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.