Islands of the Canaries

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 Balmoral (3T+) in readiness for an evening sailing. Days 2-3 At sea Day 4 Leixões (Porto), Portugal A short journey from Leixões takes you into the heart of Porto, where the two banks of the beautiful Douro River are connected by the innovative Dom Luis I Bridge. On the city’s southern bank lie the cellars of famous port wine merchants, while the medieval district of Ribeira stretches out along the north. Along the patchwork of roads and walkways you can find wonderful Baroque churches hidden between shops, grand neoclassic buildings along Aliados Avenue and great views from the fortress-like cathedral. Days 5-6 At sea Day 7 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria Las Palmas is one of the Canary Island's most popular destinations, with an abundance of golden-sand beaches and a diverse range of cultures. Founded over 500 years ago, the city has an extensive heritage and many historic buildings and monuments, particularly in Vegueta where you’ll find Santa Ana Cathedral and the bronze statues of dogs, after which the Romans named these islands. Day 8 Santa Cruz, Tenerife The incredible beaches and warm weather have long attracted visitors to Tenerife. A journey inland is essential though, with exotic Botanical Gardens, the six mystical Pyramids of Guimar, the banana and pineapple plantations of the beautiful Orotava Valley, and the stunning volcanic scenery of El Teide National Park, dominated by the 12,000ft snow-tipped peak of Spain's highest mountain. Day 9 Santa Cruz, La Palma La Palma’s small, yet pretty and typically Canarian capital city is one of the archipelago’s true gems. Conquered by the King of Castile in the 15th century, Santa Cruz became an important trading post between Spain and the Americas. You will find stunning palaces, sumptuous merchants’ houses and the grand town hall, plus the Renaissance-style Church of El Salvador, with a tower of volcanic stone, a reminder of the island’s creation. Or venture into the unique laurel forest, just part of La Palma’s varied landscape. Day 10 Funchal, Madeira Funchal has a timeless charm, complemented by the year-round colours and perfumes of subtropical flowers and fruit trees. The island is famous for its beautiful Botanical Gardens, delicious wine and a hospitality enjoyed by many, including Sir Winston Churchill. You may like to follow his footsteps with afternoon tea at Reid’s Hotel, where Churchill worked on his war memoirs, or take in the stunning vantage point of Eira do Serrado and hike through forests to enjoy its natural beauty. Day 11 At sea Day 12 Lisbon, Portugal Lisbon is a delightful mix of palaces, art-nouveau cafés, museums, gardens, ancient castles and splendid bridges, spread across hills that rise from the River Tagus. Old yellow trams rattle through the undulating streets, linking districts and tourist sites. Many are grateful for them when choosing to make the steep journey up to the castle, fortified by the Romans it later became a royal palace for centuries. Or explore the picturesque Belém district to find great monuments to Portugal’s pioneering Age of Discovery, including the vast Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, the fortified Belém Tower and the huge Monument to the Discoveries. Days 13-14 At sea Relax on board as we sail home. Day 15 Southampton Early morning arrival in Southampton where you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.