Portugal, Morocco and the Canaries

Embark Spirit of Adventure.

Depart 1700.

Spend the day at sea.

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. Close by is the charming town of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of its 19th-century romantic architecture.

Included excursion

See more of Lisbon on a choice of included excursion.

Optional excursions

Wander on foot through Lisbon’s downtown area to see the city’s historic architecture, visit Arrábida Natural Park and the Azeitão Winery, or explore Lisbon’s highlights by Tuk Tuk.

Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.

Set on hills overlooking the river, Leixoes is known for its narrow streets, granite church towers and Baroque architecture. Leixoes makes a great starting place from which to visit nearby Oporto where the cobbled streets of the old town are crammed with historic buildings, including the 12th-century cathedral, neoclassical Stock Exchange and Manueline-style Church of Santa Clara.

Included excursion

See some of the highlights of Oporto’s surroundings on an included excursion.

Optional excursions

Go sightseeing in Oporto and take a Douro river cruise.

Spend the day at sea.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The history of this Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar, just 20 miles from the Spanish coast, goes back to the ancient Greeks and its beginnings are embedded in mythology. It is believed to have taken its name from Tingis, the daughter of Atlas, the mythical supporter of the Heavens. It was later ruled by the Romans and Arabs while Spain, Portugal, France and England also played important parts in the city’s diverse history.

The city lies on a bay between two promontories and you can enjoy superb panoramic views if you head up to the ancient Kasbah, a former military fortress now full of elegant buildings and architecture while the Medina – the oldest part of town – is a warren of cobbled streets boasting a chronology of architectural styles charting the city’s colonial history. Perhaps sip a mint tea at a pavement cafe and watch the bustle of everyday life unfold around you.

Included excursion 

Enjoy an included excursion in Tangier.

Optional excursions

Visit Tétouan, which lies at the foot of the Rif Mountains, and wander through the winding streets of its walled medina, A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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. 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 the Central Market.

Included excursion

See some of the city’s highlights on an included excursion.

Optional excursions

Travel to the capital of Morocco and one of the country’s four imperial cities, Rabat, visit Rick’s cafe, or browse the stalls of Casablanca’s markets in the company of a guide for an authentic local experience.

Spend the day at sea.

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

Included excursion

See some of the highlights on an included excursion.

Optional excursions

Visit northern Lanzarote and the Jameos del Agua Cave which showcases the architectural work of César Manrique, or perhaps head to Timanfaya National Park.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The second-largest island of the Canaries, Fuerteventura, is ringed by beaches and blessed with a mild climate. Several nature reserves protect the unique ecosystems of its undeveloped volcanic interior, including Corralejo Nature Reserve. In the capital, Puerto del Rosario, discover the old quarter, with its tangle of lanes and whitewashed houses while a variety of artworks, including statues and murals, add colour to the relaxed squares and streets. 19th-century sights include Nuestra Señora del Rosario church.

Included excursion

Explore further on an included excursion.

Optional excursion

Join a volcano trek or sample local produce on a tastes of Fuerteventura tour.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1800.

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.

Included excursion

Explore further on a choice of included excursion.

Optional excursions

Take a cable car to the summit of Mount Teide, or enjoy tea at the Orchid Garden.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

La Palma is the greenest of the Canaries and large tracts of its laurel forests have been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The capital, Santa Cruz, is set in a sweeping natural amphitheatre and was a hub for New World explorers and merchant traders during the Age of Exploration. Its 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.

Included excursion

An included excursion offers a relaxing way to see some of the highlights.

Optional excursions

Visit the historic sugar producing farm of La Hacienda and learn more about the traditions of silk making at the Silk Museum; or join one of our small group excursions on a scenic off-road adventure capturing the islands volcanic vistas.

Arrive 1100 on Dec 2. Depart 1300 on Dec 3.

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 excursion

See more of Funchal on a choice of included excursion.

Optional excursions

Explore the island by jeep. With an overnight stay, opt for one of our evening excursions, sunset wine tasting at a local quinta or stargazing.

Spend the day at sea.

Arrive 0700.

Disembark Spirit of Adventure after breakfast.