Canaries, Madeira & Treasures of Andalusia

Las Palmas is located on the northeast coast of Gran Canaria. Explore the coastal city: visit the Casa de Colón, a museum dedicated to the famous explorer, or wander through the museums and markets. This afternoon, board Le Lyrial and set off on your journey. 

Established on a coast sprinkled with cliffs, Arrecife has a pleasant beach and a charming lagoon, Charca of San Ginés, where the fishermen anchor their boats. The city also hosts countless places fed by history and culture, such as the castle San Gabriel, a former fort of defense of the city.

La Gomera rises from the water like a mirage. This volcanic island features jagged cliffs, valleys full of palm trees, black sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters. But its greatest treasure lies at its heart: an exceptional laurisilva, a laurel forest whose prehistoric vegetation has been preserved thanks to the microclimate on the island. This unique ecosystem, common a few million years ago in the tropics, forms the Garajonay National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet locals who continue the traditions of the indigenous Guanche people, and hear their unique whistled language, called Silbo. 

The capital city of Tenerife is located on the northeast coast of the island. Visit the monumental Plaza de España, bedecked with a fountain and plant sculptures. Around the plaza, you can admire the white marble Triunfo de la Candelaria obelisk, the historic casino of Santa Cruz, and the majestic Guimerà theatre. Nearby, the picturesque Iglesia de la Concepción church features the characteristic traits of Canaries architecture.

Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is located on the southern coast of the island. The walkways of the old town are lined with azulejos, beautiful multi-colored mosaics. Follow the patterns to find the appetizing Mercado dos Lavradores market stands, the Frederico de Freitas museum, and the golden panelling of the Cathedral de la Sé. Along the waterfront, the palm tree-shaded promenade leads you to the teleféricos de Monte, Madeira's cable cars. The panoramic cabins transport you over the city to the top of Monte, where you can see the picturesque botanical garden.

On these two days, you may choose to join optional excursions:

From the pier, board your coach and drive to the Funchal Marina where your semi-rigid speed boat awaits.
You will have a short introduction with your guides before starting your adventure. During your sailing, discover a number of different marine animals. Keep your eyes open to spot short-finned pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, and common dolphins. The seas of Madeira are also host to some migrating animals like Risso’s dolphins, beaked whales, and killer whales.
At the end of the excursion, cruise back to the port to join your ship.

OR

From the pier, board your coach and drive to Quinta de Santa Luzia, a 20-minute drive. Here, visit the vineyards of a traditional working Quinta, a unique property that still possesses the characteristics of a farm or estate as they once existed in Madeira. Bought by John Blandy in 1826, this rural oasis is located near the center of Funchal. The estate houses rich floral gardens and old trees collected from all over the world, as well as a vineyard, whose produce is used for Blandy’s Madeira wine. Continue your tour to the Blandy's Wine Lodge to enjoy a private guided tour that covers the making of barrels at the Cooperage, aging in the Canteiro, the transformation of grapes into Madeira wine, satinwood storage vats, and includes a visit to the private museum with unique items from Madeira wine history. The wine lodge was once a 17th-century monastery, but now provides an aging store for thousands of liters of the highest quality Madeira wines, namely Blandy’s Leacock’s, Cossart Gordon, and Miles.
After your guided visit with one of the Madeira Wine guides, enjoy a lecture and tasting of Blandy’s Madeira wines, accompanied with some local snacks.

OR

From the pier, board a vehicle for a 30-minute drive to Porto da Cruz, where your off-road buggy will be waiting for you. This route starts at the Portela viewpoint, where you can admire the districts of Porto da Cruz and Faial, near the imposing rock of Penha d’Águia. Continue along the forest road of Serra das Funduras to observe the Laurissilva Forest on the northern slope of the Island. Along the trail, discover the endemic flora and fauna of the island of Madeira. The whole environment is truly magical. At the end of the road, arrive at the “Casa das Funduras,” a country house supporting the forest activities of the area. At the end of your tour, re-join your transfer vehicle to return to your ship.

OR

Meet your guide at the pier for a briefing before you get on your electric bike. During your guided electric bike tour, you'll discover the main sites of Funchal.
The tour may take you to:
- The Avenida do Mar, a seafront esplanade decking with flower gardens.
- The Cathedral of Funchal, also named Sé. This main religious monument of the island has been registered as a National Monument since 1910.
- The local market “Mercado dos Lavradores”, where regional products fill the stalls.
- Funchal’s old town, with its narrow cobblestone streets lined by ancient buildings (some dating back to the 15th century) and famous for its historical, architectural, gastronomical, and artistic aspects.
- The Fortress of São Tiago, a military fortress built at the beginning of the 17th century overlooking the sea and the old town.
- Largo do Colégio, one of the main areas of the town.
- The Jardim Municipal, also named Jardim Dona Amélia is a garden located where the Sao Francisco convent was built, in the town centre. This garden features several endemic flowers as well as birds and fishes.
The tour concludes at the pier.

OR

Leave the pier and drive through the main area of Funchal. Your first stop will be the Old Town, one of Funchal’s main tourist hotspots, popular for its historical, architectural, gastronomical, and artistic aspects. The picturesque setting of narrow cobblestone streets are lined by historic buildings, some dating back to the 15th century. A new project called “Arte de Portas Abertas” (Art of open doors) is a public art program aiming to transform Funchal’s old town into a permanent outdoor art gallery by displaying over 200 works of art by guest artists, painted on the doors of Rua de Santa Maria. This colorful project is an attempt to revitalize this part of town and make it more culturally significant for both locals and tourists. Continue by foot with a visit to the local market “Mercado dos Lavradores,” where an infinite variety of tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers, and regional products can be found. A visit to the market is always interesting and varied, and offers a glimpse of the day-to-day life of the Madeiran people. Here you will get the opportunity to taste some local fruits in season.
Reboard your coach for a 15-minute drive to the Sacred Art Museum, housed in the old Episcopal Court of Funchal. This 17th-century building has seen countless changes throughout time, and was opened to the public as a museum in 1955. The museum hosts Flemish and Portuguese paintings, sculptures, and jewelry. You can also visit the Tower to enjoy a panoramic view over the city and harbor before returning to your ship.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique, or to meet the onboard photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. Enjoy this enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Standing on the banks of the Guadalquivir, Seville is a colorful city with a cosmopolitan charm. This Spanish city welcomes you with open arms while you explore its traditions and the rich heritage passed down from its Arabic history. Strolling around the Andalusian capital, discover magnificent architectural treasures like the Cathedral, the Giralda, and the Alcazar. You’ll also love the festive Sevillan atmosphere and the delicious tapas served in the city’s many bars.

Cadiz is located on the Costa de la Luz, in the southwest of Spain. From the beaches of Cortadura to the flamenco bars of Santa Maria, through the colorful streets of la Viña, discover the highlights of this ancient city, steeped in history and full of festive energy. In the medieval El Pópulo district, stroll along covered passages in the narrow gaps between houses, or wander the lush Mina square. The star of the show is the magnificent cathedral and its dome crowned with yellow porcelain, presiding above the sea.

A historical and festive town, Malaga is located in Andalusia, on the Costa del Sol. Between the marina and the beaches, the seaside promenade of La Farola offers an ideal setting for strolling and relaxing. Set slightly further back, the Malagueta bullring is one of the emblematic sites of the city. From the hill overlooking the old town, one can see Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising out from the cypresses and maritime pines. This city is also home to the birthplace of famed artist Pablo Picasso, and hosts a museum dedicated to the distinctive works of the renowned painter. 

Your cruise concludes after breakfast. Disembark the ship and continue on your travels or begin your journey home.