About the cruise
As you sail out into the Atlantic in search of Canarian sun, Madeira rises from the sea like a shimmering, floating garden. Thanks to its equitable climate and fine Madeira wines, the island has long been a British favourite. Funchal, the main town, rises in endless terraces up a vivid green mountainside and offers panoramic views from the top. And do not miss the opportunity to take a levada walk.[/p]
Your first Canary Island is one of the least known, La Palma. Mile for mile, it is more mountainous than Tibet. The result is a landscape of imposing beauty, and of course, the hilly terrain has ensured that this is the least developed and therefore the most authentic of all the Canaries. 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 towering Mount Teide, 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 in your last stop in the Canaries 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]
The Portuguese capital Lisbon, is a city of past imperial glory. See the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery or head down the coast to Estoril, a neat and elegant resort. Then make a final stop in Vigo for some fresh seafood. In addition to outstanding restaurants and a magnificent harbour, there is the fabled Shrine of St. James at awe-inspiring Santiago de Compostela, the third holiest site in all Christendom. Then enjoy the sunshine on deck as you sail for Southampton and arrive on Friday 15 August.[/p]