Day 3-4
At sea
The next two days are spent at sea getting to know Columbus, her crew and her excellent facilities, and making new friends as you settle into the relaxed pace of life on board.
Day 5
Leixoes, Portugal
Arrive: 0800hrs
Depart: 1800hrs
The Portuguese port of Leixoes welcomes Columbus, today. Join an optional excursion to the historic city of Oporto, on the River Douro, and visit one of the Port wine lodges. Alternatively, sightsee at leisure, and perhaps take a cruise along the Douro, before you return to the ship to continue your cruise.
Day 6
Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive: 0800hrs
Depart: 1800hrs
Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, is Columbus's next port of call. Wander up through the cobbled streets of the Alfama towards Sao Jorge Castle, relax by the fountain in Rossi Square or follow the shoreline along to where the ornate battlements of the Belem Tower guard the mouth of the River Tagus.
Day 7
At sea
Spend the day relaxing as Columbus sails south-west into the Atlantic.
Day 8
Madeira, Portugal
Arrive: 0700hrs
Depart: 1700hrs
Some 500 miles off the coast of Africa, Madeira is one of the world's most beautiful islands. This sun-blessed subtropical paradise is home to some of the most vibrant and exotic flora on Earth. Relax in Funchal, the island capital, visit the wonderful Botanical Gardens, and perhaps race downhill from Monte to Livramento in a wickerwork 'toboggan'!
Day 9
Gran Canaria, Spain
Arrive: 1200hrs
Depart: 2400hrs
The great trading port of Las Palmas welcomes Columbus to Gran Canaria, today. Explore modern Puerto de la Luz, or head to the palm-fringed squares of the city's old town, Vegueta. Alternatively, join an optional shore excursion inland to discover some of the island's superb views.
Day 10
Tenerife, Spain
Arrive: 0700hrs
Depart: 2000hrs
Today is spent on the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife. Columbus will dock in the principal port of Santa Cruz. Discover the land that boasts "the whole world in one day" on optional shore excursions that might take you for a swim in warm waters or to throw snowballs on the slopes of Mt Teide, or from the capital's glitzy shopping malls to stunning gardens, banana plantations and forests of giant pines and eucalyptus trees.
Day 11
Lanzarote, Spain
Arrive: 0800hrs
Depart: 1400hrs
The last of our Canaries' calls is Arrecife, capital of Lanzarote. Enjoy this sun-baked and colourful holiday isle where black-sand beaches run gently down into warm waters. Why not head to the island's "fire mountain" to take a camel ride to the edge of a volcano?
Day 12
Agadir, Morocco
Arrive: 0700hrs
Depart: 1400hrs
The striking Moroccan port city of Agadir welcomes Columbus this morning. The centre of life in the modern city is its stunning beach, backed by restaurants and cafes, while the two markets – Marche Municipal and Medina d'Agadir - are a bustling, colourful diversion. Optional shore excursions will offer the chance to head inland to discover a taste of traditional Morocco.
Day 13
Casablanca, Morocco
Arrive: 0800hrs
Depart: 2200hrs
This morning Columbus docks in Casablanca, forever associated with the film of the same name. Much of the city is now startlingly modern, but you'll find traditional life and traces of its long history in the medina, and gigantic Hassan II Mosque. Visit the wonderful beaches, and make the most of the designer shopping, or perhaps join an unforgettable shore excursion to Marrakech to explore the tiny stores, alleys and hidden courtyards of the souks, and its vast, bustling square, the Djemaa El Fna.
Day 14
Gibraltar, British Overseas Territory
Arrive: 1200hrs
Depart: 2330hrs
Today Columbus arrives at the tiny British territory of Gibraltar. Explore the very British Main Street, and take the cable car to the summit of the famous Rock - not only for the tremendous views to Morocco's Atlas Mountains, but also to meet the outpost's famously mischievous Barbary Apes.
Day 15
Cadiz, Spain
Arrive: 0700hrs
Depart: 2400hrs
Ancient Cadiz, with its elegant squares, great cathedral and wonderful Botanical Garden, is a fascinating city. Step ashore to explore or to join today’s optional excursions which will include a trip to Seville (the Cradle of Flamenco) with its sumptuous cathedral, famous bell tower, wonderful Alcazar and bullring.
Day 16
At sea
Relax on board as Columbus spends another day at sea.
Day 17
Vigo, Spain
Arrive: 0800hrs
Depart: 1800hrs
Early this morning Columbus makes her way into the stunning natural harbour of Ria de Vigo. A historic fishing port, Vigo bustles with life, especially in the cobbled streets of the old town, where the day’s catch is laid out on granite tables, and cafes serve strong coffee to arriving fishermen - and cruise holidaymakers. Stroll the seafront, or join an optional excursion to Santiago de Compostela, destination of pilgrims and arguably the world’s first tourist destination.
Day 18-19
At sea
The last two days of your cruise are spent at sea, no doubt reliving the memories as Columbus cruises home.
Day 20
Arrive back at London Tilbury
Arrive: 0800hrs
Bid farewell to Columbus and all your fellow travellers, this morning, as you disembark at the end of your cruise.