ITINERARY
ITINERARY
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Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife
Santa Cruz is one of the Canary Islands’ biggest hitters. It shares its capital city title with Las Palmas, on the neighbouring island of Gran Canaria, and more thanlives…
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Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Golden dunes drenched in year-round sunshine. Rugged mountains hiding pretty whitewashed villages. Bays and coves linked together like a magnificent sandy necklace. Nature’s…
Time in port: 08:00 - 23:00Show Top Things to Do
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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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Las Palmas 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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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: 08:00 - 18:00Show Top Things to Do
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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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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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Gibraltar, Gibraltar
Affectionately known as Gib or The Rock, Gibraltar is a little slice of Britain in the Mediterranean. And, just like the motherland, it’s a small stretch of land with…
Time in port: 12:00 - 21:00Show Top Things to Do
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The Rock Tour
Discover the Rock, which rises nearly 1,400ft above sea level and is said to be one of the legendary pillars of Hercules. Gibraltar, well known as the gateway to the Mediterranean, is steeped in history. See Europa Point, the southernmost point of Gibraltar and the only Trinity Lighthouse outside Britain. You’ll also pass over the only runway in Europe that has to stop vehicles for aircraft! At the famous Gothic-style St. Michael’s Cave, marvel at the beautiful stalagtites and stalagmites sculpted through the centuries. Your leisurely tour ends with a trip to Gibraltar’s most respected residents, the ‘Barbary Apes’, a breed of tail-less and very naughty monkeys that roam free on rocky slopes. Be warned – they’ve got a penchant for cameras, handbags, hats and food!
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World War Two Tunnels
This short trip gives you a great introduction to Gibraltar’s history, and you’ll have an exoert guide on hand to give you the lowdown on the sights. Leaving Gibraltar’s quayside behind, you’ll kick things off by heading to Europa Point, where the Trinity Lighthouse is. There’ll be a photo-stop here so you can soak up the vistas – the area looks out over the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the busy Straits of Gibraltar, the African Coastline and Spain’s Costa del Sol. From here, your coach will whisk you to the Rock of Gibraltar – the highlight of the tour. Inside, is a network of narrow tunnels that were used back in the Second World War. You’ll be given a safety briefing, before being led down into the dark, following in the soldiers’ footsteps in a conga-line. Look out for the ancient stalactites and stalagmites as you get deeper into the caves. After the tour, it’s up to you whether you want to head back to the ship, or explore Gibraltar’s town centre.
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Dolphin Watch
Hop aboard and cruise with us around the Bay of Gibraltar, one of the most famous bays in the world. There’s a really high concentration of dolphins in these parts and if you’re lucky you might see baby dolphins swimming close to their mothers. It’s a great opportunity to take pictures and see the Striped, Bottle-Nosed and Common dolphin, as well as seven species of whale, flying fish, turtles and sunfish in their natural habitat. Plus you get to admire the landmarks of Gibraltar all in the same morning. What more could you ask for?
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Motril (for Granada), Costa del Sol
Motril is set in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in the heart of the Costa Tropical. The region got its name thanks to its sub-tropical climate, so…
Time in port: 09:00 - 19:00Show Top Things to Do
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Alhambra Palace & Gardens
You might mistake Alhambra Palace for Cinderella’s Castle. Dominating the hills above the city of Granada, this massive fortress is made up of red-stone walls and Disney-esque turrets. It was built for a sultan dynasty back in the 10th century, and the owners wanted surroundings that were truly decadent. This tour lets you poke around lavish ballrooms with intricately-carved stucco walls, and dining rooms hung with priceless works of art. The exteriors are impressive, too. Leafy courtyards give way to the immaculate palace gardens, which are filled with flowerbeds, grottos and fountains. And, because the palace is set in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the views from here – and along the way – are out of this world. You’ll find a few viewpoints in the gardens, which explain what you can see in the distance.
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Explore Granada
You’re in the driving seat for this day of sightseeing. We’ll take you in to Granada and the rest is up to you. Follow the guidebook’s advice and see the Alhambra. This palace city was built between the 13th and 14th century and it’s one of Spain’s most visited sights. The gardens here are Chelsea Flower Show standard. Water features roll out like catwalk runways, fountains flow the length of entire stairways, and hedges are tweezed into shape. The cathedral is another top-ranked visitor attraction in Granada. It’s got a dual identity because the first architect started designing it in the gothic style and his predecessor continued with a Renaissance look in mind. If you don’t want to stick to a schedule, meanwhile, just wander around the city. Hit the Bib Rambla for its terraced restaurants, the Zaidin for leafy parks, and Sacromonte to catch a flamenco show.
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The Sweet Gold: Sugar
On this trip, you’ll discover how Spain got its sweet tooth. You’ll begin your experience at the Museo Preindustrial del Azúcar. This museum is a walk-in history book, where you can learn how the Arabs brought sugar to Motril from the Far East, how they taught locals to cultivate it, and why the sweetener was given the nickname of sweet gold. Your second stop of the day will be the Fabrica Azucarera Señora del Pilar sugar factory. Here, you’ll top-up your knowledge with some fast facts on how sugar was cultivated in the industrial age. At the end of the trip, you’ll get to reward yourself with a taste-test. But you won’t be trying the raw stuff. At the Bodegas Ron Montero, you’ll see what sugar tastes like when it’s been turned into rum. This place has been distilling its own brand of firewater since the Sixties, and the recipe is top-secret.
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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…
Time in port: 08:00 - 18:00Show Top Things to Do
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Soller Train
Explore Majorca's rugged interior on the 'Tren de Soller'. This is no ordinary train journey. It's a vintage electric train that's been chugging through the countryside since the 1920s - heading from Palma to Soller, a gorgeous little village on the northwestern coast. The old-fashioned train ride, which lasts an hour, has become Majorca’s most popular attraction and the island really makes the most of its chance to shine. You'll trundle by almond and olive groves. Slide in slow-motion through dinky villages. And clickety-click past pine-clad peaks. When you arrive in Soller, you take a walking tour of the town to catch a glimpse of houses that date back to the 14th-century. All before enjoying some free time for shopping - this place is famous for its beautiful ceramics, jewellery and bakers all crammed round a bustling main square.
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Drach Caves
A fantastical collection of cathedral-like caves, subterranean lakes and dripping stalactites form the Drach Caves. On this tour, you’ll find out why they’ve become Majorca’s most popular attraction. After driving here past picture-postcard villages and monastery-topped hills, you’ll take the steps down into the huge underground chambers. The pathways wind through weird and wonderful rock formations before fetching up at an amphitheatre that’s home to the world’s largest underground lake – Lake Martel. You won’t be the only ones down here, either – classical musicians will serenade you as they row across the water. Afterwards, you’ll wrap up the day at Porto Cristo. This charm-packed village is a honeypot for yachters thanks to its deep-cut harbour. Free time here will give you the chance to relax on one of the sea-view bar terraces or wander along the smart promenade.
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Palma 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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Cagliari, Sardinia
Sardinia’s capital has managed to strike just the right balance between old and new. On the one hand the city is dotted with history – the Phoenicians, Carthaginiansand…
Time in port: 08:00 - 17:00Show Top Things to Do
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Cagliari Sightseeing
A cultural melting pot, Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia. It’s a real class act, buzzing with cosmopolitan charm yet retaining a great old-fashioned feel. Your tour will start with a drive to the ancient part of Cagliari and its jaw-dropping coastline. Make a short stop at the tranquil sanctuary of Bonaria. Built in the early 14th-century by the Aragons, it’s got a great little museum crammed with votive offerings. From here, make your way to the historical centre. Sights to cross off your list here include the 17th-century cathedral, known for its ornate Baroque interior, as well as two grand-looking Pisa Towers and the magnificent bastions. This part of the town is known as ‘Castello’, a once impregnable fortress, which offers up great views over Cagliari. You’ll then get some free time to browse the shops or simply enjoy a relaxing stroll. Then, on the way back to the ship, you’ll drive through the more modern part of Cagliari - the Marina district, packed full of Liberty-style villas.
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Relaxing Scenic Drive
Come and judge for yourself the beauty of Sardinia on this relaxing coach trip. After meeting your guide, you’ll drive along the main streets of the town to the peaceful Basilica of Bonaria, dedicated to the guardian of the sailors. From here, it’s off to soak up some great views of the gulf of Cagliari, before making a beeline for the beach of Poetto, one of the best sandy swathes in the Mediterranean. It stretches between the sea and the famous salt pools which attract a large number of birds during winter, especially flamingos. From Poetto, head along the coastal road to Villasimius. One of the main new tourist resorts on Sardinia’s southeast coast, its piece de resistance is a swanky new yachting port. This is a really relaxing way to see the beauty of Sardinia.
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Pula & the Excavations of Nora
Accompanied by a guide, take a drive along the beautiful south-western coast as far as Nora. You’ll actually be following the same route that thousands of pilgrims walk every year as they follow the cart of the Christian Martyr Saint Efisio. After passing St. Gilla's lagoon, where, if you’re lucky, you’ll see bright pink flamingos, you’ll stop in Nora. Founded by the Phoenicians, this port town was later occupied by Carthaginians and Romans before being abandoned in the Middle Ages. Today you can still see the remains of a Carthaginian warehouse, plus a collection of Roman buildings that are almost completely intact. See the Roman baths with splendid mosaics and a theatre dating from the height of the Empire. Surprisingly some buildings can also be seen under the water. Last but not least, see part of the little church built on the place where Sardinia’s patron saint was martyred. Here, every year, during early May, one of the island’s most colourful religious celebration takes place. Once you’ve got your fill of history and culture, a visit to the pretty little village of Pula is next on the list. This laid back town has cobbled streets lined with bars, small boutiques and souvenir shops. The perfect place to relax before returning back to the port.
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Valletta, Malta
As your ship cruises into Valletta, a magical skyline of soaring steeples and bulbous church domes rises to greet you. This is Malta's quintessential capital, a captivating…
Time in port: 09:00 - 18:00Show Top Things to Do
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Malta Panoramic
This driving tour takes in some of Malta’s most famous sights – everything from bomb-proof buildings to natural wonders are on the agenda. First up, you’ll set off on the coach and head for the historic city of Vittoriosa, where you’ll get to see the Church of St Lawrence, which is home to the observation tower used by Grand Master La Vallette during the siege of 1565. From here, it’s on to Marsaxlokk, Malta’s largest fishing village, where you’ll have some time to explore before getting back on the coach. Next up, you’ll drive through some tiny villages before reaching the Blue Grotto – a cluster of picturesque sea caverns on the south coast. Then, you’ll pass through the town of Girgenti, home of the Prime Minister’s summer residence, before making tracks for the Dingli Cliffs – Malta’s highest point. From here, you’ll drive through Rabat, and around the edges of Mdina, Malta’s old capital city. Lastly, there’s a stop in the town of Mosta, which is famous for its church, which was hit by a shell bomb in World War II. The bomb went through the property but, miraculously, didn’t explode.
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Highlights of Malta
Your tour kicks off just a short coach ride from the capital with a visit to the ‘Malta Experience’ - a spectacular show bringing to life more than 7,000 years of history, followed by a visit to the Barrakka Gardens, Valletta’s most beautiful garden with a breath-taking view of the Grand Harbour and the old towns of Senglea and Vittoriosa. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to walk the main attractions of Valletta like the exterior of the Grandmaster’s Palace, the House of Parliament and the outside of Castille Palace. You then make your way to Mdina, the ancient capital city, for a wander around the bastions and ramparts. You’ll also get the chance to go inside the beautiful St Paul’s Cathedral. Next comes Rabat, a town just outside Mdina, famous for its crafts and local trades. Here, you’ll make one last stop at the ‘Tales of the Silent City’, where you’ll get some free time to shop for take-home trinkets, before re-boarding the ship.
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Harbour Cruise
Set off on a cruise round Valletta’s two natural harbours. This is the ultimate chill-out experience, so just sit back with a drink and watch as you float past Malta’s capital. You’ll drift by historical forts, battlements and creeks that can only be seen from the sea. Back on dry land, you’ll have some free time for retail therapy in Sliema. You can dip in and out of boutiques selling shoes, jewellery and bastketware. Simply sit beneath a parasol and sip a cup of coffee at one of the charming cafeterias dotting the seafront or just enjoy a local ice-cream on the Sliema promenade.
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Corfu Town, Corfu
Awash with colourful flowers, Corfu is big on beauty. It’s known as the Emerald Isle, and its golden beaches, lush green landscape and colourful villages will have you…
Arrives: 07:30
