Sunshine in the Canaries

Embark Spirit of Adventure.

Depart 1700.

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 excursion

See more of Funchal on a choice of included excursion.

Optional excursions

Explore the island by sidecar or jeep, or join one of our small group tours in search of the endemic land birds of Madeira.

Arrive 0900. Depart 2200.

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 0800. Depart 2100.

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 1900.

It was in La Gomera that Christopher Columbus readied his ships for his New World adventures. Local legend holds that he took mass in La Asuncion church and water from a well at the manor Pozo de la Aguada, which displays exhibits on the explorer’s expeditions. One of the oldest remaining structures is the stone Torre del Conde tower which protected the wife of the island’s first governor, Hernan Peraza, when ill-treated islanders rebelled in 1488.

Included excursion

See more of your surroundings on an included excursion.

Optional excursion

Explore the unspoilt forests of Garajonay National Park, home to such rare indigenous wildlife as the Gomeran lizard and Gomeran skink.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1900.

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. 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 seen 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 excursion

A choice of included excursion will reveal some of the highlights.

Optional excursions

Join a scenic hike to Bandama Crater or perhaps board a submarine for a unique underwater experience.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.

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

Enjoy the scenery on a choice of 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 0900. Depart 1630.

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

A choice of included excursion will ensure you see some of the city’s main attractions.

Optional excursions

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

Arrive 0700.

Disembark Spirit of Adventure after breakfast.