Island-Hopping in the Tropics

Day 1 Southampton Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to Southampton where our staff will greet you and assist with embarking Braemar (3T+) in readiness for an evening sailing. Days 2-4 At sea Ease into life on board with two days cruising towards Madeira. Day 5 Funchal, Madeira Madeira, ‘the floating garden of the Atlantic’, is located off the coast of Africa providing a pleasant year-round climate and flourishing subtropical flowers and fruit. Nature lovers will be in their element when visiting the Laurel Forest, home to breathtaking landscapes and an abundance of native birds. Day 6 Santa Cruz, La Palma Palma’s picturesque town, Santa Cruz, is our port of call today, with beautiful churches and palaces, interesting colonial architecture and an abundance of glorious sun-glazed beaches. Its life as a significant trading post between Spain and America has left a mark on the town’s appearance with preserved merchants’ houses and picturesque palaces. To be enthused by Santa Cruz’s vibrant local culture, visit the most significant street here, Calle Real, declared a Historic Artistic Site and Property of Cultural Interest with its stunning squares and restaurants offering mouthwatering local cuisine. Days 7-8 At sea Day 9 Praia, Cape Verde We arrive in the capital of the Cape Verde Islands, Praia. This remote, volcanic archipelago of ten islands and five islets was under Portuguese rule before gaining independence in 1975. Graced with wonderful weather year round, Praia is a truly beautiful island which remains mainly unspoilt with beautiful resort beaches, vast rock faces and original buildings to discover as you navigate the area. Day 10 Mindelo This morning we arrive in Mindelo, Cape Verde’s cultural capital. Once a Portuguese colony, Mindelo has an interesting heritage, seen in local traditions and well-preserved Portuguese-style buildings. Step ashore into beautiful natural surroundings of low mountains and glistening sea views. To admire the glorious coastline further, visit the impressive man-made Fortim d’El Rei, a majestic fort built atop a beautiful hill overlooking Mindelo port. Get a taste for local life with a visit to the Municipal Market, or discover the magnificent Governor’s Palace and City Hall, both of which boast traditional Portuguese-style architecture. Days 11-12 At sea Day 13 Santa Cruz, Tenerife Tenerife’s beautiful Santa Cruz has long attracted visitors with its gorgeous beaches, pretty squares and magnificent mountainous views. Perhaps visit the exotic Botanical Gardens, home to a stunning collection of flowers amidst beautiful landscapes; the mystic Pyramids of Guimar, an ethnographic park hosting six-stepped pyramids; and the bright pineapple plantations of the Orotava Valley. A highlight is the breathtaking views and beautiful volcanic scenery of the El Teide National Park, home to the soaring 12,000ft snow-capped peak of Spain’s tallest mountain. Day 14 Arrecife, Lanzarote Arrecife is a vibrant cosmopolitan city bursting with history and culture and a picturesque harbour. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Arrecife faced consistent attacks by pirates, warranting the need for two castles to protect the city. Castillo San Gabriel castle is home to the island’s intriguing Ethnographic Museum, while the Castillo San Jose castle hosts the Museum of International and Contemporary Art. Day 15 At sea Day 16 Lisbon, Portugal Beautiful palaces, fascinating museums, ancient castles, grand bridges and delightful art-nouveau cafés fill the magnificent city of Lisbon, spread out over seven hills from the north bank of the River Tagus. There are numerous exciting sights including the wonderful Ponte Vasco da Gama - with over 11km of viaducts - the National Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Centro Commercial Colombo - the largest shopping centre found on the Iberian Peninsula. Visit the UNESCO-listed fortress of Belém Tower, a monumental symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery, built during the 16th century for defence. Days 17-18 At sea Day 19 Southampton Early morning arrival in Southampton where you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.