- Starry night skies
Tenerife is one of the world’s best locations for star observation.
- Cadiz, Spain
It is known as the oldest continually inhabited city in Europe and boasts an extensive treasure trove of history.
- Gran Canaria
With a subtropical north and a south that features plenty of desert, Gran Canaria is known as a continent in miniature.
- Basket weaving in Madeira
This traditional past time provides a window into local Madeiran life.

Saga Cruises
The Glorious Canary Islands: October
Spirit of Discovery departing Dover
from £2,953 per person2 passengers 15 nights 16th October 2022 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £75 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
A sunny autumn escape
The balmy climes of the Canaries offer year-round warmth and sun, alongside incredible volcanic landscapes, glittering night skies and characterful towns.
It would be very difficult to deny the beauty belonging to the Canary Islands. Year-round sunshine soaks the fruit-bearing trees found in Gran Canaria’s leafy north, a stroll through La Palma’s Santa Cruz is often prettily punctuated by the appearance of flower-bedecked Juliet balconies, and of course, evidence of volcanic power can be seen at almost every turn of the head. Sections of Lanzarote’s Timanfaya lava fields are still hot today and Fuerteventura appears more like a lunar landscape than a holidaymaker’s paradise.
Beauty is not, however, limited to what can be seen on the ground; the Canary Islands are home to three starlight reserves, recognising the clarity of the night sky and created in partnership with UNESCO. Standing in Teide National Park on the island of Tenerife – perhaps the most impressive of the three reserves - you can gaze up into the night sky and, on a clear night, spot 83 of the 88 officially recognised constellations. During the daytime, don’t miss the included sightseeing excursions in Funchal, Santa Cruz (La Palma), Santa Cruz (Tenerife), Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) and Cadiz, to soak up the sights in comfort.
Your five sightseeing tours will be in- Funchal, Madeira
- Santa Cruz, La Palma
- Santa Cruz, Tenerife
- Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
- Cadiz, Spain
View Full Itinerary
The Glorious Canary Islands: October
16/10/2022 Dover
Dover
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.

17/10/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
18/10/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
19/10/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
20/10/2022 Cadiz, Spain
Cadiz, Spain
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Often described as Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe - a fact reinforced by the discovery of 8th-century walls - Cádiz was founded by the Phoenicians and grew to become a centre of Moorish culture, a hub of affluence and, as a result, the target of attack during European squabbles. Its extensive and significant history, which includes the signing of Spain’s first constitution, has left its mark on the city’s very varied architecture.
An exploration of Cádiz’s narrow, winding streets - often flanked by flower-bedecked Juliet balconies - will reveal ecclesiastical churches and watchtowers, the construction of which illustrated 18th-century prosperity. During your time in Cádiz, consider visiting Mercado Central de Abastos, Spain’s oldest covered market and the city’s largest, where local life is served up alongside glasses of locally produced (and often quite earthy) sherry and tapas. Fresh seafood is brought directly from the Bay of Cadiz and stalls selling fruit and vegetables line the sides of the plaza. Alternatively, join an included panoramic tour of the city.

21/10/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
22/10/2022 Arrecife, Lanzarote
Arrecife, Lanzarote
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Visitors to the island of Lanzarote before the year 1730 would have been confronted with a very different appearance to the one you see today. For almost 100 years volcanic events were a regular occurrence, changing the face of the landscape, making it much more mountainous and quite a bit more dangerous. Today, the island is, of course, completely safe and volcanic activity is limited to certain areas such as Timanfaya’s scorched lava fields, at which sections of the ground are still hot to the touch!
Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape has, in large part, been preserved and even enhanced by the work of artist and environmentalist Cesar Manrique. Learn more about this Lanzarote icon at the Cesar Manrique House and Museum. Alternatively, Arrecife’s El Charco de San Ginés provides waterfront beauty, punctuated by the gentle bobbing of small boats and reflecting the whitewashed architecture by which it is surrounded.

23/10/2022 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
This almost-circular island, with the peak of Pozo de Las Nieves at its centre, would be better described as a continent in miniature; Gran Canaria’s subtropical climate allows for the growing of exotic date palms and other fruits in its leafy north, while the south is dominated by desert. Following the invasion of Spanish forces in the late 15th century, Gran Canaria became a prospective paradise for landless entrepreneurs across Europe, as well as a pit-stop for explorers on their way to the New World. For a window into Gran Canaria’s colonial past, join an included panoramic drive, passing through the historic districts of Vegueta and Triana.

24/10/2022 Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
With a balmy average of 3,000 sunshine hours each year, Fuerteventura appears more like a lunar landscape than its Canary cousins Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Despite its lack of lush forests and botanical greenery, the island is no less captivating. Puerto del Rosario’s old town offers a fascinating step back into the past, located behind the promenade, and a 20-minute drive takes you to Corralejo Natural Reserve. The reserve is an amazing natural park, containing a six-mile stretch of dunes, the largest in the Canary Islands.

25/10/2022 Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Arrive 0800. Depart 2330.
It is the Canaries’ largest island and, boasting the highest point on Spanish soil, could easily be described as the most dramatic looking. That peak, Mount Teide, rises to a staggering 12,198 feet and belongs to Teide National Park. In the daytime, the park rewards visitors who have ventured away from pretty coastline, however, it is when seen by night that the park truly comes into its own. According to the International Astronomical Union, 88 official constellations are revealed in the night sky. An after-dark visit to Teide will reveal 83 of them.
It is then perhaps no wonder that the national park is a starlight reserve. The stars once represented deities to ancient people and provided navigational aids; today they attract camera-equipped tourists who search skywards for beauty. To enjoy the beauty of the island’s capital, Santa Cruz, consider joining us for an included sightseeing drive. During which, you will see the modern auditorium, neighboured by the waterfront and understandably shaped like an ocean wave. It is an architectural symbol of the city and illustrates the evolution experienced by Santa Cruz, from fishing settlement to forward-thinking city. Near the pier is the Santa Cruz Palmetum, a botanical garden covering an area of 29 acres, ideal for a post-lunch stroll.

26/10/2022 Santa Cruz, La Palma
Santa Cruz, La Palma
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Welcome to ‘La Isla Bonita’ (The Pretty Island), filled with unspoiled nature, ancient forests and volcanic rock formations. At its heart is La Caldera de Taburiente, a huge depression in the landscape that offers visitors the opportunity to stand on the edge of its deep ravines to admire the volcanic views. To the west of Taburiente is the island’s compact capital city, Santa Cruz.
Strolling along the cobbled streets of its old town, you will be treated to glimpses of colourful colonial-style architecture, boasting Juliet balconies. Pause for a moment in Plaza de España to admire the array of Renaissance architecture and to finish, perhaps seek out Iglesia del Salvador, an impressive church featuring a coloured wooden ceiling dating from the 16th century and a mid-18th-century pulpit. If you’d prefer to rest your feet, enjoy an included sightseeing drive to soak up the city’s sights.

27/10/2022 Funchal, Madeira
Funchal, Madeira
Arrive 1000. Depart 1700.
Meaning 'Wood' in Portuguese, Madeira was covered in dense woodland when it was first explored by Europeans. Still green and lush today, the island is known as the 'Pearl of the Atlantic' and is a favourite among holidaymakers choosing their next sun-soaked holiday. Your time in Funchal, the island’s capital, offers an opportunity to see wicker weaving - a traditional past time - in action, stroll through the botanical garden so often snapped on camera and taste the fortified wine which takes its name from the island.
For a slice of local life, consider visiting Mercado dos Lavradoros, Funchal’s art deco market which serves the city with fresh produce and a burst of colour. Alternatively, join an included sightseeing tour, during which you can sit back, relax and let Funchal’s finest sights come to you.

28/10/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
29/10/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
30/10/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
31/10/2022 Southampton
Southampton
Arrive 0700.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions or by exploring independently.

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16th October
Dover
1Dover
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.
-
17th October
At Sea
-
18th October
At Sea
-
19th October
At Sea
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20th October
Cadiz, Spain
5Cadiz, Spain
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Often described as Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe - a fact reinforced by the discovery of 8th-century walls - Cádiz was founded by the Phoenicians and grew to become a centre of Moorish culture, a hub of affluence and, as a result, the target of attack during European squabbles. Its extensive and significant history, which includes the signing of Spain’s first constitution, has left its mark on the city’s very varied architecture.
An exploration of Cádiz’s narrow, winding streets - often flanked by flower-bedecked Juliet balconies - will reveal ecclesiastical churches and watchtowers, the construction of which illustrated 18th-century prosperity. During your time in Cádiz, consider visiting Mercado Central de Abastos, Spain’s oldest covered market and the city’s largest, where local life is served up alongside glasses of locally produced (and often quite earthy) sherry and tapas. Fresh seafood is brought directly from the Bay of Cadiz and stalls selling fruit and vegetables line the sides of the plaza. Alternatively, join an included panoramic tour of the city.
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21st October
At Sea
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22nd October
Arrecife, Lanzarote
7Arrecife, Lanzarote
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Visitors to the island of Lanzarote before the year 1730 would have been confronted with a very different appearance to the one you see today. For almost 100 years volcanic events were a regular occurrence, changing the face of the landscape, making it much more mountainous and quite a bit more dangerous. Today, the island is, of course, completely safe and volcanic activity is limited to certain areas such as Timanfaya’s scorched lava fields, at which sections of the ground are still hot to the touch!
Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape has, in large part, been preserved and even enhanced by the work of artist and environmentalist Cesar Manrique. Learn more about this Lanzarote icon at the Cesar Manrique House and Museum. Alternatively, Arrecife’s El Charco de San Ginés provides waterfront beauty, punctuated by the gentle bobbing of small boats and reflecting the whitewashed architecture by which it is surrounded.
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23rd October
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
8Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
This almost-circular island, with the peak of Pozo de Las Nieves at its centre, would be better described as a continent in miniature; Gran Canaria’s subtropical climate allows for the growing of exotic date palms and other fruits in its leafy north, while the south is dominated by desert. Following the invasion of Spanish forces in the late 15th century, Gran Canaria became a prospective paradise for landless entrepreneurs across Europe, as well as a pit-stop for explorers on their way to the New World. For a window into Gran Canaria’s colonial past, join an included panoramic drive, passing through the historic districts of Vegueta and Triana.
-
24th October
Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
9Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
With a balmy average of 3,000 sunshine hours each year, Fuerteventura appears more like a lunar landscape than its Canary cousins Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Despite its lack of lush forests and botanical greenery, the island is no less captivating. Puerto del Rosario’s old town offers a fascinating step back into the past, located behind the promenade, and a 20-minute drive takes you to Corralejo Natural Reserve. The reserve is an amazing natural park, containing a six-mile stretch of dunes, the largest in the Canary Islands.
-
25th October
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
10Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Arrive 0800. Depart 2330.
It is the Canaries’ largest island and, boasting the highest point on Spanish soil, could easily be described as the most dramatic looking. That peak, Mount Teide, rises to a staggering 12,198 feet and belongs to Teide National Park. In the daytime, the park rewards visitors who have ventured away from pretty coastline, however, it is when seen by night that the park truly comes into its own. According to the International Astronomical Union, 88 official constellations are revealed in the night sky. An after-dark visit to Teide will reveal 83 of them.
It is then perhaps no wonder that the national park is a starlight reserve. The stars once represented deities to ancient people and provided navigational aids; today they attract camera-equipped tourists who search skywards for beauty. To enjoy the beauty of the island’s capital, Santa Cruz, consider joining us for an included sightseeing drive. During which, you will see the modern auditorium, neighboured by the waterfront and understandably shaped like an ocean wave. It is an architectural symbol of the city and illustrates the evolution experienced by Santa Cruz, from fishing settlement to forward-thinking city. Near the pier is the Santa Cruz Palmetum, a botanical garden covering an area of 29 acres, ideal for a post-lunch stroll.
-
26th October
Santa Cruz, La Palma
11Santa Cruz, La Palma
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Welcome to ‘La Isla Bonita’ (The Pretty Island), filled with unspoiled nature, ancient forests and volcanic rock formations. At its heart is La Caldera de Taburiente, a huge depression in the landscape that offers visitors the opportunity to stand on the edge of its deep ravines to admire the volcanic views. To the west of Taburiente is the island’s compact capital city, Santa Cruz.
Strolling along the cobbled streets of its old town, you will be treated to glimpses of colourful colonial-style architecture, boasting Juliet balconies. Pause for a moment in Plaza de España to admire the array of Renaissance architecture and to finish, perhaps seek out Iglesia del Salvador, an impressive church featuring a coloured wooden ceiling dating from the 16th century and a mid-18th-century pulpit. If you’d prefer to rest your feet, enjoy an included sightseeing drive to soak up the city’s sights.
-
27th October
Funchal, Madeira
12Funchal, Madeira
Arrive 1000. Depart 1700.
Meaning 'Wood' in Portuguese, Madeira was covered in dense woodland when it was first explored by Europeans. Still green and lush today, the island is known as the 'Pearl of the Atlantic' and is a favourite among holidaymakers choosing their next sun-soaked holiday. Your time in Funchal, the island’s capital, offers an opportunity to see wicker weaving - a traditional past time - in action, stroll through the botanical garden so often snapped on camera and taste the fortified wine which takes its name from the island.
For a slice of local life, consider visiting Mercado dos Lavradoros, Funchal’s art deco market which serves the city with fresh produce and a burst of colour. Alternatively, join an included sightseeing tour, during which you can sit back, relax and let Funchal’s finest sights come to you.
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28th October
At Sea
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29th October
At Sea
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30th October
At Sea
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31st October
Southampton
16Southampton
Arrive 0700.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions or by exploring independently.
Itinerary map for The Glorious Canary Islands: October
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
Five sightseeing tours will be in
Funchal, Madeira
Santa Cruz, La Palma
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Cadiz, Spain
- Looking out for whales with ORCA
You'll be joined by wildlife experts from ORCA, the foremost European whale and dolphin conservation charity, who are devoted to studying marine wildlife and protecting it for future generations. Look forward to the chance to spot whales, dolphins and seabirds and an array of other wildlife out on deck throughout your voyage, the perfect vantage point to view and learn more about wildlife in their natural habitat.
- 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
Teide Observatory, Tenerife
Enjoying an elevated position, almost 8,000 feet above sea level, in Teide National Park, the observatory is a truly international place. The site, measuring 50 hectares, incorporates solar and nocturnal telescopes from more than 60 institutions from 19 countries. Enjoy a guided tour of the site with an opportunity to look through one of the telescopes to see how it works.
Plaza Libertad, Cadiz
Known as Spain’s oldest covered market, Plaza Libertad is more than an opportunity to purchase - and haggle for - fresh produce. It is a window into authentic Andalusian local life. At the market, members of the community come to catch up with friends and family while enjoying a selection of tapas accompanied by earthy sherry. Spend time here to see Cadiz as the locals do.
El Charco de San Ginés
For a pleasant waterside stroll, look no further than El Charco de San Ginés, a picturesque lagoon, punctuated by bobbing boats and overlooked by pretty white cottages.
Spirit of Discovery departing Dover
from £2,953 per person2 passengers
15 nights 16th October 2022 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £75 if not required