About the cruise
The capital of Madeira, Funchal, is first with its abundance of natural delights and picturesque backdrops of imposing mountains and deep valleys. The island is famed for its scenic splendours, stunning clifftop waterfalls, verdant pine forests and flora-covered mountains. La Palma is perhaps the least known and loveliest of the Canaries. The delightful main town of Santa Cruz is small, but with mountains rising to over 8,000 feet, La Palma is – in relation to its coastline – the most mountainous place of all. Which means you will see scenery of absolutely breathtaking beauty here.[/p]
Gran Canaria is known as the ‘miniature continent’ due to its varying climates and landscapes. Its heart is the cosmopolitan, historic and prosperous port city of Las Palmas and here you can see where Columbus stayed on his way to and from discovering the New World. Tenerife enjoys a warm and sunny climate all year round and is the largest of the Canary Islands. Highlights include the bizarre lava desert of the Caldera de las Cañadas, and the great expanses of pine forest, fertile valleys and long golden beaches. Take time to explore arid Lanzarote with its striking lunar landscape and hissing volcano ‘Fire Mountain’. Discover the enchanting volcanic cavern of Jameos del Agua where a unique species of small white spider crab thrives in the unusual conditions.[/p]
At the heart of the Algarve, you will find Praia Da Rocha, where beaches are pierced by wind-sculpted rock columns. With something for everyone here, historians will head for the epic city of Lagos and gourmands will satisfy themselves with freshly caught sardines. It was from historic Lisbon, built on several low hills beside the wide Tagus River, that some of Europe’s greatest explorers set sail in pursuit of riches. Memories of that glorious past linger amidst the grand avenues and elegant squares of the attractive capital’s 18th century lower town. Charming medieval Alfama with its maze-like streets sits to the east, crowned by the magnificent Castelo de Sao Jorge. Fresh seafood, delightful local costumes, and a magnificent harbour are only the most obvious of Vigo’s charms. Equally rewarding is its proximity to the fabled Shrine of St. James at awe-inspiring Santiago de Compostela. Sail back to Southampton and arrive on Saturday 9 August.[/p]