Day 1
This afternoon you begin embarkation to prepare for an afternoon departure from Portsmouth.
DayS 2 & 3
Full days cruising. Time to explore the ship and meet fellow passengers and crew members.
Day 4
Early morning arrival in Leixoes (for Oporto), Portugal why not try one of the excursions on offer.
QUINTA DA AVELEDA - GREEN WINE - 3.5 hours - £41 to £50 per person
Departing the quayside, we travel to the northern interior, heading towards Quinta Da Aveleda, a farm located in the countryside near the town of Aveleda, close to Penafiel in the region known as Vinho Verde (Green Wine). This area commences south of Oporto and continues to the Spanish border. Vinho Verde is only produced in the north of Portugal on a demarcated region that has been internationally recognised since 1973. This means that no wine may be grown elsewhere with this name, and also that Vinho Verde can only be produced in Portugal within the boundaries of this demarcated region. Vinho Verde is a light, semi-sparkling wine, which is usually served chilled. It should not be left to mature in cellars and should be consumed within a year of the harvest.
Upon arrival at Quinta Da Aveleda, we will be greeted by the large entrance gate, surrounded by magnificent century-old trees. We shall proceed through the estate, passing by the beautiful gardens and vineyards. The vines are draped on trees or specially constructed trellises to keep them clear of the ground. This serves as a double purpose, firstly by freeing the land beneath for cultivation, and secondly it protects the vine against damp and parasitic rot.
Next we can enjoy a tour of the bottling factory, where we will be able to see the wine-making process before enjoying a taste ourselves. Following our tour, we re-board our coach for the return journey to the quayside and our awaiting ship.
PANORAMIC OPORTO & PORT WINE - TOUR F - 3.5 hours - £40 to £50 per person
During our sightseeing tour, we shall see, from the outside, the façade of the Church of Clerigos – a Baroque and Rococo building with a unique bell tower, which is the symbol of the city. We shall also see the outside of the 12th century Romanesque Cathedral, and will stop briefly to take photos at the Cathedral belvedere, an impressive viewpoint across the city and the Douro River.
Next we travel to the Sao Bento Train Station, which is known for its ceramic tile panels, the work of artist Jorge Colaço, which depict scenes from Portuguese history. Around 20,000 tiles dating from 1916 decorate the hall, and illustrate key moments such as Prince Henry the Navigator conquering Ceuta.
Following our stop at the station, we then cross to the other side of the river by way of a double-deckered bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia. Upon arrival, we shall visit a wine cellar, where we can enjoy a tasting of a local wine prior to returning to the quayside and our awaiting ship.
OPORTO CITY TOUR - TOUR A - 4 hours - £40 to £50 per person
Oporto, the second largest city in Portugal, has imposing streets and squares. The Avenida do Aliados, an impressive avenue at the heart of the city, stretching from Praça da Liberdade to Praça D. João, proclaims that the city would not have been a poor relation in an 18th century European community, and that agriculture is not the be-all and end-all of northern Portugal. During our tour, we will visit the most important buildings and monuments of the city.
The Cathedral, which was originally 12th century Romanesque, has been altered over the centuries and was extensively rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries. Nevertheless there are some rich altars and a Gothic cloister. The Stock Exchange, with its fantastic Moorish Hall, is another place we shall visit. The 19th century building was constructed to impress European investors, and is now where heads of state are received when they visit Oporto.
We then proceed over the Douro River by way of the unique double-deckered Dom Luís Bridge, which is thoroughly Eiffelesque, to Vila Nova de Gaia and to a well-known port wine cellar, where we can sample this precious nectar.
ANCIENT BRAGA - TOUR E - 4 hours - £TBA per person
Approximately 45 minutes from Oporto lies the city of Braga, the capital of the Minho province. Its ancient name of ‘Bracara Augusta’ was given by the Romans when they defeated the local tribe ‘Bracaros’ in 27 BC. It became an important city and its population quickly increased. Between the 7th and 10th centuries, the city was the victim of Moorish invasions, and was completely destroyed, only to rise again during the 11th century by the order and power of the church and its archbishops. Today Braga is known for its historic buildings, monuments, gardens and fountains.
Departing the quayside, we visit travel to the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary (‘Good Jesus of the Mountain’, located on a hilltop in the surroundings of Braga. Built in the 18th century, the Neo-classic church (one of the first in Portugal) has an impressive Baroque stairway, which has a zigzag shape and climbs 116 metres (381 feet). Pilgrims often climb the steps up the hillside on their knees to reach the top, where they can enjoy impressive views of the surrounding countryside. The Sanctuary includes chapels decorated with terracotta sculptures depicting the Passion of Christ. Around the chapels are four Baroque fountains with status of the Evangelists, which also date back to the 18th century. The altarpiece is dedicated to the Crucifixion.
Continuing, we descend towards the centre of Braga, where upon arrival we visit the Cathedral. The Cathedral was built by Dom Henrique and his wife Dona Teresa in the 12th century, on the site of the church of Santa Maria, which had previously been destroyed by the Moors. It is an important monument in Braga, and consists of many different architectural styles, including Baroque, Roman and Gothic.
Next we can enjoy some free time to wander the streets of Braga independently, before re-boarding our tour coach for the return journey to our awaiting ship.
OPORTO ON YOUR OWN - TOUR D - 4 hours - £15 to £25 per person
Departing the quayside, a transfer of approximately 30 minutes will take us to the heart of the city.
An English-speaking guide will be on hand to offer advice and answer questions, and will also distribute maps of the city.
We will then have approximately three hours of free time to discover the sights, browse the shops or just relax in a local café prior to the return journey to the quayside.
PORT WINE & DOURO RIVER CRUISE - TOUR C - 4 hours - £45 to £55 per person
The city we shall see today dates mainly from the 18th century, when trade was booming and the merchants financed fine houses for themselves. We will have the chance to see some of the city’s finest buildings on our tour today. Oporto has imposing streets and squares. The Avenida do Aliados, an impressive avenue at the heart of the city, stretching from Praça da Liberdade to Praça D. João, proclaims that the city would not have been a poor relation in an 18th century European community, and that agriculture is not the be-all and end-all of northern Portugal.
We shall see the façade of the Church of Clérigos, a Baroque and Rococo building dating from the 18th century. Its tall bell tower, the Torre dos Clérigos, can be seen from various points in the city. We will also see the Cathedral, a 12th century Romanesque building.
Proceeding to the Ribeira quarter, we then embark on a river cruise, which will allow us to experience a panoramic view of Oporto and its impressive six bridges. At the other bank of the river, the city of Vila Nova de Gaia is where we shall find the wine cellars of the well-known drink – port wine.
Finally, we visit one of the leading port wine cellars, where we can enjoy a special tasting, before returning to the quayside and our awaiting ship.
Day 5
Full days cruising.
Day 6
Early evening arrival in Arrecife, Lanzarote where the following excursions are available.
JAMEOS DEL AGUA & THE NORTH - TOUR B - 4 hours - £40 to £50 per person
From Arrecife we drive northwards towards Teguise, the island’s former capital, where we shall stop briefly to see the traditional colonial architecture. We then pass through Haria, known as the Valley of a Thousand Palms, before arriving at Mirador del Rio – a spectacular viewpoint where we have a magnificent panoramic view. If weather permits we should be able to see Lanzarote’s tiny sister island of La Graciosa.
As we travel along the eastern coast we will arrive at the beautiful Jameos del Agua Cave, which resulted from volcanic activity and was decorated by the artist Cesar Manrique. Its saltwater lagoon is home to white crabs, which are not found anywhere else in the world.
Our return journey will take us further south, where we will visit the cactus garden in Guatiza – Cesar Manrique converted a natural gravel mine into the beautiful garden with more than 1,000 species of cacti from all over the world. Following our visit, we return to the quayside and our awaiting ship.
THE FIRE MOUNTAINS - TOUR A - 5 hours - £35 to £45 per person
Following our ride, we proceed to the heart of the national park, where the lack of wildlife creates an apparent silence that is almost palpable and makes it difficult to imagine the advent of a volcanic eruption, although we will be able to see that just beneath the surface, the volcanoes are still very much active. Along the ‘Lunar Route’, we can admire the impressive effects that volcanic eruptions have left on the landscape over the centuries. At the highest point of the park – Islote de Hilario – we will learn about the force of the temperatures below the ground through demonstrations by park staff.
Leaving the national park, we shall then be able to see the salt flats of Janubio, and the water siphoning of Los Hervideros, a tiny inlet with thundering surf. As the incandescent lava once flowed, entering into contact with the sea, combined with the sea winds, strange, unearthly shapes were created.
We continue to Yaiza Village for a short comfort stop before we begin the return journey to our awaiting ship. Our drive will take us through the wine growing area called La Geria, where we will have the opportunity to see its special method of cultivation with volcanic stone circular walls.
SUBMARINE SAFARI - TOUR C - 3 hours - £55 to £65 per person
We journey south from our ship to the Marina, where we receive a briefing from the staff before commencing our truly unique experience.
As we begin our dive, the true underwater world of Lanzarote, previously reserved for divers, will be open to us. We are able to relax in our seats, enjoying the comfortable air-conditioned submarine while the professional crew on board provides us with a commentary. On board, we are each allocated a place in front of the large viewing ports with a television monitor to give alternative viewing angles, along with a digital display panel providing us with continuous information about the submarine.
After returning from the water, we each will receive a personal dive certificate from reception, followed by some free time to explore the surrounding area before returning to our ship.
Day 7
Early morning arrival in Santa Cruz, Tenerife
LAS CANADAS & TEIDE - 4.5 hours - £30 to £40 per person
Departing the quayside, we take a short drive in the direction of La Laguna in order to join the road to the Esperenza Forest, with its cool eucalyptus vegetation and tantalising glimpses of Mount Teide. Two photo stops will be made before we arrive at El Portillo, where we can enjoy a short coffee break.
Declared a National Park in 1954, Las Cañadas covers an area of 13,571 hectares and is in fact the interior crater of the mountain from which the majestic peak of Mount Teide emerges. From the nearby Ucanca Valley, we will also be able to appreciate the stark wilderness of the lava fields.
After a photo stop we will return to the quayside via the same route as before.
PYRAMIDS OF GUIMAR - 4.5 hours - £40 to £50 per person
From Santa Cruz, we will take a short drive in the direction of La Laguna in order to join the road to the Esperenza Forest. As we travel through the pine tree vegetation of the forest, we will catch tantalising glimpses of Mount Teide.
We then take the Los Loros route to Güímar, where we will visit the Ethnographic Park, Piramides de Güímar. This pyramid complex, which is orientated to summer and winter solstices, is of great cultural and historical importance. We will see six stepped pyramids, similar to those found in Mexico, Peru and ancient Mesopotamia. The park will give us the opportunity to view these fascinating monuments and hear the theories surrounding their origin. Also within the park is the Casa Charcona Museum, which houses a cinema, cafeteria and gift shop.
LORO PARQUE - 7 hours - £60 to £70 per person
Departing the harbour of Santa Cruz, we pass by the university town of La Laguna and cross one of the finest wine-growing areas on the island to reach Tacoronte and then El Sauzal on the western coast.
Continuing, we arrive in the resort of Puerto de la Cruz where, on the outskirts, we find the tropical paradise of Loro Parque, considered to be one of the most important parrot parks in the world.
As well as the world’s largest collection of parrots, the park features many other attractions, including a dolphin show, free-flying macaw show, sea lion show, orchid house, penguin show, Europe’s largest aquarium, sharks that can be seen in the world’s biggest underwater tunnel, tiger island and gorilla jungle. We can also visit the Gambian Market and Thai Village.
Following our visit, we return to the quayside via the same route.
WHALE WATCHING - 5 hours - £55 to £65 per person
We set sail across the blue waters of the south until we reach an area where there is a colony of whales and dolphins, which frequently appear by the sides of the catamaran. We have the unique opportunity of viewing these beautiful animals in their natural habitat as our tour continues, with the dolphins swimming at incredible speeds and jumping in and out of the water beside us.
We will then anchor at a secluded bay where we will have time to relax, swim, enjoy refreshments onboard and simply watch the world go by. After our time here we will be taken back to shore where we will board our coach and return to our awaiting ship.
TENERIFE GARDENS - TOUR E - 4.5 hours - £40 to £50 per person
Puerto De La Cruz is the bustling holiday town that first introduced tourists to the charms of Tenerife. This port on the north western coast of the island occupies an idyllic location where the Orotava Valley reaches the Atlantic Ocean – an ideal photo opportunity.
We will visit the Botanical Gardens of Puerto De La Cruz, founded in 1788 by King Carlos III of Spain as a stopover for the hundreds of plant species brought over from America, Asia and Africa. Although many plants did not survive, there are still more than 4,000 species; and some have grown to incredible proportions. We will see different kinds of vegetation and trees, interesting for their dimensions, antiquity and eccentricity, or for their place of origin. The garden has a Canarian flora herbarium and has an investigation programme running.
Our next stop will be at the garden of Risco Bello, located in the heart of Taoro Park. We will enjoy a walk through these beautiful gardens and discover the lakes, fauna and aquatic flora, which combine with the luxurious Canarian vegetation. We can stroll over a Japanese bridge, through a grotto and past a waterfall.
Finally, our last stop before heading back to our ship will be at the hotel Tigaiga situated in Taoro Park. In the subtropical gardens we can discover a wide variety of trees, shrubs and plants from all over the world growing alongside a variety of endemic flora. While sitting on the garden terrace, coffee will be served.
Day 8
This morning you arrive in San Sebastian, La Gomera
SCENIC TOUR - TOUR A - 4.5 hours - £65 to £75 per person
San Sebastian, the capital and harbour of the island, is a pretty, picturesque village with approximately 6,000 inhabitants. It was here that Columbus prepared his ships with water and food supplies, and where the church of La Auncion stands – where Columbus and his crew attended mass before setting sail for America.
Departing San Sebastian, we travel south in the direction of Degollada Peraza, stopping en route for a photo opportunity at the viewpoint known as ‘Los Roques de Agando’, an impressive rock formation. We continue in the direction of Chipude Village, and then afterwards to El Cercado. It is famous for its pottery, which is made without a pottery wheel – a tradition passed from one generation to another. We should have time to visit the pottery artisans, before enjoying an aperitif of some local Canarian dishes, such as Almogrote (a kind of cheese pate with red pepper), Spanish omelette and chickpeas in sauce, figs and wine.
We shall then travel back to our awaiting ship.
LAS HAYAS TREK - TOUR C - 4.5 hours - £45 to £55 per person
Declared a national park in 1981, Garajonay became a World Heritage Site in 1986, and is home to a wide range of flora and fauna unique to the Canary Islands, and particularly well known for its sub-tropical laurel forest. The peaks of the park are usually covered by humid fog, while the rainforest lies beneath.
Our hike begins in Las Hayas, and we pass moss-grown laurel and heather trees en route through the oldest part of the tropical mountain forest until we reach Jardín de Las Creces. Once we’ve left the national park, we enjoy the last part of our hike, passing cultivated terrace fields and fruit groves on our way to Arure. Upon arrival here, we re-board our tour transport for the return journey to the quayside and our awaiting ship.
We then make our way back to the quayside and our awaiting ship.
GOMERA LANDSCAPE & JARDIN TECINA - TOUR B- 4.5 hours - £60 to £70 per person
Leaving San Sebastian, we take the north road towards the National Park of Garajonay. A stop will be made at a viewpoint overlooking the very typical village of Hermigua, before we proceed in a southerly direction into the breathtaking park. During our decent towards the coastline, we pass through the village of Alajero before arriving at the Jardin Tecina Hotel, which overlooks the village of Playa de Santiago. The hotel is beautifully situated on the hillside above the cliffs. Upon arrival, refreshments will be served on the lovely terrace or in one of the lounges. After a brief rest, we shall set off on a short walk through the hotel grounds. We will no doubt be impressed by the abundance of colourful flowers and plants, which seem like an oasis in this otherwise rocky and arid landscape. Upon our return to San Sebastian, time permitting, a stop will be made on the hillside above the capital, for an opportunity to take a photo of our ship and San Sebastian – a lasting memory of our trip around this beautiful island.
Day 9
Early morning arrival in Santa Cruz, La Palma
CALDERA DE TABURIENTE - TOUR F - 4.5 hours - £30 to £40 per person
Departing the quayside, we pass through the capital of Santa Cruz de La Palma to reach the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Las Nieves, home to the patron saint of the island. It is the spiritual centre for all the people of La Palma, and its foundations date from the years of the conquest. We shall have a short photo stop here before proceeding to the Mirador de la Concepcion. The viewpoint here offers spectacular views of the Santa Cruz de la Palma and the port.
Our next stop is at the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, created in 1954, which is one of the biggest craters in the world, with a circumference of 28,000 metres, diameter of 9,000 metres and a depth of approximately 1,500 metres. The crater is lined with pine trees and bossed lava, which has been furrowed by cool streams. We will have the option of a guided walk over the crater border path, or we can remain at the Visitor’s Centre to get more information about this amazing place.
During our return journey we will discover the spectacular views of the craters of La Cumbrecita from the mountain roads.
EASY LA PALMA - TOUR C - 3 hours - £40 to £50 per person
We will drive from the pier through the area of Fuencaliente in the south of the island and the volcano of San Antonio. Prior to the 17th century, Fuencaliente was a well-known spa thanks to the hot water springs that gave the town its original name, Fuente Santa, or ‘Holy Fountain’. Accounts of the spectacular recovery of patients reached America and Europe, and people suffering from all kinds of ailments came from both continents to La Palma in search of a cure. However, when the San Antonio volcano became active over a period of two months, between 17th November 1677 to 21st January 1678, the continual lava flow buried the Holy Fountain forever. Today we can observe the San Antonio crater, just a short distance from the town, from the path that runs around the entire rim. We will have an opportunity to visit the Visitor Centre of San Antonio, before re-boarding our tour coach.
Our return journey to the ship will take us past El Paso and Breña Alta, crossing the unique countryside of La Palma and collecting unforgettable impressions of this wonderful island.
SOUTH OF THE ISLAND - TOUR B - 7.5 hours - £70 to £80 per person
We then proceed to Breña Alta to the viewpoint La Concepción – a natural balcony that overlooks Santa Cruz, its bay and the eastern coast of the island. The road then crosses over the arable lands of Breña Alta, an area known for fruit trees, ornamental flowers and tobacco used in the manufacture of handmade cigars.
After travelling through the dorsal mountain chain by tunnel we can see the difference between the eastern slope, covered with Laurisilva trees, and the western area, brighter and arid with pine trees. Once up at the viewpoint La Cumbrecita, we will visit the National Park of La Caldera de Taburiente, one of the most impressive and peculiar landscapes of the Canaries.
Continuing to El Paso and Fuencaliente in the south of the island, we visit the volcano of San Antonio, where we can walk along the edge of the crater with a fantastic panoramic view of the Teneguia volcano, the southern point of the island and the salt flats.
We return along the eastern coast, where we will pass through the towns of Mazo and Breña Baja. In Mazo, we shall visit the aboriginal pottery workshop El Molino, before returning to Santa Cruz de La Palma.
NORTH OF THE ISLAND - TOUR A - 4.5 hours - £40 to £50 per person
From here, we travel north to the evergreen forest Los Tilos, where many indigenous plants of the island are found, including the Canarian holly tree, strawberry tree, heather and the Canarian bellflower. This wild territory is made up of beautiful and varied landscapes. Los Tilos is one of the richest areas in the Canary Islands in terms of fauna and flora.
Following our visit, we continue to the attractive little town of Los Sauces. We will then have some free time in the village of San Andres, before visiting a rum factory to learn how this beverage is processed. We shall also have the opportunity to taste this typical Canarian product, before we make the return journey to Santa Cruz de La Palma and our awaiting ship.
Day 10
Morning arrival into Funchal, Madeira
PORTO MONIZ - 8 hours - £50 to £60 per person
After crossing Paul da Serra, we reach Porto Moniz – the most northwesterly point of the island and possibly the most spectacular – which is well known for its volcanic swimming pools.
Departing from the pier, we begin our drive towards Câmara de Lobos, a small fishing village on the south coast, where we will make our first photo stop. Passing by Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, we make our way to Cabo Girão, the highest sea-cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world, at 580 metres (1,900 feet) above sea level.
Ribeira Brava – meaning ‘wild stream’ – is our next stop. Located on the southwest coast, the small town was one of the first parishes on the island and was inhabited early on in the island’s history. The town boasts many street cafés and shops and is certainly the place to spend a short time to take in the sights and sounds.
We then re-board our tour coach and head to Paul da Serra, the only plateau on the island, at 1,400 metres (4,590 feet). After crossing Paul da Serra, we reach Porto Moniz – the most northwesterly point of the island and possibly the most spectacular – which is well known for its volcanic swimming pools. Here we will stop for lunch and be given some free time to explore on our own, or browse the shops in the village.
Following lunch, and on the way to São Vicente, we will discover one of the most beautiful points of the north coast, a road built on the rocks near the sea, where we can admire the astonishing waterfalls. We then reach Encumeada, a summit where, weather permitting, both parts of the island (north and south) can be seen at the same time. We then head back to Funchal, passing the beautiful valley of Serra D’Agua on the way to our ship.
CABO GIRAO - 3.5 hours - £30 to £40 per person
We begin our tour with a drive towards Pico dos Barcelos, from where we can see distant Funchal and its surrounding villages scattered over the green slopes.
Our next point of call is Cabo Girão – the highest sea-cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world. Continuing, we pass by Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, known for its vineyards, en route to the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, where Sir Winston Churchill used to stay and paint. We then return to Funchal, where we can enjoy wine tasting at a local wine cellar, prior to returning to our ship.
EIRA DO SERRADO & AFTERNOON TEA - 3.5 hours - £45 to £55 per person
Leaving the pier, we drive through the city of Funchal for a brief sightseeing tour before continuing to Pico dos Barcelos. Here we can admire the breathtaking panoramic views over the city.
Our next visit is to Eira do Serrado, where the viewpoint 1,094 metres (3,500 feet) high overlooks the valley of Curral das Freiras (the Nun’s Valley) – a settlement that grew after the 16th century, when Madeira was attacked by French pirates.
Our tour will conclude with a stop at the Reids Hotel for afternoon tea, before returning to the quayside.
NUN'S VALLEY AND PALHEIRO GARDENS - 4.45 hours - £45 to £55 person
Departing from the pier we shall travel to the belvedere of Eira do Serrado, where we will be invited to gaze upon the Curral das Freiras Valley (Nun’s Valley). It is located within a deep valley which has one of the island’s most spectacular landscapes, where dizzying views will take our breath away.
We will have approximately 30 minutes to admire the valley’s surroundings before proceeding to the Palheiro Gardens. The gardens are home to spacious lawns and lakes, which boast some of the rarest and most valuable exotic plants in the world. We will have an approximate 30-minute walk through a Levada, which was only completed in 1970 after an important project was commissioned by the Portuguese Government to provide hydroelectric power.
As our walk concludes we will discover the Hortensia Tea House, which is home to a delightful tropical garden and a great view over Southeast Funchal Bay. We will stop here for a refreshment break before heading back to our awaiting ship.
PICO DO AEEIRO & CAMACHA - 4 hours - £35 to £45 per person
Our tour takes us from the harbour in Funchal up into the mountains, along narrow, winding roads. As we climb higher up into the hills, we will pass pines, acacias and eucalyptus as we head to Terreiro da Luta.
After viewing the 1917 Peace Monument, we then travel to Pico do Areeiro, the second highest peak on the island, at 1,810 metres (5,940 feet), with impressive gorges, deep valleys, grandiose mountains and imposing cliffs. We can enjoy the view down into the crater of a long-extinct volcano – Curral das Freiras – which is today one of Madeira’s most popular attractions.
We will continue to Camacha, a beautiful village located a few kilometres east of Funchal, known for its apple festival and active folklore dance groups. It is also called ‘the village of basket makers’ as it represents the centre of Madeira’s willow craft industry. Here craftsmen create more than 800 different kinds of baskets; they also make furniture and simple tools. Around the town we will be able to see the willow rods at all stages of preparation for the skilful weaving required to make the various products.
Many also consider the village of Camacha to be ‘Madeira Island’s capital of culture’. Looking around, we will see talented people and cultural events. One of the best examples of this is one of the local folklore groups, perhaps one of the most well-known Portuguese folklore groups in the world. We can enjoy a performance from a local group (where we may be invited to dance) and refreshments, before returning to Funchal.
JEEP SAFARI OF CENTRAL MADEIRA - 4 hours - £30 to £40 person
Departing from the quayside by jeep, our tour will take us inland to one of the most beautiful forest areas of the island, passing through typical streets, used mainly to transport agricultural goods that supply the population living in these rural areas.
We will travel to Estreito de Camara de Lobos, Jardim da Serra which has a magnificent view of the Nun’s Valley and the famous resting place of Boca dos Namoradas – The Lovers Nest.
We will also pass by Quinta Grande, where we will stop at Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe which is 580 metres above sea level before returning to Funchal via Camara de lobos for a warming Poncha (a typical Madeiran drink).
DO CASTELJO WALKING TOUR - 4 hours - £30 to £40 person
Our tour today will allow us to discover the natural beauty of the island. Departing from the quayside we shall have a short transfer to Porto da Cruz, where we will begin our walk along the levada – a traditional manmade irrigation system ideal for walkers. The first levadas date back to the 15th century, and were constructed by workers who were often suspended from baskets carving through sheer cliff faces. The whole network is approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles) long. Some people believe that parts of the network were in place before any kind of road system.
We will walk through the cultivated terraces along a flower lined levada which winds its way along the escarpment. There are panoramic views of the high peaks inland and the Penha da Aguia – Eagles Rock – which stands proudly on the edge of the endless Atlantic Ocean. Following our guided walk, we will be transferred back to our awaiting ship.
DayS 11
Full days cruising
DayS 12
Early evening arrival into Vigo, Spain
GALICIA & WINE - 5 hours - £50 to £60 per person
With the discovery of its mud baths and medical function, La Toja has been a luxurious spa and tourist resort since the 19th century. The centre of the island still retains a virgin dense pine grove, where a small church dedicated to San Sebastián, which is covered in seashells, is located. We will have a brief period of free time here in La Toja to explore independently or perhaps purchase some locally produced toiletries.
Next, we re-board our tour coach for a drive to the picturesque village of Cambados, the heart of Albariño wine country. Upon arrival here we shall visit the main square, which until 200 years ago was open to the sea. The square is framed by the noble stately home of Figueroa, with several shields and original balconies in the tower, and the neo-classical church of San Benito.
During our visit, we can see a wide variety of manors and stately homes in the streets and narrow squares, along with the Tourism Albariño National Parador, which was rebuilt on the remains of the old stately home of Bazan. We will stop at a regional wine cellar to sample one of the local wines, before returning to Vigo and our awaiting ship.
PONTEVEDRA & CAMBARRO - 4.5 hours - £40 to £50 per person
The many prehistoric cave engravings in the countryside surrounding the town of Pontevedra are evidence of its ancient origins – a primitive settlement situated at the foot of the river of the same name. It wasn’t until the 12th century that documentary proof of the town’s participation in the history of Galicia and Spain began to appear. The Franciscan and Dominican Monasteries, both part of Pontevedra’s artistic heritage, both reflect this position and the existence of a trading bourgeoisie. In the 16th century, Pontevedra led a troubled existence, mainly due to attacks from sea. In spite of this, the magnificent church of Santa María la Mayor was built, along with that of the Virgen Peregrina, which was constructed later in the 18th century. Both buildings are considered to be the town’s most emblematic buildings, and we will view them on our tour. We shall also see the Alameda, Santo Domingo Ruins, Herreria Square, San Francisco Church and La Leña Square.
Next we re-board our tour coach for the short drive to Combarro, located in the municipality of Poro. Declared a site of Artistic and Picturesque interest in 1972, Combarro is know for its hórreos (raised granaries). On the granite outcrop stand the small maritime houses with delicate hewn stonework. They have charming sunny stone balconies, very much in a Baroque style, but were inspired by the architecture of the Pazos. The interiors are humble, with dirt floors on the ground level and little separation between rooms. Facing the sea, there is space reserved for working overlooked by the hórreos. There are approximately 30, forming one of the largest collections in Galicia, and they are unique in their coastal location. We can enjoy some free time here to explore independently or browse the local shops.
SIGHTSEEING & BAYONA - 3.5 hours - £40 to £50 per person
As we depart from the quayside, we will enjoy a panoramic drive through Vigo, a city attacked by Sir Francis Drake in 1585 and 1589. The city’s architecture gives a modern impression, though a few old buildings still remain.
En route to Bayona – a picturesque village at the mouth of the Muino River – we will see some of the beautiful Galician coastline. Upon arrival, we shall visit the Monterreal Fortress, which is today used as the Parador (hotel) de Turismo Conde de Gondomar.
Next we can enjoy some free time to explore the area independently. Following our period of free time, we re-board our tour coach for the return journey to Vigo. Here we shall make a stop at Fortaleza del Castro, where we can enjoy a panoramic view over Vigo Ria, before making our way back to the quayside.
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA - 5 hours - £60 to £70 per person
During the Middle Ages, there were three main places of pilgrimage for Christianity – Rome, Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela. A visit to the outside of the shrine of St James (Santiago), Patron Saint of Spain, entitles us to wear the cockleshell emblem in the company of perhaps half a million pilgrims a year.
Upon arrival in Santiago, we begin with a panoramic drive of the city, before proceeding on foot to the focal point, which is the Cathedral at Plaza del Obradoiro. To one side lies the Hostal de Los Reyes Catolicos, a former hospital, which is now a hotel. We will stop here for refreshments prior to viewing the Cathedral.
The Cathedral offers a unique range of architectural styles – Romanesque, Baroque and Ogival Gothic are combined with the most elegant Plateresque throughout its vast confines. It contains the silver urn containing the ashes of St James, the Apostle of Santiago, which is kept in a small crypt immediately under the ornate high altar, dominated by a carved image of the patron saint. Our guide will highlight points of interest from the outside of the Cathedral (an inside visit will not be possible due to religious services), before we enjoy some free time to explore the town of Santiago independently. Following our visit, we re-board our tour coach for the return journey to the quayside.
DayS 13 & 14
Full days cruising and to take this last opportunity to enjoy the facilities on board the ship.
Day 15
Morning arrival in Portsmouth
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