The Canary Islands

Step aboard in Southampton & straight into that holiday feeling. No flights, no hassle. Just the excitement of the days ahead and the promise of memorable moment. So, relax and raise a toast as the UK drifts from sight. Before you know it, you’ll be watching your destination come into view. But where will it be ?

Lush botanical gardens and superbly landscaped terraces adorn the hills above the capital. Settle down in a local café and soak up the scenery with a perfectly chilled glass of fortified wine – an island speciality.

La Isla Bonita’ La Palma is one of the smaller of the seven Canary Islands. Its capital, Santa Cruz de la Palma, is a picturesque harbour set on the eastern side of this charming volcanic formation.
The island’s landscape is one of black sand beaches, mountainous terrain and rich plant life, with the average temperature hardly changing all year round.

Take a deep breath. Can you smell bananas or pineapples? They are grown in the plantations which are just for a short ride away from the beautiful beach resorts and lively town centre of the island.

The Canary Islands have some of the most striking and diverse scenery of any islands on earth: dry volcanic deserts, a snowcapped mountain, lush fields with banana and pineapple plantations, plus spectacular beaches! Only 70 miles from the coast of Africa, the Canaries were a way station for Spanish galleons and Las Palmas was the provisioning stop for Columbus on all four of his voyages. See the palace where he stayed and wander through a fascinating collection of 15th-century marine memorabilia.

It’s easy to understand why the island of Lanzarote is so popular. Fire Mountain and the curious vineyards of Le Geria amid the volcanic island scenery are just some of the many highlights that await.
Timanfaya National Park is a vivid volcanic showcase, where water poured into boreholes, hisses back out as steam and you can feast on a smorgasbord of specialities, cooked by heat from Earth’s core.

Explore enchanting ruins inside ancient city walls built some 3000 years ago. Saunter beneath sweeping palms, soak up astonishing sea views or simply watch the world go by in this busy, buzzing port.

Portugal’s capital spreads its ancient sites on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River. Atop the highest hill, St. George’s Castle overlooks the city. Balconies ablaze with geraniums and wrought iron lamps light up the medieval Alfama quarter. Sorrowful fados ring out from cafés in the Alto. Shoppers browse in the affluent Chiado district. A short drive away, deposed royalty once lived out their days in the opulent palaces of Estoril and Sintra.

Step aboard in Southampton & straight into that holiday feeling. No flights, no hassle. Just the excitement of the days ahead and the promise of memorable moment. So, relax and raise a toast as the UK drifts from sight. Before you know it, you’ll be watching your destination come into view. But where will it be ?