Transatlantique - De Lisbonne à Port Stanley

Explore Portugal's colourful capital before setting sail 

The Portuguese capital is rich in history and culture. Take a stroll along its hilly cobbled streets, hop on a canary-yellow tram to take in a panoramic viewpoint, and tuck into flaky pastel de nata freshly made at one of the city's decades-old bakeries. Explore the districts of Baixa, Bairro Alto, and Chiado, where fado music floats from the open doors of bars and cafes, and pause for a drink at one of Lisbon's lively squares.

You may decide to visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, located just outside the city. After a day of discovery, board MS Fram, settle into your cabin, and begin your adventure at sea. 

Sail southwest towards Grand Canaria 

We'll spend the next two days at sea, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the ship's facilities. Relax and unwind in the hot tub and pool area, stroll the deck, and grab a drink at the Explorer Bar & Lounge, chatting to fellow travellers. The Expedition Team will also be giving lectures on the sights and sounds of the days ahead.  

Explore Gran Canaria's cosmopolitan capital

Today we dock at the island of Gran Canaria. Las Palmas sits at the crossroads of three continents: Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The Old Town is a mix of cosmopolitan cafes, 16th-century architecture, and the Gothic pillars of Santa Ana Cathedral, all set against a backdrop of volcanic origins. It's one of the Atlantic's most welcoming island groups, with a relaxed rhythm that's hard not to fall into. 

Sailing the Atlantic Ocean

Your journey continues southwest towards the Cape Verde archipelago, over 350 miles off the west coast of Africa. These vibrant Atlantic islands are rich in culture and history, and the Expedition Team will be on hand to bring them to life. The sea days are yours to enjoy: long lunches, post-supper drinks in the bar, the observation deck as the ocean stretches out ahead, or simply a quiet corner and a good book. 

Wildlife encounters in Cape Verde

Today we explore Sal, a sun-bleached island surrounded by some of the Atlantic's richest waters. Cape Verde is one of the most biodiverse archipelagos in the ocean, home to loggerhead sea turtles, lemon sharks, gentle rays, and abundant seabirds. It's a place shaped entirely by the sea, and a fitting introduction to the islands ahead. 

The ocean becomes the classroom

Over the next days at sea, join workshops led by the Expedition Team and discover the countries and cultures ahead, from Salvador’s rich Afro-Brazilian heritage to Montevideo’s maritime history. Delve into the wonders of oceanography and astronomy, gaining new perspectives on the vast ocean unfolding around you. And with plenty of time to simply pause and take it all in, the spacious deck offers the perfect place to watch the world drift by. 

Experience the city’s pulsing energy 

Brazil's former colonial capital is one of Latin America's most captivating cities. African, indigenous, and Portuguese cultures collide here to create an atmosphere that's entirely its own. Stroll the cobbled streets and rainbow-coloured houses, or perhaps visit the Barra Lighthouse, one of the oldest navigational beacons in the Americas, which is now a fascinating maritime museum close to several swimmable beaches, perfect for cooling off after hours of exploring.  

Unwind on the way to Uruguay

As we journey towards Uruguay, you'll have another opportunity to kick back and relax during several days at sea. By now, you'll be familiar with many of your fellow passengers, so join them for dinner at one of the ship's restaurants, or share highlights of the voyage so far at the Explorer Bar & Lounge. Your comfortable cabin is the perfect place to rest after an evening of conversation. 

Discover the charm of Uruguay’s capital 

Today, you can enjoy time exploring Montevideo. 

Follow the Rambla, the city's famous waterfront promenade that hugs nearly 14 miles of coastline, then wander inland to Ciudad Vieja, where colonial architecture lines cobbled streets and the scent of grilling meat drifts from Mercado del Puerto. This is a UNESCO City of Literature too, so duck into one of its dozens of independent bookshops between palm-lined plazas and quiet churches with views out over the water.

Lectures and leisurely time at sea

Sea days are yours to enjoy at your own pace. Join lectures and workshops from the Expedition Team, or make the most of the wellness facilities, from the fitness centre to the sauna and hot tubs. If you picked up a book or two in Montevideo, now's the time to get lost in the story.  

The historic Valdés Peninsula

Puerto Madryn is the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Valdés Peninsula, a region shaped as much by its human history as its natural one. Founded by Welsh settlers in the 1800s, this corner of Patagonia still carries traces of that community in its culture, architecture, and traditions. The coastline is home to southern elephant seals, sea lions, Magellanic penguins, and around 180 species of bird, so bring your binoculars. Seasonal whale watching may also be available for those who want to get closer to the water. Back in town, stroll the relaxed promenade, browse local arts and crafts, and soak up a place where two cultures met at the edge of the world. 

Your final days on the open ocean

For two days we sail south to Port Stanley, the Falkland Islands' capital and largest settlement. Before the first glimpses of land come into sight, enjoy your final hours aboard MS Fram. Perhaps a last soak in the hot tub, or a drink at the bar with fellow passengers. The Expedition Team is on hand to tell you more about the Falklands' sub-Antarctic ecosystem before you see it for yourself.  

Wildlife and a wave goodbye

Today you’ll be bidding a fond farewell to the Expedition Team and your fellow passengers. Once you've disembarked the ship, you may want to take the opportunity to spot the wildlife that calls this part of the world home. Offshore, you may spot numerous whale species, where seals and sea lions are often seen basking on the beaches. Black-browed albatrosses and magellanic penguins are also found here, not to mention 350 species of flora. Keep your eyes peeled for the pale maiden, the national symbol of the Falklands. 

Your onward flight will be to Santiago, capital of Chile. Or, why not stay on board MS Fram to join an expedition south to Antarctica.