Day 1 to day 14

22^nd December – Depart from Portsmouth

3 days sailing

26^th December – Arrive in Funchal, Portugal

The glorious island of Madeira is known as the ‘Garden Island’ due to its array of subtropical flowers and plants that seem to burst from every direction. From Funchal, you’ll be able to witness the floral beauty of the island at the exquisite garden in Monte, featuring themed gardens and tropical plants, while its levada walking trails offer unique views of enchanting forests and flowing streams. During December, you will have the opportunity to sample traditional foods and the renowned fortified Madeiran wine, witness local Bailinho dances, or visit one of Europe’s tallest cliffs, Cabo Girao, standing 580 metres above sea level, with a suspended glass platform viewpoint.

27^th December – Arrive in San Sebastian De La Gomera, Canary Islands

The island of La Gomera promises a gloriously sunny exploration in winter, where you’ll have opportunities to discover the green paradise of Garajonay National Park, with trails through misty laurel forests and magnificent views across the island from its peak. Meanwhile, the waters around the island are ideal for spotting various species of dolphins and whales, while a stroll around the capital of San Sebastian offers chances to discover intricate churches, the historical fort, and the Well of Aguada. You can immerse yourself in local culture by listening to the unique Silbo whistling language, still preserved today and used by the indigenous people of the island to communicate across the deep valleys.

28^th December – Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Canary Islands

The winter sun in the Canaries at Christmastime makes it perfect for exploring Tenerife and its beautiful beaches, including the man-made golden sands of Playa de las Teresitas in the north and the volcanic black sands of Playa de las Americas in the south. Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, dominates the skyline over Santa Cruz, whose summit can be reached by cable car for spectacular views across the island and beyond. Meanwhile, as the waters surrounding the island are home to a diverse range of wildlife, there will be opportunities to spot pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. As you stroll through the streets of Santa Cruz, they will still be adorned with festive decorations to admire.

29^th December – Arrecife, Canary Islands

The lunar-like landscapes of Lanzarote are streaked in hues of orange, red, and yellow which contrast dramatically against the blue of the sea and the white-washed houses on the island. After exploring the mysterious volcanic terrain of Timanfaya National Park, with its spouting geysers and magnificent backdrop of the Fire Mountains, you could be enjoying a stroll in the winter sun along one of the islands golden sand beaches or taking a dip in a natural pool. Arrecife’s picturesque lagoon of El Charco de San Ginés is a delight to wander round and enjoy dishes like boquerones at little cafés, while the Jameos del Agua cave, created by César Manrique, offers the chance to explore its unique volcanic formations.

1 day sailing

31^st December – Cruise Mouth of River Tagus, Belem Tower & Discovery Monument

As your ship sails into Lisbon along the Tagus River and under the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge, you can witness prominent Portuguese landmarks punctuating the skyline from the unique viewpoint of the sea. The majestic Belém Tower stands proudly at the water’s edge as a testament to the Age of Discovery, while nearby the Monument to the Discoveries commemorates the country’s explorers, Vasco de Gama and Henry the Navigator. Meanwhile, in the distance, you will also be able to see São Jorge Castle, overlooking the historic Alfama District.

31^st December - Cruise by Cristo Rei & Abril 25 Bridge

Inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer Statue, Lisbon’s Cristo Rei watches over the Tagus River and the renowned 25 de Abril Bridge, Europe’s longest suspension bridge, which closely resembles the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, both of which you can witness from the decks of your smaller sized ship as you glide past. A symbol of peace and freedom, it’s located at the highest point in the region and is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and sculptures.

31^st December – Lisbon, Portugal

Experiencing Lisbon’s spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display from the decks of your ship offers you the perfect viewpoint from which to see the glowing trails of colour as they arc overhead, before you depart shortly after for your next destination. You will also be ideally placed for wandering along the labyrinth of cobblestoned streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, which offers a captivating journey of the city, from the grandeur of São Jorge Castle to the stirring rhythms of Fado music. There will also be opportunities to try local dishes like grilled sardines or the deliciously crumbly Pastéis de Nata custard tart, ride through the city on a vintage tram, and visit the nearby fairytale-like town of Sintra, set against the backdrop of rolling hills.

1 day sailing

2^nd January – La Coruna, Spain

The vibrant 9th-century port town of La Coruña offers a delicate combination of old and new architecture, with shimmering glass modern buildings contrasting with the deeply historical medieval district. You can immerse yourself in local life by sampling traditional Galician dishes like ‘pulpo a la gallega’, octopus with paprika and olive oil or ‘empanada gallega’, a savoury pastry filled with meat or seafood. After ascending the hillsides of Monte de San Pedro park for remarkable vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, discover rocky Costa da Morte, a rugged stretch along the coast of Galicia which tempted ships to run aground, creating a storied and legendary past. Alternatively, you may wish to explore the spiritual heart of Spain at Santiago de Compostela with its beautiful mix of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic buildings.

2^nd January – Cruise by Tower of Hercules Lighthouse, Spain

Sailing past the impressive Tower of Hercules Lighthouse offers a unique perspective of one of the oldest Roman lighthouses still in use today. Standing majestically at La Coruña’s harbour, with a rugged coastline as its dramatic backdrop, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 1^st century AD and has provided a safe haven to seafarers over the centuries with its sweeping beacon of light stretching miles out to sea. As your ship cruises past the lighthouse, you’ll be able to witness its robust architecture and discover how it serves as an enduring symbol of the region’s maritime heritage.

1 day sailing

4^th January – Arrival in Portsmouth