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.

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.

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.

21/10/2021 Santa Cruz, La Palma

Santa Cruz, La Palma

Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.

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 scenic tour.

Optional excursions

Explore the National Park of Caldera de Taburiente, a volcanic caldera in the centre of the island.

22/10/2021 Santa Cruz, Tenerife

Santa Cruz, Tenerife

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

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.

23/10/2021 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 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 barbecue cooked with heat from the volcano.

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.

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.

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.