Festive Celebrations in the Canaries

Southampton, England

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1800.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Leixoes, Portugal

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Leixões offers a gateway to the city of Oporto, which is perched on the banks of the Douro. Portugal’s second largest city preserves its ancient roots with pride and its old quarters are packed with charm and character. Highlights include the Manueline Church of Santa Clara, the cathedral which has a Romanesque choir and the neoclassical stock exchange.

Also of interest is the bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel. See pretty ravelo boats on the River Douro which were once used to transport port upriver and perhaps treat yourself to a glass of this deliciously sweet wine in a local taverna. There are also plenty of patisseries and chocolate shops thanks to explorers who introduced cocoa beans from the New World during the Age of Discovery.

Spend the day at sea.

Funchal, Madeira

Arrive 1300 on December 23. Depart 1700 on December 24.

The densely wooded slopes of Madeira have provided a welcome sight to seafarers since 1419 when the Portuguese first discovered it.

Cruise in to the capital, Funchal, which has a fine setting in a natural amphitheatre on the south coast. You can set your compass by its 16th-century cathedral’s twin towers – from here shady lanes and cool squares fan out up the hillside. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere during an included sightseeing tour.

Relax and enjoy the festive celebration on board Spirit of Discovery.

Santa Cruz, La Palma

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Banana plantations, fruit orchards and primeval forests carpet La Palma, the greenest of all the Canaries. The diminutive capital of Santa Cruz rests on the slope of a volcanic crater and was once an important trading port between Africa and the Americas. Head out on an included sightseeing tour and peep behind its modern facade to uncover a charming old quarter of historic Canarian mansions decorated with fanciful latticework balconies.

This is the Santa Cruz once ransacked by French pirate Jambe de Bois – better known as ‘Pegleg’ – in 1553. The city was later rebuilt with renewed fortifications, many of which remain today.

San Sebastian, La Gomera

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The ‘Round Isle’ of lesser-explored La Gomera offers a wilder view of the Canary Islands.

Aside from the capital and main port of San Sebastián – whose claim to fame is as the last stop for Columbus before he inadvertently discovered the New World – the occasional terraced hillside and twisting mountain road, there’s little evidence of civilisation here. Head into its vertiginous interior that’s creased by deep ravines and discover the UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park which is almost entirely cloaked in misty laurel forest or perhaps go in search of marine life on an optional whale-watching cruise aboard a luxury yacht.

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

With half of all Canarians living on Gran Canaria, the capital of Las Palmas has the most electric atmosphere across the archipelago and you will see for yourself during an included sightseeing tour. Its vibrant ambience has drawn parallels with its Latin counterparts thanks to its fantastic beach setting too.

Enjoy shopping in big department stores and quirkier boutiques, soak up the sun at one of the many beachfront cafes or explore the small old quarter of Vegueta.

Arrecife, Lanzarote

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Named after the black volcanic reef that protects the city's coastline, Arrecife once provided the perfect cover for ships hiding from pirates. Nowadays, the vibrant seafront acts as a gateway for travellers wishing to explore the town or the rest of this intriguing island. The volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya National Park are legendary and offer a window into Lanzarote’s explosive past.

Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Fuerteventura’s capital is a bustling port with whitewashed buildings and collection of outdoor artworks by local artists – 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, relax on the Blue Flag beach or opt to visit an organic Aloe Vera plantation where an included workshop gives you the opportunity to concoct your own face mask.

Santa Cruz, Tenerife

Arrive 0800 on December 31. Depart 0600 on January 1.

Tenerife is defined by its volcanic southern shores, a mecca for sun worshippers, and the lush highlands of the north which are divided by the towering Mount Teide, tallest of all Spain’s peaks – the crater has a circumference of nearly 30 miles! Spirit of Discovery will cruise to the compact capital of Santa Cruz, set in the northeast. Its neat grid of streets is easy to explore and its 16th-century buildings, shady boulevards and attractive squares reflect its colonial past.

An overnight stay gives you plenty of time to explore and the highlights will be revealed during an included sightseeing tour.

Spend the day at sea.

Lisbon, Portugal

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Spirit of Discovery’s final stop is at Portugal’s historic capital, from which many Portuguese explorers set off on their seafaring adventures. The Monument to the Discoveries, a 165-feet high sculpture of famous explorers gathered together on the prow of a ship, commemorates them, and you should see it on your approach to the port. To discover more about this golden era, visit the historic Alfama district, easily recognisable by its narrow medieval cobbled streets.

The avenues of Baixa offer wonderful shopping, while two UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be found in Belém – Jeronimos Monastery and Belém Tower. An included sightseeing tour offers a relaxing way to see more of the city.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Southampton, England

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.