From Gran Canaria To Lisbon - Islands Of The Atlantic Expedition Cruise

Your expedition cruise begins in Gran Canaria. If you have some extra time, we recommend joining the optional Pre-Programme, which adds an overnight stay and a guided tour that delves into the town's history and architecture, and the island's geology. 

In Las Palmas' Old Town district, Vegueta, you'll find brightly coloured colonial houses, narrow streets and the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Ana. The island's interior, including the massive Bandama Caldera, is a volcanic basin that offers astonishing panoramic views.  

Back in the city, it's time to join MS Spitsbergen, meet your Expedition Team and get your adventure under way. 

La Gomera is the second-smallest Canary Island, where the nature is largely untamed. Here you'll find Canarian island life at its most authentic.  

In the historic centre of San Sebastián, you can visit the Baroque church Iglesia de la Virgen de la Asunción, where Columbus and his crew are said to have prayed before setting sail. You can also visit the Archaeological Museum of La Gomera to learn about the first settlers here. 

Or why not hike through the beautiful laurel forests and idyllic palm-covered valleys of the mountainous Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Remote El Hierro is a shield volcano and classified as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. With lava-sculpted rocks and flower-filled fields, this is truly a remarkable island. 

Valverde is the only landlocked capital in the Canaries, just over four miles away from Puerto de la Estaca, our port stop for the day. Stroll the streets of this easy-going capital and soak up its traditional atmosphere.  

Walking is the best way to explore this green island. Why not visit the island's photogenic forests, meadows and volcanic formations, which are connected with criss-crossing trails.  

Known as La Isla Bonita or ‘The Pretty Island',  

La Palma is home to forests of pine and laurel, banana trees and palm groves. Santa Cruz de la Palma, its capital, is considered one of the loveliest towns in the Canary Islands. 

In Santa Cruz, head to Calle Real, the vibrant main street. Monumental Plaza de España is lined with magnificent Renaissance-era buildings, like the iconic city hall. On Avenida Maritima, look out for traditional wooden balconies lavishly adorned with plants and flowers. 

Wander around the districts of La Canela and San Telmo and you'll see signs of faded colonial grandeur. Hiking in La Palma is superb, with some walks starting right from Santa Cruz. 

We dock at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island's capital and the gateway to El Teide. We suggest starting your city sightseeing from Plaza de España. Take in the façades of the old casino and 18th century Palacio de Carta from Plaza de la Candelaria. 

Then head to the beautiful plazas of Príncipe de Asturias and Los Patos before taking a stroll among the tropical flowers, ferns and hidden sculptures of the beautiful García Sanabria Park.  

Or why not visit Teide National Park and its centrepiece the colossal El Teide, the world's third largest volcano. Its landscape of craters, volcanic cones, ancient rocks and streams of petrified lava is truly unforgettable.  

Just 78 miles off the African coast, Lanzarote's spartan, desert-like landscape and eroded volcanic formations are a geologist's dream. We'll start the day in Arrecife, the administrative centre. 

Once a popular fishing port, Arrecife is now a charming, sun-kissed town. Explore the historic centre's square, its white fishermen's houses, the 17th century Church of San Ginés and the 18th century Casa de los Arroyo.  

Farther afield, you can discover stunning Timanfaya National Park or the famous Jameos del Agua lagoons and its long lava tubes.  

You'll spend a leisurely day at sea sailing towards the Madeira Islands. Look out for seabirds and pick up tips on how to take great wildlife images from our onboard photographer. 

Don't miss our Expedition Team's fascinating lectures on Madeira's history and wildlife, including birds and whales. Learn about important conservation projects, like how the islanders are working to remove invasive plant species from Madeira National Park. 

Relax in a hot tub, work out in the gym, enjoy a sauna – or simply take in the calming ocean views from the Explorer Lounge & Bar. 

Enveloped by swathes of humid laurel forest, Madeira rises majestically out of the Atlantic in riotous shades of green. Explore the quaint capital of Funchal before sampling the island's famed fortified wines. 

Visit the historic district and see the beautiful Funchal Cathedral. Dating back to 1485, its wooden ceiling is a classic example of Manueline architecture. And seek out the sweet ananas-banana fruit that looks like a giant gherkin! 

For glorious views, take the cable car to the picturesque village of Monte. If you dare, slide the mile back down to Funchal in a carro de cesto, a wicker sled on wooden skis. A truly fun and memorable experience!  

As we approach Porto Santo, have your binoculars handy to keep an eye out for dolphins and seabirds – including Cory's Shearwaters, Northern Gannets and Bulwer's Petrels. 

In the town of Vila Baleira, why not walk to the palm-lined square, Largo do Pelourinho, and enjoy a glass of vinho do Porto Santo in one of the bars before you visit the Christopher Columbus House Museum. You'll even have the opportunity to help conserve Porto Santo's golden sands on a beach clean-up.  

Here, you can enjoy a panoramic coach tour to Ponta de Calheta, Pico do Castelo and Fonte da Areia, whose waters are said to guarantee eternal youth. If you prefer a nature walk, join a hike to Pico Branco, where much of the endemic flora on the island can be found. 

Enjoy one last relaxing day at sea. As your journey draws to a close, today is all about reflection.

Our Expedition Team will be eager to share with you the best moments of the trip and offer the final lectures of the cruise. They'll recap all the fascinating sights that you've seen during your journey. Our resident photographer will often have a slideshow recapping your voyage on this day, there may also be a crew show onboard.

You're bound to find a quiet nook on the ship if you prefer your reflection solo. Now's the time to edit your photos, update your travel journal, or simply finish reading that book you've been meaning to. All the while, you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and seabirds as we get closer and closer to the mainland.

 Enjoy a farewell dinner and speech from the captain. Afterwards, recline in the panoramic Explorer Lounge, drink in hand, and exchange the highlights of your expedition with your new-found friends as we sail to Lisbon.

This morning you'll sign off your expedition with delightful views of Lisbon as we cruise up the Tejo river. Built on seven hills along the shores of the scenic River Tagus, Lisbon ranks among southern Europe's most enchanting cities — with a fascinating history to boot. 

If you have time, explore the old town before you head home. A walk around Baixa, Bairro Alto and Alfama, the classical districts of Lisbon, is essential. Almost everything of historic interest is here and a great number of small shops and boutiques.

Start at the Praça do Comercio in the Baixa district and make your way to Praça Rossio to see the statue of King Pedro IV before heading up to Largo do Chiado to explore the narrow streets of Bairro Alto. In Alfama's labyrinthine streets around the old Islamic quarter you'll find Lisbon Cathedral, the Roman amphitheatre ruins and the impressive 11th century Moorish fortress with panoramic views of the city.

Torre de Belém and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are nearby. Closely connected to Portugal's Age of Discovery and explorers such as Vasco de Gama, Belém is also home to the famously delicious Pastel de Belém custard tart – which you'll definitely want to try!

If you would like to explore Lisbon and its surroundings before you return home, we recommend joining our optional Post-Programme. Not only will you see Lisbon's fascinating historic districts, you'll also explore the royal resorts outside the city, including the UNESCO town of Sintra, Monserrate Palace and the beaches of Cascais city during a guided excursion. Afterwards, you'll return to Lisbon where you'll spend the night.

As you return home, no doubt you'll already be planning your next adventure. We look forward to welcoming you on board again soon!