- Timanfaya National Park
Witness volcanic activity in the national park’s lunar-like landscapes.
- Madeira Botanical Garden
Capture the sights and scents of this garden which bursts with colour.
- Santiago de Compostela
From La Coruña you can visit this famous pilgrimage city, featuring its stunning, early medieval cathedral.
- Torre de Hércules
Take a stroll to this Roman-built lighthouse which still performs its original function.

Saga Cruises
Highlights of the Canaries
Spirit of Discovery departing Southampton
from £2,999 per person2 passengers 12 nights 16th October 2021 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £23 if not required
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New holiday
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No fly
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Chauffeur service
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All Inclusive
Volcanic views and islands that burst with colour
Soak up the splendour of the Canary Islands
Volcanic landscapes, colonial mansions, sand, sea and sun are all on offer during this cruise on board Spirit of Discovery to the Canary Islands. During your boutique voyage, you are invited to gaze up at La Coruña’s Roman lighthouse, take an included sightseeing drive through the city of Funchal and join an optional excursion to experience the volcanic power of Timanfaya National Park on the island of Lanzarote. Gaze up at the dramatic form of Mount Teide on Tenerife and step back into La Palma’s ancient past by exploring its primaeval laurel forests. Join us on board Spirit of Discovery as we discover the highlights of the Canary Islands.
Your four sightseeing tours will be in
- Funchal, Madeira
- Santa Cruz, La Palma
- Santa Cruz, Tenerife
- La Coruña, Spain
View Full Itinerary
Highlights of the Canaries
16/10/2021 Southampton
Southampton
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.

17/10/2021 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
18/10/2021 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
19/10/2021 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
20/10/2021 Funchal, Madeira
Funchal, Madeira
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Known far and wide for its natural beauty, Funchal is an island boasting dramatic mountainous backdrops and thick woodland – from which it gets its name, Madeira meaning ‘Wood’ in Portuguese. The natural beauty of the island has earned it many titles including ‘The Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, 'Garden by the Sea’ and 'The Island of Eternal Springtime', making this volcanic island, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal and its archipelago.
Look forward to an included sightseeing tour, then for a slice of natural beauty, consider a trip to the Madeira Botanical Garden, accessed via cable car or an uphill walk if you are feeling energetic! From the garden, you can enjoy views over the city and down to your ship in the port. For local life, look out for the popular and traditional pastime of basket weaving, and for a thrill you might be interested in a wicker toboggan ride, beginning at the steps of the Nossa Senhora do Monte Church.

21/10/2021 Santa Cruz, La Palma
Santa Cruz, La Palma
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
The Island of La Palma was declared a UNESCO Biosphere in 2002 owing to its volcanic landscapes and ancient laurel forests. For a glimpse of the island’s natural wonder, take an optional excursion to Taburiente National Park, dominated by a central volcanic crater.
Also demonstrating the beauty of La Palma is Los Tilos, primeval woodland providing visitors with an opportunity to connect with untouched nature. Your time in Santa Cruz, the island’s capital city will reveal a pretty old town punctuated by Juliet balconies. Enjoy an included sightseeing excursion to spot several of the city’s most prominent pieces of colonial architecture.

22/10/2021 Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Providing yester-year explorers with a suitable stopover on the way to the newly discovered New World, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the Canary Islands. It boasts colonial architecture at every turn of the head including the mansions that line Rambla de Santa Cruz, a leafy district perfect for a post-lunch stroll. Also of note are the fishing cottages near Iglesia de la Conception and the Auditorio de Tenerife, a modern concert hall built in the eye-catching shape of a wave.
Enjoy an included sightseeing drive through Santa Cruz or perhaps independently visit Playa de Las Teresitas, a beach consisting of sand imported from the Sahara and located in San Andrés.

23/10/2021 Arrecife, Lanzarote
Arrecife, Lanzarote
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
With attractive sandy beaches, clear seas, a tangle of whitewashed buildings and plenty of cultural sites to visit, the city of Arrecife makes for an enjoyable stop on your boutique-ship cruise. Beyond the city limits, away from the gorgeous Charco San Gines Lagoon and abundant cafés, you will be met by Lanzarote’s wild volcanic landscape. By joining an optional excursion to ‘Fire Mountain’, you can enjoy a BBQ meal cooked by volcanic heat and capture the lunar landscapes that belong to Timanfaya National Park.

24/10/2021 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
25/10/2021 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
26/10/2021 La Coruña, Spain
La Coruña, Spain
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The origins of this fabulous Galician city can be traced back to the Celts and the Romans, the latter of which is responsible for the impressive lighthouse known as Torre de Hércules, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the city’s curious ‘T’-shaped peninsula. Begin with an included tour, then, to soak up a little more of La Coruña’s past, take a stroll through the narrow lanes belonging to the city’s old town. These narrow lanes will lead you to elegant squares overlooked by grand buildings which are sure to provide a suitable subject for photographs.
An hour’s drive south is Galicia’s capital city, Santiago de Compostela. Its impressive cathedral was built during the 11th century and provides the finishing point for the famous Christian pilgrimage, the Way of St James – or Camino de Santiago. Flanking the cathedral’s square is a luxury Parador hotel, originally built as a hospital for medieval pilgrims.

27/10/2021 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
28/10/2021 Southampton
Southampton
Arrive 0700.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery.
Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions, at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.

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16th October
Southampton
1Southampton
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.
-
17th October
At Sea
-
18th October
At Sea
-
19th October
At Sea
-
20th October
Funchal, Madeira
5Funchal, Madeira
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Known far and wide for its natural beauty, Funchal is an island boasting dramatic mountainous backdrops and thick woodland – from which it gets its name, Madeira meaning ‘Wood’ in Portuguese. The natural beauty of the island has earned it many titles including ‘The Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, 'Garden by the Sea’ and 'The Island of Eternal Springtime', making this volcanic island, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal and its archipelago.
Look forward to an included sightseeing tour, then for a slice of natural beauty, consider a trip to the Madeira Botanical Garden, accessed via cable car or an uphill walk if you are feeling energetic! From the garden, you can enjoy views over the city and down to your ship in the port. For local life, look out for the popular and traditional pastime of basket weaving, and for a thrill you might be interested in a wicker toboggan ride, beginning at the steps of the Nossa Senhora do Monte Church.
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21st October
Santa Cruz, La Palma
6Santa Cruz, La Palma
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
The Island of La Palma was declared a UNESCO Biosphere in 2002 owing to its volcanic landscapes and ancient laurel forests. For a glimpse of the island’s natural wonder, take an optional excursion to Taburiente National Park, dominated by a central volcanic crater.
Also demonstrating the beauty of La Palma is Los Tilos, primeval woodland providing visitors with an opportunity to connect with untouched nature. Your time in Santa Cruz, the island’s capital city will reveal a pretty old town punctuated by Juliet balconies. Enjoy an included sightseeing excursion to spot several of the city’s most prominent pieces of colonial architecture.
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22nd October
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
7Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Providing yester-year explorers with a suitable stopover on the way to the newly discovered New World, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the Canary Islands. It boasts colonial architecture at every turn of the head including the mansions that line Rambla de Santa Cruz, a leafy district perfect for a post-lunch stroll. Also of note are the fishing cottages near Iglesia de la Conception and the Auditorio de Tenerife, a modern concert hall built in the eye-catching shape of a wave.
Enjoy an included sightseeing drive through Santa Cruz or perhaps independently visit Playa de Las Teresitas, a beach consisting of sand imported from the Sahara and located in San Andrés.
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23rd October
Arrecife, Lanzarote
8Arrecife, Lanzarote
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
With attractive sandy beaches, clear seas, a tangle of whitewashed buildings and plenty of cultural sites to visit, the city of Arrecife makes for an enjoyable stop on your boutique-ship cruise. Beyond the city limits, away from the gorgeous Charco San Gines Lagoon and abundant cafés, you will be met by Lanzarote’s wild volcanic landscape. By joining an optional excursion to ‘Fire Mountain’, you can enjoy a BBQ meal cooked by volcanic heat and capture the lunar landscapes that belong to Timanfaya National Park.
-
24th October
At Sea
-
25th October
At Sea
-
26th October
La Coruña, Spain
11La Coruña, Spain
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The origins of this fabulous Galician city can be traced back to the Celts and the Romans, the latter of which is responsible for the impressive lighthouse known as Torre de Hércules, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the city’s curious ‘T’-shaped peninsula. Begin with an included tour, then, to soak up a little more of La Coruña’s past, take a stroll through the narrow lanes belonging to the city’s old town. These narrow lanes will lead you to elegant squares overlooked by grand buildings which are sure to provide a suitable subject for photographs.
An hour’s drive south is Galicia’s capital city, Santiago de Compostela. Its impressive cathedral was built during the 11th century and provides the finishing point for the famous Christian pilgrimage, the Way of St James – or Camino de Santiago. Flanking the cathedral’s square is a luxury Parador hotel, originally built as a hospital for medieval pilgrims.
-
27th October
At Sea
-
28th October
Southampton
13Southampton
Arrive 0700.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery.
Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions, at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.
Itinerary map for Highlights of the Canaries
Spirit of Discovery
Inspired by the world's finest boutique hotels

Learn more about Spirit of Discovery

Chauffeur service up to 250 miles
Chauffeur service up to 250 miles
This service is a private chauffeur for distances up to 75 miles each way, and a shared chauffeur service from 76-250 miles each way.
Don't want to chauffeur? No problem. We'll also be happy to arrange complimentary car parking near the port, or can provide included rail/coach tickets, or even free flights from your local airport, subject to availability.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance
Optional comprehensive travel insurance, underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance SE, UK Branch, and additional cancellation rights. If you have your own insurance, we will offer you the holiday at a lower price.

All meals
All meals
All meals and snacks on board.

Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea
Daily afternoon tea.

A Choice of wines
A Choice of wines
A choice of wines at lunch and dinner.

All Inclusive
All Inclusive
Includes selected wines at lunch and dinner, Saga house-branded spirits, cocktails containing house-branded spirits, draught beer and lager, non-alcoholic cocktails, all mixers and soft drinks.

Gratuities
Gratuities
All on-board 'tips' and bar service charges.

Entertainment and Activities
Entertainment and Activities
A full programme of live music, entertainment and talks.

Gym, sauna & exercise classes
Gym, sauna & exercise classes
Gym, sauna and exercise classes.

24-hour room service
24-hour room service
24-hour room service is available at no extra charge.

Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi

Welcome cocktail party
Welcome cocktail party
Welcome cocktail party and Captain’s dinner.

Porterage of luggage
Porterage of luggage
When you arrive at the port in Dover or Southampton we’ll even carry the bags, with included porterage right to your cabin.

Shuttle bus
Shuttle bus
Free shuttle bus at most ports wherever possible, and when the ship is berthed at least 500 yards away from the nearest town centre.

Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing Tours
Four sightseeing tours will be in
Funchal, Madeira
Santa Cruz, La Palma
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
La Coruña, Spain
- Britannia Lounge
Relax in comfort with a drink, and admire the spectacular panoramic views.
- Enjoy fine dining
Enjoy world-class cuisine at no extra cost in a choice of four restaurants.
- Spa
Indulge yourself with a spa treatment in one of our six treatment rooms.
- The Library
A booklover’s paradise combined with an artisanal coffee-shop, it's the perfect spot to research your next port of call.
- Time for you
Take advantage of tailored exercise regimes and bespoke one-to-one fitness sessions with our health and wellbeing expert.
- Daily afternoon tea
Indulge with a sumptuous selection of sweet treats at the daily afternoon tea.
- The Terrace
This elegant ‘secret’ garden area is the perfect setting to enjoy the fresh air any time of the day.
Explore Ashore
Playa de Las Teresitas
Located in San Andrés, Playa de Las Teresitas is a beautiful golden beach. Elsewhere, the beaches of Tenerife are volcanic and dark in colour, however, this beach’s honey-coloured sand is imported from the Sahara and is the perfect place to relax in the sun.
Mercado dos Lavradoros
This Art-Deco covered market is one of Funchal’s top attractions, providing visitors with a unique insight into the city’s local life. Colourful flowers dominate the market’s entrance and the members of staff who greet you at each stall will be dressed in traditional Madeiran national costume.
Torre de Hércules
La Coruña’s ancient lighthouse was built by the Romans during the late first century AD and stands at the edge of the city’s ‘T’-shaped peninsula. In 2009 the lighthouse was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and continues to fulfil its original function today.
Spirit of Discovery departing Southampton
from £2,999 per person2 passengers
12 nights 16th October 2021 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £23 if not required