Itinerary: Cruise from London Tilbury – Brest, El Ferrol, Funchal (Madeira), Santa Cruz de La Palma (La Palma), San Sebastián (La Gomera), Santa Cruz (Tenerife), Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura), Arrecife (Lanzarote), Portimão, Lisbon, Porto – Return to London Tilbury.
Ports of Call
Cruise from London Tilbury
- Brest: Discover this Brittany port’s maritime heritage at the Château de Brest, which houses the Musée national de la Marine. Walk along the harbour and explore the city centre, much of which was rebuilt after the Second World War. The surrounding coastline is known for its rugged Atlantic scenery.
- El Ferrol: Explore Ferrol’s naval heritage, including its historic arsenal and the planned streets of the Magdalena district. The waterfront and maritime buildings reflect the city’s long association with the Spanish navy. Excursions may also visit Santiago de Compostela and its celebrated cathedral.
- Funchal (Madeira): Wander through the old town, with its narrow streets, painted doors and traditional restaurants. The Mercado dos Lavradores market offers a lively introduction to Madeira’s local produce, while the cable car towards Monte provides elevated views of the harbour and surrounding hills.
- Santa Cruz de La Palma (La Palma): Explore the island capital’s historic streets, traditional wooden balconies and colourful façades. Plaza de España, the town hall and the waterfront Avenida Marítima are notable places to visit, with volcanic mountains forming the backdrop to the town.
- San Sebastián (La Gomera): Discover the historic centre of La Gomera’s capital, including the Torre del Conde, a fifteenth-century defensive tower, and the Church of the Assumption. The town’s links with Christopher Columbus are reflected in several local landmarks, while the island’s mountainous scenery offers opportunities for excursions.
- Santa Cruz (Tenerife): Visit Plaza de España, the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África and the waterfront Auditorio de Tenerife. Beyond the capital, the Anaga Mountains offer dramatic landscapes, traditional settlements and viewpoints over the island’s northeastern coastline.
- Las Palmas (Gran Canaria): Discover Vegueta, the city’s oldest quarter, where the Cathedral of Santa Ana and historic buildings reveal the island’s past. The neighbouring Triana district offers shops and cafés, while Las Canteras beach provides an extensive seafront promenade.
- Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura): Explore Fuerteventura’s capital, where sculptures and murals enliven the streets and waterfront. Visit the town’s small beaches and cultural spaces, or travel further afield to discover the island’s dry volcanic landscapes, traditional villages and long sandy coastline.
- Arrecife (Lanzarote): Walk around Charco de San Ginés, a sheltered lagoon lined with traditional buildings, fishing boats and restaurants. The Castillo de San Gabriel recalls Arrecife’s defensive history, while excursions inland reveal Lanzarote’s volcanic scenery and distinctive architecture.
- Portimão: Explore the riverside streets of this Algarve town, where fishing and maritime traditions remain an important part of local history. The Museu de Portimão occupies a former fish-canning factory, while nearby Praia da Rocha is known for its sandy beach and dramatic sandstone cliffs.
- Lisbon: Discover Alfama’s narrow streets, traditional tiled buildings and viewpoints over the Tagus River. Praça do Comércio provides a grand waterfront setting, while the Belém district contains the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, both associated with Portugal’s maritime history.
- Porto: From Leixões, travel into Porto to explore the Ribeira waterfront, São Bento railway station and its tiled interior. The city’s steep streets lead towards the cathedral, while Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro River, is known for its historic port wine cellars.
Return to London Tilbury