05/12/2021 Southampton

Southampton

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1800.

06/12/2021 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

07/12/2021 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

08/12/2021 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

09/12/2021 Funchal, Madeira

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 and endemic plants grow. See more of the island during an included sightseeing tour.

Included sightseeing excursion

An included sightseeing tour will reveal the scenic highlights of the island, also taking in Funchal’s bustling markets where many sellers dress in colourful, traditional costume.

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.

10/12/2021 Santa Cruz, La Palma

Santa Cruz, La Palma

Arrive 0800. Depart 2300.

La Palma is the greenest of the Canaries and large tracts of its laurel forests have been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The capital of 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 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.

11/12/2021 Santa Cruz, Tenerife

Santa Cruz, Tenerife

Arrive 0800. Depart 2300.

Tenerife is crowned by Mount Teide. The capital of 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 sightseeing excursion

Look forward to an included sightseeing tour, 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.

12/12/2021 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 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. The historic landmark Santa Ana Cathedral encompasses Gothic, Renaissance and neoclassical styles.

Optional excursions

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

13/12/2021 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 renowned Spanish artists such as Picasso and Miro, while the Science and Art Centre is housed in the 19th-century manor of La Casa de Los Arroyo. From Arrecife, you can enjoy an included island tour or perhaps discover the vast lava fields and crater-studded landscapes of Timanfaya National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Included sightseeing excursion

See more of the island on an included scenic tour.

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.

14/12/2021 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

15/12/2021 Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

Arrive 0800. 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 sightseeing tour is a great way to see some of the highlights.

Included sightseeing excursion

See some of the city’s numerous attractions.

16/12/2021 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

17/12/2021 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

18/12/2021 Southampton

Southampton

Arrive 0800.

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.

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