essential cruise - Madeira and the Canary Islands

Day 1 London Tilbury At London Tilbury Port, embark Columbus (3T) in preparation for mid-afternoon sailing. Day 2 Amsterdam, The Netherlands Charming and quirky, the aesthetically pleasing Dutch capital offers a thrilling metropolitan buzz dressed in a 17th century Golden Age façade. Gabled houses, quiet canals, and pretty brick bridges run wistfully through the city. Spend the day exploring the cobbled streets by foot or bicycle. Visit the world’s only floating flower market to see the famed Dutch tulips at Bloemenmarkt, visit the 17th century Royal Palace on Dam Square, still used for Royal events to this day; or soak up some culture at the famous Rijksmuseum, house of Anne Frank, or the Van Gogh Museum. Day 3-5 At sea Day 6 Gibraltar, UK As we approach the towering limestone Rock ascending from the sea, Gibraltar becomes instantly recognisable. Although famously contested, Gibraltar has remained under British rule for the last 300 years so expect to see a few reminders of home, such as the red phone and post boxes. The Barbary apes, St Michael’s Cave and the Siege Tunnels are all highlights, or take in the views across to Africa from Europa Point. Day 7 At sea Day 8 Arrecife, Lanzarote The oldest town on the island of Lanzarote - and the island’s capital since 1852 - Arrecife has strong maritime roots and a rather more laid-back atmosphere than neighbouring Las Palmas or Santa Cruz. Spend the day enjoying the inviting sandy beach, wistful winding backstreets, two impressive castles, or the inland saltwater lagoon. Day 9 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria There’s something to please all tastes in Las Palmas. The island’s capital is home to five first-rate beaches: from the long flanks of golden sand found at Playa de las Canteras to the more rugged El Confital. Inland, there is a buzzing centre with an eclectic mix of African, Chinese and Indian cultures to which the hooting taxis and bustling shops only add excitement. Meanwhile, Vegueta, the city’s oldest quarter, is a 500-year-old maze of charming, traditional Spanish streets filled with historic buildings. Day 10 Santa Cruz, Tenerife Today we arrive on the largest island of the Canaries, Tenerife. Sophisticated, charming and stylish Santa Cruz is filled with a mixture of colonial and modern architecture, interesting museums, innovative galleries, and exotic parks, there’s plenty to see along its sub-tropical streets. Day 11 Funchal, Madeira Named after the abundance of fennel (funcho) native to the land, Funchal is the picturesque capital of Madeira. The attractive white-washed and terracotta-topped city is set around a magnificent horseshoe bay with wild, dramatic mountains to its rear. A highlight here is undoubtedly the world-famous botanical gardens which are evident at every twist and turn, while visitors must also sample the wine from the local vineyards. Day 12 At sea Day 13 Lisbon, Portugal A wide glittering river, steep cobbled streets, palaces, churches, castles, colourful tiled shop fronts, and ancient clattering trams are just some of the components that make Lisbon one of Europe’s most popular capitals. Spend the day wandering the maze of narrow streets, and be sure to try the famous Pastéis de Belém - little custard filled tarts, freshly cooked and served with sugar and cinnamon. Day 14-15 At sea Day 16 London Tilbury Arrive at London Tilbury Port.