A Canarian Christmas

Scenic La Gomera

La Gomera moves at a much sleepier pace than its Canary Island neighbours. The island’s main attractions are its lush valleys, rocky mountains and sprawling greenery, and this driving tour will give you a great introduction to the landscape. It begins in the peaceful capital, San Sebastián, where you’ll board a coach at the city’s harbour, before trundling past the rainbow-coloured houses that tumble down the hillside. Once upon a time, San Sebastian was the HQ of Christopher Columbus, and you’ll pass La Asuncion Church where he and his crew attended mass before setting off to find the new world. Leaving the capital behind, you’ll head south to Los Roques de Agando, a well-known viewpoint that looks out over a surreal rock formation. After a photo stop here, you’ll continue through the pretty villages of Chipude and El Cercado, the latter of which is famous across the island for its beautiful pottery. There’ll be a final stop in the middle of the island in La Laguna Grande, where you’ll enjoy a demonstration of the local whistling language, ‘El Silbo’. Afterwards, you can sample some of the local liquor, Gomeron – a sweet mix of grape juice and brandy – before you head back to the ship.

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La Gomera Bike Tour

For a different way of exploring a port of call, try one of our bike tours. This way, you can really get to know a destination and see the places that bus tours can't reach. You'll be led around by a guide, who'll give you the lowdown on all the sights.

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4x4 Adventure

Buckle up for this adrenaline-pumping tour. You’ll board a 4x4 and travel on and off-road, trundling by sleepy villages, idyllic beaches and rugged mountains. On the first leg of the journey you’ll pass through traditional villages, colourful fields and palm groves on route to Tindaya. This whitewashed village spreads beneath volcanic Mount Tindaya, which locals say attracts witches and strange phenomena. The mountain was once used for religious worship and footprints left by Fuerteventura’s original Guanche inhabitants have been discovered on its slopes. Next, you’ll rumble past remote beaches en route to El Cotillo, a rustic fishing village flanked by windswept coves and lagoons. This makes it the perfect stop and if there's time, why not take a quick dip? On the home straight, we’ll pass the island’s famous sand dunes. Their awe inspiring golden sands backed with the turquoise water is the perfect place to stop for a photo before we return to the ship.

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Fuerteventura Bike Tour

For a different way of exploring a port of call, try one of our bike tours. This way, you can really get to know a destination and see the places that bus tours can't reach. You'll be led around by a guide, who'll give you the lowdown on all the sights.

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Puerto Del Carmen Transfer

If your holiday mantra is ‘busy doing nothing’, you’ll love this trip to Lanzarote’s most popular beach resort, Puerto del Carmen. This is one of the few places on the island that doesn’t close down for siesta – its sandy beaches, shops, cafés and bars buzz with life round the clock. Pick up some souvenirs, stock up on your duty frees or simply laze away the day in the sunshine, the choice is yours. It’s a fun, half day trip that’s spot on if you’re ready to relax.

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Lanzarote Buggy Tour

You’ll board a 4-wheel buggy on this tour, in order to get off the beaten track and explore the rugged Lanzarote terrain. After a quick test drive, your group will head off from Playa Blanca, bumping along the countryside roads. You’ll get a good look at how the locals live as you pass through the sleepy villages of Las Breñas and Yaiza. Then, when you reach the hamlet of Uga, you’ll steer away from the main road, trundling over dirt tracks along the foothills of the striking Ajaches mountain range. When you reach the fishing village of El Golfo, you’ll stop for a rest. There’s a beautiful green lake here called Charco de los Clicos, and a lovely sandy beach. Once you’ve had a chance to explore, you’ll jump back in your vehicle for a drive along the island’s main coastal road. There’ll be photo stops at the dramatic Los Hervideros rock formations and the salt fields in Janubio.

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Taste of Madeira & Cable Car

Start as you mean to go on - so the old saying goes. And that’s certainly the case on this trip. Your day begins with a cable car ride from Funchal to nearby Monte. Make sure you’ve got your camera ready because once you reach the top, on a clear day, the panoramic views are superb. When you get to Monte, head for the famous Church of Our Lady of Monte, known for its striking façade of dark basalt stone and whitewash. Then it’s decision time - do you slip and slide down the narrow streets in a toboggan, or rejoin the bus for a more sedate journey down the hill? Sitting in a wicker basket mounted on wooden runners, two drivers guide the sled down through narrow streets, using their rubber-soled boots as brakes. Ernest Hemingway once described the experience as ‘exhilarating’. After your ride - whichever one you choose - relax in Funchal’s tranquil Botanical Gardens. Wander through the grounds, inhaling the sweet scent of exotic blooms. Your last stop is at a souvenir shop where you can admire delicate lace as you sip fine Madeiran wine.

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Funchal 4x4 Expedition

Jump in, buckle up and get ready to see some of Madeira’s most impressive scenery. These vehicles can reach locations that are off limits to most so you can go off the beaten track and get to know the island inside out. Climbing high into the mountains, explore hidden valleys and dramatic volcanic landscapes. It’s a great day out for all the family as up to 8 people can fit in together.

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Kora La

You’ll feel like you’ve switched continents when you dine at this restaurant. It offers a pan-Asian selection of curries and noodle dishes, a separate sushi menu, plus bespoke dishes created by master chef Ian Pengelley exclusively for Marella Cruises. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here – plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.

Tapas @ The Mediterranean

You’ll be whisked to sunny Spain when you dine in this section of The Mediterranean, which specialises in tapas dishes for dinner. Or you can take your taste buds over to Portugal and try espetadas – meat or veg skewers – for a little extra. It's open at lunchtime, too, for light bites, like sandwiches and jacket potatoes.

Treasures of Gran Canaria

If you’re a connoisseur of art and culture, the island’s cosmopolitan capital is a must. Your first stop is “Playa de las Canteras” where you will enjoy views of the best urban beach in Europe. After this, you head to Barrio Vegueta, Las Palmas’ old quarter, its maze of cobbled streets and sun-dappled squares is a joy to explore. Make a stop outside the house and museum of Christopher Columbus. Here, your guide will be on hand to give you the low down on this great explorer. Following some free time here you’ll head to the heart of the city, keep an eye out for bronze statues of Canarian dogs which gave the islands their name. Next up is leafy Parque Doramas, a sleepy park that’s spot on for relaxing. Take a look at the famous ‘dragon trees’. A cross between a tree and a cactus, they don’t have any rings so their age is a total mystery. Parque Doramas is also where you’ll find Pueblo Canario, a traditional-style Canarian village complete with cutesy craft shops. Last but not least, you’ll get to see one of the island’s most impressive natural sights – the Caldera de Bandama - an extinct bowl-shaped volcanic crater at the heart of Gran Canaria. Over 3,000ft high, it’s one of the few inhabited craters in the world and, as you can imagine, the views it offers up are out of this world.

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Maspalomas Beach Transfer

If you want the perfect picture reminder of Gran Canaria, a visit the golden sand dunes of Maspalomas is a must. Located on the island’s south coast the pristine dunes aren’t the only attraction. The climate on this side of Gran Canaria is normally the best on the island. In fact, it was here that the first tourists headed, turning the sleepy little town into a top holiday destination. This half day tour is simple – We’ll drop you off as close to town as possible and your escort will give you a pick-up point and time. All you have to do is choose how to spend your free time. With up to 3 hours and a mix of shops, cafes and, of course, plenty of room to spread out on the beach to catch some rays – where to head first. If you fancy stretching your legs then why not head to the promenade where you can enjoy your free time on the seafront of Meloneras.

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