Canary Island Quintet

Spirit of Discovery departing Portsmouth

Overview Itinerary Ship What's Included At sea Reviews

Overview

New holiday
No fly
Chauffeur service
All Inclusive

Bask in the winter sun

Uncover the dramatic volcanic landscapes and historic cities of this sun-kissed archipelago on this all-inclusive cruise to the Canary Islands in 2023. Stroll the cobbled lanes and Renaissance plazas in the old quarter of Santa Cruz de la Palma. See the black sand beaches of Tenerife and lunar-like landscapes of Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote. Seek out over 50 artworks scattered across Puerto del Rosario and explore the historic neighbourhoods of Las Palmas. Plus, cruise to Madeira and the historic maritime city of La Coruña.

Your four included sightseeing excursions will be in

Funchal, Madeira
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Arrecife, Lanzarote
La Coruña, Spain

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Itinerary

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24th October

Portsmouth

1

Portsmouth

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1800.
25th October

At Sea

2

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
26th October

At Sea

3

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
27th October

At Sea

4

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
28th October

Funchal, Madeira

5

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 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 marine biologists for a RIB ride in search of whales and dolphins.
29th October

Santa Cruz, La Palma

6

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. You may like to explore the capital of Santa Cruz which is set in a sweeping natural amphitheatre and was a hub for New World explorers and merchant traders during the Age of Exploration. Its colonial 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. The island’s maritime past is displayed in the Naval Museum which is housed inside a replica of Christopher Columbus’ famous vessel, the Santa Maria.

Optional excursions

Join an island sightseeing tour or explore the National Park of Caldera de Taburiente, a volcanic caldera in the centre of the island.
30th October

Santa Cruz, Tenerife

7

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, visit the botanical gardens, and you could also seek out the cannon responsible for Admiral Nelson losing his arm, on display in the Museo Miliar.
31st October

Arrecife, Lanzarote

8

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 colonial 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.
1st November

Rosario, Fuerteventura

9

Rosario, Fuerteventura

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The capital of the island is a bustling port of whitewashed buildings. Take time to wander the streets and take in some of the brightly-coloured murals which have popped up around the city in recent years as part of a programme of civic improvement – you’ll be able to see at least one, a giant seashell, right by the harbour. Perhaps go shopping in pedestrianised Calle Primero de Mayo or relax on the Blue Flag beach. Alternatively, visit an Aloe vera finca or head to the Ajuy caves and old capital of Betancuria.
2nd November

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

10

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.

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.

Optional excursions

Head off into the mountains on a trip to discover villages seemingly lost in time.
3rd November

At Sea

11

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
4th November

At Sea

12

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
5th November

La Coruña, Spain

13

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 8 miles away at the end of a coastal promenade. The city’s main sights will unfold before you on an included sightseeing excursion. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to UNESCO-listed Santiago de Compostela which marks the end of an ancient pilgrimage route that concludes at the 12th-century cathedral where St James is allegedly enshrined.

Included excursion

See some of the city’s main attractions on an included sightseeing excursion.

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.
6th November

At Sea

14

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
7th November

Portsmouth

15

Portsmouth

Arrive 0700.

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