Underwater Lounge, Zodiac fleet and equipment designed for the most remote waters on earth. Expedition and luxury - at Ponant, no contradiction.
Between the Canaries, Le Champlain offers volcanic landscapes and Atlantic expanse - accompanied by naturalists who explain the geology and wildlife of the islands.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Champlain
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom - 3 | € 9.650 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 10.640 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 11.130 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 11.730 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 16.070 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 16.070 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 16.070 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 16.070 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 21.510 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 22.600 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 23.690 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 23.690 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 25.960 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 31.820 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 13 nights from EUR 8.680 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Champlain?
A maximum of 184 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
For embarkation in Lissabon the best time to sail is May to October; for disembarkation in Gran Canaria it is Mild year-round.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
