19/11/2022 Southampton

Southampton

Embark Spirit of Adventure.

Depart 1800.

20/11/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

21/11/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

22/11/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

23/11/2022 Funchal, Madeira

Funchal, Madeira

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Once a safe haven for pirates and smugglers, today’s Funchal is a picturesque cruise destination, framed by green hills to the north and reflected in the Atlantic Ocean. Despite boasting almost 100 miles of coastline, it is rare that you will come across a sandy beach. Instead, rugged cliffs and crumbling rocks direct you towards Madeira’s interior, perhaps first to the Madeira Botanical Garden, accessed by most via a cable car. After capturing the garden’s burst of colour on your camera, consider taking a toboggan ride back down - a thrilling experience.

Further inland, just off the beaten track, you are sure to stumble across the ‘Levadas of Madeira’. This 1,350-mile-long drainage project does not, on the face of it, sound exciting, however it provides an extensive glimpse of the island’s history. The name ‘Levada’ comes from the Portuguese verb ‘levar’ which means ‘to bring’ and the first of its kind was built during the 15th century to bring water from the fertile north, to the dry south, allowing for agriculture to flourish. It offered many Madeirans the opportunity to access running water for the first time and those who visit the island today can enjoy plenty of walking trails that follow these marvels of hydro engineering. Worth remembering if you are hiking along the levadas is that in certain places they tunnel straight through the landscape, inaccessible without a flashlight and hard hat. To see the sights that punctuate the island’s capital, join an included sightseeing excursion.

24/11/2022 Santa Cruz, Tenerife

Santa Cruz, Tenerife

Arrive 1100. Depart 2000.

Tenerife's chequered landscape of golden beaches, rugged caves and sweeping valleys is dominated by Mount Teide, a volcano, the crater of which has a circumference of over 29 miles. Set off on a scenic tour to San Andrés, which enjoys a dramatic setting at the foot of the Anaga mountains, before visiting the island’s capital Santa Cruz with its 16th-century buildings, shady boulevards and pretty squares.

The main, tree-flanked avenue known as ‘Las Ramblas’ leads to the now-disused bullring, a cultural and visually impressive landmark. You’ll also see the grand façade of the Mencey Hotel and the expressionist architecture of the Tenerife Auditorium, which was designed by Santiago Calatrava, during an included panoramic drive.

25/11/2022 Santa Cruz, La Palma

Santa Cruz, La Palma

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Arrive at the ‘pretty isle’ of La Palma, boasting a myriad of compelling scenery, from misty mountains to rocky slopes and lush green valleys. Consider visiting Caldera de Taburiente, one of the largest extinct volcanoes in the world. Travel through the island’s western region to La Palma’s largest town, Los Llanos de Aridane, and enjoy views of Los Llanos, which sits amid cacti and banana plantations.

During your time in port, you are invited to join an included sightseeing excursion to see a selection of Santa Cruz’s most notable landmarks.

26/11/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

27/11/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

28/11/2022 Porto Grande, Cape Verde

Porto Grande, Cape Verde

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Welcome to Cape Verde. Colonised by the Portuguese from the 15th century and used as a supply stop for voyages to Europe, America and Africa, the archipelago retains a Latin flavour, despite being located less than 400 miles from the African continent. São Vicente, the first of Cape Verde’s islands to be visited during this cruise, is dominated by barren mountains; the tallest of which is Mounte Verde, measuring 2,460 feet in height and providing a day’s hike to outdoor enthusiasts.

If you would like to go off the beaten track without the need for walking boots, join us for a four-wheel-drive exploration of the island, stopping at Palha Carga’s beautiful beach and Ribeira de Calhau Valley. São Vicente’s capital, Mindelo - the port of which is ‘Porto Grande - is a feast for the eyes, consisting of colourful colonial houses accessed via cobblestone streets. Ask a local where to visit during your time in Mindelo, and they may point you in the direction of the Museum Centre Cesaria Evora, a modest museum dedicated to the life of Cape Verdean singer Cesária Évora.

29/11/2022 Porto Praia, Cape Verde

Porto Praia, Cape Verde

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The largest island in Cape Verde’s collection and home to the archipelago’s capital city, Praia, Santiago is your next destination on this Atlantic exploration. Upon arrival into Praia, do not let the city’s sprawling suburbs fool you; they bloom out from a charming old town, known as ‘Plateau’ due to its position above the waterfront.

For an insight into the history of Santiago - and colonialism in Cape Verde - make a trip to the island’s old capital, Cidade Velha, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a flavour of Cape Verde’s culinary offerings, seek out the national dish, cachupa, a hearty combination of corn beans, cassava, sweet potato and fish or meat. Each island has its own variation of the dish.

30/11/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

01/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

02/12/2022 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Back in the Canaries, today you are invited to enjoy the delights of Gran Canaria, the sun-soaked archipelago’s third-largest island and a landscape filled with variation. Fancy a stroll after berthing in Las Palmas? Consider the long walk to Vagueta, the city’s old town and where its story began. Located in Vagueta is Casa de Colón, a museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus and the Age of Discovery.

During your time in this historical district, perhaps visit the Cathedral of Santa Ana, the interior of which features a palm tree-style vaulted ceiling and whose two-towered exterior overlooks a pretty square. During time in Las Palmas, consider joining an included sightseeing excursion.

03/12/2022 Arrecife, Lanzarote

Arrecife, Lanzarote

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

It is often said - with tongue in cheek - that God forgot about Lanzarote during his seven-day creation of the world. Appearing more like a lunar landscape than La Palma or Gran Canaria - both covered by areas of lush forest - Lanzarote’s appeal belongs to its pretty beaches, extensive lava fields and exotic agriculture. One of the most impressive volcanic sights in the Canary Islands is the wine valley of La Geria. Bright green vines grow in 10,000 regimented hollows and provide a captivating contrast with the ash-covered surroundings. It is from here that most of Lanzarote’s wine comes.

On the north side of the island you will find Haria, known as the ‘Valley of a Thousand Palms’ and providing an oasis of colourful vegetation. Back in the island’s capital, Arrecife, consider visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art, located inside the Castillo de San Juan, an 18th-century fortification. It is here, along with many other places on the island, that you will come across the name César Manrique. Manrique was an artist, sculptor and architect, born in Lanzarote, who campaigned for the preservation of the island’s natural appearance. To learn a little more about his life and work, visit the César Manrique House Museum, featuring his preserved studio.

04/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

05/12/2022 Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.

Lisbon, mainland Europe’s westernmost capital, is a phoenix city that rose from the ashes of natural disaster. In 1755, having grown prosperous through the trade of silk and spices, Lisbon was hit by a sudden and devastating earthquake, triggering a tsunami and a series of firestorms. The damage divided the city’s architecture into two categories: pre-earthquake buildings (of which there were few left) and those which came after the devastation. It was one of the first cities in which newly built architecture was designed to withstand future seismic events. Like Rome, Lisbon is built on seven hills, something that will certainly become apparent as you navigate its steep, cobbled streets.

Alternatively, hop on one of Lisbon’s vintage trams, certainly a novel and practical way to get about. In Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, you will find Sé, the city’s cathedral that was constructed in the 12th century by Christian crusaders, following the eviction of the Moors. Overlooking the charming and compact Alfama district is the Castelo de Sao Jorge, a truly historical fortification from which visitors can enjoy extensive views across the city. An included sightseeing drive will showcase a selection of Lisbon’s landmarks, including Belém Tower, a 15th-century defensive position built on Lisbon’s shoreline.

06/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

07/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

08/12/2022 Southampton

Southampton

Arrive 0700.

Disembark Spirit of Adventure after breakfast.

Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions or by exploring independently.