Rich in natural history, scenically spectacular, and culturally fascinating, the "Atlantic Islands" off the northwest coast of Africa offer endemic birds plus a wide variety of other attractions. Visits to the Alhambra, Gibraltar and exotic Morocco add a flourish of history and culture to our birding.

VIDEO: Azores with Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Canary Islands and Madeira, by Zegrahm Expeditions

Follow the routes of the earliest European explorers to the edge of the then-known world as we explore the Azores, Canaries, and Madeira with Zegrahm Expeditions, in small-ship luxury aboard the beautiful Clipper Odyssey. While perhaps best known for their scenic beauty and wonderful climate, these "Atlantic Islands" are also culturally rich. Settled by sailors, traders, and fishermen, they have a long history of seafaring and self-sufficiency, featuring quaint villages replete with historic architecture, lush gardens, and enchanting music and dance. This multi-themed cruise will offer options ranging from serious birding to cultural, sightseeing, and hiking activities.

This entire region is also rich in natural history. Our time on the mainland, at sea, and on the islands includes options for seeking many of the most special birds of the region, including Bulwer's and Fea's petrels; Barolo Shearwater; Waldrapp; Eurasian Griffon; Eleonora's Falcon; Houbara Bustard; Barbary Partridge; Audouin's Gull; Laurel, Trocaz, and Bolle's pigeons; Plain Swift; Azure-winged Magpie; Canary Islands Kinglet; Moussier's Redstart; Berthelot's Pipit; Blue Chaffinch; Island Canary and many others.

Before heading to sea, we'll begin in Spain with the option of a day of birding, or a visit to the World Heritage Site of Alhambra, featuring exquisite fourteenth century Moorish architecture. The next day we'll step ashore on the Rock of Gibraltar, well-known for its singular geologic features, but also famous as an outstanding place to view migrating birds. Then it's on to exotic Morocco where two days will be spent visiting legendary Casablanca, Agadir, and Taroudant. You may instead choose to take an alternative two-day birding excursion (at extra cost), where we'll travel across the plains to the High Atlas Mountains east of Marrakech, the next day descending through a variety of habitats to re-board the Odyssey in Agadir. For birders this is one of the most exciting parts of the cruise and offers a chance for Waldrapp, Barbary and Eleonora's falcons, choughs, Moussier's Redstart, Crimson-winged Finch, and many other North African birds.

From mainland Africa we sail to the Canary Islands, sometimes called "the botanist's Galapagos," due to the spectacular radiation of many special plants. Here we will explore three islands: Lanzarote, its arid lunar landscape attesting to the dynamic forces of volcanism; spectacular Tenerife, crowned by the massive snow-capped peak of El Tiede, but at lower elevations still covered in forests of native pines (home to the endemic Blue Chaffinch); and La Gomera, marked by deep valleys and canyons, and rare laurel forest harboring the endemic Bolle's and Laurel pigeons. Next is breathtakingly beautiful Madeira, its volcanic slopes covered in lush remnant forests on sheer mountainsides plunging to the sea, all forming a lovely backdrop to the charming towns where gardens abound and expert viniculture techniques produce rich Madeira wines.

After a day at sea, we will reach the Azores, a stunning archipelago of nine volcanic islands containing lakes, mountains, and scenic coastlines. During our thorough five-day exploration of the archipelago we will visit six islands, including the interior volcanic crater lakes and tea plantations of São Miguel; tiny villages and a remarkable cavern on Graciosa; the wild volcanic crater of Faial; the World Heritage Site of Angra do Heroismo on Terceira Island; and tiny Santa Maria Island, a place to enjoy birding and cultural hikes. Birds are few here, but include the endemic Azores race of the Eurasian Bullfinch, while seabirds still nest in abundance on the offshore islets, and whales and dolphins ply the channels between the islands.

Easy cruising with all accommodations and meals aboard the well-appointed Clipper Odyssey (except the optional two-day excursion in Morocco); shore excursions in a wide variety of local vehicles; options for birding, cultural tours, and hiking at most sites; walking easy to moderate; climate generally warm and pleasant, moderated by the sea.