Day 1 - Portsmouth

Portsmouth, England: Portsmouth is one of Southern England's most densely populated cities and is distinct as much of its developed area is located on Portsea Island, connected to the mainland by road and rail bridges. Despite a nearby Roman fort at Portchester, Portsmouth had no settlement at the time of the 1086 Domesday Book. The town began to develop in medieval times, receiving its first charter in 1194 from King Richard I, and not long after, it became a significant naval base. It boasts the world’s oldest dry dock and is home to renowned ships including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose, raised from the Solent in 1982. Portsmouth continues to be an essential naval base hosting a significant portion of the British service fleet. The waterfront is now marked by the Spinnaker Tower, the tallest building in the UK outside of London, standing at 560 feet. Notable attractions include the birthplace of Charles Dickens and the City Museum, which houses a permanent exhibition on the famous writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who once lived in the town.

Day 2 - At Sea

At Sea: Experience the leisure of life on board, where you can enjoy a range of activities, relax by the pool, or perhaps indulge in a spa treatment. This day at sea offers you the perfect opportunity to unwind and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Day 3 - At Sea

At Sea: Another day to take advantage of the ship's facilities, whether it's enjoying fine dining, engaging in onboard entertainment, or simply taking in the expansive views at sea. The journey continues as we sail towards our next destination.

Day 4 - Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal: Located on seven hills by the River Tagus, Lisbon has served as Portugal’s capital since the 13th century. Known for its majestic architecture, ancient wooden trams, and Moorish influences, Lisbon is a city with over twenty centuries of history. After devastating earthquakes in the 18th century, the Marquis of Pombal rebuilt the city, creating elegant wide boulevards and a magnificent riverfront square, Praça do Comércio. Today, Lisbon offers a blend of modern and ancient sections, with excellent shopping possibilities amidst cultural and sightseeing opportunities in the Old Town, perched atop terraced hillsides.

Day 5 - At Sea

At Sea: Enjoy another restful day at sea, where you can continue exploring the ship's amenities. Participate in diverse onboard activities designed to enrich your holiday experience, or savour the tranquility of time spent on the water.

Day 6 - Funchal

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal: Madeira, formed by a volcanic eruption, lies in the Gulf Stream about 500 miles west of Casablanca. Discovered by Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco in 1419, it became part of Portugal’s empire. Named ‘Madeira’ for the dense woods that once covered it, the island prospered through sugar plantations and later through wine exports, drawing British emigrants to Funchal. Visitors today are drawn by the luxuriant landscapes, from vineyard-clad mountain slopes to charming villages, earning Madeira nicknames like ‘The Floating Garden of the Atlantic’ and ‘The Island of Eternal Springtime’.

Day 7 - Santa Cruz de La Palma

Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain: Known as ‘La Isla Bonita’, La Palma is famed for its lush pine, laurel, and fern forests contrasting with the immense Taburiente crater. The capital, Santa Cruz, offers a blend of modern and colonial architecture. Explore the Natural History Museum, wander through the historic quarters and Plaza de Espana, or visit the exquisite Church of Our Lady. The island is also known for its shopping opportunities with reasonably priced silver jewellery, leather goods, and the Canary Islands' unique embroidered textiles.

Day 8 - Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain: The largest Canary Island, Tenerife is renowned for its natural beauty and year-round sunshine, dominated by Mount Teide. The Santa Cruz capital, once a small fishing village, is now a vibrant city featuring 16th-century buildings and elaborate private homes. Near the pier, the Santa Cruz Palmetum, a 29-acre Botanical Garden, showcases an extensive range of palms.

Day 9 - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain: Gran Canaria, often considered the most picturesque Canary Isle, is circular with the Pozo de Las Nieves peak at its centre. The island seamlessly combines natural beauty with urban allure in its capital, where you can explore the 15th-century Vegueta and Triana districts amidst a subtropical climate benefiting exotic flora.

Day 10 - Arrecife

Arrecife, Lanzarote, Spain: Lanzarote is a volcanic island and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known for its breathtaking landscapes shaped by volcanic action. With beautiful beaches and duty-free shopping, Arrecife is a modern port town with vibrant sea-front gardens. The island's attractions include the striking white salt flats of Janubio, the Fire Mountain terrain, and Los Verdes caves, as well as an array of unspoilt coastal fishing villages. Sample local culinary delights like garbanzos compuestos or papas arrugadas, complemented by fresh seafood.

Day 11 - At Sea

At Sea: Delight in the serene atmosphere aboard as you embark on another relaxing day at sea. Relish in the ship’s entertainment offerings or perhaps partake in leisure activities that suit your preferences.

Day 12 - At Sea

At Sea: Continue your rejuvenating journey with no land in sight, offering ample time to appreciate the onboard facilities, savour global cuisine, and enjoy the journey's voyages.

Day 13 - La Coruña

La Coruña, Spain: The largest city in Galicia, La Coruña is one of Spain's busiest ports, set in a stunning region renowned for its lush, misty landscape. Once home to the Celts, its name originates from this ancient culture. The Romans recognised the port's significance, which was later conquered by Suevians, Visigoths, and Moors. Galicia joined the Kingdom of Asturias, marking the beginning of the legendary Pilgrimage to Santiago. Subsequently, La Coruña gained exclusive trading rights with America in 1720, turning it into a thriving trading port. Today, the city showcases three areas: the central isthmus, a commercial business hub with bustling thoroughfares, and the southern 'Ensanche' stocked with warehouses. The old section’s glazed façades give La Coruña the moniker ‘City of Crystal’. Plaza Maria Pita, the main square, is named after a local heroine credited with saving the town in 1589.

Day 14 - At Sea

At Sea: Your last day at sea is the perfect time to reminisce over the unforgettable experiences and prepare for a return to the port where your journey began.

Day 15 - Portsmouth

Portsmouth, England: Portsmouth, a densely populated city in Southern England, is unique as it's mainly situated on Portsea Island, connected to the mainland by transport bridges. There was no settlement in Portsmouth during the Domesday Book in 1086, despite an existing Roman fort nearby at Portchester. The town's growth began in medieval times, and it received its first charter in 1194, becoming a major naval station soon after. Portsmouth features the world's oldest dry dock and houses historic ships such as HMS Victory and HMS Warrior. It remains an essential hub for a large segment of the British naval fleet and is renowned for the Spinnaker Tower, a landmark building. Attractions include Charles Dickens' birthplace and the City Museum, home to an exhibition focused on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.