BOOKS IN PLACES · MARCH 2028
From Dakar to the Canary Islands: a luxury literary voyage
Begin in Senegal's vibrant capital, then sail across the Atlantic to Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, with wonderful books, good company and plenty of time to read.
FROM WEST AFRICA INTO THE ATLANTIC
It all begins in Dakar.
Senegal's lively capital is where our next Books in Places adventure begins. An overnight stay in Dakar, a chance to get a feel for the city, then we'll step aboard a beautiful small ship for a voyage across the Atlantic.
I'm particularly excited about starting in West Africa. Dakar sits on the Atlantic coast, a city known for its music, art, markets and fascinating history. We'll spend our first night there, and an introductory city tour is included for eligible early bookings, before sailing the following evening.
From Senegal we'll explore the islands of Cape Verde, with their mix of African and Portuguese influences, before sailing north to the dramatic volcanic scenery of the Canary Islands. Along the way we'll have some gloriously unhurried days at sea aboard PONANT's elegant Le Dumont d'Urville.
It's an unusual combination of places, with a real sense of travelling from one part of the world to another. And throughout the journey we'll have time for book discussions, shared meals, good conversation and, of course, plenty of quiet reading.
EARLY BOOKING OFFER
Explore Dakar before we sail
Book before 30 January 2027 and the current offer includes a half-day tour of Dakar, as well as some lovely extras. It's a great way to begin our West African adventure.
- Just £100 deposit to secure your cabin
- Complimentary upgrade to a Deck 4 cabin (worth up to £275)
- €250 onboard credit
- Complimentary half-day Dakar city tour
Offer terms and cabin availability are confirmed by Friendship Travel at the time of booking.
See the full holiday detailsOUR BOOKS
Two books, two very different journeys
I've chosen two novels for this trip, each with a connection to our journey across the Atlantic.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
This remarkable novel begins in eighteenth-century Ghana, following the lives of two half-sisters and their descendants over several generations.
It's a powerful story of family, slavery, colonialism and the enduring connections between West Africa and America. I read it recently with my book club and everyone enjoyed it.
Beginning our journey in Dakar gives this novel a special resonance, as we set sail from the West African coast across the same Atlantic that links so much of its history.
Dancing Backwards by Salley Vickers
Our second book is a very different sort of journey. Recently widowed Violet Hetherington takes a cruise to New York and begins reflecting on her past, her friendships and the choices she's made.
It's thoughtful, perceptive and often rather funny. A novel about a voyage seems an especially good choice when we'll be spending several days at sea ourselves.
Between these two books, I'm sure we'll have plenty to talk about over dinner or a drink on deck.
WHY JOIN US?
There's so much to look forward to
Time to read
Unhurried days at sea, comfortable lounges, your own balcony and plenty of opportunities to lose yourself in a good book.
Lovely company
Travel with fellow book lovers, enjoy our book discussions and get to know new friends over meals and evenings together.
Wonderful destinations
Begin in Dakar, Senegal, then discover Cape Verde's distinctive island cultures and the volcanic landscapes of the Canaries.
A beautiful small ship
Enjoy the comfort of luxury cruising without the enormous crowds of the biggest cruise liners.
THE JOURNEY
From Dakar, across the Atlantic
An overnight stay in Senegal, time exploring Cape Verde, and a beautiful voyage north to the Canary Islands.
Dakar, Senegal
Our adventure begins in Senegal's capital. Fly from the UK and stay overnight in Dakar, where we'll meet the group. The following day there's a half-day city tour for those qualifying for the early-booking offer, then we transfer to the port and embark Le Dumont d'Urville.
A day at sea
Our first opportunity to enjoy life on board. Find a favourite reading spot, explore the ship and get to know your fellow travellers.
Praia, Cape Verde
Our first island call is Praia on Santiago, where the African and Portuguese influences are everywhere. Choose an included excursion, perhaps to historic Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mindelo, Cape Verde
Two days in São Vicente's lively cultural capital, famous for its music and its association with singer Cesária Évora. Discover colourful streets or head out to see the island's dramatic landscapes.
Two relaxing days at sea
A proper Atlantic crossing experience: two more unhurried days to read, join our book discussions, enjoy the ship and watch the ocean go by.
La Palma, Canary Islands
Explore one of the greener Canary Islands, with its historic streets, volcanic scenery, vineyards and spectacular viewpoints.
Tenerife
Discover Tenerife's dramatic landscapes, with included excursion choices featuring Teide National Park, historic La Laguna and the island's beautiful gardens.
Lanzarote
A fascinating island of volcanoes and art. Discover places associated with César Manrique, Timanfaya National Park or the local vineyards, depending on your chosen excursion.
Gran Canaria and home
Disembark in Las Palmas and transfer to the airport for our return journey.
Itinerary and excursions may be altered by the cruise operator. Excursion availability and booking arrangements are subject to confirmation by PONANT.
YOUR HOME AT SEA
Meet Le Dumont d'Urville
This is a rather different experience from travelling on one of the enormous cruise ships. With accommodation for up to 184 passengers, Le Dumont d'Urville is an elegant and intimate ship operated by the French cruise company PONANT.
On board, there are two restaurants, lounges, a swimming pool, spa, fitness room and theatre. French-inspired dining and attentive service are very much part of the experience.
Your cabin has a private balcony, so you can even enjoy a quiet read while watching the sea from your own room.
- Cabin for sole occupancy
- Private balcony
- All-inclusive accommodation on board
- Two restaurants and inviting lounges
- Swimming pool, spa and fitness facilities
- Free onboard Wi-Fi
THE SHIP AT A GLANCE
COMING ON YOUR OWN?
Come on your own. You won't be on your own.
Most people who join Books in Places trips travel alone, so you'll be in good company.
You don't need to know anybody before you arrive. We already have something in common: we all love books. There will be opportunities to get together for meals, book discussions and relaxed evenings, while still having plenty of time to yourself.
And with your own cabin, you can enjoy a little peace and quiet whenever you fancy.
YOUR BOOKS IN PLACES HOST
I'll be joining you
I'll be hosting this trip and looking forward to meeting everyone, discussing our two books and discovering some new places together.
I've been running book clubs and literary trips for years, and one of my favourite things is watching people arrive as strangers and leave with new friends.
These aren't formal book clubs. They're friendly, relaxed conversations where everyone is welcome to join in, whether you loved the book or didn't quite get on with it!
YOUR HOLIDAY
What's included?
- Return flights from the UK
- One night's hotel accommodation in Dakar
- Included airport, hotel and ship transfers
- Ten nights aboard Le Dumont d'Urville
- Cabin for sole occupancy
- All-inclusive ship accommodation
- Selected included shore excursions
- Port taxes
- Books in Places reading holiday hosted by Paul
The Dakar city tour is part of the qualifying early-booking offer. Please check the full booking conditions for all inclusions.
MARCH 2028
A very special holiday
Prices from
per person, including flights
A cabin for sole occupancy is included in the advertised package price.
Read more and reservePrices are not live and may change depending on availability and flight arrangements. Booking is through Friendship Travel.
JOIN US IN MARCH 2028
Fancy coming along?
I love the thought of beginning in Dakar, setting sail from the West African coast and discovering such different islands along the way. Add a beautiful ship, two interesting books and eleven nights with fellow book lovers, and I think this is going to be a very special adventure.
If that sounds like your sort of holiday, I'd love you to join us.
Read more and reserve your placeBookings and holiday arrangements are managed by Friendship Travel.