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.

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 sightseeing excursion

An included sightseeing excursion 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.

23/12/2022 Santa Cruz, La Palma

Santa Cruz, La Palma

Arrive 0900. Depart 2100.

La Palma is the greenest of the Canaries and large tracts of its laurel forests have been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Take an included scenic tour of the island, or 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.

Included sightseeing excursion

Discover La Palma during an included sightseeing excursion.

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.

24/12/2022 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

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

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, and an included sightseeing excursion will show you the highlights. 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 sightseeing excursion

An included sightseeing excursion will highlight Las Palmas’ scenic highlights.

Optional excursions

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

25/12/2022 Santa Cruz, Tenerife

Santa Cruz, Tenerife

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

Tenerife is crowned by the 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. On Christmas Day you can attend Tenerife’s annual Christmas concert, performed by the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra.

Included sightseeing 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.

27/12/2022 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. From Arrecife, you can discover the vast lava fields and crater-studded landscapes of Timanfaya National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

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.

28/12/2022 Agadir, Morocco

Agadir, Morocco

Arrive 0900. Depart 2200.

Founded by Portuguese merchants in the 15th century, Agadir was a wealthy port city prospering from the export of sugar and cotton. In the 20th century it was regenerated by French colonists, however, that redevelopment ended in 1960 when much of the city was destroyed by an earthquake. Its 16th-century kasbah – located on a hilltop four miles away from the centre – still stands, although only the outer walls remain. You can explore the Souk El Had marketplace, reached via 12 gates, it consists of approximately 6,000 stalls which sell everything from clothing, footwear and rugs to musical instruments and fresh fruit.

29/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

30/12/2022 Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca, Morocco

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Casablanca’s seafront is dominated by Hassan II Mosque with its 600-feet-tall minaret. From its 7th-century Berber origins to days under French colonial rule, Casablanca is a blend of European, North African and Arab influences which will be highlighted on an included sightseeing excursion. The lanes of the 19th-century medina are enclosed by whitewashed Moorish buildings that lead to the colonial downtown and the exotic spice and fruit stalls of Marche Central market.

Included sightseeing excursion

Discover the ‘White City’ of Casablanca on an included sightseeing excursion.

Optional excursions

Travel to the capital of Morocco and one of the country’s four imperial cities, Rabat.

31/12/2022 Gibraltar

Gibraltar

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

Watching over the entrance to the Mediterranean, stands the unmistakable limestone Rock of Gibraltar. At its base lies compact Gibraltar which is connected to the end of the Iberian Peninsula by a sandy isthmus and offers an intriguing blend of British and Spanish culture. See Gibraltar’s Palladian architecture and typically British sights, such as red pillar boxes and familiar highstreet chains. Alternatively, visit the military museum or ascend the limestone monolith by cable car for panoramic views and to meet the mischievous Barbary macaques. From the top you can look out over two continents: Africa lies just 13 miles to the south, whilst Europe stretches to the north. Later, you can welcome in the New Year with a glass of champagne on board Spirit of Discovery and enjoy a fireworks display.

Optional excursions

Go in search of dolphins and other marine life in Gibraltar’s bay.

02/01/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

03/01/2023 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 excursion is a great way to see some of the highlights.

Included sightseeing excursion

See some of the city’s numerous attractions.

04/01/2023 Leixoes, Portugal

Leixoes, Portugal

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

From Leixoes you can visit Oporto, which is set beside the Douro River. On one bank lies Villa Nova de Gaia’s port wine lodges, which produce the city’s famous fortified wine, while on the other is the UNESCO-listed Ribeira old town. Cobbled streets climb the steep hillside which is crammed with historic buildings, including the 12th-century cathedral, neoclassical Stock Exchange and Manueline-style Church of Santa Clara. The wooden Rabelo cargo boats, which once ferried barrels of port now carry sightseers along the river – the Ponte Dom Luis I bridge offers a good vantage point from which to appreciate the entire riverscape.

Optional excursions

Enjoy a memorable wine-tasting session in a traditional bodega.

05/01/2023 La Coruna, Spain

La Coruna, Spain

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

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 13 kilometres 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 sightseeing 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.

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.