ITINERARY
ITINERARY
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La Romana, Dominican Republic
A Caribbean and Latin-fused favourite, it’s easy to see why Columbus labelled the Dominican Republic as ‘the fairest land under heaven’. It’s got all the tropical ingredients…
Departs: 20:00
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St John's, Antigua
If you’re a big fan of the beach, prepare to lose your heart to this place. Antiguans like to boast they have a different one for every day of the year. Without doubt,…
Time in port: 08:00 - 18:00Show Top Things to Do
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Highlights of Antigua
Peek into Antigua’s colonial past on this whistle-stop history tour. This fully guided trip takes you from the quaint capital of St John’s, through the countryside to your first stop - The Blockhouse Fort ruins. Perched a whopping 500 feet above sea level, they’re a great viewing platform for the rest of the island. Look in one direction and you’ll spot Indian Creek, once home to Antigua’s first native tribe. Turn around, and you’ll catch a glimpse of the newer and much more glamorous home of Eric Clapton. Later, make your way to the island’s most southerly point, Shirley Heights. Back in the 18th century, soldiers used this as a lookout podium to spy on enemies and signal to nearby forts. The last, and arguably best, port of call is Nelson’s Dockyard, the world’s only working Georgian dockyard which are still in use today. Here, you can stroll through the old-fashioned Georgian buildings and even visit the original Naval Officer’s house.
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Sun & Rum
Cast adrift in the Caribbean, Antigua is ringed with a halo of white sandy beaches. Lapped by warm and clear waters, its soft sandy beaches are a perfect corner of paradise. And this taxi transfer from ship to shore – and back again – whisks you down to the beach so you can make the most of the warm waters, water-sports or bars. Or just take a stroll along the half-mile or so of soft sand. Just don’t forget to try some of the unlimited rum or fruit punch. Plus to make life easier, we’ll reserve you a sunbed on the sand, just don't forget your towel.
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Catamaran Cruise & Lobster Lunch
Nothing says luxury like lobster and ‘bubbly’ – especially when you’re tucking in onboard a catamaran. You’ll set off on the cruise first thing in the morning, and sail along the island’s west coast to the picture-perfect Deep Bay Beach. Here, there’ll be some free time to take a dip or sprawl out on the ice-white sands. Then it’s back onboard and on to Morris Bay where you’ll drop anchor for another round of swimming and sunbathing. There’ll be a lobster buffet lunch served up, washed down with a glass of ‘bubbly’. Add an open bar to the mix for the return leg of the journey, and you’re all set for a relaxing day on the waves.
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Funchal, Madeira
Sweeter than wine, Madeira’s a fine excuse to binge on beautiful scenery to your heart’s content. Funchal is the island’s capital, a bewitching collection of cobbledstreets,…
Time in port: 09:00 - 18:00Show Top Things to Do
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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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Tukxi at the Heart of Funchal
This tour whisks you around Funchal in the back of a tuk tuk-like three-wheeler. You’ll buzz through the city’s streets, making pit-stops at places like the 17th-century São Tiago Fort, and the monochrome São Pedro Church. The route also takes you through the labyrinthine lanes of the Old Town, past the flower-sellers and greengrocers that line up in its marketplaces. Plus, there’s a stop at the Socorro Viewpoint, where you’ll be faced with a spectacular panoramic view of the coast. One of the last places on the day’s itinerary is another fortress – this time, São Lourenço. It’s the island’s earliest, and is now classified as a National Monument. Later on, you’ll take a scenic drive back to the port to rejoin the cruise.
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Viewpoints & Surroundings of Funchal by Sidecar
This ticket lets you sight-see Funchal from the vantage-point of an old-school sidecar. Your expert motorcycle driver will take you on a windy route through the Old Town’s narrow lanes first. You’ll spot the yachts and liners in the marina as you pass the seafront, plus there’ll be a photo stop at Pináculo, a lovely cliffside viewpoint that opens up cinematic vistas of the island’s southern shoreline. Ponta do Garajau is also on the cards – it’s a 180-metre-high cape topped with a huge Christ The Redeemer-like statue, which is actually older than Brazil’s famous monument. The views from up here are spectacular, and you might even catch a glimpse of the whales, dolphins, and seals that call the coastal waters home.
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Alicante, Spain
A palm-lined promenade packed with waterfront cafés. Whitewashed houses freckled with fuchsia geraniums. World class museums stacked with futuristic attractions. That’s…
Time in port: 09:00 - 16:00Show Top Things to Do
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Benidorm On Your Own
To most people, Benidorm is the Costa Blanca. It’s been a major player on the holiday scene for a good while now, and after a day here you’ll see why. The city is less than an hour away by coach, and when we arrive, we’ll leave you to explore on your own. Head for the Blue Flag-flying Levante Beach, rated among Europe’s best. Or plump for a bit of people-watching at one of the cafés along the promenade. Lining the beach you’ve got the high-rise hotels that Benidorm’s famous for. The skyline here is all skyscrapers looming in spiky clusters. But behind them, you’ll find the old town. Think cobbled streets, whitewashed little houses and noisy tapas bars. There’s plenty in the way of shops, too, from chic boutiques to market stalls groaning under the weight of souvenirs.
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Guadalest
Set in the foothills of the Sierra de Aitana mountains, Guadalest holds the title of the Costa Blanca’s prettiest village. The first thing you’ll notice is its whitewashed belltower. It’s set high up on the summit of the mountain, next to the entrance of the Portal de San Jose tunnel. Even today, the tunnel is the only way of getting to and from the village. Once you’re through, you’ll set off on a walking tour. It was built by the Moors over a thousand years ago and there are plenty of old treasures to check out. Wander through the little streets towards Orduna House. This charming place was built by the rich family after a 17th-century earthquake wiped out their house. Nowadays, it’s a fascinating museum. Take a look round the pantries, kitchen and recpetion area – they’re built half into the rock. And make sure you head out to the gardens where you’ll find the barn and stables.
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Magical Murcia
Murcia might not be on your radar – but it should. This city has all the exotic influences of Arabia, thanks to its Moorish past, and it rubs shoulders with typically Spanish tapas bars and leafy plazas. The cathedral here is Murcia’s biggest draw, though. Construction started in the 14th-century, but it wasn’t actually finished until the 18th, and the end result is a grab-bag of Baroque and Gothic architectural styles. The bell tower is the tallest in Spain, measuring up at 92 metres – that’s including the weathervane. It’s also home to 25 chiming bells. After a look around, it’s on to St Clara Monastery. The Islamic art collection here is one of the best in the region, and dates back to the 13th century. And the building itself has a few things in common with the Alhambra Palace in Granada. So think mosaic-domed ceilings and pillared archways leading out to perfect rectangular water features. When we leave here, there’ll be some time in the city centre itself. A good place for stop for a coffee is Plaza de Flores, which is packed with flower stalls.
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Palma, Majorca
Palma. Think leafy boulevards that echo with the stilettos of stylish shoppers. Tiny tapas bars tucked down narrow sidestreets. Architectural gold hidden in the historic…
Arrives: 06:00
