04/12/2023 Portsmouth

Portsmouth

Embark Spirit of Adventure.

Depart 1800.

05/12/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

06/12/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

07/12/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

08/12/2023 Funchal, Madeira

Funchal, Madeira

Arrive 0900 on Dec 8. Depart 1200 on Dec 9.

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 sightseeing excursion will reveal the scenic highlights of the island.

Optional excursions

Admire panoramic views across Funchal as you ascend to the suburb of Monte by cable car, before visiting the Botanical Gardens, step out onto the glass-bottomed skywalk at Cabo Girao, over Europe’s highest sea cliff, or join a team of local experts for a RIB ride in search of whales and dolphins.

10/12/2023 San Sebastian, La Gomera

San Sebastian, La Gomera

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

It was in La Gomera that Christopher Columbus readied his ships for his New World adventures. Local legend holds that he took mass in La Asuncion church and water from a well at the colonial manor Pozo de la Aguada, which displays exhibits on the explorer’s expeditions. One of the oldest remaining structures is the stone Torre del Conde tower which protected the wife of the island’s first governor, Hernan Peraza, when ill-treated islanders rebelled in 1488.

Optional excursions

Explore the unspoilt forests of Garajonay National Park, home to such rare indigenous wildlife as the Gomeran lizard and Gomeran skink.

11/12/2023 Santa Cruz, Tenerife

Santa Cruz, Tenerife

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Tenerife is crowned by the UNESCO 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 sightseeing excursion, taking in the highlights of Tenerife’s lively capital Santa Cruz.

Optional excursions

Go hiking on Mount Teide with an experienced guide, or enjoy a catamaran trip to visit a pod of whales that live year round off the perennially sunny south coast. The botanical gardens are well worth a visit, and you could also seek out the cannon responsible for Admiral Nelson losing his arm, on display in the Museo Miliar.

12/12/2023 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

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 discovered 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.

Included excursion

Look forward to exploring your surroundings on an included sightseeing excursion.

Optional excursions

Head off into the mountains on a trip to discover villages seemingly lost in time.

13/12/2023 Arrecife, Lanzarote

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. The 18th-century San Jose fortress now hosts a collection of art by such renowned Spanish artists as Picasso and Miro, while the Science and Art Centre is housed in the 19th-century manor of La Casa de Los Arroyo. See some of the highlights of the area on an included sightseeing excursion. From Arrecife, you can also discover the vast lava fields and crater-studded landscapes of Timanfaya National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Included excursion

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

Optional excursions

Seek out the historic gems of the former capital, Teguise or walk across the barren landscapes of Timanfaya National Park and enjoy a memorable barbecue cooked with heat from the volcano.

14/12/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

15/12/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

16/12/2023 La Coruña, Spain

La Coruña, Spain

Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.

In the historic maritime city of La Coruña, sights worthy of your attention include the medieval lanes and plazas of the old town, Riazor Beach and the UNESCO-listed Tower of Hercules. The latter is the oldest operational Roman lighthouse and can found eight miles away at the end of a coastal promenade.

Optional excursions

Experience the ecclesiastical capital of Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the last stop on the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage route that concludes at the 12th-century cathedral where St James is allegedly enshrined.

17/12/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

18/12/2023 Portsmouth

Portsmouth

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.