Nature lovers who want to take to the seas should look no further than the National Geographic Endeavour, an expedition ship specially designed for exploration. Equipped with a library, spa, swimming pool, salon, fitness centre and lounge with a full-service bar, the Endeavour promises to keep your creature comforts close by on its 19-day ocean voyage. The Atlantic Odyssey embarks in September in Lisbon, Portugal, and takes passengers on an old-world exploration of Madeira, less-visited islands in the Canaries and the volcanic Cape Verde Islands. After crossing the equator into the southern hemisphere, Salvador, Brazil, marks the final stop of the journey. Prices start at US$5,990. For more information visit www.expeditions.com