Balmoral, Canary Islands & Madeira Winter Warmth ex Southampton Return

• Departs Southampton, England
• 6th Jan 2021
• 14 nights

• Balmoral
• Prices from NZ$3,149*

14 Night Cruise sailing from Southampton roundtrip aboard Balmoral.

The sunshine and scenery of beautiful Macaronesian islands awaits you on this relaxing and rejuvenating winter escape. As you settle into 2021, you’ll discover golden beaches, breathtaking natural wonders and stunning landscapes, and enjoy 14 relaxing nights on board Balmoral – a wonderful way to indulge in some rest and recovery after the excitement, stress and strain of the hectic festive period.

The first of five gorgeous islands on your itinerary is Madeira. With its lush landscapes and vibrant botanical gardens, the Portuguese ‘garden island’ will beg to be explored during your call into Funchal. You could take in the floral scenes of the fragrant Monte Palace Tropical Garden, accessed by cable car from the island’s capital; or perhaps explore the unique levada trails and uncover lush-green scenery and incredible vistas. Then in the Canaries, you’ll experience the very best of this sun-soaked archipelago with calls into four inviting islands on consecutive days. On the ‘pretty island’ of La Palma, you’ll have the chance to see the soaring San Antonio Volcano; or savour a taste of the island’s local wines at the welcoming town of Fuencaliente on tours from Santa Cruz, while Santa Cruz de Tenerife is your gateway to the countless highlights of the largest Canary Island. The mysterious Pyramids of Güímar are the perfect place to while away a couple of hours in the sunshine; and riding a cable car up mighty Mount Teide – Spain’s highest peak – is an unforgettable experience. Of course, a full day in Tenerife will afford time to relax on the island’s glorious beaches too.

In Gran Canaria – an island renowned for its year-round tropical climate – you can take in the mix of fine architecture in Las Palmas’ charming Vagueta district; or delve deeper to discover picturesque towns such as Puerto de Mogán and Santa Brígida, which boasts pretty streets lined with eucalyptus and flower-adorned houses. Alternatively, you might prefer to unwind on the oasis-like sands of Maspalomas Beach, but whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to forget about the cold, wet weather back home as you bask in the soothing warmth. A stop at Lanzarote will offer you the chance to see the fascinating rock formations of Timanfaya National Park’s surreal, lunar-like landscapes; or go in search of the famous works of architect César Manrique, such as the Jameos del Agua caves, a remarkable exhibit of geology and architectural design. Before and after your island-hopping adventures Balmoral will also head to the shores of mainland Spain and Portugal and sail into two culture-rich, attraction-packed cities. You’ll have the chance to discover the architectural delights of historic La Coruña, including the Torre de Hercules lighthouse and the striking facades of Maria Pita Square; and explore Lisbon on foot, via the tram or even on a tuk-tuk tour to uncover the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery and much more.

Highlights of this cruise:

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Funchal, the capital of Portugal's Madeiran archipelago, has a timeless old-world charm. Enhanced by a subtropical climate that fills this 'floating garden' with the year-round colours and perfumes of flowers and fruit, Funchal was a favourite of Sir Winston Churchill. His praise of the city has ensured British visitors always receive a warm welcome from locals.

Backed by rolling hills, the town is famous for its harbour, the 17th century São Tiago Fortress (now the Contemporary Art Museum) and world renowned Madeiran wine cellars. Funchal’s parks and gardens are a delight, and a hike through the Laurel Forest nearby is highly recommended. The ancient Funchal Cathedral mixes Gothic and Romanesque architecture, and is noted for its impressive carved wooden ceiling.

Santa Cruz La Palma, Spain
La Palma’s small, yet pretty capital city - is one of the Canary Island’s true gems. Boasting colonial-style architecture, a swathe of charming beaches, restaurants and bars, Santa Cruz is typically Canarian and has something for everyone.

Conquered by the King of Castile in the 15th century, Santa Cruz de La Palma was a key trading post between Spain and the Americas, and the city’s fascinating history can be explored in the historic quarter – one of Spain’s Historic-Artistic sites. The Naval Museum is a replica of Christopher Columbus's 15th-century Santa Maria sailing ship.

Stunning palaces and sumptuous merchants’ houses butt up against the grand town hall, built during the reign of Phillip II. Religious buildings include the Renaissance-style Church of El Salvador, with a tower of volcanic stone, and the Church of Santo Domingo, which houses a superb collection of Flemish paintings.

The compact city centre is incredibly picturesque, and the newly redeveloped beach and promenade have boosted the city's resort credentials. Calle Real, the city’s main street, is famous for being both a Property of Cultural Interest and a Historic-Artistic Site. Santa Cruz’s finest restaurants, shops and prettiest squares are found here, and sampling the delicious local cuisine and local culture is highly recommended.

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
With its feel of mainland-Spain, spiced up with an eclectic mix of Asian and African cultures, Las Palmas is one of the Canary Island's most popular destinations, attracting sun-seekers who come to relax on its golden-sand beaches and soak up the gorgeous, year-round climate of Gran Canaria.

Founded over 500 years ago, Las Palmas is the largest city in the Canary Islands, and has three gorgeous beaches, including Playa de las Canteras, regarded as one of the world's best beaches, to enjoy.

Vegueta, the oldest quarter, is both atmospheric and fashionable, with extensive historical architecture plus a fine selection of boutiques and smart bars. At its centre stand the twin towers of Santa Ana Cathedral; started in 1500 but still unfinished, the cathedral has a unique mix of Renaissance, Gothic and Neoclassical styles in its construction. In Plaza Santa Ana, bronze statues of dogs – the Romans named the islands after legendary canines – stand guard over the 17th-century Palacio Regental, the Town Hall and the Bishop's Palace.

The sweet arc of Playa de las Canteras at the town’s other end offers the tantalising possibility of taking a dip between sightseeing and shopping. The bewildering maze of streets behind the beach hides many fine restaurants serving an array of wonderful Canarian cuisine.

Itinerary & Port Information

Cruise Itinerary
Date	Activity	Arrive	Depart
06/01/21	Southampton, England		LatePM
07/01/21	At sea	-	-
08/01/21	At sea	-	-
09/01/21	Lisbon, Portugal	EarlyAM	LatePM
10/01/21	At sea	-	-
11/01/21	Funchal (Madeira), Portugal	EarlyAM	LatePM
12/01/21	Santa Cruz de La Palma, Canary Islands	LateAM	LatePM
13/01/21	Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands	EarlyAM	Late Night
14/01/21	Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Canary Islands	EarlyAM	LatePM
15/01/21	Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain	EarlyAM	LatePM
16/01/21	At sea	-	-
17/01/21	At sea	-	-
18/01/21	La Coruna, Spain	EarlyAM	EarlyPM
19/01/21	At sea	-	-
20/01/21	Southampton, England	EarlyAM

Itinerary may vary by sailing date and itineraries may be changed at the cruise line's discretion. Please check itinerary details at time of booking and before booking other travel services such as airline tickets.