Capitals of the Canary Islands

Portsmouth

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1700.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Funchal, Madeira

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Madeira is a verdant, mountainous island formed from a volcanic eruption and known for its namesake wine. Often described as the ‘floating garden in the Atlantic’, the island is home to the world’s largest laurel forest and Botanical Gardens where exotic indigenous plants grow.

Included excursion

An included panoramic excursion will reveal the scenic highlights of the island.

Optional excursions

Step out onto the glass-bottomed skywalk at Cabo Girao, over Europe’s highest sea cliff, or join a team of marine biologists for a RIB ride in search of whales and dolphins.

Santa Cruz, La Palma

Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.

La Palma is the greenest of the Canaries and large tracts of its laurel forests have been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The capital, Santa Cruz, is set in a sweeping natural amphitheatre and was a hub for New World explorers and merchant traders during the Age of Exploration. Its history is reflected in the 16th-century Castilian architecture and the old quarter with its wooden balconies and cobbled lanes is set around the Renaissance Plaza Espana.

Included excursion

An included panoramic excursion offers a relaxing way to see some of the highlights.

Optional excursion

Visit the historic sugar producing farm of La Hacienda and learn more about the traditions of silk making at the Silk Museum on an optional excursion.

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Nearly half of Gran Canaria has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The island is fringed with beautiful coves and sandy beaches to the south and wild mountains to the north.

The subtropical capital of Las Palmas is set beside two broad bays and features cafe-lined squares and courtyards overflowing with exotic fruits, flowers and palms. The oldest sights can be seen in a trio of historic neighbourhoods: San Antonio, Triana and Vegueta. Discover over 500 years of history in the landmark Santa Ana Cathedral which encompasses Gothic, Renaissance and neoclassical styles.

Optional excursion

Join a scenic hike to Bandama Crater

Santa Cruz, Tenerife

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Tenerife is crowned by the World Heritage Site, Mount Teide. Its capital Santa Cruz has a mix of old and new sights, from the central square of Plaza de Espana, which was built in 1929 to the auditorium, an expressionist structure that resembles a wave.

Included excursion

Look forward to an included panoramic excursion, taking in the highlights of Tenerife’s lively capital Santa Cruz.

Optional excursions

Go hiking on Mount Teide with an experienced guide, or take tea at the Orchid Garden.

Arrecife, Lanzarote

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Named in Spanish after the reef that edges its shoreline, peaceful Arrecife has been the island’s capital since it took the title from nearby Teguise in 1852. This relatively sleepy port’s origins can be seen in the whitewashed fishermen cottages and 17th-century church set around the coastal lagoon of El Charco de San Gines.

From Arrecife, you can discover the vast lava fields and crater-studded landscapes of Timanfaya National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Optional excursions

Join an exhilarating trek to El Cuervo Volcano which sits between Timanfaya National Park and the protected area of La Geria.

Spend the day at sea.

Lisbon, Portugal

Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.

The sprawling city of Lisbon is spread across seven hills. It boasts two UNESCO-listed sites: Jeronimos Monastery, where Vasco da Gama is entombed and Bélem Tower, built in his honour.

An included panoramic excursion is a great way to see some of the highlights.

Included excursion

See some of the city’s numerous attractions.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Portsmouth

Arrive 0730.

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.