Canary Islands Celebration

You cruise right into the heart of historic Cadiz as immediately across the busy Avenida del Puerto from the Spanish port is the main square and shopping area. Cadiz dates back to the 12th century BC so is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western world but sultry Seville has long since outgrown its neighbour. La Giralda (the bell-tower next to its Gothic cathedral), is in Seville's historic Jewish quarter which also has the whitewashed houses and exquisitely coloured bougainvillea that everyone associates with this lovely city. With a low-key, laid-back vibe, it’s famed for its seafood, sand and sunlight. Cadiz is a pleasure to explore on foot with winding alleyways, vast plazas and stunning architecture.

The Madeira Archipelago, consisting of the islands Madeira, Porto Santo and Desertas, is situated in the Atlantic, about 400 miles from the African coast and 560 miles from Lisbon. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1419, Madeira, the largest of the islands, became of great importance to Portugal for its sugar production and later on for the cultivation of wine.

Lanzarote is a treat for all the senses. From artistic wonders to natural beauties, the Lanzarote brims with culture, adventure and glorious sunshine. Enjoy a number of the most beautiful destinations…Fancy tucking into some mezze at a waterfront café? Or sunbathing on Lanzarote’s best beaches? The sky’s the limit on a Lanzarote cruise holiday.

The Canary Islands have some of the most striking and diverse scenery of any islands on earth: dry volcanic deserts, a snow-capped mountain, lush fields with banana and pineapple plantations, plus spectacular beaches! Only 70 miles from the coast of Africa, the Canaries were a way station for Spanish galleons and Las Palmas was the provisioning stop for Columbus on all four of his voyages.

Puerto del Rosario is the capital of Fuerteventura, the second largest of the Canary Islands, at the eastern end of the archipelago. In May 2009 the island was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.

Portugal's capital spreads its ancient sites on seven steep hillsides that overlook the Tagus River. Feast your eyes on St. George's Castle which overlooks the city atop the highest hill, or the countless balconies ablaze with geraniums and wrought iron lamps that light up the medieval Alfama quarter. Wonder up to the Bairro Alto where you may hear the sorrowful fado singers ring out from cafés.

The UK's premier passenger ship port, located in the picturesque English county of Hampshire, Southampton is a vibrant waterfront city, serviced by direct trains to London, an airport, and an international cruise terminal. Explore the city’s maritime heritage and links to RMS Titanic in the Sea City Museum, see contemporary British art in the Cultural Quarter, or walk the medieval walls in the Old Town. Further afield you’ll find The New Forest National Park, Winchester Cathedral, Stonehenge, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the Isle of Wight, while the city’s thriving craft beer and culinary scene will leave you spoilt for choice.