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Funchal's tropical gardens
Winter Sun in the Canaries
Spirit of Discovery departing Portsmouth
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No fly
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Chauffeur service
Explore the Canary Islands under the winter sun
This all-inclusive cruise to the Canary Islands in 2023 follows the winter sun south to La Coruña, Madeira and the subtropical Canaries. Stop first to explore the medieval attractions of La Coruña, followed by a visit to Funchal in Madeira en route to Santa Cruz in Tenerife, home to 16th-century plazas and an extensive waterfront promenade. Contrast the laurel forests of La Palma and Gran Canaria’s mountainous scenery with the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park. Your 14-night Canary Island cruise concludes with a visit to Portugal’s historic capital Lisbon, set at the mouth of the Tagus River.
Your four included panoramic excursions will be in
- Funchal, Madeira
- Santa Cruz, Tenerife
- Arrecife, Lanzarote
- Lisbon, Portugal
Joining you on board…
Broadcaster and journalist Jennie Bond
Jennie Bond appears regularly on a wide range of television and radio programmes – from light entertainment to documentaries. As the BBC's Royal Correspondent during 14 of the most turbulent years the monarchy has endured, Jennie was at the heart of events that made headlines around the world: from the fairy-tale marriages to the adultery, the divorces, and the deaths. Since then, she has presented the popular shows: ‘Cash in the Attic’, ‘Rip Off Britain’ and ’Great British Menu’. Jennie will give an on-board talk and Q&A during this Canary Island cruise.
Television horticulturalist and journalist, Anne Swithinbank
Horticulturalist Anne Swithinbank’s fascination with plants and nature began at a young age and led her to study for her Kew Diploma in Horticulture. For over 25 years she has been a regular panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, and continues to write for Amateur Gardening, Grow Your Own, Candis and Gardeners’ World magazines.
Itinerary
Portsmouth
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.
Spend the day ay sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
La Coruña, Spain
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
In the historic maritime city of La Coruña, sights worthy of your attention include the medieval lanes and plazas of the old town, Riazor Beach and the UNESCO-listed Tower of Hercules. The latter is the oldest operational Roman lighthouse and can found eight miles away at the end of a coastal promenade. From here you can visit Santiago de Compostela, which marks the end of an ancient pilgrimage route that concludes at the 12th-century cathedral where St James is allegedly enshrined.
Optional excursion
Experience the ecclesiastical capital of Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the last stop on the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage route that concludes at the 12th-century cathedral where St James is allegedly enshrined.
Spend the day ay sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Spend the day ay sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Funchal, Madeira
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
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 1200. Depart 2000.
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.
Included excursion
Look forward to an included sightseeing excursion, taking in the highlights of Tenerife’s lively capital Santa Cruz.
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.
Santa Cruz, La Palma
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. You may like to explore the capital of Santa Cruz which is set in a sweeping natural amphitheatre and was a hub for New World explorers and merchant traders during the Age of Exploration. Its colonial 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. The island’s maritime past is displayed in the Naval Museum which is housed inside a replica of Christopher Columbus’ famous vessel, the Santa Maria.
Optional excursions
Join an island sightseeing tour or explore the National Park of Caldera de Taburiente, a volcanic crater in the centre of the island.
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 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. 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
Walk across the barren landscapes of Timanfaya National Park and enjoy a memorable barbecue cooked with heat from the volcano.
Spend the day ay sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.
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 ay sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Spend the day ay sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Portsmouth
Arrive 0700.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
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Spirit of Discovery
2019
Year built
987
Guest capacity (maximum)
540
Ship crew
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.
