Sample the delights of SPAIN, PORTUGAL AND THE CANARIES
Join Iona as she embarks on an enchanting adventure, basking in winter sunshine…
FOR Britons keen to escape the cold winter months at home, setting sail from Southampton for the balmy temperatures and blue skies of Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands will provide welcome respite, with a wealth of culture-rich destinations and really authentic shore experiences to entice you.
Many itineraries offer late departures from destinations, which means you can really make the most of your time there, enjoying the day-into-night experience. All of this means you can see a different side of the destinations as night falls.
Funchal, on the Portuguese island of Madeira, beckons with its flower markets and artisan wares. More adventurous guests might choose to go dolphin and whale spotting on an exhilarating RIB ride, while others might opt to join a Taste of Madeira experience, sampling local wines and produce. In the Canary Islands, witness spectacular volcanic landscapes and experience the distinctly different characters of the islands, such as the art, sculpture and architecture of
César Manrique, who made Lanzarote his home and shaped the character of the island. In Tenerife, you could join a local family in their home for a traditional, home-cooked Canarian meal, and in Gran Canaria, learn about the coffee-making process at the Finca Los Castaños.
In the historic Andalucian port of Cadiz on mainland Spain, you’ll have opportunities to enjoy tapas and sherry tastings, take in a flamenco show or pay a visit to the beguiling city of Seville.
Cook up a Catalan feast in Barcelona with a paella masterclass, and in Malaga, discover some of the earliest works of Pablo Picasso, visiting a museum dedicated to the Andalucian artist.
Cruise along the Tagus River and drop anchor in Lisbon, with options to immerse yourself in local life in a variety of ways – you might follow in the footsteps of sporting heroes at FC Benfica’s home ground, Estádio da Luz, discover the narrow streets of the city on an e-bike or by tuk-tuk, or soak up the sun at Estoril beach.