Sunshine in the Canaries

Portsmouth

Embark Spirit of Adventure.

Depart 1800.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Funchal, Madeira

Arrive 0900. Depart 1800.

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

An included panoramic excursion will reveal the scenic highlights of the island.

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 local experts for a RIB ride in search of whales and dolphins.

Santa Cruz, Tenerife

Arrive 1300 on November 5. Depart 1700 on November 6.

Tenerife is crowned by the UNESCO 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.

Optional excursions

Go hiking on Mount Teide with an experienced guide, or visit the botanical gardens. You could also seek out the cannon responsible for Admiral Nelson losing his arm, on display in the Museo Miliar.

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

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 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.

Optional excursions

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

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. See some of the highlights of the area on an included panoramic excursion. From Arrecife, you can also discover the vast lava fields and crater-studded landscapes of Timanfaya National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Included excursion

An included panoramic excursion is a great way to see some of the highlights.

Optional excursions

Seek out the historic 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.

Spend the day at sea.

Lisbon, Portugal

Arrive 0900. 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 panoramic excursion is a great way to see some of the highlights.

Included excursion

See some of the city’s numerous attractions.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Portsmouth

Arrive 0700.

Disembark Spirit of Adventure after breakfast.