18/12/2022 Southampton

Southampton

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1800.

19/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

20/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

21/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

22/12/2022 Funchal, Madeira

Funchal, Madeira

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Your first port of call on this voyage of festive fun, Madeira is – much like its famous son Cristiano Ronaldo - a crowd-pleaser. Blanketed by thick, ancient woodland and bursting with horticultural colour, it is an island that makes a great first impression and continues to delight regular visitors with its dramatic Cabo Girão Cliffs, beautiful botanical gardens and extensive hiking trails. No visit would be complete without a trip to the renowned Madeira Botanical Garden, located in the Monte district of Funchal and accessed either on foot or via a short cable car journey. As well as an extensive collection of medicinal plants, palm trees and succulents, from the garden you can enjoy a sweeping vista encompassing most of the city, overlooked by neighbouring hills.

In Funchal’s old town you will find a small selection of 15th-century buildings – including the Corpo Santo Chapel – and in several of the area’s doorways, you are invited to observe a local and traditional past time, basket weaving. Leaving the city behind for a day trip, you will perhaps catch glimpses of Madeira’s agricultural activity – including the growth of small bananas which fall short of EU regulations but of which Madeirans remain fiercely proud!

Away from the city, you will also have the toe-curling opportunity to stand on a glass platform overlooking the Cabo Girao Cliffs, some of the highest in Europe and certainly among the most striking. During your time exploring Madeira, refreshment may be required; consider ordering a glass of Madeira, the local fortified wine. Alternatively, you might like to try Poncha, a traditional alcoholic drink made with aguardente de cana, honey, sugar, and either orange juice or lemon juice. The nativity scenes popular on the island of Madeira are referred to as ‘laphina’ by the locals and are either displayed in a tiered, staircase style or a more unique rock-shaped laphina, made to resemble a landscape, filled with mountains, valleys and a grotto. Consider joining an included sightseeing tour during your time in Funchal.

23/12/2022 Santa Cruz, La Palma

Santa Cruz, La Palma

Arrive 0900. Depart 2100.

It is, arguably, the greenest of all the Canaries, boasting primeval forests, banana plantations and fruit orchards. Its diminutive capital, Santa Cruz, rests on the slope of a volcanic crater and played a vital role in the colonial trade between Africa and the Americas. Peep behind its modern façade during an included sightseeing tour 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. Like on many of the Canary Islands, nativity scenes make a popular appearance – often featuring a ‘living crib’ – and musical performances can be enjoyed in certain towns and villages across the island.

24/12/2022 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Arrive 0800 on December 24. Depart 0700 on December 25.

Christmas Eve is a big date in Gran Canaria’s festive calendar. Indeed, the celebrations on December 24 – known as ‘Nochebuena’ - are often bigger than those associated with Christmas Day itself! Families across the island gather together to enjoy a shared meal and present each other with gifts. During your visit to Gran Canaria’s primary city, Las Palmas, you can enjoy a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere as you stroll through the old quarter, Vegueta. Of particular note in the old town is the Casa de Colón, a colonial-style mansion, today housing a museum dedicated to the Age of Exploration.

Alongside Casa de Colón, consider visiting the Canary Islands Cathedral, featuring elements of neo-Classical, Gothic and Renaissance architectural design. To get you in the festive spirit before the big day itself, consider attending a carol concert held in one of the city’s many squares. Waking up in the Canaries sunshine on Christmas day is sure to be a memorable experience!

25/12/2022 Santa Cruz, Tenerife

Santa Cruz, Tenerife

Arrive 1400 on December 25. Depart 2100 on December 26.

Instead of basting the turkey and preparing Brussels sprouts, spend your Christmas morning cruising in luxury on board Spirit of Discovery, which will be decked with festive lights and decorations. It is the perfect backdrop to a lavish Christmas lunch followed by plenty of festive activities. Leaving Gran Canaria, a continent in miniature, behind, your next port of call is the island of Tenerife, dominated by Spain’s tallest peak – Mount Teide. Spirit of Discovery will cruise into the compact capital of Santa Cruz in the early afternoon. Its neat grid of streets is easy to explore - offering an excellent opportunity to walk off your lunch - and its 16th-century buildings, shady boulevards and attractive squares reflect its colonial past.

This evening you will be treated to the traditional Christmas concert performed in the city’s harbour area by the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra. The concert will take place within the port and a short walk from your ship. One of the most famous modern buildings in the Canary Islands, the Auditorium has become a symbol of Tenerife and has featured on Spanish coins and stamps. Combining well-known Christmas songs with traditional Canary Island numbers, the concert will provide a very merry and memorable festive experience. This promises to be one Yuletide you’ll cherish for years to come.

27/12/2022 Arrecife, Lanzarote

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 geological past. Join an excursion here to see the lava mounds, craters and desolate peaks first-hand!

28/12/2022 Agadir, Morocco

Agadir, Morocco

Arrive 0900. Depart 2200.

Founded by Portuguese merchants in the 15th century, Agadir was, historically, a prosperous port city specialising in the export of sugar and cotton. Visitors arriving in the first half of the 20th century would have been met by an Agadir undergoing regeneration by French colonists, however, that redevelopment ended abruptly in 1960 with the sudden arrival of a destructive earthquake. Much of the city crumbled, but its 16th-century kasbah – located on a hilltop four miles away from the centre – stood defiant and can be visited today, although only the outer walls remain.

For a truly authentic Moroccan experience, consider an exploration of Souk El Had, a marketplace consisting of approximately 6,000 stalls which sell everything from clothing, footwear and rugs to musical instruments and fresh fruit. You can access the marketplace via 12 gates and its collection of stalls are organised by what they sell, making the place a lively – but navigable – place! Just an hour’s drive south from the bustle of Agadir is Souss Massa, 33,000 hectares of wetlands and dunes. It is here that you may have the rare and rewarding opportunity to spot a northern bald ibis among other birdlife such as marbled ducks and the European spoonbill.

29/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

30/12/2022 Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca, Morocco

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

As the forward-thinking face of Morocco, Casablanca can at times appear modern and uninspiring. That is certainly not the case. At its heart is a charming old town located near the port and surrounded by 19th-century walls. This medina, as the old town is called, bustles with local life and provides an excellent walking route from downtown Casablanca to the Hassan II Mosque, arguably the city’s primary landmark.

Its minaret, towering to a height of 689 feet, is the second tallest minaret in the world. Construction of the mosque was completed in 1993 and, on its newly built platform, echoes words from the Quran, ‘God’s throne was built upon the water.’ With capacity for 25,000 worshippers, the mosque’s interior demonstrates the finest elements of Moroccan craftsmanship, including hand-carved stone, marble flooring and gilded ceilings. During your time in port, join an included sightseeing drive to see the sights of Casablanca.

31/12/2022 Gibraltar

Gibraltar

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

Say hello to the new year in style with an overnight stay in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, regularly described as a home from home. Overlooking its narrow colonial streets and sandy peninsula is the Gibraltar Rock, a 1,400-foot-tall limestone formation for which Gibraltar is famous. For those that enjoy a challenging hike, the Rock offers an excellent opportunity to dust off your walking boots and immerse yourself in the local flora and fauna.

Alternatively, enjoy a cable car ride to its summit, or stay grounded in the beautiful Almeda Botanical Gardens. During your time in port, you may encounter the Barbary Macaques who call Gibraltar home, recognised as the only wild monkeys in Europe. Want to go deeper into Gibraltar’s history? Take a tour of the tunnels used by British forces during World War II, or step into St Michael’s Cave to admire the stalactites and stalagmites. As you welcome in 2023 with plenty of fizz and fun, Gibraltar’s annual fireworks display will light up the night sky.

02/01/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

03/01/2023 Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Divided into several distinctly different districts, Portugal’s capital city has something for everyone. Baixa, perhaps Lisbon’s most famous district, was almost entirely rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1755. Today, a wander along its wide boulevards will reward you with the appearance of several pretty public squares, including Restauradores Square, named after those who rebelled against Spanish rule in 1640, and Rossio Square which dates back to the 13th century. For those that want to explore the city through its culinary flavours, seek out the Bairro Alto neighbourhood, a bohemian area home to many of Lisbon’s most authentic restaurants.

Nearby, you can visit the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcántara, a pleasant viewpoint from which you can enjoy scenery such as the Tagus River and the hill crowned by São Jorge Castle. Lisbon features plenty of steep cobbled slopes. To save your energy, why not hop on one of the city’s many vintage trams. If you would like to step away from the city centre, consider a trip to Belém. Here you will find Jerónimos Monastery, a 16th-century construction project home to some of Europe’s most stunning cloisters. Also in the district is Belém Tower, a marvel of 16th-century architecture as well as a formidable defensive structure! Consider joining an including sightseeing tour to spot some of Lisbon’s most notable landmarks from the comfort of your tour vehicle.

04/01/2023 Leixoes, Portugal

Leixoes, Portugal

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

A deep-water sandbar at the opening to the Douro River prevents large ships from sailing into the harbour of Porto itself. Instead, your ship will be berthed at Leixoes, a modern seaport located five miles from Portugal’s second-largest city. The port is in the Matosinhos district, an area set behind a sandy beachfront studded with natural rock-cut swimming pools. After a visit to its 18th-century church (Igreja do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos), there is plenty to see in Porto.

Wandering through the city’s UNESCO-classified centre will impress upon you the beauty of the city as well as its history. The cathedral, for example, was built during the 12th century and its opulent interior boasts a mixture of Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque architecture. As it stands on a prominent position with views across the city, you would be forgiven for thinking that the cathedral was, in fact, a fortress! During your exploration of Porto, don’t miss an opportunity to duck into a port wine lodge to indulge in an authentic taste of this famous fortified wine.

05/01/2023 La Coruna, Spain

La Coruna, Spain

Arrive 0800 on January 5. Depart 1500 on January 6.

Experience the charms of this attractive Galician city which can trace its origins back to the Celtics and Romans. The atmospheric old town is located on a contorted peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic. Narrow lanes open on to elegant squares fronted by grand buildings. At the peninsula’s tip stands a historic lighthouse while sandy beaches flank the left side. Explore here, or venture further afield to the ancient city of Santiago de Compostela, the Galician capital.

During your time in La Coruna, take advantage of the overnight stay by enjoying the annual King’s Parade. During the evening on the 5th January each year, La Coruna, like many other Spanish cities, enjoys a fabulously colourful parade to celebrate the arrival of the Three Kings in Bethlehem. Floats bearing effigies of the Three Kings are surrounded by brightly costumed locals who throw out handfuls of sweets to those who gather to watch the procession’s entry into the town. You might also like to join an included sightseeing excursion which passes several of La Coruna’s most notable sites of interest.

07/01/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

08/01/2023 Southampton

Southampton

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.